Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

State park · Hollywood

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

State park · Hollywood

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6503 N Ocean Dr, Dania Beach, FL 33004

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Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park by null

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Beach park with swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking & wildlife viewing  

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6503 N Ocean Dr, Dania Beach, FL 33004 Get directions

floridastateparks.org
@fl.stateparks

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6503 N Ocean Dr, Dania Beach, FL 33004 Get directions

+1 954 923 2833
floridastateparks.org
@fl.stateparks
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@FLStateParks

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Oct 14, 2025

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Often cited by the Michelin Guide and Florida Rambler, this state park (formerly John U. Lloyd Beach State Park) offers a pristine and uncrowded stretch of Atlantic coastline just south of Port Everglades. Rich in history as the site of peaceful civil rights protests, the park provides nature trails, shaded picnic spots, and kayaking through mangroves. Its unspoiled sands and historical significance make it a standout for those seeking both natural beauty and meaningful local context.

The Real Beach Scene: Best Beaches Near Hollywood, FL for Sun, Sand, and Local Flavor
View Postcard for Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

Michael Hoffman

Google
We love taking the boat here. So fun and easy. The kids love playing in the river side and of course it’s an easy walk over to the beach. Never to crazy and always very family friendly which plenty of other spots in the area aren’t. Highly recommend checking it out

Marvin “DN” R

Google
Great place for bird photography and birdwatching. If you come early in the morning, you'll be able to see all kinds of birds flying around; from seagulls, herons, pelicans, to passerine birds such as kingbirds, blue jays, and cardinals. Sadly though, quite a few trails are closed at the moment but you'll still be able to enjoy the beach as well as the creek that runs along the park.

Esteban Solano

Google
Dr Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is an incredible place to spend a weekend with family. We enjoyed riding bicycles through the scenic trails, kayaking along calm, crystal-clear waters, and relaxing on the beautiful beach. It’s the perfect spot for a family weekend gathering—peaceful, fun, and full of activities for all ages. Best of all, it’s not that expensive, so you can enjoy nature and adventure without breaking the bank. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Danny Martinez

Google
Excellent park and staff. Grills, picnic tables and beach wheel chairs. Staff works hard to preserve nature yet giving the public an opportunity to enjoy the beach. The spring breakers mostly stay away. The Whiskey Creek Hideout has good food at reasonable prices. Park Manager and assistant manager are very friendly and work hard for the public. Shout out to all the Park Rangers for a job well done.

Jessica

Google
A nice shaded trail to walk your pup with lots of miles of beaches (no dogs on beach). The Hideout offered plenty of snack and drinks. A great destination!

Jennifer Randolph

Google
The water was really rough so not many people were able to swim. Lots of seaweed too. Nice park though. Tons of parking and picnic tables. Boat ramp is avaliable too.

Gerard Rose

Google
I think this is the best beach in South Florida. It's never overly crowded has decent restaurants and parking. It's also a boat launch and a restaurant and you really feel like you're with nature. This is more of a beach for locals not for tourists which makes are very nice. I just hope the good review doesn't spoil it.

Pamela Wilkes

Google
Quiet beach, off the beaten path. Take your own chairs, towels, & anything else you need. There is nothing there, except beach!
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Siddiqua A.

Yelp
I must say, what a wonderful park to get away from the hustle and crowds at the regular beach. Admission is on 4.00 per person, they do accept cash and card. The park access by car, starts at 8.00am each day. However if you are walking or riding your bike, you have access to the park free of charge. Love that the park offers Kayak rentals as well as boat ramps access. No need to worry as there are many restrooms around the park, ad well as lots of parking. Kudos to the amazing staff and park rangers, who maintain the State Park.
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Janet G.

Yelp
It used to be nicer, now there's a lot of trash, te water is very dirty and they don't seem to care, they charge 6 dollars per vehicle and I don't understand what do they do with the money!! Someone stealing I guess.
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Yadira R.

Yelp
Love coming to beach park. The park is huge with plenty beach space. There's a lot of gazebos to rent. You are not allowed to bring alcohol and the only grills you can used are the ones front he park. There's no shade at all so bring an umbrella to cover up. Overall I love this location. It does get packed on the weekends so normally I visit during the week. Today particularly there was a lot of seaweed and a bunch of turtle nest.
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Ellie W.

Yelp
It's $4 for a one person in a car to get in the park here and it was well worth it. The weather was beautiful and it was soo peaceful and clean. I don't like going to most of the busy public beaches. I got here early cause I didn't know what to expect, while I was here I saw no more than 10 people this was on a weekday mind you. I went to to the first parking lot they did have I believe 10 other lots that go farther down and a nature trail that I'll defintely come back and give it a try. I defintely recommend coming early it got hot quick. They had showers to wash off the sand and they do have a small restaurant at a different lot. They defintely have a lot to offer. At lot 1 where I was Quarterdeck is just a short walk away. There is a lot of seaweed but this is a natural beach it doesn't bother me. I will defintely be back. Keep in mind they do close the park if it gets to busy so make sure to arrive early, if you have a physical Broward county library card you can skip the fee all together.
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Lin H.

Yelp
Formally known as John U. Lloyd Beach State Park This beachside park just south of Port Everglades is the last example of an undeveloped coastal ecosystem in Broward County. The park is named for Civil Rights Movement leaders who led "wade-in" protests to desegregate South Florida beaches in the 1950s and 1960s. It was once the county's designated "colored beach" and bore the name of the Broward County attorney who was instrumental in transferring ownership of the land to the state, in lieu of being developed for residential high-rises. Now, the park is a popular location for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, bicycling, and picnicking, offering a haven where everyone can escape the hectic pace of the metropolis and reconnect with nature. I was able to get the single estate park pass for the year for only 60.00. I love this beach not so busy and plenty of places to hang out and chill .
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Natasha P.

Yelp
I almost don't want to leave a review so this place stays the hidden gem that it is. I found the coziest spot under a canopy of palm trees! I read and napped all day without being disturbed by anyone. The little restaurant had wonderful food and atmosphere!
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Mary Ann C.

Yelp
I just call this the state park above Dania beach. It's really at Dania Point. At the jetty, you can watch cruise ships and barges enter port everglades. It's truly a unique and beautiful view. There are five, count them, five restrooms with showers and changing areas. They don't have life gaurds but flags with cautions are posted based on what is going on. Parking??? Parking is galore. It is $4 for one person and $6 for 2. The park is open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm right now. If you pay and keep your receipt, you can return without paying again as long as the park is not full. Don't bother going here at noon on any holiday weekend. I can see the line backed up to the exit for Dania beach. This is a quiet place Monday through Friday and the staff patrol in trucks and golf carts keeping it safe. The staff are decent. Expect them to enforce the rules. If you go to the jetty, grab a large white bucket from the hook and fill it with any plastic found on the beach. Often they have scheduled beach cleanup days but 100 people picking up means unless you get out early, you won't find much!
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Sarah P.

Yelp
Wow, what a wonderful unspoilt state park. The beaches here are unspoilt and there is plenty of shade, with bbq stations and benches. We came today on a Sunday and there were plenty of families enjoying their day there and BBQing. They have plenty of car parking. The cost to enter is 6 dollars per car. We parked in the second lot, ie lot 2 which is the Whisky section. Here you will find the restaurant and area where you can hire kayaks. A great find. I will definitely be back to explore this park more.

Michael A.

Yelp
Great place to rest and relax. If you want some privacy just walk down a little down the beach and make sure you go early of on a weekday.
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Ariel W.

Yelp
This area is a historic beach located near Port Everglades. The history in this area goes all the way back to 1,400 AD when the area was inhabited by the the Tequesta Indians. The Tequesta first made contact with European settlers in 1513 when Ponce de Leon arrived on the coast of Florida. They had become extinct by the time the Spanish traded Florida to the British in 1763. In 1855 to 1892 the beach was part of the 68 mile journey traveled by the Barefoot Mailmen who carried the mail from West Palm Beach to Miami by walking barefoot on the sand. The journey was dangerous and exhausting. Ed Hamilton the most famous of the mailmen disappeared at the Hillsboro Lighthouse and was never seen again. In the years of prohibition from the 1920's to the 1930's the area was used by Rum Runners who smuggled alcohol into the area. Whiskey Creek is a two mile salt water creek that runs through the park. It was too shallow for the Coast Guard to go through making it the perfect place o hide alcohol. You can still find antique rum and whiskey bottles in the creek bed. In the 1940's during segregation this was the only beach In Broward County that African Americans were allowed to use. John U Lloyd was Broward County's attorney for 35 years. He was in charge of finding the beach and an out of the way swamp south of Port Everglades was chosen. It opened in 1954 and was only accessible by ferry. The African American community had to keep up political pressure in order to have a road built that reached the beach. The beach bore John U Lloyd's name for more than 40 years. In 2016 County Commissioners decided to honor the African American history at the beach with a name change. They honored civil rights pioneers Dr. Von D. Mizell and Eula Johnson by naming the beach for them. In 1961 they led the African American community in a wade in at the whites only beach at Las Olas Boulevard. After the protest Dr. Mizell said "We had to prove to them that the water wasn't going to turn black". Today people from all nationalities enjoy the beautiful beach at the park. The entrance fee is $6 per car, less if you walk or bike. The state park is open 365 days a year from 8 AM until sunset. In the park there is a Coast Guard station, Nova University has a building for its oceanography department, and you can get a great view of the giant cruise ships in Port Everglades. You can swim, fish, boat, hike, bicycle, and picnic. On the day I visited there were many people having cook outs. BG Whiskey operates the concession stand in the park and they rent paddle boards, kayaks, and beach chairs. They also operate a restaurant that serves craft beer. This park has an amazing amount of history from the time of the first people of Florida to the people who are still enjoying it today. The 6 dollar entrance fee is well worth the price to be able to enter natures paradise.
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Courtney H.

Yelp
Unless you have a park pass, you will need to pay $6 to get into the park. This includes parking. The drive back there is beautiful and long. Near the beach, there are a ton of grills and picnic tables. Perfect for a full day there and bring your own food! Once we got to the beach, there were very few people out there. There is also a little restaurant there with a small gift shop if you don't want to bring your own food.
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Jason K.

Yelp
Great state park with lots of beach options, a boat launch, a restaurant, some shore dive spots on a man made reef, and hidden kayak/paddle boarding, and some biking trails. You can also to grilling on the charcoal grills, lounging in the shady coverings near the water, spend time on the beach, or chill at whiskey creek. Check out my full review of Whiskey Creek to read all about that, which is the main attraction of this park. They also have a boat launch which lets you get access to the whiskey creek spot or the inter-coastal. From there you could get into the ocean, or cruise down up or down. You can even go by the cruise ships, which is always fun. As far as the diving goes, there is a man-made reef called the "jax" right off of parking spot 1. look up the map to see exactly where it is, but you go straight out and you will end up on it. This is a great spot for a few different coral sightings, some fish, turtles, and maybe even something more exciting. I haven't used the biking trails, but I see lots of people riding around on them. You do have to pay to get in, but it is worth it if you were going to pay an hourly rate at Hollywood Beach, or even pump the meter at Dania.
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David W.

Yelp
I have been coming to this park for many many years. I have no excuse or not have finished a review earlier. This is my go-to Beach for the last 20 + years. Not as busy as Hollywood Beach to the South or Fort Lauderdale beach to the north. But just as beautiful With a rich history from its beginning To what it is now, this park has a lot to offer. From its nearly two miles of Christine beachfront the two miles intercoastal property this sliver of land has an abundance of things to offer. Beaches top the offering but there are also nature trails, boat ramps, Coast Guard Station, Marine School, pavilions, picnic areas, a jetty and an area known as "Whiskey Creek".. Whiskey Creek offers food and libations plus boat and canoe and stand up paddle board rentals. Also intercoastal access for boaters to pull up and picnic on the beach. Whiskey Creek offers approximately two miles of Mangrove paddling for those who choose to do so. Or just hang out and and wade in the warm waters.. One of my favorite parks to visit. Many outdoorsy things do. If you love the beach and you love the water this is a great place to come.
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Alexandra M.

Yelp
If you're looking for a spot by the ocean with the sole purpose to just let your worries drift away you've come to the right place! This has been my little hide-away/best kept secret for so many years. Everyone flocks to Fort Lauderdale, not my kind of scene. Hollywood beach is actually on the same road as where this park ends(including Margaritaville and the famous Le Tub) but nope, I don't want big family, little kids running.I want nothing but the sun, laying in peace on the sand, with that beautiful crystal water. With that said, there is barely ever beach dwellers that come here. And those that do visit come for the same purpose: relax, not to be seen. The water is excellent, I have never had issues with marine life such as jellyfish or sea lice (but I did see 3 sting rays by the shore which was cool). The treasures that get washed up a shore I've seen like beautiful sea sponges, sea fans, and lots of intact shells for those that are hobbyists. You can't beat the entrance fee. $3 for one person per vehicle and then $6 for 2 or more. And that includes parking and access to the park ALL DAY, plus the parking is ridiculously convenient. It's almost like you think a piano is going to fall on your head for the ease to get to a damn beach! To get to this parking you just drive straight after the entrance and it's your first right. Then walk a short boardwalk, a bridge over a inter coastal where people kayak and paddle board. Pass the bathrooms and a shower to your left (which I almost never have to wait around for someone to finish using). And there you are, in paradise! TIPS***If you think of bringing your pup(s) like I was, the website was not clear about pets. So I would recommend you call. BUT I did see footprints in the sand of a dog lol so unsure. They do permit coolers on the beach but there are signs for no alcoholic beverages. I have seen rangers drive around to check up on people so do be careful what you bring! Oh, and it is very close to the airport so it can be loud! But during off season it's not bad. I went on a Sunday after Thanksgiving and it was nonstop!
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Sam K.

Yelp
Since I've moved to Florida 13 years ago, this has consistently been one of my favorite parks to visit when I want to go to the beach or go fishing. There is a very long beach, with bathrooms at every entrance, a great jetty for fishing, and it's also really close to walk from the southern-most point to the Quarterdeck that sits on the pier. Quarterdeck isn't anything that special in terms of food, but they do have a lot of options, and it's right on the water. I actually met my wife there for the first time 9 years ago! I've also done 2 beach cleanups here. It's a really special park to me, and I hope that anyone who reads this and decides to go will find the same for themselves.
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Yu X.

Yelp
This park is nice and quiet compared to a lot of other tourist areas. You can pay $4 for a while day's parking. You can do boating on the river, fishing at the Oceanside or just spacing out for a few hours listing to the wave.
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Jo H.

Yelp
Taking a drive along N. Ocean Drive on a hot Sunday afternoon, it seems as if everyone was on the beach. Arriving close to the Von D. Mizell and Eula Johnson State Park (man that's a mouth full) which used to be called John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, I had to wait in line to pay before entering the park. There were two lanes. The left lane accepted cash and credit while the right lane is cash only. The park admission is as follows: * $2.00 for pedestrians and bicyclists * $4.00 for a single person in a vehicle * $6.00 for multiple people in a vehicle. Maximum of 8 people A friend of mine was having her birthday party at the George and Agnes Burrows Pavilion. The parking lot leading to the pavilion was very big and luckily wasn't full. The pavilion was large with plenty of table seating to accommodate 20-35 people, and a nice size grill. There were other groups of people nearby grilling and enjoying themselves in this humid weather. Overlooking the beach, it wasn't so crowded. People were either sitting under umbrellas, laying or playing in the sand, or swimming in the water. There were cargo ships and cruise ships heading out to sea. My time spent at the park was both enjoyable and relaxing. I've met some interesting people, had good conversation, and ate delicious food. Would definitely consider coming back.
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Garrett Z.

Yelp
Due to Covid-19, a lot was closed down like the Jetty Pier and other public areas. The beach itself was pretty non-existent because the water was pretty high and the waves were rough, on the plus side there was little to no seaweed! If you want something hard to drink you can walk to their snack shake to get a beer and maybe catch sight of a Manatee, which we unfortunately did not see while there. My favorite part of this beach was that the picnic tables are right next to the beach and give a great view of ocean while you picnic. Parking is $6 for the whole day so that is pretty affordable compared to some of the public city lots. Is this the best beach in the Fort Lauderdale area? No, but it is something different if you are looking for a great place to watch boats come into port or are looking to mix up your beach going experiences.
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Reixa C.

Yelp
Used to be called John U. Lloyd Park, now it's the Von D. Mizell and Eula Johnson State Park. If you want to get good parking and not wait on the one way line to get in, arrive early. I paid $4.00 for a single car occupant. It is $6.00 for 2 people or more. BRING CASH. I drove all the way to the end by Nova's Oceanographic Center since I was here for a triathlon practice run. I had to change into a bathing suit and running gear. There was spacious clean bathrooms which is a plus. We rode our bikes a few times around and then exited the park to go to the pier at Dania. We stopped at the gate to let the staff know we were doing this since we did not bring our ticket with us. You can re-enter the park with your ticket all day. After training, I decided to drive to Whiskey Creek Hideout inside the park and lay out for a few hours. There's a restaurant near by and you can also rent kayaks, canoes and paddleboards here. There are plenty of picnic tables and pavilions for rent. There was a wedding right where I was. Pretty cool.
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Skye A.

Yelp
My family loves coming to this spot with their boat. Our most recent visit, we decided to drive to the park and meet them. The entrance fee was $6.00 for our car. The line was pretty long going in. When we got towards the front, you could see the once line was forming into two lines. What you couldn't see were the small paper signs at the booths saying that the left lane accepted cash/card and the right only took cash. The signs are placed way too far back to be beneficial to anyone, and are both on the sides the booths are on. By the time you can see them, you are at the gate. Thankfully my husband had cash on him. I haven't had a chance to go through the entire park yet. There were people riding their bikes. I'm pretty sure there are trails. There are different lots for the different areas of the park. We were heading to lot B where Whiskey Creek is. That is the area where the boats can pull up. There are a ton of picnic tables after you park and start walking towards the beach. One side has the beach, and there is a sign for Whiskey Creek where the boats pull up. There are several entrances to the beach depending on where you want to enter. The shade is limited. There is a restaurant near Whiskey Creek. When I ate there on my prior visit, the food was really good and reasonable. The park prohibits you bringing in alcohol, but you can buy beers at the restaurant. If you stay on your boat, you can drink it there too. There are restrooms at the restaurant. The one con is there are no showers to rinse yourself off or your stuff (chairs, kids toys, etc.). My family brings their canoes and paddle board, and there are mangroves near Whiskey Creek you can go in. They also go back and forth in the Whiskey Creek area. The tide goes out, and it gets really shallow. The one down side to that is the water also gets dark and murky when that happens. Families flock to this park. There were tons of people BBQ'ing, dancing, and having a good time. The water at this Dania Beach Park is beautiful, but when we were there seaweed was everywhere. Not only did it cover almost all of the beach, but the water was filled with it too. For the most part, people are respectful of each other. We did encounter people who came in blaring their music assuming everyone wanted to hear what they were playing and a battle of boat stereos occurred. There is always one in the crowd who disrupts the good time. Just be mindful of others. It's respectful.
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Brittany W.

Yelp
Beautiful state park! I could be a little biased considering I used to work for the state park system! I came to this one for a late night/after hours party last night; which was very cold! Apparently there was also a wedding going on too last night. The gate attendant was super friendly and very informative. He made us feel very welcomed. Made sure that we knew where we were going and provided us with directions. The beach itself was beautiful. My son was very eager to get in the water with his shirt and shorts. I would certainly come back to this location just to experience it in the day time and the beach.
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Marqus R.

Yelp
Most of the time I come into this park by boat, swing off of the Intracoastal onto Whiskey Creek where there is a boat dock (only a couple of boats can fit), boat ramps and often times to the relief and delight of my beer drinking passengers, rest room facilities. I can also continue just a short way on up Whiskey Creek (supposedly deriving its name from the "Rum Runner Days" of prohibition) just past the Loggerhead Café, pulling the bow of my boat up onto the sandy shores of the creek. The area was once far more beautiful than it is today, having had huge spreading Australian pines offering plenty of shade but someone of the powers to be thought it good to cut down and destroy all of those magnificent shade trees deeming them "invasive" and replace them with native Florida trees and plants. Well, unfortunately as any old native of the area will tell you, the native flora along our beachside was always of a rather scrubby nature, offering little if any shade and generally rather lacking in beauty. The park also offers some good amenities such as the Loggerhead Café. The food isn't anything to brag about but the setting is pleasant, the food though nothing exemplarily is more than adequate, it's outside decking pleasant and there is a nearby rental for canoes. And yes! My favorite! It offers some great opportunities for wildlife (no silly, not beer parties), as in bird and manatee, if you're lucky, observations.
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Alon Z.

Yelp
Came here on a Sunday. Waited in line of cars for about 15 minutes so it was not too bad. I'm sure is a lot better to come during the week days or very early on the weekend. The beaches were pretty crowded until I walk or south and then it started to open up a bit so I can find a bit of space. There is a lot of seaweed or whatever you call it that brown stuff lining the whole beach but you can just step over it. In any case it doesn't hurt your feet. $4 entry if solo or $6 if more than 1 person I believe. Definitely a nice place to see the cruise ships depart. The only reason I didn't give it five stars because the waters at least after 4 PM are loaded with seaweed and many places are at rocky so you must watch your feet when going into the ocean. Also the flight path for one of the nearby airports is right overhead so every few minutes there is a commercial airliner going by and with the noise it makes
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SamKat P.

Yelp
For someone who is willing to pay $6 for a little seclusion, this is the place for you. Especially if you come on a weekday, prepare for SPACE! South Florida has SO MANY PEOPLE. It can be overwhelming to live here at times. This park is a great respite. Beautiful (though somewhat unkempt) beach, more for exploring than sunbathing. Lots of great shells, lots of birds and wildlife!
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Bill W.

Yelp
A beautiful strip of barrier island beach! This beach is truly a hidden gem, with great surf, swaying palms, and picturesque native vegetation. Near a shipping channel, this affords interesting views of massive cargo ships coming into port. If you're lucky, you might catch sight of a U.S. Nuclear submarine maneuvering right off shore here. A Florida state park, there are pavilion facilities here for large get-togethers. 2016 edit... due to surf from this year's Hurricane Matthew, the beach is a bit eroded. The benefit is that the sand offshore creates shallow flats, making the surf a bit steeper. Since the storm lots of jetsam on the beach is from the Carribbean, so it's an interesting assortment that didn't exist previously. Still a beautiful place.
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Nicole V.

Yelp
My friend planned a picnic here and rented the Pelican Pavilion for the day. We paid $6 to enter the park because we were 4 people. My friend who arrived an hour prior to me paid $4 as a single person but said the line was painfully long and slow and to stick to the right and pay cash because that line moved much faster. However by the time we arrived there was no line. We made our way through the park which is no longer named John Lloyd- imagine that! It was changed in the summer of 2016 and obviously not highly publicized because even Yelp had the old name! For my whole life it's been John Lloyd and to call it Von D. Mizell and Eula Johnson State Park seems weird and lengthy! On to the park itself... our pavilion was nice. It was steps away from the beach. There was major erosion so a huge drop to get down to the beach and no stairs so be careful! There was a little bit of seaweed but once you passed it the water was crystal clear. We could see cargo ships and cruise ships alike heading out to sea- the location was great. We bbq'd- that was not covered so if it rains, I guess you'd need a tent or something to protect the grill. The restroom was just a short walk away. It was relatively clean for a park bathroom but there were a few stalls missing doors. It was a fantastic day and I highly recommend getting outside and seeing the fantastic views!
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Vandana P.

Yelp
This is a beautiful little park! We came here just to hang out and eat some food, and of course.. fish! There is a board walk and little bank areas where you can meet the water. However the best fishing spot was by a rocky area down to the back of the park. There is lots of wild life, beware. There were like 3 iguanas stalking us for food. There is running water but you need to bring your own pipe thing? You have to see it to know what I'm talking about. Cute little park to hang for a day, the beach isn't far from here either.
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Dave O.

Yelp
This is a beautiful beach, there's not a lot of people, there's not a lot of noise, and there's not much going on, the hot sugar sand squeaks as your bare feet leads you to the water's edge. The crystal clear water totally engulfs your body as you wade in, you can taste the salt on your lips as you're raptured from the breaking waves as if you've just breached the surface of paradise... I'm getting sun, getting tan, and I ain't worked in a week, Yeah, I'm somewhere on a beach...
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Tyler H.

Yelp
Best place for RVs I all of Miami!!!! Only $6, and there is WiFi, garbage bins, picnic areas, grills, and outdoor showers!!!
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Tanja N.

Yelp
Recently renamed, this park now carries name of the civil rights movement leaders that in '50s and '60s lead protest to desegregate South Florida beaches. It used to be county's designated colored' beach and today this beachside park is a wonderful example of undeveloped coastal ecosystem in Broward County. Park is located just south of Port Everglades, so there is usually several large ships that can be seen entering or leaving the port. If you drive to the most northern point of the park, right across the Nova Southeastern University campus is the parking lot that gives you the access to wave to those transatlantic beasts. There are beach bbqs all over the park, and for the ones looking into concessions, great casual restaurant with outdoor only seating overlooking the beach and small waterways is available. There you can also rent paddle boards, kayaks, canoes .. etc and spend your day exploring the park that way.
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Bruce L.

Yelp
Great place to get away from the tourists. Locals love it..bought a year long state pass. Great to just drive in..

Nikki R.

Yelp
We have been here before. It's ok. Today we had a weird experience at the gate. I'm active duty military. My family member told me to show my aid at the gate because active military and disabled vets got free entry. When we arrived, we showed the gentleman at the gate my military ID and he stared at us and said 'what am I looking at? I don't know what you're showing me' and stared us us with a really rude look. I said , 'oh, it's my military ID, I thought military and disabled vets got free passes?'' He just kept staring at us with an annoyed look. I got my debit card out and said, 'it's ok, I guess I was wrong' and he said 'I don't know what you're talking about I've never heard of that. We don't do that here.' I just apologized and he was like staring a hole into us. I started to hand him my debit card because we were just embarrassed and wanted to move on and he said 'just go!' 'Just go!' Very angrily. It was very rude and awkward. He definitely could have been a bit kinder, I don't understand the rudeness.
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Kevin D.

Yelp
Well I kind of wrote about John U Lloyd Beach State Park on my review of the Nova Southeastern University Oceanic Center as this is located in the park. It's a beautiful park with the intracoastal on one side and the ocean on the other side. From this park you could see cruise ships leaving the port as well as on the intracoastal side you could see boats and other watercraft going along. Some people actually go sit on the benches along the intracoastal to watch these boats go by. The park also allows for a great family outing as there are built in pits for bar b que and grilling. It is very family oriented, you could feel safe there as well because park rangers are constantly monitoring the activities of its guests. Parking is not a hassle as there are lots of parking, of course if you go on a busy day you may have to get there early as you would imagine the crowds. The park is located off Ocean Boulevard and 65th in Hollywood and makes for a good family outing. Would definitely recommend going if you have not been and for all those park freaks note that the name of the park is going to be changed to the Dr Von D Mizell Eula Johnson State Park so get your park books stamped with the old name then come back for the stamp with the new name. Happy travels!!!!!
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Dawn E.

Yelp
This is my childhood beach. It wasn't the closest beach for use to get to, but it was the best. My mom would always drive the extra couple of miles to get here. The park is clean and the water is warm and you feel like you're in the great outdoors at the beach instead of being surrounded by villas and condos. I can't think of a better way for a family to spend a warm summer day than picnicking and swimming at John U Llyod State Park.
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Clarissa K.

Yelp
The perfect beach and state park. They lose a star for the beach erosion so very little beach in some spots. Perhaps they should guide you where there is beach to lay out in and where not to go. Otherwise it is great plenty of parking even in season on a holiday week. The beach itself and surrounding areas are clean. Plenty of places to bar b q. This beach is particularly special as I got married here earlier this year at sunset. Suggested by our photographer perfect for photo opportunities.
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Jim M.

Yelp
A great beach state park to go to for a day out with the family, friends or just to chill at the beach. There are pavilions available on the beach that you can reserve. There is a small fee for entrance to the park: Admission Fee: $6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle. $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass. Boat Launch Fee: $9.00 If you're interested in watching the ships leave port in the evenings, the Jetty at the far north end. In the fall/winter you will see anywhere for 4-6 ships leaving from port on a typical weekend. The park is well maintained and in fact last year they did some remodeling of the bathrooms. The rangers are always very friendly when you drive up and have a great personality and willingness to answer any questions you might have. Looking forward to our next great day at the John U Lloyd Beach State Park.
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Kandy K.

Yelp
The best kids party spot ever! We had so much fun at Max's 5th birthday pirate party at John Lloyd park. The staff was super helpful and very kind. The Manatee Pavilion was perfect! It couldn't have been any better! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed theirselves. We will definitely host more parties here in the future. Thanks so much for treating our event like royalty! It was a really nice and large pavilion with water and power provided.... and the most helpful employees . They were absolutely fabulous! They were so kind to us. I highly recommend this place for any event. You won't be disappointed! Five stars! Thanks to all the staff for making Max's 5th birthday party so memorable! We had a blast!
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Sheryl R.

Yelp
We love walking along the canals and out to the ocean. We admire birds and other wildlife, and the occasional human. Once in a while we rent kayaks and get a closer view. Since we must listen to them flying over, we even perversely enjoy trying to ID the airliners landing at FLL.
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Veronica S.

Yelp
I loved this park and beach. It was clean and well maintained. It seems to be a great secret gem as there was barely anyone there on a beautiful Sunday. They only accept cash for entry to the park.
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Angie I.

Yelp
I've been going to this park with family for years now. On a recent trip, I realized it's not as well kept as it used to be. It looks like it's still a great place for kayaking and boating, but if you're here for the beach, there are nicer beaches to go to in the area. The entrance to come into the park is $6 per vehicle (up to 6 people) and parking is plentiful and easy. Once you arrive to the picnic area called the "whiskey creek hideout", you'll find plenty of picnic tables right by the beach. It really is a great location for family get togethers or birthday parties. I've always liked this beach as a kid friendly option. It's usually quieter and more peaceful than other beaches in Miami. While that is still true, there is SO much seaweed that we really could not enjoy our experience this time. I'm not sure why there is no maintenance, but it really ruined our family day here (see pics). If you are coming for kayaking or the restaurant you'll be fine, but I don't recommend coming here for the beach.
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Sue W.

Yelp
Beautiful park , very friendly people at the beach. You can drink, eat , swim, fish and launch a boat. It's not got the cleanest bathrooms and there are surprisingly no trash cans along the non trafficked areas on the Atlantic Ocean. Also it's on the flight pattern do wear your headphones.
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Patricia S.

Yelp
$4 for one person/vehicle. Not too bad. 3 stars based on my short walk from Pelican Pavilion. It's a long stretch of roads that have pavilions spaced out. This park is near the Port Everglades. Overcast continued, but the weather felt nice. Cool and breezy. Much to my surprise, I found a bunch of sponges and coral remains on the shore. During my walk, I saw several lovely nature artworks on the sand. I felt inspired to do one myself. Although the park is filled with interesting shells and creatures, there is some trash on tangled with the seaweed. I saw a hermit burrowing into the sand, a dead small crab, and a fish head. All random. Shells were pretty.
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Kelsie D.

Yelp
We wanted to go on a bike ride and were very disappointed when all this park was was a place to park n go to the beach.we did no it was a beach park n wasted 6 dollars when I should of been free
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Diana S.

Yelp
This a serene beach park with amazing wildlife. I've seen manatees,birds, starfish, crabs, iguanas and many fish. The sand area is wide, there are boardwalks and the parking is decent. I took one star off because of the noise pollution from the airplanes flying above . * If you go there - Please don't bring your dogs with you and pick up your trash. This is an state park ;)!
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Abigail T.

Yelp
My favorite place to go down near Pembroke Pines/Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. I presume it gets very busy in the Summer, but wow, it is amazing in January and February! Just pay the guard at the entrance, enjoy a nice drive to any of the many parking areas. Cant go wrong! Bring your own drinks and snacks. Pura vida. They also have restrooms at one of the parking areas!
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Floyd R.

Yelp
This is a great park with a beautiful beach and restroom facilities. WARNING: I was pulling out of the parking lot and driving A SAFE speed of 25 MPH. As soon as I drove past the first speed limit sign that said 15MPG there are flashing lights behind me. I received a traffic violation stating "Speed too fast for condition special hazard" "Bicyclist and pedestrians present on recreational road" There were no bicyclist or pedestrians present at the time and there was no speed limit sign from the time I pulled out of the parking lot until I was pulled over. In my opinion this is a tourist trap and I just wanted to warn you so the same doesn't happen to you.
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Emily R.

Yelp
We were so happy to find this place and will definitely be back again! Nice beaches and the rangers were really friendly.
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Cassandra E.

Yelp
Running on the sand will kick your butt. Running on the sand at this park will still kick your butt (and thighs, hamstrings, calves and so on), but with breathtaking views if you are an ocean lover/beach bunny like me. From parking lot #1 all the way to the jetty at the other end of the sand it's about 2.2 miles. Round trip (back and forth) equals 4.4 miles... And makes for a helluva a great run! My whole lower body was sore the next day! Sea oats and restored beach land on one side, sandy beach on the other if you're running beside the ocean. A few yards back a beautiful green palms and tropically wooded area leads to another less sandy trail (which makes for an easier and sturdier ground to run on). Further back along that trail are outlets to the bridges over natural intercostal swamp like views that lead to various parking lots. There are plenty of spaces; at least when I went on a hot (82 degrees) winter day in January there were. I saw a handful of families swimming, walking and playing in the sand, or even fishing from the jetty. There were also plenty of clean public restrooms near each parking lot (towards the sand across the bridge). I paid $4 to get into the park. I am not sure if I would pay it ALL the time, but it's totally worth at least a visit or two. This has definitely been one of the most serene visits I've had to a beach in Southern Florida, thus far. Enjoy!
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Frank B.

Yelp
Many people don't know about this hidden Florida State Park. Plenty of gorgeous beaches and picnic areas. Also you have the Intracoastal waterway. There is a jetty that you can fish from that is located right at the heart of Port Everglades. This is a beautiful park to have an early lunch or just relax at the beach. Also, a tidbit of information that people don't know about this location: The park includes "Whiskey Creek", an inlet which serves as a manatee sanctuary. Remember there is a cost ($) : ~ $6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. ~ $4.00 Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle. ~ $2.00 Pedestrians and bicyclists ... but it is well worth it if you consider that is all day parking vs. other beaches with parking meters. (Suggestion: Best time to go is Monday through Thursday to avoid crowds) Cheers!