Florida's Underrated Beach Town Is A Walkable Getaway With Retro Vibes & Seaside Charm

"Relax ... you're here." Lauderdale-By-The-Sea's motto already telegraphs the vibe that you are about to encounter. A combination of small town charm with a world-class beach makes this an underrated winter getaway beloved by travelers and worth discovering. Plus the laid back atmosphere and sheer variety of fun things to do for all ages make this one of Florida's best beaches that are fun for the whole family.

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea doesn't shout for attention. Under 10 miles north of Fort Lauderdale, it's one of many overlooked Florida beach towns to visit and may surprise tourists who associate South Florida with super-yacht glitz and pulsating nightlife. Unlike many seafront towns overrun with towering hotels and skyscrapers, the city set a maximum building height of three stories in the 1970s. The absence of massive resorts, chain stores, and high-rise condos preserves its unique identity but also means this unpretentious getaway doesn't attract the same level of attention as its more publicized neighbors.

The main gathering point is the intersection of Commercial Boulevard, running east-west, and El Mar Drive, which stretches along almost 3 miles of seashore. The Beach Pavilion has become a social hub to meet, rest, or people-watch. Sitting around is taken seriously here, encouraged by Adirondack chairs and umbrellas painted in bright playground colors. A day in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea doesn't look very different today than it did mid-century. You can start your day nursing a coffee before strolling on the beach. Then go for a swim or snorkel in the afternoon, or read a book with your toes in the golden sand until it's cocktail o'clock, watching the surf anglers cast their fishing lines as the dusk paints the sky lavender. 

One thing that makes this beach even more entertaining is that it's not uncommon to see a neoprene-clad figure waddling out of the water in full scuba gear. While the Florida Keys attract divers from around the world, it's also easy it is to access a top-notch diving experience here in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, which has gained the nickname of "Florida's Beach Diving Capital." 

Elbow Reef sits right off the main pier, teeming with tropical fish, spiny lobsters, and even the occasional sea turtle.You can swim out to it in five minutes without the need to hire a charter boat. A little further afield but less than a mile offshore lies the wreck of the SS Copenhagen. The British steamship sank here in 1900, and is now an Underwater Archaeological Preserve thriving with sealife that attracts 10,000 visitors every year. South of Anglin's Fishing Pier, the snorkel trail is distinctively marked with a buoy and markers, and is just 10 feet deep, making it easy to explore.

Sadly, the iconic pier was compromised by a tropical storm in 2017 and suffered further hurricane damage in 2022 that washed away its mid-section. The private owners have vowed to rebuild it, although it may still be some years before this centerpiece of the boardwalk is restored to its former glory. The entrance section of the pier is still intact and features a popular beach bar, tightly integrated with the pavilion and the commercial area, making it easy to get around on foot or by bike — no car needed. There is also the free Pelican Hopper shuttle, that takes you to the main points of interest every 45 minutes, or you can wave down the 100% electric free rides available in town. 

As a natural continuation of the old pier, Commercial Boulevard stretches west in a bustling promenade lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and every type of snack and sweet treat known to beach life. The retro souvenir shops, with their seashell motifs and neon souvenirs, share the pedestrian-friendly scene with trendy cafes and gelato parlors, traditional pubs and sports bars, and beach supplies and dive shops. What you don't see is the big box stores that are prevalent in the bigger resorts, nor the food chains. There is a strong presence of independent shops that contribute to the town's distinct local flavor.

The center is packed tight with charming restaurants and waterfront spots where the owners mingle with locals, tourists, divers, and beach bums alike. As for local institutions, the Sea Watch on the Ocean is a stalwart on the waterfront with an Old Florida feel and spectacular setting with an uninterrupted view of the ocean. For generous informal meals, there are too many choices to count but don't miss this beloved local eatery. Unlike trendy brunch spots, the Village Grille & Pump has been keeping it simple, affordable, and consistently tasty since 1949. If you are craving old-school Florida vibes in a prime location, this is the spot.

Unlike its flashier neighbors, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea moves at its own pace, with a flip-flops and T-shirt dress code. The family festival atmosphere never stops. Everywhere you turn, there is a community-driven event, holiday, or parade, from yoga by the beach to food tastings and farmer's markets — you name it. The vintage Florida charm, stunning seascapes, and quiet confidence without the hype, is exactly why it's worth discovering this well-kept secret getaway before the rest of the world finds out.