Best Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale by Car
Fort Lauderdale is a great destination on its own, but one of the best reasons to rent a car here is how many memorable places you can reach in a s...
Read more →Best Beaches Near Fort Lauderdale You Can Drive To
One of the biggest advantages of renting a car in South Florida is the freedom to explore beyond the beach closest to your hotel. While Fort Lauderdale Beach is beautiful, there are dozens of other beaches within an easy drive, each offering its own atmosphere, scenery, and activities. Whether you're looking for a lively boardwalk, crystal-clear water, snorkeling, or a quiet afternoon by the ocean, there's a beach that's worth the drive. Here are some of our favorite beaches near Fort Lauderdale.
1. Fort Lauderdale Beach
Drive: Right in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale Beach is the area's most famous shoreline, and for good reason.
Wide sidewalks, palm trees, waterfront restaurants, and plenty of places to relax make it a great first stop for visitors.
You'll find:
- Soft sand
- Clear water
- Beachfront dining
- Bike rentals
- Volleyball courts
- Easy access from Las Olas Boulevard
Parking is available in several garages and metered lots, but arriving early makes things much easier on weekends.
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, and anyone staying in Fort Lauderdale.
2. Hollywood Beach
Drive: About 20 minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale
Hollywood Beach has one of the most unique waterfronts in South Florida.
Its famous Broadwalk stretches for more than two miles along the ocean and is lined with cafés, restaurants, ice cream shops, and bike rentals.
Unlike many Florida beaches, the atmosphere feels relaxed and walkable.
Spend the morning on the sand, rent a bike, enjoy lunch overlooking the ocean, and stay for sunset.
Best for: Families, walking, cycling, and casual beach days.
3. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Drive: About 20 minutes north of Fort Lauderdale
If you prefer a quieter beach town, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is hard to beat.
The atmosphere is slower than Fort Lauderdale Beach, and the town has a charming main street filled with local restaurants and shops.
One of its biggest attractions is the nearby reef, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Parking is generally easier than at larger beaches, although weekends can still be busy.
Best for: Snorkeling, couples, and a more relaxed pace.
4. Dania Beach
Drive: About 15 minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale
Dania Beach often flies under the radar, which is part of its appeal.
Compared to some neighboring beaches, it usually feels less crowded while still offering beautiful sand and plenty of space to spread out.
Nearby attractions include:
- Dania Beach Pier
- Waterfront restaurants
- Fishing
- Paddleboarding
If you're looking for a quieter afternoon near Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach is an excellent choice.
Best for: Relaxation and avoiding larger crowds.
5. Deerfield Beach
Drive: About 30 minutes north
Deerfield Beach combines a beautiful shoreline with a welcoming downtown area.
Its long fishing pier is one of the area's landmarks, and the beach is well maintained with plenty of nearby restaurants and cafés.
Families appreciate the clean facilities and relaxed atmosphere.
It's also an easy beach to combine with lunch or shopping before heading back to Fort Lauderdale.
Best for: Families and full-day outings.
6. Boynton Beach
Drive: About 50 minutes north
Boynton Beach is one of South Florida's hidden gems and one of our personal favorites.
The beach itself is wide, clean, and usually less crowded than some of the better-known destinations farther south. The water is often beautiful, and there's plenty of room to spread out, even on busy weekends.
Nearby Ocean Avenue offers several great places to grab lunch or dinner after spending time on the sand. If you're willing to drive a little farther, Boynton Beach rewards you with a relaxed atmosphere that feels more local than touristy.
Best for: Travelers looking for a quieter beach with plenty of space and a true South Florida feel.
7. Peanut Island
Drive: About 1 hour to Riviera Beach, plus a short shuttle or boat ride
If you're looking for something completely different, Peanut Island is one of the most unique day trips you can take from Fort Lauderdale.
Located in the Intracoastal Waterway near Riviera Beach, the island is only accessible by boat or water taxi, adding a sense of adventure before you even arrive.
Once there, you'll find:
- Calm, crystal-clear water
- Excellent snorkeling
- Walking trails
- Picnic areas
- Small beaches
- Incredible views of boats entering and leaving the Palm Beach Inlet
Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it—the water around Peanut Island is among the clearest you'll find this close to Fort Lauderdale.
If you're willing to make the drive north, it's an unforgettable way to spend the day.
Best for: Snorkeling, families, and anyone looking for a unique South Florida adventure.
Tips for a Great Beach Day
A little preparation goes a long way.
We recommend bringing:
- Plenty of water
- Sunscreen
- Beach towels
- Sunglasses
- Flip-flops
- Portable phone charger
- Snacks
- Beach umbrella if you're planning a full day
If you're visiting during summer, afternoon thunderstorms are common, so it's worth checking the forecast before heading out.
Why Having a Rental Car Makes a Difference
South Florida's beaches each have their own personality.
With your own vehicle, you're not limited to the beach closest to your hotel. You can spend the morning walking Hollywood Beach's Broadwalk, enjoy lunch in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, or make a full-day adventure out of Boynton Beach or Peanut Island.
Having a rental car also makes it easy to pack everything you need for the day—from chairs and umbrellas to coolers and snorkeling gear—without worrying about rideshares or public transportation.
Explore More of South Florida
Some of the best memories of a Florida vacation happen beyond the itinerary you planned.
Whether you're looking for a lively beachfront promenade, a quiet stretch of sand, or a snorkeling adventure in Palm Beach County, there's always another beach worth discovering.
At Atlas Auto Rental, we deliver modern vehicles throughout Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, Dania Beach, and surrounding communities, making it easy to explore South Florida on your own schedule.
Wherever your next beach day takes you, we'll help you get there.
