Beach vacation near Ft Lauderdale

Question

Hi! My family is flying in and out of Ft Lauderdale this April…I have a 13 and 15 year old, we are looking for a good balance of beach and activity…we had planned on driving to the keys which we may still do…but I’m reconsidering and wondering if there’s another place we can vacation in…we aren’t super familiar with east coast FL. Any info is much appreciated! My boys love to kayak, swim, fish, explore etc.

Answer

Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding East Coast of Florida offer a variety of family-friendly beach destinations with plenty of activities for teens who love water sports and exploring. Since you’re flying in and out of Fort Lauderdale, you have several great options without needing a long drive to the Keys, though a Keys trip is still feasible if you want to venture further south.

Beach destinations near Fort Lauderdale:

Fort Lauderdale Beach: Wide sandy beaches with plenty of family-friendly hotels. The area has water sports rentals including jet skis, paddleboards, and kayaks. There are also restaurants and shops within walking distance.
Hollywood Beach: Known for its boardwalk, calm waters, and bike rentals. Great for families who enjoy walking or cycling along the beach, plus casual dining options.
Deerfield Beach: Slightly quieter than Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood Beach. Good for swimming and fishing, with a pier for fishing and beach volleyball areas.
Delray Beach: About 45 minutes north, offers a mix of beach and small-town charm. There are paddleboarding and kayaking opportunities, plus a lively downtown area with restaurants and shops.

Activities beyond the beach:

Kayaking and paddleboarding in the Intracoastal Waterway or local canals.
Fishing trips, either from piers or private charters.
Snorkeling or boating excursions to nearby reefs.
Nature exploration at nearby parks such as Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale or Oleta River State Park in North Miami.

Considerations:

Staying along the Fort Lauderdale-Hallandale-Hollywood stretch offers the easiest access from the airport.
If you prefer a more relaxed, scenic getaway with kayaking and natural areas, the Intracoastal Waterway and state parks north or south of Fort Lauderdale can be excellent bases.
A day trip to the Keys is possible but will require a long drive (3–4 hours one way to Key Largo or Islamorada), so it may be better as a separate trip if you want more time for the beaches nearby.

Overall, for a combination of beach, activities, and family-friendly amenities without a long drive, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hollywood Beach, and nearby Deerfield or Delray Beach are strong options. They offer a good balance of water activities, dining, and walkable areas for teens to enjoy both the beach and exploration.

Beach vacation near Ft Lauderdale

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