EXPLORE FLORIDA'S BEACH DIVING CAPITAL

From snorkeling over coral reefs to strolling through a colorful seaside village, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers plenty to explore beyond its beautiful beaches.

This small coastal town just north of Fort Lauderdale is known for its walkable streets, oceanfront parks, independent restaurants, and laid-back atmosphere. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a longer vacation, here's how to make the most of your time in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

Explore Local Activities

Best Things to Do in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea packs a surprising variety of activities into a compact beach town. You can spend the morning in the Atlantic, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, browse small shops, and finish the day watching the ocean from a shaded beachfront plaza.

1. Spend a Day at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach

The town's Atlantic shoreline stretches approximately 2.5 miles and is one of its biggest attractions. Unlike South Florida's busier resort areas, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has a low-rise coastal setting that gives the beachfront a more relaxed feel.

Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, beach walks, swimming when conditions permit, or simply taking in the ocean views. Several public beach entrances connect the town's streets and parks to the sand.

El Prado Park is a particularly convenient place to begin a beach visit, with shade, seating, a shower, and access to the shoreline.

2. Go Snorkeling at Datura Avenue

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is widely known as Florida's Beach Diving Capital. Natural coral reefs lie close enough to shore that experienced snorkelers and divers can reach some underwater attractions without taking a boat.

The Datura Avenue Beach Portal, located where Datura Avenue meets El Mar Drive, is a popular entry point. It includes a dive bench for preparing equipment.

Offshore, the Shipwreck Snorkel Trail features submerged objects including an anchor, concrete cannons, and a ballast pile. The town also has natural reef habitats where visitors may encounter tropical fish and other marine life.

Ocean conditions can change quickly, and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea beaches do not have lifeguards. Check conditions before entering the water, use appropriate equipment, and follow local snorkeling and diving safety guidelines.

3. Explore Anglin's Square and Commercial Boulevard

Anglin's Square is the social center of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, where Commercial Boulevard leads toward the ocean and connects restaurants, shops, and outdoor gathering areas.

It's an enjoyable place to spend an afternoon browsing local businesses, stopping for coffee or ice cream, and exploring the colorful public spaces.

The town's pedestrian-friendly design makes it easy to combine a meal with a walk toward the beach, especially around Commercial Boulevard and El Mar Drive.

4. Relax at the Beach Pavilion and Ocean Plaza

Near the eastern end of Commercial Boulevard, the Connie Hoffmann Beach Pavilion and Ocean Plaza offer a welcoming public gathering space overlooking the Atlantic.

Colorful Adirondack chairs, distinctive boat-shaped benches, shade, and ocean views make this a favorite place to relax between activities.

It's also a good spot to enjoy the coastal atmosphere without committing to a full day on the sand.

5. Visit El Prado Park and the Neighborhood Parks

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has several parks that offer a break from the beach.

El Prado Park, on El Mar Drive, provides oceanfront green space, benches, and shaded seating.

Friedt Family Park, located behind Town Hall on Bougainvilla Drive, offers a children's playground, basketball and tennis courts, shuffleboard, and bocce.

Washingtonia Park, near Washingtonia Avenue and El Mar Drive, is another small oceanfront park with trees and benches.

These parks are especially useful for families and visitors who enjoy exploring the quieter side of the town.

6. Discover the Town on a Self-Guided Walking Tour

One of the easiest ways to get acquainted with Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is on foot. The town offers an official self-guided walking tour that introduces visitors to its parks, public art, beachfront plazas, and local landmarks.

Stops include Parrot Fish Plaza, Eagle Ray Plaza, Sea Fan Plaza, Green Turtle Plaza, Friedt Family Park, El Prado Park, and the Beach Pavilion.

Along the way, visitors can see colorful sculptures, reef-inspired artwork, and the small-town details that give Lauderdale-by-the-Sea its distinctive personality.

See the official Lauderdale-by-the-Sea walking tour for the route and landmark information.

7. Enjoy Local Restaurants and Beachfront Dining

Dining is part of the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea experience. The Commercial Boulevard area offers a mix of casual restaurants, seafood spots, cafés, and places to enjoy a meal near the ocean.

Visitors can start the day with breakfast near the beach, take a lunch break between activities, or enjoy dinner after exploring the town.

The historic Anglin's Fishing Pier is a recognizable landmark near the beachfront dining district. The pier itself remains closed to the public, but the surrounding area continues to offer restaurants and ocean views.

8. Explore the Coast by Bicycle

With its compact layout and residential streets, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is an enjoyable place to explore by bicycle.

Riding around the neighborhood provides a different perspective on the town's coastal homes, landscaping, parks, and local businesses.

Visitors should follow posted traffic rules, use appropriate bike safety equipment, and be especially attentive around Commercial Boulevard and State Road A1A.

9. Learn About the SS Copenhagen Shipwreck

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has an interesting connection to maritime history. The SS Copenhagen, a British steamship that sank offshore in 1900, is now part of a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve.

The wreck lies offshore in approximately 25 feet of water and is a destination for qualified divers, generally reached by boat.

Visitors who prefer to stay on land can still learn about the shipwreck and the town's underwater heritage through local interpretive information and the town's diving resources.

10. Take a Short Trip to Fort Lauderdale

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is immediately north of Fort Lauderdale, making it a convenient base for exploring more of South Florida.

Visitors can plan outings to Fort Lauderdale's shopping districts, restaurants, museums, waterways, and entertainment venues while returning to the quieter atmosphere of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.

It's an appealing combination for travelers who want a relaxed beach vacation with access to a larger city's attractions.

Plan Your Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Activities

For a relaxed day, start with a morning beach walk or visit to El Prado Park. Continue toward Commercial Boulevard for lunch, browse the shops around Anglin's Square, and spend the afternoon at the Beach Pavilion.

Visitors interested in snorkeling or diving should plan around weather and ocean conditions rather than a fixed schedule. Families may prefer combining beach time with a stop at Friedt Family Park.

For help choosing accommodations, read our guide to where to stay in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. You can also explore our Lauderdale-by-the-Sea vacation rental guide.

Frequently Asked Questions