If you're looking for a South Florida destination that mixes laid-back beach vibes with vibrant attractions and diverse dining, Pompano Beach is calling your name! While this area of South Florida is not always the obvious first choice, it should be high on your list. Pompano Beach is home to amazing restaurants, fun beachside-bars, incredible scenery, great shopping and you guessed it – the beach. It's also a short drive away from all the popular Fort Lauderdale sights and only an hour north of Miami. This area has a much more relaxed, laid-back vibe, making it a great spot for a family vacation. Read on for everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Pompano Beach, whether you're a family, couple, or solo adventurer. Popular Attractions in Pompano Beach Pompano Beach Pier The Pompano Beach Pier, also known as the Fisher Family Pier, is a walkable promenade home to casual and upscale dining, fun bars, beautiful ocean views, and one of South Florida's most popular beaches. Grab a drink at Lucky Fish, right on the sand, and let the salty breeze relax you. Or for a nice meal with a view, head to Oceanic and enjoy fresh seafood with a side of ocean views. Trust me, you'll want to bring your camera because the sunsets here are unbeatable! Historic Ali Cultural Arts Center Pompano Beach isn't just about sand and surf – it's rich in history and culture, too. The Historic Ali Cultural Arts Center is a must-visit for art lovers and anyone interested in African American culture. This center frequently hosts exhibitions, performances, and workshops, showcasing the talents of local and international artists. I attended a jazz performance here, and it was one of the highlights of my trip. Check their calendar, as there's always something exciting on. Pompano Beach Amphitheater For music lovers, the Pompano Beach Amphitheater – affectionately known as “The Amp” – is where it's at. This outdoor venue attracts big-name and local performers with a variety of music genres, from rock to reggae. The open-air setting combined with Florida's breezy evenings creates an electric atmosphere. Pack a blanket, some snacks, and settle in for a memorable night under the stars with great music. Hillsboro Lighthouse Drive by the beautiful Hillsboro Lighthouse and enjoy the breathtaking view. It's truly stunning from afar, but for those who can make it on a monthly tour day, getting up close is even more magical. You can only access the lighthouse by boat, which adds a bit of adventure to the day. If you're lucky enough to be in the area on a tour day, make a day out of it and bring a picnic, find a cozy spot, and take in the view of this iconic piece of Florida history. Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA) For art enthusiasts, Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA) is the creative heart of Pompano Beach. Located in a historic building, this space offers rotating exhibitions, art classes, lectures, and workshops. I spent an afternoon here, exploring local artwork and even joined a pottery class – it was a blast! BaCA fosters a welcoming community, and you may even get to meet one of the artists in residence working on-site. Exploring the Ocean Watersports in the Ocean Water activities are at the heart of any Pompano Beach vacation. On the beach, watersports include everything from jet skiing to paddleboarding. I tried parasailing here, and the view of the coastline from so high above was breathtaking. One highly-rated equipment rental company is American Watersports. Whether you're looking for a thrilling jet ski ride or a peaceful paddleboard session, there's something for everyone. FORCE-E - Pompano Beach If you're into diving or want to try it, FORCE-E is the go-to dive shop in Pompano Beach. They offer scuba courses and guided dives. Since Pompano Beach is famous for its vibrant reefs and shipwrecks just off the coast, it's a perfect spot for diving. The underwater world here is teeming with life, and you might even spot a sea turtle or two! Top Resorts and Accommodation Club Wyndham Sea Gardens Club Wyndham Sea Gardens is a beachfront property with plenty of amenities and activities. This resort has six different buildings: two right on the beach and the other four just a short walk from the sand. There are three swimming pools, tennis courts, an on-site spa, café, a tiki bar with live music and happy hour, a resort activities program, and watersport rentals available on the beach. If you love hanging out at your resort while on vacation and are always looking for fun on-site activities, this resort is a great option for you. All of the accommodations at Club Wyndham Sea Gardens are condo-style suites. I stayed in a one bedroom suite appointed with a full kitchen, dining area, living room, private balcony, bedroom and bathroom (with a gorgeous whirlpool tub). The bed was SO comfortable and the suite had everything I needed to feel like my home away from home! This resort is for you if: you're looking for spacious suites near the beach, like having everything you need on-site, and want to be close to multiple restaurants as well as Pompano Beach attractions. Club Wyndham Royal Vista If staying right on the beach is a priority, Club Wyndham Royal Vista is the spot for you. You can't get any closer to Pompano Beach, and the oceanfront suites have the most amazing view. Spend the day soaking up the Florida sun in one of two swimming pools, or step right off the pool deck onto the beach. There you'll find a tiki bar with live music and happy hour as well as watersport rentals available. If you're hungry, grab a sandwich at The Bucket List Café, which also has some of the best macaroons I've ever tasted. Take in the ocean views on the rooftop sundeck, or talk to the on-site concierge for your activity needs. This resort is also a short drive away from the Pompano Beach Family Pier, which is home to some of the best restaurants in Pompano Beach, and several other Fort Lauderdale/Pompano Beach attractions. Club Wyndham Royal Vista is home to spacious one and two-bedroom suites that sleep four to six guests, and range from 900 to 1,200 square feet. Each suite has a fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, dining area, and whirlpool tub in the master. This particular suite had ocean views from every room! This resort is for you if: you want to be right on the beach. Club Wyndham Palm-Aire Located a bit inland, Club Wyndham Palm-Aire is about 10-15 minutes away from the beach (don't worry – a free shuttle is provided). The resort is right next to the Palm Air Country Club golf courses and the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. And is also close to Fort Lauderdale hot spots like the Las Olas shopping district, Galleria Mall, the museum of Discovery & Science, and the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment district. You can spend the day at the Palm Aire Country Club golf courses, or shop ‘til you drop at Sawgrass Mills Mall. The amenities at Club Wyndham Palm-Aire are endless. The resort itself has four swimming pools, a waterslide, mini-golf course, tennis and basketball courts, a spa, game room, the Palm-Aire café, and the “Play Days” activities program. If you're looking for a family-friendly resort where the kids will never be bored, this resort is perfect. This is a newly renovated, two-bedroom suite that comfortably sleeps six guests, ideal for families. There's a full kitchen, dining area, living room, private balcony, separate bedrooms with a whirlpool tub in the master, and separate bathrooms. I'm OBSESSED with this dining area! This resort is for you if: you're looking for a family-friendly resort with endless activities, close to Fort Lauderdale sites and attractions. Dining and Culinary Adventures Café Brie You have to check out Café Brie. I'm still dreaming of the crepe that I had in this family-owned and operated café. We ordered a strawberry banana Nutella crepe, Belgium waffle, ham & Swiss quiche, and fresh watermelon and orange juice. The café's cozy vibe and the friendly staff made it feel like home. If you're in the area, it's a must-visit. Beach House Pompano For a memorable meal with a view, check out Beach House Pompano! This is a beautiful upscale restaurant with a diverse menu and spectacular ocean views. For drinks, we had the coconut mojito and strawberry mojito prosecco pop. The cocktails were incredible and so refreshing after a day at the beach. To eat, we ordered the ‘Naut Your Average Pasta' which was a jumbo shrimp scampi with tomato confit. We also tried the ‘BRG Burger' which stole the show. With a blend of short rib, brisket, and ground chuck on a toasted challah bun, it's a burger you won't forget. But everything we tried was delicious! Pompano Beach Fishing Village Pompano Beach Fishing Village is a fun area packed with eateries, shops, and waterfront views. The restaurants here offer a range of cuisines, and it's a great place to grab a meal or just wander around, enjoying the local wildlife and spectacular ocean views. There's something for everyone, making it perfect for families. Family-Friendly Activities Pompano Beach Aquatic Center The Pompano Beach Aquatic Center is a great spot for families. With several pools for all swim levels, including a competition-size pool, and even lessons for kids, it's a fun way to cool off in the Florida sun. It's a great spot if you're looking for a refreshing break from the beach. Pompano Beach Water Taxi Climb aboard the Pompano Beach Water Taxi and explore the area from the water. It's affordable, scenic, and allows you to hop on and off at different spots along the waterway. I took a ride during sunset, and the views were stunning. This is a great activity for all ages and a fun way to see Pompano Beach from a new perspective. FAQs What is Pompano Beach, Florida known for? Pompano Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, iconic pier, vibrant arts scene, and family-friendly atmosphere – its nickname is “Florida's Warmest Welcome.” It's also a top destination for water sports, dining, and cultural experiences. Does Pompano Beach have a boardwalk? Yes, Pompano Beach has a lively boardwalk with stunning ocean views, restaurants, and shops, offering a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll or an evening enjoying the sunset. Is the water clear in Pompano Beach? The water at Pompano Beach is generally clear, especially on calm days, with turquoise hues. Between the temperature, clarity and calmness, the water is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. Is Pompano a good beach? Absolutely! Pompano Beach is known for its soft sand, family-friendly environment, and range of activities. It's a favorite for locals and visitors alike looking for a relaxing or adventure-filled beach day. If Pompano Beach wasn't on your must-visit list before, it certainly should make the cut. Thanks for tuning in to our Travel Takeover at Pompano Beach! To see full room tours and video content from our stay, follow us on Instagram at @extraholidays.
