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Dania Beach, Florida is a local secret to those living in South Florida. It’s a sleepy beach without the tourist crowds and its proximity to Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park makes it a great recreation spot.
It’s understandable that tourists don’t flock to Dania Beach. After all, the beach is narrow and there are only a couple restaurants to choose from.
But don’t overlook this little beach. It offers more than many beaches in the area.
Whiskey Creek runs on the west side of the beach making it a perfect place to spend time in nature. There you can kayak and bird watch, and if you’re lucky, spot manatees.
Within seconds of exploring mangroves you can walk to the beach to swim in the ocean and soak up the sun.
If you’re looking for large, manicured beaches that South Florida is known for, Dania Beach won’t be your first pick. Think of Dania Beach as a low-key, outdoorsy option for beach lovers.
Visit this beach and you’ll forget about the hustle and bustle of South Florida.
Where Is Dania Beach, Florida
Dania Beach is located just north of Hollywood Beach in Broward County. In fact, the two beaches connect and you can cruise past the north end of the Hollywood Beach boardwalk all the way to Dania Beach via Surf Road.
To reach Dania Beach from the I-95 freeway, use Sheridan Street.
From Sheridan you’ll need to turn left once you reach A1A. From Dania Beach Boulevard you’ll have a straight shot over the intracoastal to the beach.
Dania Beach is technically a small sliver of beach that includes a pier, volleyball courts, and boat slips on the backside of the beach (Whiskey Creek).
>>read my Must-Have Beach Items article
The Dania Beach area runs from just beyond the pier, to the south end of the parking lot. Further north is the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park and farther south turns into Hollywood Beach.
Access to this small beach is from Cambridge Street (off A1A) or from Dania Beach Boulevard.
6 Things To Do In Dania Beach, Florida
1. Hang At The Beach
Although it’s a small beach, it comes well-equipped with lifeguards, bathrooms, and plenty of parking.
Paid parking is easy and allows you to park within feet of the beach. Weekdays have plenty of parking to spare but if you choose to visit on a weekend, arrive in the morning to ensure you find a space.
The beach is narrow and natural (not combed like other tourist beaches), however, because there are less people you won’t have to compete for a space on the beach. It many be a narrow beach but it stretches for miles!
2. Kayak In The Mangroves
Bring your surfboard and kayak to this beach. After laying on the beach, mosey over to Whiskey Creek and paddle through natural mangroves.
Kayaking is a great workout and you’re bound to see wildlife. Whiskey Creek runs though the State Park, but if you paddle or walk from Dania Beach you won’t have to pay the entrance fee!
3. Fish From The Pier
Fishing is popular in Dania Beach. The pier is large and even though you have to pay a few dollars to use the pier, it’s more than worth it.
There are fisherman casting from the beach and others who prefer fishing from Whiskey Creek.
On A1A, just before turning onto Cambridge Street to Dania Beach, there are several charter fishing boats that depart with groups for deep-sea fishing (check out Super Sea Legs Fishing).
If you walk north on Dania Beach you’ll run into the State Park. There you can also fish on the beach or from Whiskey Creek.
4. Bike From Dania Beach To Hollywood Beach
Every day you’ll find people biking up and down A1A. You can also cycle from Dania Beach south to Surf Road which eventually links with the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk.
This is a several mile ride with lush greenery and ocean views.
Mornings are best because the weather is still cool but you can do this ride any time of day. It’s a great way to exercise and Dania Beach is the perfect place to start.
5. Visit Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park can be reached via car ($4 entry fee) or you can park at Dania Beach and walk north on the beach. From the beach, there are various places to walk into the beach and there are accessible bathrooms.
Kayaking from Dania Beach on Whiskey Creek. You can park your kayak on the shore near the restaurant and have a picnic.
The State Park has an educational center, boat ramps (perfect place to launch your boat), and there is an activity center called the Whiskey Creek Hideout.
At the Whiskey Creek Hideout, you can grab a bite to eat and rent paddleboards or kayaks.
If you choose to bring your own food, make use of the picnic tables with ocean views.
Workers at the Whiskey Creek Hideout told me they’ve seen manatees in the evening!
6. Win At The Dania Beach Casino
The Dania Beach Casino is only a mile from the beach. It’s a large orange building on Dania Beach Boulevard so it’s impossible to miss.
It’s a great place for entertainment. Whether you want to gamble, watch a show, or enjoy the popular South Florida sport of Jai Alai, this casino has it all.
Where To Stay At Dania Beach
The best place to stay in Dania Beach is actually in Hollywood Beach. Because the two beaches run into each other, there are options in Hollywood Beach that still provide access to Dania.
The best option would be with Airbnb (use my link and get $40 off your first stay). The
Airbnb scene is excellent in the north Hollywood beach area.
Further south are traditional hotels like the Marriott at Hollywood Beach. There you can hang out on the Hollywood Beach boardwalk and rent a bicycle to explore Dania Beach.
Restaurants In Dania Beach
Because of its small size, there aren’t a lot of dining options.
The main dining attraction is on the pier at the Quarterdeck Restaurant. Enjoy fresh seafood and a beer, or watch the sunset with a glass of wine.
At the Quarterdeck, there are great views of the beaches upstairs. Sit under an umbrella to stay cool in the summer.
Just off the beach is a place with the best fresh sushi in South Florida. Jimbo’s Sandbar is well-known and well-frequented.
Jimbo’s sits on the intracoastal and next to the bridge at Dania Beach Boulevard. This is a must stop if you’re spending the day at Dania Beach.
If you need a snack, consider stopping by the Bake Shack just a minute drive from Dania Beach Boulevard on South Federal Highway.
Fresh made donuts, coffee, and cakes await! The Bake Shack is always busy so it must be doing something right!
Conclusion
Dania Beach, Florida is a tiny beach between Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. It’s mostly a beach for locals because tourists prefer the wide beaches of the larger cities.
Don’t sell Dania Beach short. The beach has a pier and access to Whiskey Creek which leads right into a State Park. Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is a long name and a long stretch of land.
It is home to manatees and great fishing. If you visit Dania Beach make sure to walk north on the beach and explore some of the park.
There is plenty of parking at Dania Beach but it requires payment ($2/hour). The pier also requires a small fee. There are lifeguards and restrooms on this beach.
Although the beach is narrow, there are plenty of places to explore. In fact, you can bring your bike and ride south to the famous Hollywood Beach Boardwalk.
Bring your kayak and explore the mangroves, then have lunch on the picnic tables inside the State Park.
