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Did you know that Florida has 189 official beaches in the state? We are quite fortunate to have so many options when it comes to the #beachlife. Florida has the east coast (Atlantic Ocean), west coast (Gulf of Mexico), and the Florida Keys (which is the southernmost point).
As a native Floridian, I’ve had the opportunity to visit a plethora of beaches all over the entire state. From wildly popular, to quaint and quiet, there is a beach for everyone here in Florida I can assure you! Each beach tells its own story and so I encourage you to check them out and find out which one is your go-to.
Here is your guide to the Top 10 Beaches in South Florida along the Atlantic coast.
1. Delray Beach
Small-town vibe but with a lot of heart, Delray has been growing in massive popularity over the last several years. With their brand new Delray Market food court and The Ray Hotel, Delray is not going anywhere anytime soon! We are fortunate to be so close to Delray. I personally think Delray has one of the best beaches in South Florida and I can always catch some nice waves in the ocean. There is a cute park called Anchor Park for the little ones.
Across from the beach is the oh-so-popular Atlantic Avenue with plenty of places to eat, shop, and play. Some cool things to do once you’ve dried off: Silver Ball Arcade (a true arcade like the 80s), the Delray Market (indoor food court with over 20+ vendors), IPIC (the ultimate dine-in movie experience). Delray has it all. There is also Pineapple Grove Arts District off of Atlantic and 3rd Ave which features some cool businesses, boutiques, and bars. There is something here for everyone. Be sure to put Delray on your beach to-do list!
Restaurants nearby: Boston’s on the Beach, The Wine Room, Casa L’Acqua Italian, Lionfish Seafood
Hotels nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Delray, The Ray, Seagate, Opal Grand Resort
2. Deerfield Beach
Did you know that Deerfield Beach was in fact named for the numerous deer that roamed the city? Pretty cool, right? Deerfield is a bustling area with plenty of beaches and bars. For just $1 if you’re a resident (or $2 if you’re a visitor) you can take a stroll down the International Fishing Pier which stretches 1,000 feet into the Atlantic. It also features a live underwater camera called Spinner. I find it amazing that with one click we can see what is underneath the Atlantic Ocean, it also makes for some cool background noise as I type this blog post. Here’s a screenshot I took, pretty amazing what you can see down here!
Deerfield has several oceanfront restaurants like JB’s and Oceans 234, perfect for a Sunday brunch or an early evening bite. This place is always booming with live music and is certainly not calming down anytime soon. Another great spot to put on your list!
Restaurants nearby: JB’s on the Beach, Oceans 234, Burger Craze
Hotels nearby: Royal Blues Hotel, Wyndham Deerfield Resort
3. Pompano Beach
One of my personal favorites is Pompano Beach! This city sits in the northern part of Broward County. Whether you’re going out on a date or have some family in town this city is perfect for both. It’s super chill with a lovely view. Apparently, Pompano is a huge attraction for anglers. Pompano has recently redeveloped their fishing village, called the Pompano Beach Fishing Pier, which means new restaurants, new hotels, and cool activities! The pier stretches 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean! Be sure to check out the new restaurant Beach House. They have a gorgeous oceanfront view and you can literally walk right onto the beach! Just a couple blocks south from the pier are two parks: a playground and a splash fountain. Great for kids and families who want to cool off and rinse away the sand. Great place for locals and visitors alike.
Restaurants nearby: Beach House, Oceanic, Lucky Fish, Kilwin’s Chocolates
Hotels nearby: Tru by Hilton Pompano Beach Pier, Home2 Suites by Hilton Pompano Beach Pier
4. Fort Lauderdale Beach
Another fan favorite, Fort Lauderdale beach is beautiful and full of action. There is so much to do in this area, it’s hard to put everything in one paragraph. Of course, you have the beach, but there’s also a long strip of shops, hotels, and restaurants right on the A1A. Nearby the beach is a state park called Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Perfect for getting your steps in and if you want to see some exotic insects and plants, this place is for you!
We love coming to Fort Lauderdale Beach for date nights and also bringing our beloved out-of-town family to visit. Also, nearby the beach is Fort Lauderdale’s bustling Las Olas Blvd which is their downtown area. Another cool spot for more places to eat and hang out.
Restaurants nearby: Burlock Coast, Coconuts, El Vez, Shooter’s
Hotels nearby: The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, W Fort Lauderdale
5. Boca Raton Beach
Wait, Boca Raton has a beach?! It sure does and it stretches two miles long. Having been here a few times it’s a bustling area with lots of locals and visitors. Right near the beach is a playground for the little ones called South Beach Park, just a few footsteps away from the South Beach Park Pavilion. You can easily access it from A1A and Palmetto Park Road and there is also parking near the Pavilion. It wouldn’t be a beach town if pizza and ice cream weren’t nearby. Just take a stroll down Palmetto Park Road and local restaurants are plenty. In fact, if you keep going west down the road and over the bridge you are now in Boca Raton’s downtown, which offers even more places to eat. It’s no wonder Boca is constantly growing, it’s a quaint town but with lots to offer!
Restaurants nearby: Peter’s Pizzeria, The Boca Beach House, Sprinkles & Scoops Ice Cream Shop
Hotels nearby: Hyatt Place Boca Raton/Downtown, The Boca Raton (formerly Boca Raton Resort)
6. Hollywood Beach
Right between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale is Hollywood Beach. Its convenient location makes it both a local and tourist favorite. Hollywood Beach is known for its 2.5-mile stretch “Broadwalk”. It’s a boardwalk that follows along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is so highly acclaimed that Travel + Leisure actually named it one of America’s best beach boardwalks. If you have a family with little ones, check out the nearby Charnow Park, a splash pad park, which is right by the Garfield Parking Garage. Bring your rollerskates, your bathing suits, and your sunscreen!
Restaurants nearby: The Taco Joint, GG’s Waterfront, Broadwalk Restaurant, At Peru Restaurant
Hotels nearby: The Diplomat Beach Resort, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
7. South Beach
South Beach (located in Miami Beach) is truly iconic in its own right. Neon lights, bumping music, and high-end convertibles are the Miami Beach vibe. While known for being the party destination, so much history lies within South Beach. My husband loves Miami and every year for his birthday we always celebrate it here. A few years ago I took my husband on a Miami Beach Food Tour and had some friends join us and I have to tell you I gained a new appreciation for South Beach. So much art, food, and history – I am a believer and I recommend you do a tour too. Miami Beach/South Beach truly is a beautiful place!
Lummus Park is a super popular spot in South Beach, they have playgrounds, pavilions, walking trail and fitness equipment too (Muscle Beach). A traditional park and just footsteps to the sand. On a recent birthday trip, we recently discovered South Pointe Park. If you continue all the way south on the Miami Beach boardwalk, you’ll come upon the South Pointe Park Pier. I love this area because it’s usually quiet and away from the hustle and bustle of South Beach. There is also a cafe, playground, and splash pad nearby. We really enjoyed it and it’s a great spot for photos too.
Restaurants nearby: Sugar Factory, Bolivar, Mercato Della Pescheria, Joe’s Stone Crab, Mammamia Gelato
Hotels nearby: 1 Hotel South Beach, W Hotel South Beach, Loew’s Miami Beach
8. Highland Beach
Highland Beach is truly a hidden gem. It is a small town that takes up only 1.1 square miles and has a population of 4,295 people according to the 2020 Census. It sits right between Delray Beach and Boca Raton only on the A1A. We come here frequently because of its gorgeous ocean views as well as the easy access to the beach. Latitudes is a phenomenal seafood restaurant here in Highland Beach, which is also attached to the Delray Sands Resort. I recommend valet parking here!
Restaurants nearby: Latitudes
Hotels nearby: Delray Sands Resort
9. Palm Beach
The town of Palm Beach is located on an island (east of West Palm Beach). The Phipps Ocean Park Beach is quiet and away from the hustle and bustle, unlike most beaches in South Florida. If you’re looking for high-end shopping, Worth Avenue is just a short distance from the beach! It’s worth the walk even if you’re just window shopping, lots of lovely places to stop and snap a quick selfie.
Just over the bridge is West Palm Beach. It has a really nice downtown with excellent food options like Grease Burger Bar and Restoration Hardware, oh-so-amazing! If you have more time to explore, I highly recommend checking out the Henry Flagler Museum.
Restaurants nearby: Buccan, Ta-Boo, BrickTop’s
Hotels nearby: The Breakers Palm Beach, The Ben (Autograph Collection), Palm Beach Historic Inn
10. Dania Beach
Dania Beach is a quaint city with its own charm. Some fun facts for you all, Dania is Broward County’s first city, it spans about 8 square miles, and once was known as the Tomato Capital of the World. Wow, who knew?
Dania sits right next door to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (FLL), which makes this a convenient and accessible location. The award-winning Blue Waves Beach has a marina and a fishing pier with a restaurant attached to it called Quarterdeck. Also nearby is the Dania Beach Casino. Listen, this beach does not disappoint when it comes to entertainment and things to do!
Restaurants nearby: Quarterdeck, Tiki Tiki, Mundi’s Italian
Hotels nearby: Hotel Dello by Hilton, Tru by Hilton
Conclusion
All in all, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices. Beaches are boundless here in Florida and there’s so much to explore. If you’re having a tough time choosing one, I recommend starting with a smaller beach like Highland or Delray. Then perhaps, work your way down south. While each beach has its own vibe, all of them still have a lot to offer.
Xoxo,
Courtney G.
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Sources:
Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Pompano Beach Pier, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hollywood Beach, Highland Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Dania Beach, Dania Beach, Miami Beach
