Located 7 miles north of Fort Lauderdale on the east coast of Florida, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is a relaxed beach town without the crowds of the more popular beaches. The average temperature during July and August is 90F during the day and mid-70s at night. During January, daytime temperatures average in the mid-70s with 50s-60s at night. With mild temperatures year-round this makes a great beach destination no matter what season you find the time to get away.
What is there to do in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea? ![Lauderdale-By-The-Sea]()
Fun at the Beach
There are numerous things to do right on the beach. You can take a walk on the miles of white sand beaches, collect shells, build sandcastles, or just soak up the sun. Stroll around the town and check out the specialty shops.
Take a Tour with Lauderdale by the Sea Food Tours
Lauderdale by the Sea Food Tours offers lunch tours which include 5 tastings and 2 adult beverages at places the locals frequent. The walking tours start at Delicaseas on Bougainvilla Drive. In addition to food and drinks, the tour guide will talk about the local area and you will get to observe the trendy street art. Lunch tours last approximately 2 ½ hours.
Get out on the Water
Rent a paddleboard, kayak, inflatable lounge, or a zayak sea sled from Paddleboard of Florida. You can rent by the hour or by the day. They will even deliver the equipment to you. Life jackets are included with rentals. The inflatable lounges hold up to 6 people and have drink holders and built-in coolers. The sea sled offers an alternative to snorkeling by providing a floating device with a window for you to view the underwater sea life while you float on the surface.
Go Diving
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is known as the Beach Diving Capital of Florida. Two dive shops are available in town, Gold Coast Scuba, and Deep Blue Divers. Remember, if you are a new diver you will have to complete a certification course before heading for the water. Equipment rentals are available as well as guided snorkeling tours and shark dives.
Local Events in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea![Local Events in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea]()
The weather in South Florida lends itself to many outdoor events. Every Sunday from December 6- May 2 there is a Farmer’s Market located at El Prado Park, one block north of Commercial Blvd. The market takes place from 9 am-2 pm, but you must wear a mask or you will not be allowed to enter even though it takes place outside. Normally, on Friday nights the Village Grille and 101 Ocean sponsor live music. However, due to the Corona virus this has been suspended until further notice. The area also hosts a big Arts & Crafts Festival each October.
Where should I stay in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea?
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is lined with numerous hotels, B&Bs, Inns, and Airbnb stays either right on the beach or within walking distance.
The Plunge Beach Resort
North of the main beach, Plunge offers a private beach area and pool with hotel rooms on the beachside or directly across the street. Seaside bungalows are also available with either one or two bedrooms. Bungalows with kitchens are available as well for those that want to save money by cooking some of their own meals.
The hotel provides beach umbrellas, chairs, and towels. You can dine at the Octopus or get coffee at the Bean & Barnacle. The lobby hosts an art gallery with works provided by local artists. There is also a poolside bar. Restaurants and shops are only .5 miles away. Parking is included in the resort fee.
High Noon Resort
Consisting of 4 buildings, this resort offers a choice between traditional hotel rooms, efficiencies and one or two-bedroom apartments. High Noon is located 50 feet from the beach and is within walking distance of shops and restaurants. 2 pools are on the facility, and towels, beach chairs, and parking are included. If location is what you are looking for this is the place to stay.
Sea Spray Inn
The Sea Spray Inn is a small hotel that has several apartment options. Get a studio for up to 3 people, 1 or 2 bedroom apartments for up to 6 people, or the scenic penthouse apartment. With two choices of buildings, viewing either the pool or the private garden, you will feel like you are in a tropical oasis. Beach towels, umbrellas, and chairs are provided. All apartments have fully equipped kitchens and dining areas for those times you don’t want to go out to eat. While not directly on the beach, you are only a short walk from El Mar Drive. Shops and restaurants are all within easy walking distance.
Blue Seas Courtyard
Hosts Marc and Cristie have created a beautiful Mexican Hacienda with colorful artwork. While all accommodations have full kitchens, favorite local restaurants are only a block away. BBQ is available for your use as well as complimentary beach equipment and bicycles. A heated pool is on-site and this hotel is located across the street from the beach.
Sea Cliff Resort
Located on El Mar Drive, this resort offers several one-bedroom suites with kitchens and dining rooms. Beach towels, umbrellas, chairs, rafts, and water toys provided. If you like tennis you will have complimentary access to the town’s tennis courts. Bicycles are also available.
Where Should I Eat in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea?
There are numerous sidewalk cafes and beach-front restaurants located between el Mar Drive and the beach off Commercial Blvd.
The Village Pump and Village Grille
Located only half a block from the beach, The Village Pump has been around since 1949. It offers indoor and outdoor seating and live entertainment. The establishment serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as sushi and cocktails. The kitchen is open from 8 am until 12 am and until 11 pm on Sundays. Sushi is available Sun-Thurs. 4-10pm and 4pm-11pm Fri-Sat. The bar is open 9 am-2 am daily.
Aruba Beach Cafe![Aruba Beach Cafe]()
Located on the beach, Aruba Beach Cafe offers outdoor seating with an ocean view. This restaurant is open 7 days a week and has 3 bars with live island music. The restaurant is open daily at 11 am, 9 am on Sundays, and closes at 1 am Sun-Tues and 2 am Wed-Sat. The kitchen features creations of Chef Christopher who has been with Aruba for 30 years. He has won awards for his island-inspired dishes.
101 Ocean
Situated in the center of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, this restaurant has lots of outdoor seating as well as an outdoor bar. It is open daily from 11:30 am-2 am. The menu includes local seafood dishes, chops and steaks, sandwiches, flatbreads, pizzas, and pasta. Happy hour is every day from 5-7 pm. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.
Diner by the Sea
For a cheaper option, try Diner by the Sea located down the block at 215 Commercial Blvd. Open daily from 6am-2pm this place serves up American cuisine. Then Tuesday through Friday the diner switches over to Checkers Old Munchen at 5pm. Stop by for dinner for a traditional German Experience.
Getting Here
From out of state, fly into Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. From there you can rent a car or use airport transportation to get to your hotel. Once in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea you will find everything centrally located and will not need transportation.
If you are driving, take I-95 South to Commercial Blvd. just north of Ft. Lauderdale. Go East and you will be in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea.
For locals, we usually park at El Prado Park just north of Commercial Blvd. off North Ocean Drive (A1A). There is metered parking for approximately $2.25 per hour.
What Else is Nearby?
Pompano Beach
15 minutes north by car you will find Pompano Beach. Here you can take a local dive charter to Pompano Dropoff Reef to explore the shipwrecked Copenhagen, a ship stranded off the coast back in 1900. Now an archaeological site, it is home to spiny lobsters and tropical fish. You can also go fishing off the Pompano Municipal Pier.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
20 minutes south of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is Fort Lauderdale Beach with its extensive nightlife, shops, and restaurants. If you travel down this way make sure to stroll down the Fashionable Las Olas Blvd. If you are in the mood for more culture, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts offers theater, ballets, and concerts. Check out the Art Museum or the Museum of Discovery and Science with your kids. Make sure to try one of the Intercoastal Cruises to see and learn about the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
For more to do in the tri-county area read here.
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