One of the great urban beaches in the United States, Fort Lauderdale Beach was popularized by college students on Spring Break in the 80's. Realizing that 350,000 college students can't be wrong, the city has re-invented the beach strip to appeal to families, tourists, athletes, snowbirds and the area's sizeable gay population.
Fort Lauderdale Beach is 7 miles long, with its epicenter at Las Olas Blvd. The main area of the beach continues to the south to include South Beach Park, and to the north past Sunrise Blvd. Behind the wide sandy strip, the city has built a curved "wavewall" and beachfront promenade. A few steps beyond the promenade – actually, across the street - beachgoers will find a very active dining, shopping and entertainment scene.
Fort Lauderdale Beach is public, very popular and smack in the middle of town off busy A1A, yet enjoys a high level of cleanliness and safety. The beach is well patrolled, and the lifeguards of Fort Lauderdale's Ocean Rescue supervise the central 2 mile portion. Many facilities are available nearby. Popular beach activities include wind surfing, jet skiing, volleyball, boating, diving, fishing, rollerblading, jogging and just plain strolling on the promenade.
Some of the main events held at the beach are the McDonald's Air and Sea Show, International Boat Show, Oceanfest and Beachfest.
The hotels, bars, restaurants and shopping have gone upscale, but with such a large choice most visitors will find something to interest them. But a word of warning to those wanting to relive their Spring Break days: sorry, but you won't be able to take a six-pack to the beach anymore.
Some historical background - in 1960, Hollywood changed Fort Lauderdale forever with the movie, "Where the Boys Are" about Spring Break in Fort Lauderdale. By the 1980's it had become the number one spring break destination in the US. A good time was had by all, except by the residents of Fort Lauderdale who objected to their town being trashed once a year. With significant investment, they managed to clean up both the beach and the town's image, replacing the college students with vacationers, families, and locals. The transition has been successful, and the adjectives 'chic' and 'fashionable' replace 'notorious' and 'drunk' in describing the area.
Paid parking is available in the main area of the beach, with free parking located further north beyond Sunrise Blvd. One way to park for free is to do so away from the main beach area, at the Convention Center, for example, and then take the Fort Lauderdale Water Bus to Las Olas Blvd (stop 4). You are less than 5 minutes from the beach. Check the schedule as service is infrequent.
Dogs are welcome late in the afternoon on the 100 yard section of the beach known as Canine Beach, located south of Lifeguard Stand #5. Dog permits are required and can be purchased ($6 per dog for the weekend).
Provided Facilities: Nearby Lodging, Lifeguard, Public Showers, Food and Drinks Available
Activities: Pier, Boardwalk, Fishing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Swimming, Volleyball, Walking
Useful tips: Parking Available