Pompano Beach

Pompano Beach is located where the Gulf Stream bends making the ocean waters clear and warm, right between Hillsboro Beach and Fort Lauderdale beach. The warmer waters make for an abundance of pompano, the inshore tropical game fish from which the beach gets its name. Whether on the golden sands of the shore or out into the ocean, Pompano Beach is a prime spot for fun things to do including water sports and tours.

Things to Do

Get the crew to together for beach volleyball, or take the kids to the many playgrounds and an interactive water fountain with ocean views. Go surfing, paddleboarding, or kayaking to enjoy the clear waters. Cut your own path on a jet ski, or try out kitesurfing, letting the ocean breeze guide you over the water.

As the wreck capital of Florida, scuba divers in Pompano Beach can enjoy the many natural coral reefs reachable from the shore, or head to the wrecks of Shipwreck Park like the Lady Luck and Okinawa for a unique combination of underwater art installation, marine conservation, and scuba attraction. For SCUBA lessons and dive trips, book with South Florida Diving Headquarters.

For a unique outing, book a fishing charter during a visit to Pompano Beach, no fishing license required. The Hillsboro Inlet Fishing Center in Pompano Beach has a modern fishing fleet that can take you out to Sailfish Alley, a section of water inside the Gulf Stream that brings sport fish into Hillsboro Inlet.

Events

Pompano Beach is the spot to be every spring for seafood and fishing. In late April, the Pompano Beach Seafood Festival is a three-day feast of live music, arts and crafts, and seafood. Cruise multiple music stages with national acts while you take in the freshest seafood around.

The third weekend in May, sports fishing is in full swing during the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo, an annual showcase of local fishing charter boats held for more than 50 years. Hundreds of anglers compete in this tournament, while spectators and fishing enthusiasts come to watch the boats go out from Hillsboro Inlet.

Restaurants

You don’t have to leave the beach for a fantastic meal. The Pompano Beach Fishing Village is a new development featuring a restoration of the Pompano Fishing Pier and beach dunes. The Fishing Village is a walkable beachfront offering casual and upscale dining including Beach House Pompano with spectacular ocean views, dishes made from scratch, a wood-burning grill, and signature cocktails. For a local hangout, grab drinks and a meal at the Briny Irish Pub Pompano, serving surf-and-turf and traditional Irish cuisine. AND Fish Kitchen + Bar, located inside the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort, is a great place for casual dining and freshly caught seafood.

Hotels

Plan your visit to Pompano Beach by booking a stay at your choice of oceanfront hotels, resorts, and vacation homes. Consider the Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach/Oceanfront or Wyndham Sea Gardens for full-service hotels with resort-style amenities. And for Superior Small Lodging in Pompano Beach, you can find and book vacation accommodations with fewer rooms and personalized service.