Hot Beaches

2009-04-02T21:02:00.003-04:00

Deerfield Beach

The Beach
The award winning Deerfield Beach also known as “Blue Wave” is one of the main attractions in the local area. Usually packed with people, this beach has won awards for such things as water quality, beach conditions and safety services, making it is the must go beach for local residents and tourist. The beach is one mile long and equipped with nine lifeguard towers. This is definitely the beach to go to if you like being active. It is usually very crowded and makes it a great place to go for volleyball, walking and surfing. On the north side of the pier as well as south of tower #9 surfing is permitted and a very popular activity when the conditions are good, IWS rents out surfboards for the day. Deerfield’s most known land mark is its pier; where both day and night you can enjoy a beautiful view of the beach as well as the ocean, and you can even spend the day catching your own dinner.

Restaurants and Entertainment
Deerfield Beach offers many restaurants for all different culinary desires. The two most prominent are JB’s on the Beach and Oceans 123, they are a great place to go to for live music, and being located directly on the beach they offer spectacular view. However, if you are looking for something less costly and more laid back there is a snack stand at the pier offering a quick way to get something to eat that you can enjoy at the beach. If you do want to sit down and have a laid back meal you can visit Flannigan’s on the other side of A1A, and for you sports fans Bru’s Room is located directly under the parking garage so you won’t have to miss the big game. Deerfield also has places for you to rent equipment, Fun Rentals is a great place for you to rent bikes and at Island Water Sports you can rent surf equipment.

Amenities
There are parking meters available along the beach and a parking garage only a minute away from the beach, however on weekends parking can be kind of tight. If you are a local resident you can get an annual parking pass for $50.00. The pier offers restrooms as well as showers.

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Ft. Lauderdale Beach

2009-03-26T16:45:00.003-04:00

Ft. Lauderdale Beach

Beach Overview

As one of the most popular spring break locations in America, Ft. Lauderdale beach is always creating attention. The heart of the beach would be considered Beach Place, where you'll find everything from little shops to expensive restaurants. The great thing about Ft. Lauderdale beach is their is so much to do and so many places to see that you couldn't fit it all in one day. The beach stretches about a 5 mile strip of A1A consisting of many activities, restaurants, shops and clubs. The interesting architecture and beautiful homes makes Fort Lauderdale beach stand apart from others.

Parking

Their is plenty of parking at the Fort Lauderdale beach, it just depends on how much you are willing to pay for it. Their are two lots just west of Beach Place that are the cheapest. (The electronic payment machines 1.00$ per hour). Parking inside Beach Place would be the quickest but the most expensive. (5.00$ first hour, 1.00$/hour after that)

Activities and Restaurants

The activities will keep you coming back to Ft. Lauderdale's beach. Beach Place is almost like a mall right across the street from the beach. Some of the restaurants inside of Beach Place consist of Lulu's Bait Shack, and Hooters. For after dinner drinks you must check out Fat Tuesdays where they make the best frozen drinks on the beach. Smack in the middle of Beach Place their is a good sized lounging area with tables and chairs. But Beach Place isn't the only thing to see at Ft. Lauderdale beach, their are plenty of famous bars and restaurants scattered all across A1A. For example, Elbo Room is a landmark of Ft. Lauderdale beach. You will notice if you drive by the place is always crowded. Another noticeable bar located south of Beach Place would be the Pirate Bar. The Pirate Bar is very small, but has a lot of character. And if your a sports fan, check out Blondies on the beach where their 30+ TV screens will keep you up to date on your favorite teams, while relaxing on the beach.
There is more to do at the beach than just eat and drink, and if you like activities, you'll find them here. A great feature that Ft. Lauderdale beach has would be Birch State Park. The park consists of both bike and walking trails surrounded by wildlife and exotic trees. This park is a great place to have a family picnic, or to gather your friends for a football game. Birch State Park is located on the northern side of Ft. Lauderdale beach off Sunrise Blvd. Also, there is a great playground area for children at the southernmost end of the beach next to the Sheridan hotel.

2009-03-19T15:34:00.003-04:00

Lantana Beach
Beach Overview:
Lantana beach is a smaller beach but has its character. It’s mostly a collection of families as well as tourist that are staying at the Ritz Carlton. There are a lot of big rocks in the water but that’s what makes it perfect for people who like to snorkel. Especially beginning snorkeler’s since the rocks are closer to the shore and not as deep. This is definitely a family beach with a playground located just off the beach. There are also pavilions with BBQ grills and volleyball net. It is a first come first serve place so if you want to use the area for a party make sure you get there early.

Parking and amenities:
The parking at this beach is a little difficult because they don’t have enough parking. There are only two small lots. Plus there is a restaurant at the top the beach, which also uses the parking. Although I have always found a spot, you just have to be patient. Now you do not want to park across the street at the plaza because they will tow your car. Once you do find parking make sure you put money in the meter (only silver change) otherwise you will get a parking ticket.

Surrounding restaurants and shops:

At the top of the beach is the Dune Deck Café restaurant, which serves breakfast and lunch. If great relaxing scenery is something you would enjoy then this is a stop to make. You can look at their menu and pictures of there entrees at http://www.dunedeckcafe.com/. They do only take cash so make sure you stop by the ATM. Now there is also the Plaza del Mar across the street. Located in that plaza are The Ice Cream Club, a surf shop and few other retailers as well as a few different restaurants such as Asian cuisine, a steak house, and café del mar. For a full list of all the stores visit http://www.manalapan.org/321677.html. So there really is something for everyone. The beach is also located right next to the Ritz Carlton, which just raises the beach another level.

2009-03-12T18:49:00.005-04:00

Delray Beach

The Beach
Delray Beach is located in the south east corner of Palm Beach County. Beach goers there are of all ages and from all over, you will find many retirees, as well as families, tourist and teenagers. Due to the great variety in age the beach is a low key beach great for laying out and relaxing. However, this does not mean that there is nothing to do for active beach goers. Hobie Cat is the local water sport rental place, where you can rent equipment to surf, snorkel, kayak and many other non-motorized water activities. Ran by locals they also offer lessons and can give you more advice on all the best spots on the beach. For more information check out Delray Beach Water Sports. If you are not interested in spending money but still want some action there are volleyball net set up on the beach and if you are lucky you might even find room to play Frisbee or football on the beach. Whatever you decide to do, whether it’s just to relax or an action packed day at the beach, be sure to check out Delray’s Beach Conditions site that will provide you with all the information you need about the daily beach conditions.

Restaurants and Entertainment

Delray’s most famous beach restaurant is Boston’s on the Beach a great place to grab lunch while at the beach or even to party at night. Also located directly on the beach is Caffe Luna Rosa an Italian style restaurant that offers a casual atmosphere for lunch or a romantic dinner experience. However most of Delray’s restaurants and shops are located just a short walk from the beach on Atlantic Avenue, which is the place to head after the beach. If you are planning to venture further from the beach the Delray Beach Visitor Information center is a helpful place to get ideas and information about local attractions. Located right next to the visitor center is a small beach shop called South Ocean Beach Shop where you can buy snacks and beverages as well as anything you might have forgot for the beach like sunscreen or a baiting suit. For information about local events check out Downtown Delray Beach, where you can find out more about classes, events and meetings happening that month.

Amenities
There are parking meters conveniently located right along the beach, as well as parks with meters for beach goes to park at. At beach itself you will find the Oceanside Beach Service where you can rent beach chairs a small fee. They also offer public restrooms in some of the parks as well as on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Ocean Drive, and showers are available at the beach.

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Pompano Beach

2009-02-24T11:32:00.007-05:00

The Sunny-Side of Pompano Beach

Beach Overview:

Pompano Beach is known as the "Surfers beach of South Florida." It is a fact that South Florida is not known for its great surf, but when the weather gets windy, Pompano Beach's 2nd St. and A1A is the place to go. And if you’re not interested in the waves, Pompano Beach is a great place to relax. The beach is never over-crowded, and usually dominated with locals. A great bonus that draws people to this beach is its easy accessibility.

Parking and Amenitities:

Parking at Pompano Beach might be one of the best in South Florida. There is ample parking due to the amount of activities available at the beach. Directly of Atlantic and A1A you will find around 50 metered parking spots. Follow A1A down north and you will find another 25-30 spots to parallel park. Amenities are all over Pompano Beach, and the great thing is you don’t have to bring your own equipment. Located about every two miles you will find a jet-ski rental kiosk that will cater to all your water sports needs. Whether you want to snorkel dive sown by the second buoy sandbar, or rent a couple of jet-ski's for an hour, these kiosks' would be the place to go. The only downside is that most of the amenities are catered to teenagers and adults. The only attraction for younger children would be ice-cream.

Surrounding Restaurants and Shops:

The surfing atmosphere stays with this beach long after the sun goes down. Jesse's Surf Bar located right on the south-side of Atlantic and A1A is a great local bar to get cheap drinks and food. Or, if you’re in an Irish mood, head over to Briny's Irish Pub also located on the south-east corner of Atlantic and A1A. The shepherd’s pie is one of the best in town! You can find a couple of gift shops down the A1A strip as well as a homemade ice cream parlor. Most of the shopping at Pompano Beach is geared toward the water sports enthusiast. The most popular local surf shop would be 2nd St. Surf Shop located just east over the bridge on Atlantic Blvd. You can find everything from Quicksilver t-shirts and hats to kayaks and surfboards. While you’re in Pompano Beach make sure to check out the marina next to the 2nd St. surf shop. The locals who hang out their include giant tarpon and if you're lucky, you might spot a manatee or two trying to get back to the ocean.

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Lake Worth Beach

2009-02-20T09:02:00.005-05:00

LAKE WORTH BEACH
Beach Overview:
Lake Worth beach is one of the more laid back beaches in South Florida. You will see a lot of families and groups of friends hanging out at this beach. It caters to all age groups. There is something for everyone. On any given day you will see surfers, children building sand castles, people playing football and adults just there to relax. So if you like a beach with a laid back atmosphere then this is the beach for you.

Parking and amenities:
The best way to get to the beach is to head east down Lake Worth Ave. This street will run you right into the parking area. Now there are three different places to park. There is the lower part, which is farther from the beach but always has available spots. But if you drive up to the beach there is parking at the top on the south side and another parking area on the north side of the beach. Now once you park you just go to one of there meter stations and pay in either change or dollar bills and it will print a receipt for the time you have. You then place it on your dashboard and enjoy your day at the beach.

Surrounding restaurants and shops:
There is an outside bar at the top of the beach connected to the restaurant Benny’s who have a variety of food and beverage options from salads to sandwiches and they even serve breakfast. Now for the person who would like something a little more formal dining you can go to John G’s on the beach. They have 33 years experience and are family owned and operated. For more information on them or there menu go to http://www.johngs.com/. There is also a pizza place for the person who just wants a quick bite. And for that hot day on the beach it wouldn’t be complete without an ice cream shop, which is located on the boardwalk. The Lake Worth beach also has an Olympic sized pool for those who don't like the sand and salt water. Which is located on the boardwalk.

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