South of Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach is a family-friendly coastal community where you can spend your time building sandcastles and collecting seashells or surfing and swimming. Island Water Sports can get you outfitted for a day of water sports—and even provide private or group surfing, skimboarding, or paddleboard lessons—but the main draw here is the […]

The tiny town of Hillsboro Beach—which spans just three miles in length—is mostly beach. One of the highlights: climbing the 175 steps to the top of the historic lighthouse for sweeping sea views. Hillsboro Beach is also home to one of the highest densities of sea turtle nests per mile along Florida’s East Coast, so […]

Further south, Pompano Beach is a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers. Many of the coral reefs are reachable right from shore, while you’ll find 18 shipwrecks further out (head to Shipwreck Park for a mix of artificial reefs and art installations). The area is also popular for sport fishing, and the Hillsboro Inlet Fishing […]

This walkable beach town has the feel of a seaside village with its mid-century modern, low-rise buildings (it also helps that it’s located on a barrier island seven feet above sea level). Swim through the shipwreck snorkel trail to spot wrecks like a British cargo steamer from 1900 or dive just 100 yards offshore at […]

Located just over a mile from Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale each is the area’s beating heart. Get your bearings strolling along the infamous Fort Lauderdale Beachfront Promenade, which skirts the coast and features a series of swanky hotels and happening restaurants and bars, like Lona Cocina Tequileria at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach resort […]

North of Hollywood, Dania Beach feels more like a hidden gem, meaning you won’t have to fight for a space on the wide, white-sand beach. The Dania Beach Fishing Pier is popular for anglers after sportfish like tarpon and snook, and the beach is one of the few that has dining directly on the water. […]

Along the brick-paved Hollywood Beach Broadwalk—which stretches over two and a half miles from Jefferson Street to Sheridan Street, ending at Hollywood North Beach Park—you can cycle or stroll while shopping or grabbing a bite at one of the many outdoor cafes. If you’re traveling with pup in tow, be sure to get a day […]

At the southern end of Greater Fort Lauderdale, just before crossing into Miami, is Hallandale Beach. This beach is home to two fantastic beach parks: South City, where you’ll find a playground and volleyball courts, and North City, which is smaller but right by the ocean (and home to the locally designed Beach Ball Water […]