Sight guide · Fort Lauderdale · United States
Visiting Fort Lauderdale Beach and the A1A promenade
The city's main beach runs for several kilometres along A1A, with lifeguard towers, showers and a promenade behind a curving white wave wall.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: KeanoManu, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Fort Lauderdale Beach and the A1A promenade is a beach in Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fort Lauderdale. Allow half a day; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Beach
- Area
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, outdoors and kids
- Best months
- January–March
Plan a trip to Fort Lauderdale
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About Fort Lauderdale Beach and the A1A promenade
The city's main beach runs for several kilometres along A1A, with lifeguard towers, showers and a promenade behind a curving white wave wall. Las Olas Beach, where the boulevard meets the sea, was the 1960s spring-break scene made famous by the film Where the Boys Are; today it is a family and resort beach.
Tip: Head north towards Sunrise Boulevard and beyond for more space; the stretch near Las Olas is the busiest.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Fort Lauderdale Beach, oceanfront hotels, beach bars and the wave-wall promenade along A1A.
Best time to visit Fort Lauderdale Beach and the A1A promenade
Fort Lauderdale Beach and the A1A promenade is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- February: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- January: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- March: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, very busy crowds.
When to visit Fort Lauderdale has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Fort Lauderdale itinerary visits Fort Lauderdale Beach and the A1A promenade on day 1, together with Jungle Queen Riverboat, Bonnet House Museum and Gardens and Las Olas Boulevard.
- No. 1 of the 16 sights in our Fort Lauderdale things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Fort Lauderdale.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Fort Lauderdale.
- A family favourite in Fort Lauderdale with kids.
Near Fort Lauderdale Beach and the A1A promenade
Also in Fort Lauderdale Beach, so you can walk between them:
- Bonnet House Museum and Gardens — 2 hours, mid-priced
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park — 2 hours, low cost
- Jungle Queen Riverboat — 1.5–4 hours, mid-priced
If you like Fort Lauderdale Beach and the A1A promenade
- Riverwalk and Stranahan House — Las Olas and Downtown, 1.5 hours
- Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park — Dania Beach, 2–3 hours
- Flamingo Gardens — Davie, 2–3 hours
- Hollywood Beach Broadwalk — Hollywood Beach, 2 hours
Staying near Fort Lauderdale Beach and the A1A promenade
Stay in Fort Lauderdale Beach ($$$) to walk here: oceanfront hotels, beach bars and the wave-wall promenade along A1A. All areas to stay in Fort Lauderdale.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Fort Lauderdale Beach and the A1A promenade?
Plan half a day. With Bonnet House Museum and Gardens nearby, it fits a half-day in Fort Lauderdale Beach.
+Is Fort Lauderdale Beach and the A1A promenade free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale Beach and the A1A promenade?
January–March for the most comfortable weather. Head north towards Sunrise Boulevard and beyond for more space; the stretch near Las Olas is the busiest.
+Do I need to book Fort Lauderdale Beach and the A1A promenade in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.
+Is Fort Lauderdale Beach and the A1A promenade good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale suits families who want beach time with easy extras: lifeguarded beaches, a science museum, Water Taxi rides and wildlife parks within half an hour.