Fort Lauderdale Beach Park: Your Guide (2023)

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Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is a free beachfront park in Fort Lauderdale where you can enjoy fun sports like volleyball and basketball, as well as regular events that take place here. The park offers a beautiful stretch of sandy beach, picnic areas, and an outdoor gym, making it a popular place for both locals and tourists. 

Where is Fort Lauderdale Beach Park?

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It’s a popular beachfront park situated along the Atlantic Ocean. 

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Address

1100 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Hours 

Fort Lauderdale Beach is open every day from 5 a.m. until midnight. The hours are enforced by rangers, so make sure to follow the rules. 

Fort Lauderdale Beach Parking Permit 

If you live in Fort Lauderdale and have a Florida Drivers License, you can apply for a Fort Lauderdale Beach Parking Permit, which costs only $70 and allows you to leave your car in Fort Lauderdale Beach Park or one of the metered parking spots for the entire day.

The permits are given out on a first-come, first-served basis, and you need to file paperwork with the local office to get one.

Things to do in Fort Lauderdale Beach Park 

Exploring Fort Lauderdale Beach is a lot of fun

➡️ Catch some sun on the beach

The main attraction of the park is its beautiful sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean. Relax on the sand, soak up the sun, and enjoy the ocean breeze.

➡️ Go for a swim

The calm waters along the beach are perfect for swimming. There are designated swimming areas marked by buoys and the conditions are usually suitable for a refreshing swim. Fort Lauderdale Beach Park also has lifeguards on duty.

➡️ Enjoy a picnic

The park has picnic areas that have tables and grills. Bring along some food and have a beachside picnic with friends.

➡️ Visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a gorgeous natural area across the road from Fort Lauderdale Beach. Hike the trails, rent a kayak, and enjoy a serene environment. The park also has opportunities for wildlife watching as you can spot pelicans, iguanas and other animals.

➡️ Partake in beach sports 

The wide shoreline is great for playing beach sports like volleyball, frisbee, soccer, and paddleball. Many visitors bring their equipment, but you can also find rentals nearby.

➡️ Go for a run

There’s a paved path that runs parallel to the beach, that’s perfect for walking, jogging, or strolling. Get here early morning before it gets busy, especially if you are here on a weekend. 

➡️ Enjoy water activities

You’ll find opportunities for various water activities, including jet skiing, parasailing, diving, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Rentals and guided tours are available. You can book many activities online to save time and money, so when you arrive in Fort Lauderdale, you will be all set to enjoy a fun activity.

➡️ Explore Fort Lauderdale promenade

The beachfront promenade is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Take a leisurely walk and explore the local shops and some of the best beachfront restaurants in Fort Lauderdale like Peruvian restaurant Kousine, and Lona Cocina which offers Mexican cuisine and breakfast.

➡️ Beach events and festivals

Depending on the time of year, there might be special events, concerts, or festivals taking place on the beach or nearby.

➡️ Rent a bike

You will find bike rental stations at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park and many spots around the promenade. Renting a bike is a perfect way to explore the area, if you want some exercise and enjoy the South Florida coastline

Visiting Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is one of the top things to do in Fort Lauderdale

How to get to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park

To get to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, you can use various types of transportation depending on your starting point. If you are staying in one of the beachfront resorts in Fort Lauderdale, you can get there by walking, but if you are further away, you can use public transport or ride-share services.

✔️ By car

If you’re driving, you can use GPS or navigation apps to guide you to the park. The park’s address is 1100 Seabreeze Blvd in Fort Lauderdale. From Interstate 95, you can take the exit for East State Road 84/US-1 and head east toward the beach.

Turn left onto Seabreeze Blvd, and you’ll find the park on your right.

You check car rental prices online at DiscoverCars, my go-to platform for renting cars in popular travel destinations. 

DiscoverCars allows you to choose from dozens of cars at affordable rates. They have no hidden fees or surcharges, and you can also buy your insurance at the same time when you book your car online. 

✔️ By public transportation

Broward County Transit (BCT) operates buses in the Fort Lauderdale area. You can use BCT’s Trip Planner or Google Maps to find the best bus route to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park from your location.

✔️ By bicycle

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is accessible by bike via the many bike lanes and paths. There are bike racks available at the park for secure parking.

✔️By rideshare services

Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Fort Lauderdale. Enter “Fort Lauderdale Beach Park” as your destination in the app, and your driver will take you there.

✔️By water taxi

Fort Lauderdale also has a water taxi system that can take you along the Intracoastal Waterway to various destinations, including stops near the park.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Hotels 

Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale

✅ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT HOTEL MAREN

Maren is one of the best oceanfront resorts in Fort Lauderdale
  • B Ocean Resort – Located along the private beach, B Ocean Resort has an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Airport is 6 miles away. 

✅ CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT B OCEAN

Tranquilo is one of the best budget hotels in Fort Lauderdale
  • Tranquilo Hotel

If you are looking for a budget stay in Fort Lauderdale, look no further than Tranquilo Hotel, a small boutique hotel behind the big resorts.

The staff at Tranquil is friendly and accommodating. Galleria Fort Lauderdale is about 5 minutes away by car and Las Olas Boulevard is about 8 minutes by car. 

✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park facilities:

  • Picnic Tables
  • Outdoor Showers
  • Bathrooms
  • Basketball court 
  • Playground

Fort Lauderdale Beach Parking

You will find plenty of parking along Fort Lauderdale Beach from metered parking spots along Fort Lauderdale Boulevard to hotel parking and covered parking areas.

Free parking Fort Lauderdale Beach

You can find free parking around Fort Lauderdale Beach if you are staying in one of the major hotels like Hilton, Westin, or Pelican Resort. 

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Restaurants 

Nanou is one of the best places for brunch along Fort Lauderdale beach

1. Nanou Bakery

Located a few blocks from Elbo Room along East Las Olas Boulevard, Nanou is a casual breakfast spot that offers pastries, paninis, and sandwiches as well as freshly squeezed juices, iced and hot coffee, and smoothies.

Don’t forget to try their signature Nanouccino, a double espresso with steamed milk, homemade whipped cream, praliné topping, and your choice of Monin syrup.

Address: 2915 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

2. Kousine Fort Lauderdale

Located next to McSorley’s Kousine is a hidden gem along Fort Lauderdale Beach that’s a great alternative to typical beach restaurants, as it offers a fusion of Peruvian and Asian cuisines. 

Their menu includes ceviche, fish, and meat dishes, but if you are vegan like me or vegetarian, they can also prepare a typical Peruvian Lomo Saltado with vegetables.

You can also try a traditional Peruvian beer and other signature drinks like pisco, made with alcohol and eggs.

Address: 841 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

3. Boccaccino Cafe and Pizzeria

Boccacino Cafe and Pizzeria is one of the best spots for breakfast and brunch in Fort Lauderdale across the road from Fort Lauderdale Beach Park. Its menu includes classics like smoked salmon avocado benedict, crepes, waffles, and omelets.

The drink menu at Boccacino includes fruit smoothies, espressos, cappuccinos, and freshly squeezed orange juice, among other options. 

Address: 401 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

4. Bo’s Beach 

If you’re seeking a memorable culinary experience with superb customer service and a nice ambiance, make a reservation at Bo’s Beach Restaurant.

Bo’s Beach is a popular beachfront bar in a restaurant in Fort Lauderdale where you can sample a variety of drinks and seafood with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Although Bo’s Beach is known as one of the most pricey Fort Lauderdale beach restaurants, the place is well worth it: Here you can enjoy high-quality savory dishes in a tastefully designed interior with an elegant vibe, making it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a memorable dining experience.

Address: 600 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park Parking 

The parking at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is adjacent to the beach and costs $4 per hour. You can also set a smaller amount of time. If you only want to spend 20 or 30 minutes at the beach, you can specify your time at the meter before making a payment.

After the meter processes your payment, take your ticket and put it on the dashboard so a beach ranger can see that you paid for your spot.

Overnight parking in Fort Lauderdale Beach

If you need an overnight parking spot at Fort Lauderdale Beach, consider paying for a spot in one of the spots below: 

✅ Fort Lauderdale Beach Park

Also known as Fort Lauderdale Beachfront Park, is a popular public park along Fort Lauderdale Beach that offers metered parking spots in addition to amenities like picnic tables, an outdoor gym, and basketball courts.

✅ Hall of Fame Marina South Lot

a hidden parking area near Hall of Fame Drive and just behind Hotel Maren, where you can leave your car for a couple of hours if you want to explore bars and restaurants along Fort Lauderdale Beach. 

✅ Las Olas Parking Garage

One of the best places to park your car near Elbo Room, Las Olas Parking Garage is at the intersection of East Las Olas Boulevard and Las Olas Circle. The place is only 1.5 blocks from the beach and offers secure well-lit space and great hourly rates.

All-day parking is $30. 

Is there free overnight parking in Fort Lauderdale?

If you are looking for free overnight parking in Fort Lauderdale, there aren’t many options. Depending on where you stay, you technically can leave your car on the street, but there’s always a risk of getting towed, depending on where you are. 

Your best bet is to use one of the low-cost overnight parking spots at major hotels near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port like Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port, Homewood Suites by Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Airport-Cruise Port, and Fairfield Inn and Suites in Dania Beach, all of which charge under $10 for overnight parking.

Is there free parking at Fort Lauderdale Beach?

The only free parking at Fort Lauderdale Beach is at 7/11, but I wouldn’t recommend leaving your car there for any extended period. Instead, you can use one of the parking areas that charge reduced rates.

Here’s a list of places that have cheap metered garage parking near Fort Lauderdale Beach:

  • 640 Seabreeze Blvd.
  • 440 Seabreeze Blvd.
  • 300 Seabreeze Blvd.