Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Dania Beach, Florida

Situated between Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach is a coastal city characterized by a more natural shoreline than its neighboring locations.

The Anne Kolb Nature Center and Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park safeguard thousands of acres of mangroves along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Additionally, the municipal beach park epitomizes paradise, featuring a pier that extends nearly 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean.

Originally a farming community, Dania Beach began to attract visitors in the 1940s, coinciding with the emergence of numerous antique shops along U.S. 1, the city’s primary thoroughfare. This area remains vibrant today, complemented by the esteemed Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts. 

The sport of jai-alai was introduced to the city in 1953, with its fronton, one of the few remaining in Florida, still hosting international competitions and forming part of the Casino @ Dania Beach.

1. Dania Beach Ocean Park

It is widely recommended that visitors experience at least one sunrise at Dania Beach. This timeless moment is made even more remarkable by several factors.

The weathered fishing pier enhances the scenic backdrop, and the shoreline feels considerably less congested at Dania Beach. The Intracoastal Waterway is bordered by the mangroves of the Anne Kolb Nature Center.

To the north lies another untouched expanse, where Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park preserves a rare coastal ecosystem.

A pavilion is available for grilling, alongside amenities such as a playground, restrooms, and the recently inaugurated Lucky Fish Restaurant. Furthermore, visitors can also launch canoes or kayaks into the Intracoastal Waterway.

2. Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts

Source: WMODA Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts / Facebook

This remarkable museum boasts one of the world’s most extensive collections of ceramic and glass art. The collection includes historic works by pioneering potters such as Wedgwood and Royal Doulton. 

Additionally, visitors can view masterpieces by Art Nouveau and Art Deco luminary Renée Lalique, along with contemporary artisans like Dale Chihuly. I found the Florida scene works particularly fascinating, created by talents such as Rob Stern and Chelsea Rousso. 

The museum was established in 2014 with a mission to enhance appreciation for these expressive art forms. Alongside its invaluable collections, the museum regularly hosts significant temporary exhibitions of glass and ceramic art. 

Moreover, the museum organizes a variety of events, including lectures, live performances, and workshops.

3. Dania Beach Fishing Pier

Can a coastal town truly be complete without a fishing pier? Dania Beach has maintained one since 1958. However, the original structure was deemed unsafe in 1990, necessitating the construction of a new pier, which was finally completed in 1995.

Given Florida’s unpredictable weather, piers typically do not have an extended lifespan in the Sunshine State; thus, Dania Beach’s pier is a noteworthy exception.

Visitors can traverse this 964-foot pier for unparalleled views, with the natural landscape of Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park visible to the north and the modern hotels, condos, and resorts of Hollywood Beach in the south.

If you lack fishing equipment, the pier’s concession offers rentals. At the time of my visit, access was priced at $1.50, with an additional $4 fee for fishing.

4. Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

Positioned north of Dania Beach’s municipal beach lies a critically important coastal zone. Within Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, you will discover Broward County’s last undeveloped coastal ecosystem.

Its modern history is both intriguing and inspiring. Initially designated as ‘The Colored Beach’, the park was inaugurated in 1953, following advocacy from Civil Rights leader Von Mizell and others. 

Thanks to the endeavors of Mizell and activists like Eula Johnson, this and other Broward County beaches were desegregated by 1962. 

This tranquil natural sanctuary offers ample activities to occupy an entire day. Visitors can paddle through the mangroves, snorkel on the coral reef, or simply relax. Personally, I appreciate just sitting back and observing the large cruise ships navigating the Intracoastal Waterway.

5. Dania Jai Alai

Source: Dania Amateur Jai-Alai / Facebook

In the mid-20th century, South Florida became a hub for the sport of jai-alai. For many older residents, the fast-paced game remains synonymous with the Miami experience.

However, popularity has significantly waned since those peak years. As of my last update, only four frontons were operating across the state.

Fortunately, the tradition perseveres in Dania Beach. The fronton at The Casino @ Dania Beach hosts numerous competitions throughout the year, with the most notable being The Dania Beach Invitational in December.

This prestigious event showcases competitors from across the globe, including players from the Basque Country and southwestern France, where the sport originated.

6. Anne Kolb Nature Center

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Adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway is a 1,500-acre expanse of mangrove wetlands, which constitutes one of Florida’s largest urban parks.

This remarkable location is named after Anne Kolb, a local county commissioner who dedicated herself to protecting and preserving South Florida’s fragile natural environments threatened by development. 

The elevated boardwalks provide a unique perspective through the mangroves. Visitors who observe closely are likely to see numerous blue land crabs scuttling about, including juvenile crabs that may wander onto the boardwalk.

Views from the 68-foot observation tower are breathtaking, while the exhibit hall provides insights into the delicate mangrove ecosystem, featuring a 3,500-gallon aquarium and interactive displays.

Previously, narrated boat tours of the mangroves were available but were suspended during the pandemic and had not resumed during my visit. Nonetheless, kayak rentals are offered for those interested in self-guided exploration.

7. Secret Woods Nature Center

Source: Kevin Barry Photography / shutterstock

Located on West State Road 84 in Dania Beach, the Secret Woods Nature Center was the first urban wilderness area designated in the state.

Established in 1978, this center encompasses nearly 60 acres of cypress swamps, tidal mangroves, and tropical hammocks. Offering diverse habitats replete with ferns, butterflies, tortoises, lizards, and crabs, I find continual delight in exploring these environments.

It is not uncommon to spot manatees from the riverside boardwalk and observation deck. There is an engaging scavenger hunt available for younger visitors, as well as a welcome center filled with interactive exhibits.

8. Dania Beach Antique and Arts District

Source: Akiba Antiques Mall / Facebook

For over 80 years, Dania Beach has been recognized as a regional hub for antique shopping. Presently, there remains a distinctive district, featuring a cluster of stores conveniently located along U.S. 1, just a block east of City Hall. 

Parking is available, enabling visitors to peruse the shops on foot. The galleries, studios, and shops are closely situated on both sides of the street.

With offerings ranging from jewelry and blown glass to pottery, furniture, housewares, paintings, and vintage clothing, unexpected treasures are always waiting to be discovered in these quaint stores.

This district also hosts Kodner Auctions, a fifth-generation auction gallery in operation since 1906. Focusing on fine art, sculpture, estate jewelry, silver items, luxury timepieces, and more, auctions occur biweekly throughout the year.

9. Juana La Cubana Café

Source: Juana La Cubana Cafe / Facebook

South Florida is renowned for its vibrant Cuban community, and Dania Beach features a popular establishment known for its authentic Cuban cuisine.

The signature dish at Juana La Cubana Café is the World Famous Cuban Sandwich, a classic composed of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese on Cuban bread, complemented with pickles and mustard.

Though many may have experienced various Cuban sandwiches, I highly recommend trying this specific version if you are visiting Juana La Cubana for the first time.

The menu includes a diverse range of other traditional Cuban dishes, such as croquetas, tostones, vaca frita (seared steak), ropa vieja (shredded flank steak), and lomo de puerco (grilled pork loin). 

Regardless of your order, be sure to accompany it with rice and black beans, finishing off your meal with a rich café con leche.

10. Hollywood Beach Boardwalk

Dania Beach is an easy distance from one of the most famed beachfront promenades in the United States. The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is an attraction that should be experienced at least once.

Adorned with palm trees, the brick-paved promenade stretches for 2.5 miles along an extraordinarily beautiful shoreline. This pathway accommodates strolling, cycling, rollerblading, and jogging, and is interspersed with parks, approximately 50 restaurants, boutiques, and establishments providing water sports. 

The Hollywood Bandshell, situated directly on the promenade, hosts complimentary live concerts from Wednesday to Sunday. At the northern end, Hollywood North Beach Park is the optimal location to park and commence your exploration.

11. Dania Pointe

This newly developed 100-acre mixed-use complex was still in progress during my visit. Dania Pointe combines outlet stores with larger retail outlets, diversified by numerous dining options.

Featured retailers include Urban Outfitters, a Nike Clearance Store, Hobby Lobby, Foot Locker, Build-A-Bear Workshop, American Eagle, and Anthropologie. 

There is truly something for every taste if you wish to merge shopping with a dining experience. Options included Outback Steakhouse, Firehouse Subs, Panda Express, Bento, and Starbucks, among more than 20 restaurant chains available.

A 16-screen Regal Dania Pointe theater was inaugurated in 2022, featuring 4DX and RPX auditoriums, equipped with fully reclining seats in the VIP sections.

12. Topeekeegee Yugnee Park

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Stretching across nearly 140 picturesque acres in nearby Hollywood, Topeekeegee Yugnee Park derives its name from the Seminal word denoting ‘meeting or gathering place.’

With 61 RV sites and a location conveniently close to the beach, this park is an ideal choice for those considering a camping experience. 

Facilities include covered picnic and gazebo areas, restrooms, showers, full water and electrical hookups, and complimentary Wi-Fi. A notable feature is the 40-acre lake, which is abundant in wildlife and suitable for catch-and-release fishing. 

For my personal enjoyment, the Castaway Island water park is a highlight. This seasonal attraction includes six water slides, two playgrounds, and a substantial pool.

13. The Casino @ Dania Beach

The jai-alai fronton in Dania Beach is part of a facility that began operations in 1953. In the 2010s, The Casino @ Dania Beach underwent an extensive $64 million renovation over 18 months.

Historically, visitors could only wager on the jai-alai matches, but by the 21st century, attendance had decreased significantly.

During my visit, I found a sprawling modern complex featuring 900 Vegas-style slot machines. Additionally, there were two dozen tables in the card room, multiple dining options, and live entertainment, including concerts and comedy shows on several nights each week.

14. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World

Source: Jillian Cain Photography / shutterstock

Bass Pro Shops is recognized as one of the nation’s leading retailers for outdoor gear.

In Dania Beach, there exists a massive showroom encompassing over 160,000 square feet of retail space. Thus, whether you are preparing for a fishing, camping, hunting, or boating excursion, it’s the ideal destination for gathering supplies. 

Even if you are not planning to purchase anything, this location is worth visiting. The attractions include a grand indoor waterfall and a 39,000-gallon aquarium containing sizable fish.

Children will also delight in observing the various vehicles, ranging from motorboats to ATVs and wave runners.

15. Hollywood Beach Golf Club

Source: Hollywood Beach Golf Club / Facebook

For those seeking a round of golf without traveling far, this budget-friendly public course located just a few minutes down U.S. 1 is worth considering.

The Hollywood Beach Golf Course was established in the early 1920s. For a reasonable fee, it offers a straightforward layout set in a lush natural environment. 

A significant advantage of this course is its complete self-contained layout, ensuring no homes overlook any of the fairways or greens. 

While amenities are basic and drainage may pose issues after heavy rainfall, it remains a suitable choice for newcomers to the sport, allowing for play on open terrain without challenging doglegs.