Daren R.
Yelp
ICONIC FT LAUD BEACH...
Hands down the best beach in the tri-county area. Fort Lauderdale Beach consists of a stretch of brown sand at 24 miles long, far larger than Miami's internationally known South Beach at a tiny 2 miles long.
The FT LAUD beach hosts the long time legendary "STRIP". In 1985, the Ft Laud Mayor made it clear that spring breakers from colleges around the nation were not welcomed any longer, after too many crazy parties, and passed a ban prohibiting overnight parking and open alcohol consumption (I remember this day, and it sucked) BUT, if the hotels modernize their crumbling properties, in exchange they were allowed to have outside patio bars and restaurant seating.
Today, the Fort Lauderdale Strip is booming again, almost too busy. The parking situation is horrible and stressful. Recommend to find space in the parking garage first thing in the morning, if not, good luck and the hunt begins. There are several open pay parking lot near the Elbo Room - center strip, but be prepared to be sticker shock by the cost for the day.
A plethora of decent hotels on Ft Lauderdale Beach. The W Hotel is one of the nicer hotels with a great lounge and good customer service at their private pool. The Beach Place venue is center stage for fun activities. This two story building has a hotel and several commercial restaurants and bars including the long standing Hooters and the Taco Bell Cantina which both sell food and alcohol. They have several trinket and sugary treat vendors on the first floor.
Basically, any spot in the sand that you take refuge on the beach you will have a beautiful view of the blue ocean while cruise ships, speed boats and yachts pass by with a few para gliders and plenty of swimmers. Just wish there were less jelly fish.