Curator’s statement
Pompano Beach, often referred to as the "Heart of the Gold Coast," is ideally situated in South Florida, offering a prime location between the vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale to its south and the lavish Boca Raton to its north. While its well-known neighbors frequently capture the limelight, Pompano Beach quietly boasts an impressive array of attractions and amenities, making it a compelling destination in its own right. This charming coastal city provides a harmonious blend of pristine beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports, alongside a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
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Things to do in Pompano Beach
Playground at the Pompano Beach pavilion
Visiting Pompano? The beach is a must! Stretching for three miles, the soft white sand is perfect for relaxing under the sun or taking a stroll along the shoreline. Dive into the refreshing ocean waters, ride the waves on a boogie board, or gather friends for a game of beach volleyball—the nets are ready and waiting for some friendly competition.
Prefer trying your luck at fishing? Check out the Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier. This public pier is the perfect place to drop a line, and the bait shop at the entry of the pier has all your fishing needs.
Brought the kids? Pompano Beach has a beachfront playground equipped with a climber, slides, and swings. A nearby splash pad provides the perfect cool down.
Explore the intracoastal via the water taxi! Climb on board with various stops in Pompano Beach, or, for a longer journey, you can take the water taxi to visit Fort Lauderdale. With service from 10 am to 10 pm and unlimited on and offs, you can spend a full day and evening seeing the sights and stunning views.
Prefer to be your own skipper? Pontoon boats, kayaks, and even Jetcars (yes a car that "drives" on the water) are all available to rent in Pompano Beach.
The Pompano Beach Amphitheater is the ideal place for concerts highlighting beloved singers, bands, and tribute bands. This open-air venue offers reserved seating and VIP boxes, as well as lawn seating—something to suit everybody!
Harrah's Pompano Beach is here, so need to go to Vegas! This casino offers over 1,000 slot machines and electronic games as well as poker games and poker competitions.
Places to eat & drink in Pompano Beach
The Beach House: Come for the view and stay for the food! Offering indoor, outdoor, and rooftop dining, this restaurant is located directly on the beach with main level and rooftop bars as well. A diverse menu with bar bites, salads, burgers, seafood, and sushi. Excellent wings and french fries!
Oceanic: A culinary experience with a view of the ocean. More than just a restaurant, Oceanic is a happening place known for live music, weekend brunches, and happy hours. The array of possibilities will delight anyone looking for upscale dining with a beachfront vibe.
Houston's: While part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group, this Pompano Beach favorite is located on the Intracoastal, allowing diners to not only enjoy the food but also have a view of boats passing by. The menu is consistent with other Florida locations and includes such favorites as their spinach and artichoke dip, pan-Asian noodle salad, USDA Prime French dip sandwich, fall-off-the bone barbecue ribs, and the only dessert they serve: key lime pie.
The Foundry: Serving lunch, dinner, brunch, and a special happy hour menu, this local favorite should be on your list of must-try restaurants. Off the beach front but just over the Intracoastal, dining is provided indoors and outdoors and at either the indoor or outdoor bar. Plenty to choose from, but my personal favorite is their wings!
Carlucci's Brick Oven Trattoria & Pizzeria: No need to look any further for the best local pizza! Just steps from the beach; dine inside or out or take home. The menu encompasses pizza, pasta, seafood, and antipasti.
Briny Irish Pub: This is your classic old-time pub known for its years in the business and local crowd. Established in 1945, the Briny Irish Pub is a favorite gathering place to grab a beer, watch a game, and have a bite to eat. No bells and whistles, but that's its appeal! It's steps from the beach, so stop by and grab a cold one.
Lucky Fish: A casual beachfront restaurant with all outdoor dining and a tiki-style bar. Open seven days a week serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lucky Fish offers a little bit of everything. Stop by for your favorite island cocktail and live music nightly from Monday to Friday.
Need to know
Pompano Beach has been known for its casual beach town feel. Think flip flops, tank tops, shorts, and T-shirts. Currently in the works in Pompano are two luxury brands adding more condo and hotel real estate with ocean views: The W Hotel & Residences and The Ritz-Carlton Residences. The Ritz-Carlton Residences have an estimated completion date at the end of 2026 or early 2027, and The W is projected to be completed in 2029. Pompano Beach could be the up-and-coming luxury destination on Florida's Gold Coast!
Travel Advisor
Nancy Kaplan
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