Dania Beach, the first city in Broward County, may be part of the South Florida metropolitan area but still retains a small-town feel. It’s a popular place to escape to for relaxing and sporty activities in nature.
Start your tour of Dania Beach at the seemingly endless Dania Beach Fishing Pier in Dania Beach Ocean Park opposite the Dania Beach Municipal Marina. Throw a line in yourself to hook a few fish or find a quieter spot on the fishing dock among the mangroves in Dania Cove Park, established on the site of a historic Native American midden.
Next to the marina, the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park commemorates the 1960s wade-in protests by local African Americans to desegregate Fort Lauderdale’s “white beaches.” After cooling off in the Atlantic Ocean, rent a kayak, bike or stand-up paddleboard, or simply enjoy watching the cruise ships and naval vessels of nearby Port Everglades.
In the city itself is Chester Byrd Park, a nice family park with a playground, outdoor sports facilities and shaded picnic areas. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the nearby Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts (WMODA). Admire the British ceramics and glass art and don’t miss the ornate Carnival in Venicedisplay, an exceptional example of Spanish art porcelain.
At the end of the afternoon, stroll along the lively Dania Beach Boulevard to find a restaurant for dinner. For dessert, visit the Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor, a local legend that transports you back in time with its collections of automobile license plates and other retro memorabilia.
After dinner, enjoy watching the fast-paced sport of Jai-alai, which is still a hit in this part of Florida. The Dania Jai-alai sports facility in the Casino at Dania Beach complex allows you to place bets on the live games at night.
Danai Beach sits between Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood in Florida. The city is easy to reach by car via the main interstate highway on the U.S. East Coast. The nearest airport is the Fort Lauderdale International Airport, which is just minutes away from Danai Beach by car. The marina is open to those who arrive here by yacht.
