The 5 Best Beaches Near Fort Lauderdale Airport – 10 Minutes to the Beach
We found the best beaches near Fort Lauderdale Airport that offer sunseekers a convenient slice of paradise just minutes from the terminal. Whether you’re on a tight layover or seeking a vacation base with easy access to the city, these gems are prime for ocean lovers.
Our rigorous selection criteria ensures that we identified the closest and the best stretches of sand near the airport, so you don’t get stuck with an over-crowded or dirty beach.
Table of Contents
Methodology
We combed through visitor reviews, prioritized proximity, and weighed amenities that make each beach unique. Ease of access from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport was key, with the beaches closest to Fort Lauderdale Airport scoring higher.
We also considered attractions in the surrounding area, from dining options to unique landmarks that enhance the beach experience. After distilling the data, we curated this list to present the best in coastal convenience and flair.
The Best Beaches Near Fort Lauderdale Airport
5. Hollywood Beach
Minutes from Fort Lauderdale Airport: 15 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Hollywood Beach earns its spot as one of the best beaches near Fort Lauderdale Airport because of its broad swaths of golden sand paired with that quirky retro Broadwalk. You’ll feel like you’re in a time warp, strolling past old-school ice cream parlors, taco joints, and sunburned street performers.
There’s a reason this beach doesn’t try to modernize — the laid-back vintage charm is its advantage.
Beyond the palm trees and turquoise waters, nearby attractions add more layers to this coastal tapestry. The Anne Kolb Nature Center is a short jaunt away for those seeking more than the typical beach nap.
Or swing by ArtsPark at Young Circle, where local artists work their craft in live displays. Hollywood Beach is for those who like a mix of nostalgia with their suntan lotion.
4. Dania Beach
Minutes from Fort Lauderdale Airport: 10 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
If “unfussy” is your game, Dania Beach should be in your personal hall of fame. Just a ten-minute dash from Fort Lauderdale International Airport, it’s the closest beach to Fort Lauderdale Airport, yet you’d swear you landed in a sleepy, tucked-away sanctuary.
No skyscrapers. No bustling bars. Just nature doing its thing.
The iconic Dania Beach Pier gives you endless panoramas of the Atlantic and a front-row seat for sunrise devotees. Feeling peckish? Grab some seafood at the Quarterdeck Restaurant perched right above the water.
Nearby John U. Lloyd Beach State Park gives outdoor adventurers a reason to stay longer, with hiking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching as added bonuses. This place is about simplicity — no frills, just thrills.
3. Fort Lauderdale Beach
Minutes from Fort Lauderdale Airport: 12 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
The grand dame of the region, Fort Lauderdale Beach is iconic, broad, and bustling. It’s one of the most recognized beaches near Fort Lauderdale International Airport and the true heartbeat of the city’s coastal lifestyle.
What you’ll get here? A polished promenade, oceanfront hotels, and an endless parade of bikinis and board shorts. It’s where the action is, but not without a laid-back vibe that invites you to linger.
The Beachfront Promenade is lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars ready to satisfy your hunger after soaking in the sun. Just beyond the sandy expanse, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a hidden gem for a stroll or bike ride amid ancient oak trees.
And if shopping is your game, Las Olas Boulevard, with its boutiques and galleries, is within reach.
2. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Minutes from Fort Lauderdale Airport: 20 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Take a step into Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, and you might think you’ve stumbled into the filming of a 1950s beach movie — but in the best way possible.
Known for its laid-back charm and small-town feel, this beach sits about 20 minutes from the airport but feels worlds away. Quaint beach motels dot the landscape, and the pace of life is decidedly slower.
One of the big draws here is the fishing pier, which attracts anglers and sunset lovers alike. Underwater, the coral reefs lie just off the shore, making it a favorite for snorkelers and divers (no boat required!).
After a day in the water, stroll through Anglin’s Square for quaint dining options, from fresh seafood to casual pizza joints. This is the place to go when you want your beach escape with a side of serenity.
1. Pompano Beach
Minutes from Fort Lauderdale Airport: 25 minutes
Location: Check on Google Maps
Taking the top spot on our list of the best beaches near Fort Lauderdale Airport is none other than Pompano Beach. A bit farther afield, but for good reason.
It’s all about that striking combination of glimmering turquoise water, wide-open sandy stretches, and an infectious energy that hits just right. This is the place where families, couples, and solo travelers all converge in blissful harmony.
Pompano Beach Pier is the undeniable centerpiece, drawing in fishermen, joggers, and sunset photographers alike. For a bit of history, hit the Pompano Beach Cultural Center and take in an exhibit or performance.
Just a block off the beach, you’ll find lively eateries and cafes where fresh seafood reigns supreme. Pompano’s recent resurgence as a vibrant, family-friendly hub ensures it’s not only the best beach near Fort Lauderdale Airport, but a full-fledged experience in its own right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest beaches to Fort Lauderdale Airport?
The beaches closest to Fort Lauderdale Airport are Dania Beach and Fort Lauderdale Beach. Both are within a 10-12 minute drive, making them ideal for quick getaways during layovers or short stays.
What is the best beach near Fort Lauderdale International Airport?
Pompano Beach takes the crown as the best beach near Fort Lauderdale International Airport due to its perfect mix of stunning waters, ample amenities, and vibrant energy. Although it’s 25 minutes away, it’s worth the extra time.
Can you access the beach directly from Fort Lauderdale Airport?
No, the airport doesn’t have direct beach access, but with a short drive or ride-share, you can be sunbathing within minutes at one of the beaches near Fort Lauderdale International Airport.
Are there public transport options to these beaches?
Yes! Several beaches near Fort Lauderdale International Airport, including Hollywood Beach and Fort Lauderdale Beach, are accessible by public bus or ride-share options. However, renting a car or taking a taxi offers the most flexibility for exploring multiple beaches.
Which beach is best for families?
Pompano Beach, with its expansive sand and nearby attractions like the pier, is great for families. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is another peaceful, family-friendly option with a quaint atmosphere and shallow waters perfect for young swimmers.
