Top 13 Things To Do In Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida

1. Dive into SS Copenhagen Shipwreck archaeological preserve

The cargo ship SS Copenhagen, which is bound for Cuba, carried a 5000-ton (4535924-kilogram) load of charcoal when it sank deep into the Florida waters in May 1990. Today, the remains of the shipwreck have attracted divers from all over the country. SSS Copenhagen Shipwreck Preserve is the 5th largest of the 11 underwater archeological sites in the state and by far the most frequently visited, averaging 10,000 visitors every year. You are welcome to try diving as the waters are relatively shallower and safer for less experienced divers and snorkelers to explore.

SS Copenhagen Shipwreck

Address: Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

2. Take quiet beach walks at Turtle Nesting Area And Scuba Diving Zone

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

In Broward County, you will find large nesting sites of loggerhead sea turtles, and thankfully the city protects beach areas for these lovely creatures to propagate. One of these is Turtle Nesting Area And Scuba Diving Zone that offers visitors activities to try, including snorkeling and scuba diving. Try your luck swimming, and maybe one or two adult turtles will swim near you. Be ready to take a snap when that happens. Alternatively, you are welcome to take quiet hours of beach walks on the sandy shore as the view here is refreshingly calm.

Turtle Nesting Area And Scuba Diving Zone

Address: Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308, United States

3. Take a stroll along Beach Pavilion

The beach pavilion is one of the most happening places in the town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. It is located next to the Anglin’s Square, the oceanfront plaza. The tree-lined road is full of charming cafes, bars, and restaurants. The entire place projects a lazy vibe, perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll. During the day, you can sit here watching the sea while savoring a delicious gelato. After sundown, this place comes alive with music from the beach bars. The pier is also located right next to the beach pavilion.

Beach Pavilion

Address: 0 Commercial Blvd, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308, USA

Website: Beach Pavilion

4. Picnic at Laura Ward Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The charming Laura Ward Park is a beach park located right next to the sea. The park is in the quiet El Mar neighborhood, away from the busy downtown area of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. There are several benches in the park where you can enjoy a quiet picnic with a view of the ocean. There is even a shower pole to wash if you have taken a dip in the warm water. The park is well maintained and clean. The Winterfest Boat Parade is celebrated in Laura Ward Park every year.

Laura Ward Park

Address: 4600 El Mar Dr, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308, USA

Website: Laura Ward Park

5. Enjoy a romantic dinner at Aruba Beach Cafe

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The charming Aruba Beach Café is located right on the beach, at Beach Pavilion, surrounded by swaying palm trees. The café offers good food, drinks, views of the beach and promises a great time to its clients. With over 40 years of experience, Chef Christopher Nealon produces and serves excellent seafood at Aruba Beach Café. Here, you must try their signature five-spice shrimp stirfry, seafood quesadilla, Hibachi chicken teriyaki among other specials. There are three different bars at the Café which serve delicious cocktails. In the evening, you can dine on the beach accompanied by the sound of the ocean and live music. The restaurant is opened seven days a week.

Aruba Beach Cafe

Address: 1 Commercial Blvd, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308, USA

Website: Aruba Beach Cafe

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 11am - 1am; Wed - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 9am - 1am

6. Take your kids to Friedt Family Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The small yet charming Friedt Family Park has a playground ideal for kids. It has several tennis courts, basketball courts, and a bocce ball area. The park also has plenty of well-maintained paths to take leisurely walks or get acquainted with the squirrels or the birds that inhabit the trees. Facilities like shaded rest areas and toilets are available. The park also has plenty of benches to sit.

Friedt Family Park

Address: Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308, USA

Website: Friedt Family Park

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

7. Go fishing at Anglin's Fishing Pier

One of the most important things to do in the city of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is fishing. The best place to go fishing in this town is Anglin’s Fishing Pier. The picturesque pier was established in the year 1963 and has been a local hot spot ever since. Unfortunately, in the year 2006, it was destroyed by a strong hurricane, Wilma. However, with the efforts of the local government and townspeople, the pier was rebuilt in the same year. Here you can try your hand at two different kinds of fishing, sand and reef rock fishing. Fishes like mackerel, jacks, bonefish, pompano, ladyfish are among the common fishes that you can catch at the pier.

Anglin's Fishing Pier

Address: 2 Commercial Blvd, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308, USA

Website: Anglin’s Fishing Pier

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

8. Dine at Chatham House

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A wave of nostalgia is going to wash over you as soon as you will enter Chatham House. This Italian restaurant is famous for its mouth-watering seafood dishes and steaks. The Angus beef steaks are the signature dish of this restaurant. It features award-winning chef, Chef Shashank Agtey, who serves food with an authentic South Florida taste. The interior of the restaurant sports a typical New England decor, projecting a vibe of an old-fashion seafood and steak house. Cocktails are the other specialty of this restaurant and they can be enjoyed at the piano bar, accompanied by great music.

Chatham House

Address: 4331 N Ocean Dr, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308, USA

Website: Chatham House

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 11pm

9. Have a few drinks at Ocean Mist Pub & Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Ocean Mist Pub & Bar is located in the heart of the town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. The Irish-style bar is full of charm, with an oak-wooden interior. On the whole, the quaint interior resembles a private room of a sailor. The pub offers a range of healthy dishes along with an impressive range of drinks including Guinness on the tap. On a normal day, they play classic rock music and it definitely takes you back in time. The bartenders are charming and always ready to share local stories with visitors.

Ocean Mist Pub & Bar

Address: 210 Commercial Blvd, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308, USA

Website: Ocean Mist Pub & Bar

Opening hours: 10am - 2am (daily)

10. Scuba dive in the crystal clear waters of Lauderdale-By-the-Sea

The town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is known as the “Shore Dive Capital of South Florida”. It provides an excellent chance to dive or snorkel to enjoy the wonders of the ocean. The main place to dive is the famous Beach Dive. It is the most visited diving site in the entire Broward County. This site also has the shortest surface swim in the entire country. Another important site for snorkeling is Lauderdale-By-the-Sea Shipwreck Snorkel Trail, an artificial reef. On this trail, snorkelers can get glimpses of eels, lobsters, sea turtles, French angels, blue angels, parrotfish, doctorfish, the blue-headed wrasse, nurse sharks, tarpon rays, sergeant majors, cuttlefish, barracuda, and trumpet fishes.

Lauderdale-By-the-Sea Shipwreck Snorkel Trail

Address: Lauderdale by the Sea, FL, USA

Website: Lauderdale-By-the-Sea Shipwreck Snorkel Trail

11. Relax at El Prado Park

El Prado Park is a family-friendly park located in the El Mar area. The park is full of fun activities like walking and jogging paths and water slides for kids. It also offers an excellent view of the sea. Every Sunday, this park hosts the farmer’s market of the town. You have direct access to the beach and visitors can rest on the many benches and picnic tables present in the park.

El Prado Park

Address: 4500 El Mar Dr, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308, USA

Website: El Prado Park

12. Enjoy paddleboarding in calm waters

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The sea always calls to everyone to try out different adventure activities, especially boating. There are various kinds of boating options in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, like kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, etc. If you are not experienced in paddleboarding, do not fret, as there are several trainers available on the beach to guide you.

Fort Lauderdale Paddle Sports

Address: 4326 Bougainvilla Dr #210, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308, USA

Website: Fort Lauderdale Paddle Sports

13. Grab a cuppa at DelacaSeas Cafe

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The interior of the DelacaSeas Cafe is warm and inviting and it is most popular for its breakfast dishes and coffee. The charming café is cute, yet it exudes an old-time charm with its dated furniture. The prices are moderate but the food is very tasty and served in large quantities. Their signature item is their delicious scones which are served hot and with cream. Do not forget to try their blueberry pancakes and mushroom risotto!

DelacaSeas Cafe

Address: 4404 Bougainvilla Dr, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308, USA

Website: DelacaSeas Cafe

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 2pm, 5pm - 9:30pm; Sun: 8am - 2pm

Enjoy the charms of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea hosts the annual ‘Bugfest By The Sea’, a festival which celebrates the divine taste of lobster. You cannot leave this town without tasting its delicious seafood dishes. A few days frolicking in the sun, sea, and beach will surely rejuvenate and relax you. So, check out our list of the top things to do in this town for a perfect break near the ocean.