Top 15 Activities in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL

Packed onto the narrow barrier island east of the Intracoastal Waterway, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a charming and inviting beachfront town.

If I were to highlight one remarkable feature of LBTS, it would undoubtedly be the coral reef lying just offshore. South of Anglin’s Pier, one can wade out and snorkel in the shallow, wildlife-abundant waters of the reef. Additionally, the wreck of the SS Copenhagen, a freighter that sank nearby in 1900, adds a historical aspect to your underwater exploration.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a town where you can effortlessly spend several days without a vehicle. The area boasts a pedestrian-friendly downtown, bike rental services, and even a shuttle van that conveniently transports visitors.

Commercial Boulevard serves as LBTS’s nightlife epicenter, seamlessly connecting to the beachfront, where a lively plaza is framed by diverse restaurants and bars that remain open late on weekends.

1. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach

An idyllic location for spending an afternoon on the Atlantic, LBTS’s main public beach serves as the town’s centerpiece. It features a broad expanse of soft sandy shoreline alongside a fishing pier, complemented by numerous eateries and shops.

I recommend bringing your snorkeling equipment if possible, as many visitors are unaware of the nearby reef until they arrive.

If you lack equipment, several shops are conveniently situated along Commercial Boulevard. Alternatively, guided snorkeling tours are available, which I will detail below.

2. Commercial Boulevard

Commercial Boulevard serves as the primary thoroughfare in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, stretching between the pier and the Intracoastal Waterway.

This area is lined with shopping centers and strip malls, yet it remains pedestrian-friendly despite the multiple lanes of traffic.

If you are seeking a meal or wish to shop in LBTS, this is the ideal location. The dining options are extensive, encompassing contemporary American cuisine, pizza, Vietnamese dishes, seafood, Italian meals, Japanese fare, diner selections, pub offerings, and Mexican delights.

Additionally, this area features galleries, day spas, salons, souvenir shops, and locations for renting bikes or purchasing diving, snorkeling, and fishing gear.

3. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling at Anglin’s Pier Reef

As a town recognized as Florida’s Beach Diving Capital, there exists a robust local economy centered on exploring the vibrant marine environment just offshore.

For access to premier diving and snorkeling, Datura Avenue, just south of Anglin’s Pier, offers the best entry point. The reef is structured in two bands located approximately 250 feet and 450 feet offshore.

This extends up to the pier; however, it is important to note that there is a 300-foot exclusion zone surrounding the structure.

The first reef is situated at a depth of merely ten feet, providing optimal conditions for a clear view of marine life.

Among the species that can be observed at this depth are blue tangs, spotted scorpionfish, nurse sharks, spotted goatfish, and Bermuda chubs. Furthermore, the initial reef features a dedicated shipwreck trail, complete with five cannons and an anchor.

4. SS Copenhagen

Source: Angela N Perryman / shutterstock

One of the key attractions reinforcing LBTS’s status as a diving and snorkeling haven is the SS Copenhagen wreck, located approximately a quarter of a mile offshore.

The SS Copenhagen (1898) was an English freighter that sank en route from Philadelphia to South Florida in 1900. Since then, it has transformed into a sanctuary for marine life and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

Currently, it stands as a favored diving destination, albeit requiring a boat for access. Numerous tour packages are available for those interested in exploring the site.

Approximately 10,000 visitors frequent the wreck annually, and LBTS has produced an informative map detailing the site, from the anchor to the stern.

5. El Prado Park

Another well-equipped public beach access in LBTS is El Prado Park, located a few blocks north of Commercial Boulevard.

Upon entering this park, visitors are greeted with a spacious lawn, bordered by palm trees on either side. Nestled among the hedges along the pathway are charming wooden chairs with umbrellas, perfect for an engaging conversation.

At the far end of the park, you will find two gazebos near the dune crossover and shower facilities. If you are planning to swim out to the reef, be sure to consult the informative sign located here before stepping onto the sand.

6. Beach Pavilion & Anglin’s Square

On the eastern section of El Mar Drive, the concluding block of Commercial Drive is a delightful area designed for leisurely strolls, featuring cafes with sidewalk dining, an ice cream stand, and a store offering beach supplies.

At its center is a square adorned with more of LBTS’s trademark wooden chairs. With live music filling the air, it serves as a convivial gathering place for relaxation and people-watching.

Adjacent to this area and welcoming you onto the main public beach is the Beach Pavilion.

Be sure to explore the benches under the pavilion, creatively designed to resemble boats. Moreover, the plaza offers games for children and serves as a laid-back sanctuary, complete with umbrellas and natural shade from the palm trees.

The plaza hosts various community events throughout the year. During my visit, I encountered free dance classes being offered in the evenings.

7. Square Grouper SoFlo

If you are like me and hesitant to swim 200 feet to explore a reef, several companies can facilitate the experience.

One such option is Square Grouper SoFlo, which specializes in private, boatless snorkeling tours of the reef, led by knowledgeable guides. Their team possesses extensive knowledge of this thriving marine environment and its assorted marine life.

While swimming ability is required, no additional skills are necessary, making the tours accessible to children as young as five. All necessary gear, including fins and a tempered glass mask for optimal visibility, is provided.

Importantly, a portion of Square Grouper’s earnings supports reef conservation efforts, which I find particularly commendable.

8. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Farmers’ Market

On Sundays, from November through May, a farmers’ market takes place on the lawn at Park. During my visit, I observed nearly 40 vendors offering an extensive selection of goods.

This selection featured locally sourced fruits and vegetables, honey, herbal supplements, nut butters, orchids, jams, kettle corn, pickles, baked goods, and pet treats, among other items.

In terms of prepared foods, you can find acai bowls, smoothies, empanadas, and BBQ, with the offerings changing weekly.

El Prado Park does not have its own parking lot; however, ample metered parking is available directly across El Mar Drive.

9. Blue Moon Fish Company

Source: Blue Moon Fish Company / Facebook

Exceptional seafood is another significant draw of South Florida, and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea excels in this area.

Located in a picturesque setting along the Intracoastal Waterway, the upscale Blue Moon Fish Company occupies an Art Deco-inspired structure with a private dock.

Among the entree offerings are Pan-Seared Atlantic Halibut, Jerk Rubbed Yellowfin Tuna, and Blackened Local Mahi Mahi, a crowd favorite.

If you are in town on a Sunday, consider joining their famed Sunday brunch, which has received numerous awards for its extensive buffet and tapas selection, along with attentive mimosa refills.

10. Aruba Beach Cafe

Source: LesPalenik / shutterstock

A prominent establishment in Anglin Square, this vibrant Caribbean-American restaurant fosters a laid-back island atmosphere.

Complementing the beachfront view, diners can enjoy tropical cuisine, happy hours, nightly live performances, and extended hours on weekends.

Seafood is the primary highlight of the menu. First-time visitors should not miss key items such as the Lobster Salad Sandwich, Conch Fritters with Tequila and Lime Remoulade, and Sesame Crusted Salmon.

Both indoor and beachfront seating options are available, with three bars operating throughout the day.

11. Circuit-by-the-Sea

An intriguing feature of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is the free community bus service. The Circuit-by-the-Sea provides transportation throughout the town from 10 am to 8 pm Sunday to Thursday, and until 11 pm on weekends.

This service is available to both residents and visitors, replacing the previous Pelican Hopper bus. The Circuit-by-the-Sea is completely electric, reflecting the town’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

You may flag down one of these vans as they navigate the town, and there is an app available that allows you to track their locations and request rides within LBTS.

12. Anglin’s Fishing Pier

Source: Kevin Ruck / shutterstock

As one of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea’s signature landmarks, Anglin’s Pier opened to the public in 1963. The pier is named after Melvin I. Anglin, the town’s first mayor, and is privately owned.

Alike several enthusiasts, its popularity among fishermen can be attributed to its modest height of only 12 feet above the water. The initial feet of the pier provide sand fishing, while the remaining areas are reef, resulting in a notable variation in species that can be caught depending on your fishing location.

During my visit, the pier was closed to the public due to significant damage sustained from Hurricane Irma in 2017, followed by further harm from Hurricane Nicole in 2022, raising safety concerns.

While it is unlikely the pier will close permanently, reconstruction efforts were still under planning at the time of writing.

13. Friedt Family Park

Source: Rick Tobin / Facebook

Located behind the town hall, Friedt Family Park is a well-maintained community park offering numerous amenities within a compact space.

This valuable local resource, situated just a couple of blocks north of Commercial Boulevard, features basketball courts, shuffleboard, and municipal tennis courts.

Parents and guardians are likely to particularly appreciate the park; the playground is outstanding, equipped with modern features and shaded by two beautiful mature magnolia trees.

The playground area is fenced, covered with sand, and includes benches and a picnic table.

14. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Visitor Center

Co-located with the local chamber of commerce in a charming building, the visitor center operates every day except Wednesday and Sunday.

Staffed by individuals with extensive local knowledge, it serves as a valuable first stop for visitors to LBTS.

Here, you can obtain recommendations for shopping and dining, explore accommodation options, arrange transportation, and discover discounts at local businesses.

A wealth of local brochures, magazines, maps, guides, and additional resources are available for those seeking extra inspiration. For those interested in diving or snorkeling, the visitor center provides excellent resources for both guided and self-directed excursions.

15. Pompano Beach Amphitheater

Source: Pompano Beach Amphitheater – The Amp / Facebook

While live music is available at several eateries in LBTS, for larger performances, one of the state’s premier outdoor venues is located just a few minutes away.

The Pompano Beach Amphitheater seats 3,000 attendees, with an additional 7,000 capacity on the surrounding grounds.

In recent years, the amphitheater has hosted numerous nationally recognized artists across various music genres, including prominent acts such as Willie Nelson, the Steve Miller Band, Salt n’ Pepa, Sammy Hagar, and Pat Benatar.

Sitting within Pompano Community Park, the amphitheater also hosts the annual Pompano Beach Seafood Festival each April.