Looking for a laid-back beach destination with plenty of sunshine and local charm? Head to Pompano Beach! Known for its beautiful beaches, family-friendly vibe, and easygoing pace, Pompano Beach offers ocean adventures, fishing piers, fresh seafood, and vibrant cultural events. Whether you’re into snorkeling, waterfront dining, or relaxing on the sand, Pompano Beach is a perfect slice of South Florida.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Pompano Beach is during winter and spring (December–April). Warm, sunny days and lower humidity make it ideal for beach outings, boating, and attending outdoor festivals.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Pompano Beach is easily accessible via I-95 and U.S. Highway 1, about 10 miles north of Fort Lauderdale and 40 miles north of Miami.
  • By Plane: Fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), which is about a 25-minute drive away, or into Miami International Airport (MIA) about 45 minutes south.
  • By Train: Tri-Rail and Brightline trains connect Pompano Beach to other parts of South Florida including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.

Where to Stay

  • Beachcomber Resort & Club – Boutique oceanfront resort with pools, a private beach, and tropical gardens.
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach – All-suite hotel with ocean views and easy beach access.
  • Club Wyndham Santa Barbara – Comfortable resort with marina views and spacious condo-style accommodations close to the beach.

Best Things to Do

Ride Stress-Free with Tri-Rail

Ride Stress-Free with Tri-Rail

© Yaroslav Sabitov/stock.adobe.com

The Tri-Rail is South Florida’s premier commuter rail system that connects West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, and has 18 conveniently located train stations throughout Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Shop, Stroll, and Save at Festival Marketplace

Shop, Stroll, and Save at Festival Marketplace

© Festival Marketplace

The Festival Marketplace is a quarter-mile long shopping mall with over 250 shops in Pompano Beach that offers an open-air, old-world market indoors. Built in 1986 as an outlet mall, the marketplace was later transformed into a European-style market selling a variety of brand name products at bargain prices. The market houses over 500 stores, fragrance outlets, clothing shops, home décor stores, unique boutiques, cosmetic and jewelry stores, and globally-inspired restaurants. The mall is also home to the Going Bananas Farmer's Market that sells fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, and flowers, as well as delicious deli fare and fresh seafood, and a wide selection of handcrafted items and gifts.

13000 Whiskey Creek Rd, Tillamook, OR 97141, Phone: 800-551-6949

Tour Timeless Elegance at the Sample-McDougald House

Tour Timeless Elegance at the Sample-McDougald House

© Sample-McDougald House

The Sample-McDougald House, also known as the Sample Estate or Pinehaven, is a 4,700-square-feet historic house museum dedicated to showcasing early 20th century lifestyles and the heritage of two of Pompano Beach's prominent families. Built in 1916, the house was originally constructed on the Dixie Highway and later moved to its current location on Northeast 10th Street in Centennial Park. The museum is a beautiful example of typical south Florida architecture from the early 20th century and offers visitors a chance to learn more about the agricultural and coastal history of the region. The five-acre park around the house offers lovely areas for picnicking and an edible heritage garden.

450 NE 10th St, Pompano Beach, FL 33060, Phone: 754-307-5446

If You Love Craft Beer, Sip Fresh Brews at Pompano Beach Brewing Company

If You Love Craft Beer, Sip Fresh Brews at Pompano Beach Brewing Company

© Pompano Beach Brewing Company

Pompano Beach Brewing Company is a locally-owned microbrewery that produces a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, barrel-aged beers, and seasonal releases. The family- and pet-friendly tasting room has warm, earthy décor, plenty of comfortable seating and picnic tables, and serves 20 taps, a selection of craft sodas, hand-selected wines, and a variety of cider.

3200 NW 23rd Ave #500, Pompano Beach, FL 33069, Phone: 954-978-3113

Where to Eat:

Taste the Islands at Calypso Restaurant

Taste the Islands at Calypso Restaurant

© Calypso Restaurant

Calypso Restaurant is a Caribbean -style restaurant in the Garden Isles Shopping Center that serves traditional Caribbean fare, fresh seafood, hearty curries, and Jamaican jerk. The café has bright, comfortable island-style décor and comfy tables and chairs, and serves a wide range of dishes made locally-sourced ingredients such as fresh fish and meats, organic salads and vegetables, and Caribbean sauces and spices. Signature dishes include platters of crab, conch, clams, oysters, shrimp, and yellowtail snapper, Jamaican Jerk Pork and Chicken, and rotis, and curries. A full-service bar offers a range of beverages, including craft beers on tap and by the bottle, casual wines, and handcrafted cocktails, and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Friday.

460 South Cypress Road Garden Isles Shopping Center, Pompano Beach, FL 33060, Phone: 954-942-1633

Dine in Style at J Mark’s Restaurant & Bar

Dine in Style at J Mark’s Restaurant & Bar

© J Mark's Restaurant & Bar

J Mark's Restaurant & Bar is a classic, locally owned eatery that serves a diverse menu of New American cuisine, craft beers on tap and by the bottle, casual wines, and handcrafted cocktails. The family-friendly restaurant boasts comfortable indoor seating, warm lighting, and spacious patio seating for alfresco-style dining. Seasonally-changing menus feature made-from-scratch dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients such as Hawaiian rib-eye steak, crisp walnut shrimp, Baja chicken, and vegetarian options like steamed broccoli and roasted carrots. The restaurant has a private banquet room for special events and functions and hosts a happy hour every day.

1490 NE 23rd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33062, Phone: 954-782-7000

Savor Modern Flavors at The Foundry

Savor Modern Flavors at The Foundry

© The Foundry

The Foundry is a hip, industrial eatery on Atlantic Boulevard with a casual dining area, comfortable counter seating, elegant yet laid-back lounge areas, and a full-service bar. The Foundry is steeped in history paying tribute to the workers who helped build its foundation with many of the features sourced from cities around America. The ceiling is made of wood from a tobacco barn from Kentucky in 1902, a large metal sliding door from 1880 hails from Philadelphia, and shag lamps dating back to the 1950s. The creative menu features contemporary dishes made from locally sourced ingredients like meatballs with polenta, braised rabbit, and stacks of handmade sushi. A full-service bar offers craft beers on tap and by the bottle, casual wines, and handcrafted cocktails, and the restaurant is open for dinner Monday through Sunday and weekend brunch.

2781 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33062, Phone: 754-205-6977

If You’re Craving Classic Italian, Grab a Slice at Umberto’s Pizza

If You’re Craving Classic Italian, Grab a Slice at Umberto’s Pizza

© Eugeniusz Dudzinski/stock.adobe.com

Umberto's Pizza is a casual pizza chain that serves traditional Italian cuisine and wood-fired pizzas in a warm and welcoming setting. The family-friendly restaurant has a laid-back dining area with comfy seating and a full-service bar and serves a menu of hearty, authentic fare ranging from wood-fired pizzas with various toppings, handmade pasta, freshly prepared salads, ocean-fresh seafood, and grass-fed meats and chicken dishes. A full-service bar offers craft beers on tap and by the bottle, casual wines from Italy, and handcrafted cocktails.

2780 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33062, Phone: 954-784-7110

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Relax at Pompano Beach – Swim, sunbathe, or stroll along wide, clean beaches with soft sand and calm waters.
  • Walk the Pompano Beach Pier – Fish, dine, or simply enjoy ocean views from this iconic renovated pier.
  • Snorkel or dive offshore reefs – Explore colorful coral reefs and shipwrecks just a short boat ride from the coast.
  • Visit Pompano Community Park – Play tennis, walk trails, and enjoy family-friendly recreation in a lush park setting.
  • Explore the Pompano Beach Cultural Center – Attend concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural events year-round downtown.

Where to Eat

  • Beach House Pompano – Stylish oceanfront restaurant known for fresh seafood, steaks, and craft cocktails with stunning views.
  • And Fish Kitchen + Bar – Upscale casual dining offering inventive seafood dishes in a sleek beachside setting.
  • Calypso Restaurant – Local favorite for Caribbean-inspired dishes like jerk chicken, fresh fish, and tropical drinks.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Seafood Festival (April) – Enjoy delicious seafood, live music, arts, and family fun right by the beach.
  • Friday Night Tunes (Monthly) – Free outdoor concerts featuring live music from local bands at the Great Lawn near the pier.
  • Pompano Beach Green Market (November–April) – Shop local produce, handmade goods, and enjoy food vendors at this seasonal farmers market.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Pompano Beach, Florida:

  • Fort Lauderdale Beach (20 min) – Explore the bustling beach promenade, trendy restaurants, and water sports galore.
  • Deerfield Beach (10–15 min) – Chill at a quieter beach with a scenic pier, fishing spots, and beachfront dining.
  • Butterfly World (10–15 min) – Wander through colorful gardens filled with thousands of butterflies and exotic birds.
  • Hugh Taylor Birch State Park (25 min) – Kayak, bike, and hike through beautiful coastal hammocks in Fort Lauderdale’s nature park.
  • Las Olas Boulevard (Fort Lauderdale) (25 min) – Shop, dine, and stroll this iconic arts and entertainment district near the riverfront.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Q: Where is Pompano Beach located?
  • A: Pompano Beach is a sun-kissed city just north of Fort Lauderdale, home to beautiful beaches, pristine offshore living coral reefs, huge marinas, and beachside playgrounds.
  • Q: Why is Pompano Beach called the "Heart of the Gold Coast"?
  • A: Often called the "Heart of the Gold Coast," the seaside city has many attractions and activities.
  • Q: What are some highlights of Pompano Beach?
  • A: Highlights include the 1,000-foot-long Pompano Beach Pier, the 1900s Hillsboro Lighthouse at the entrance to the Hillsboro Inlet, and over 50 well-maintained parks and urban spaces.
  • Q: What do the parks in Pompano Beach offer?
  • A: These parks offer a wealth of outdoor recreational activities.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Warm temperatures and fewer crowds before summer. Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa – A beachfront resort with ocean views. Snorkel or Dive at the Pompano Beach Drop Off – Explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and lively, great for beachgoers. Club Wyndham Palm-Aire – A relaxing resort with pools and golf access. Relax on Pompano Beach – Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Fall (September-November) – Warm weather and fewer tourists. Beachcomber Resort & Club – A boutique beachfront stay with great dining. Visit Butterfly World – Walk through lush gardens filled with thousands of butterflies.
Winter (December-February) – Mild temperatures and peak tourist season. Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach – A comfortable and centrally located winter retreat. Attend the Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade – Enjoy a festive waterfront display of beautifully decorated boats.

Map:


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