Things To Do
in Pompano Beach

Pompano Beach is a coastal city on Florida's Gold Coast known for its wide beaches, marina, and relaxed seaside vibe. The town blends resort-style beachfront with residential neighborhoods, thriving local seafood restaurants, and a restored pier as a focal point. Outdoor life centers on fishing, boating, paddling and beach activities, while nearby preserves and parks offer nature escapes within minutes.

The community is diverse — popular with families, retirees and visitors drawn to easy access to Fort Lauderdale and South Florida attractions.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Beachfront Relaxation
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing walk along the pristine sands of Pompano Beach, soaking in the beautiful sunrise. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a beachfront café, where you can savor fresh fruit and local pastries while listening to the sound of the waves. After breakfast, take a moment to stretch out on the beach, feeling the warm sun on your skin.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the calm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, enjoying the stunning coastal views. Alternatively, you can join a snorkeling tour to discover the vibrant marine life just off the shore. After your adventure, relax at a beachside bar with a cold drink and watch the world go by.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, head to the Pompano Beach Pier for a picturesque view of the horizon. For dinner, indulge in fresh seafood at a nearby restaurant, where you can taste the local flavors. End your evening with a stroll along the beach, enjoying the gentle ocean breeze and the sound of the surf.

day 2
Exploring the Pompano Beach Cultural Center
morning
:

Begin your day at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, where you can explore local art exhibitions and learn about the history of the area. Enjoy a light breakfast at the center's café, featuring locally sourced ingredients. Take your time browsing the galleries, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Pompano Beach.

afternoon
:

After your cultural experience, head over to the nearby sample local cuisine for lunch at one of the hidden gems in the area. Spend the afternoon in a creative workshop, where you can try your hand at painting or pottery, guided by local artists. This hands-on experience allows you to connect with the community and create your own masterpiece.

evening
:

In the evening, attend a live performance or concert at the cultural center, showcasing local talent and diverse genres. Enjoy the atmosphere as you mingle with fellow art enthusiasts and performers. After the show, grab a bite at a nearby restaurant, relishing in the community vibe.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee (regular)$3-6
🚕Short taxi or rideshare$10-20
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$100-200
🍺Beer at a bar$5-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful, accessible beaches and a relaxed coastal atmosphere
  • Excellent fishing, boating and watersports opportunities
  • Close to Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach attractions and airports
  • Warm winter weather attracts seasonal visitors (snowbirds)
  • Hot, humid summers and hurricane season risks
  • Some parts can be touristy or crowded during peak seasons
  • Car-centric layout — limited walkability outside beach and downtown zones
  • Potential for tourist-targeted prices at prime waterfront spots

Places to Visit in Pompano Beach

Visit one of these nice places.

Pompano Beach Pier

A modern pier extending into the Atlantic — great for sunrise/sunset shots, long-exposure ocean photos, and fishing activity.

Hillsboro Inlet & Lighthouse

Just north of Pompano, the inlet and lighthouse offer dramatic seascapes, crashing waves and boating scenes, especially at golden hour.

Intracoastal Waterway & Marina

Boats, palm-lined canals and colorful waterside homes create classic Florida maritime compositions, ideal for early morning light.

Fern Forest Nature Center

Dense shaded trails, tropical foliage and boardwalks provide lush nature photography opportunities, especially for macro and bird photography.

Sample-McDougald House & Historic Areas

A preserved historic house and nearby streets showcase early-20th-century architecture and nice architectural/detail shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Pompano Beach

Pompano Beach cuisine highlights fresh seafood, Floridian twists on classic American dishes, and a strong Caribbean and Latin American influence. Restaurants emphasize locally caught fish, shellfish and relaxed waterfront dining. Casual beachside shacks, family-owned eateries and higher-end seafood restaurants coexist, offering both quick bites and special-occasion meals.

Pompano Beach Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Grilled Mahi-Mahi or Grouper

Fresh local fish, frequently served simply grilled with citrus or Caribbean spices — available at most seafood restaurants and pier-side spots.

Must-Try!

Stone Crab (seasonal)

A South Florida delicacy available in season (mid-October to mid-May) at seafood restaurants; served chilled with mustard sauce.

Conch Fritters and Cuban Sandwich

Reflecting Caribbean and Cuban influences — find conch fritters at seafood shacks and a classic Cuban at local delis.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Pompano Beach Green Market

Seasonal farmers’ market offering local produce, prepared foods, and occasional vendors selling seafood specialties and pastries; check local listings for days and times.

Local Seafood Shacks

Small, casual roadside places and beach shacks where you can order fried or grilled seafood, fish sandwiches, and take-home boxes of fresh catch.

Climate Guide

Weather

Pompano Beach has a humid subtropical/tropical climate: hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon storms and a defined hurricane season (June 1–Nov 30); mild, dry winters with comfortable daytime temperatures; spring and fall are transitional and often the most pleasant for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Casual and Friendly

Floridian beach culture is relaxed and informal — dress casually, be polite and friendly, and respect personal space in public areas.

Respect Beach Rules

Observe posted signage on beaches (swim flags, no-dog zones, hours) and follow lifeguard instructions for safety.

Environmental Respect

Do not disturb wildlife, avoid stepping on dunes or removing shells, and dispose of trash properly to protect fragile coastal ecosystems.

Language and Interaction

English is the primary language; Spanish is widely spoken — a friendly greeting in Spanish can be appreciated.

Safety Guide

Safety

Pompano Beach is generally safe for visitors but exercise common-sense precautions: secure valuables, avoid poorly lit or deserted areas at night, heed beach safety flags and lifeguards, be cautious of rip currents and marine hazards, and monitor weather advisories during hurricane season. Petty theft and car break-ins can occur — avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles.

Tipping in Pompano Beach

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary: 15–20% at restaurants for good service, $1–2 per drink at bars or 15–20% of the tab for full service; round up taxis or tip 10–15%; tip hotel housekeeping $2–5 per night and bell staff $1–2 per bag.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small vendors or tips, and notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, humid and storm-prone — expect high temperatures in the upper 80s to 90s °F (30–35°C), afternoon thunderstorms and frequent humidity; pack light clothing, sun protection and plan outdoor activities for mornings or late afternoons.

Fall

Still warm but gradually less humid; hurricane season runs through November so monitor forecasts; nice beach days with fewer crowds in late fall.

Winter

Mild and dry with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s °F (18–24°C); pleasant for outdoor activities, popular with snowbird visitors — book accommodations early for peak winter weeks.

Spring

Comfortable temperatures, lower humidity than summer, and blossoming parks — a great time for fishing, boating and outdoor festivals.

Nightlife Guide

Pompano Beach at Night

Nightlife in Pompano Beach is relaxed and centered on waterfront dining, craft cocktail bars, casual beach bars and occasional live-music venues. The Pompano Beach Amphitheater and seasonal events bring larger concerts and festivals. For a livelier after-hours scene, a short drive to Fort Lauderdale expands options for clubs and late-night entertainment.

Hiking in Pompano Beach

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Fern Forest Nature Center

A preserve with shaded boardwalks and loop trails through tropical hardwood hammock — excellent for birdwatching and short nature walks.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

A coastal park in nearby Fort Lauderdale with multi-use trails, canoeing, picnic areas and shaded paths along a freshwater lagoon.

Markham Park

Large county park with multi-use trails, mountain biking routes, archery range and open natural areas about a short drive inland.

Airports

How to reach Pompano Beach by plane.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Primary nearby airport, about a 15–30 minute drive depending on traffic; many domestic flights and some international connections, car rentals and shuttle services available.

Miami International Airport (MIA)

Major international airport about 35–60 minutes south by car depending on traffic; more international flight options and ground transportation choices.

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)

North of Pompano Beach, roughly 40–60 minutes by car; convenient alternative for some domestic and regional flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Pompano Beach is walkable around the pier, beachfront, Broadwalk and downtown corridors, but much of the city is spread out and better accessed by car, bike or rideshare for longer distances. Renting a bike or using local shuttles can help explore the waterfront without driving.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Retirees / Snowbirds

A sizeable seasonal population of retirees and snowbirds who reside in Pompano during the winter for the mild climate.

Families

Local families who take advantage of beach life, parks and community-oriented events.

Caribbean and Latin American Communities

Significant cultural influence from Caribbean and Latin American residents reflected in cuisine, festivals and bilingual signage.

Tourists

Visitors from across the U.S. and abroad who come for beaches, fishing and proximity to South Florida attractions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Fishing and Boating

Sportfishing, reef and deep-sea trips, and recreational boating are major pastimes supported by local charters and marinas.

Beach Volleyball and Watersports

Volleyball, surfing (on suitable swells), paddleboarding and kayaking are common coastal activities.

Golf

Numerous golf courses in Broward County attract golfers year-round, popular with locals and visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be congested on main corridors (I-95, US-1/ Federal Highway and Atlantic Boulevard) during morning and evening rush hours. Public transportation options include Broward County Transit buses and regional rail and express services a short drive away; rideshares are widely used for convenient local travel.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Pompano Beach.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available at cafés and many restaurants (salads, grain bowls, pasta, veggie burgers), but heavier reliance is on seafood—ask servers about daily vegetable sides and prepare to request substitutions.

Vegan

Vegan choices have increased; look for plant-based menu items and smoothie/juice bars. Calling ahead to confirm options at seafood-focused restaurants is wise.

Gluten-Free

Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests (grilled proteins, salads). Confirm preparation methods for cross-contamination if you have celiac disease.

Shellfish Allergies

Because seafood is central to the local cuisine, clearly inform staff about shellfish allergies and consider choosing non-seafood restaurants if cross-contact is a concern.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Medical facilities and urgent care centers are available in and near Pompano Beach; larger hospitals and specialized care are within a 15–30 minute drive in Fort Lauderdale. Travel insurance is recommended for visitors; for emergencies call 911. Pharmacies are common and open extended hours in many locations.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide