By Tim Singer
Fort Lauderdale makes it easy to build an active routine, with the Atlantic on one side, the Intracoastal running through the city, and warm weather most of the year. Our clients often tell us that the lifestyle here is the reason they moved, and staying active is a big part of that. From paddling coastal lakes to snorkeling over shipwreck replicas, here are our favorite ways to stay active in Fort Lauderdale. Each one sits a short drive from neighborhoods like Victoria Park, Coral Ridge, and Las Olas.
Key Takeaways
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers biking, paddling, and trails near the beach
- Reef snorkeling sits within 100 yards of shore in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
- Holiday Park is home to the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center
- The Intracoastal and New River are ideal for paddleboarding
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park sits between the Intracoastal and Fort Lauderdale Beach, making it one of the city’s top spots for outdoor exercise. The 1.9-mile park drive is a favorite with cyclists, and bike rentals are available through the park concessionaire.
The park also has a launch site on its largest coastal dune lake, where you can rent a kayak or paddleboard. Shaded trails like the Coastal Hammock Trail add variety. Ranger-guided programs on Fridays and Saturdays offer a closer look at the park’s plants and wildlife.
Ways to Stay Active at the Park
- Cycle the 1.9-mile, one-way park drive
- Paddle the coastal dune lake by kayak or paddleboard
- Explore the Coastal Hammock Trail through a maritime hammock
- Head through the Beach Gate Entrance for a swim
Snorkeling and Diving Off the Coast
Fort Lauderdale sits along a reef system that brings world-class snorkeling close to shore. Just north in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, three coral reefs lie within 100 yards of the beach.
The Shipwreck Snorkel Trail, reached from the Datura Avenue beach portal, features an anchor, five concrete cannons, and a ballast pile in about 10 feet of water. For divers, the SS Copenhagen wreck rests less than a mile offshore in about 25 feet of water. Calm summer mornings often bring the clearest water.
Top Spots Below the Surface
- Shipwreck Snorkel Trail off Datura Avenue
- Anglin’s Pier Reef Snorkel Trail
- The SS Copenhagen wreck, reached by boat
- Nearshore reefs within 100 yards of the beach
Tennis and Pickleball
Racquet sports have a strong following in Fort Lauderdale. The Jimmy Evert Tennis Center in Holiday Park offers 20 clay courts and a 700-seat stadium court.
For pickleball players, George English Park on Bayview Drive includes both tennis and pickleball courts. Both parks sit close to the Coral Ridge and Victoria Park areas. Leagues, clinics, and open play make it easy for newcomers to find a regular game.
Where to Play in the City
- Jimmy Evert Tennis Center at 701 NE 12th Avenue
- George English Tennis Center at 1101 Bayview Drive
- Pickleball courts at George English Park
- Private clubs and community courts in neighborhoods across the city
Paddleboarding and Kayaking
With more than 165 miles of waterways, Fort Lauderdale is a natural fit for paddlers. The calm stretches of the Intracoastal and the New River let you take in waterfront homes, mangroves, and the downtown skyline from the water.
Many homeowners in Las Olas Isles, Rio Vista, and Harbor Beach launch right from their own docks. Rental shops along the Intracoastal make it easy for everyone else. Paddling at sunrise or sunset gives you calmer water and fewer boats.
Favorite Paddling Routes
- The New River through downtown and Rio Vista
- The Intracoastal along Las Olas Isles
- The coastal dune lake at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
- Calm early mornings along the Intracoastal near Coral Ridge
Cycling and Running Along the Coast
A1A runs along Fort Lauderdale Beach with ocean views for miles. Early mornings bring cyclists and runners who want to beat the heat and catch the sunrise. Group rides and running clubs meet along the beach throughout the week.
The Riverwalk downtown offers a shaded option along the New River. It connects parks, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and Las Olas Boulevard. Downtown residents in Rio Vista and Flagler Village can reach it in minutes.
Tips for an Active Morning Routine
- Start early to avoid peak heat and traffic
- Carry water and sun protection year-round
- Mix ocean views on A1A with shade on the Riverwalk
- Finish with breakfast along Las Olas Boulevard
Fishing and Boating
Fort Lauderdale’s waterways make boating part of daily life for many residents. Port Everglades and the city’s inlets give boaters quick access to the open Atlantic for offshore fishing and diving trips.
For anglers without a boat, Anglin’s Pier in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea extends into the Atlantic and draws a steady crowd of local fishermen. Charter captains across the city also offer half-day and full-day trips.
Ways to Get on the Water
- Offshore fishing charters from Fort Lauderdale marinas
- Pier fishing at Anglin’s Pier in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
- Boating from private docks in Las Olas Isles and Harbor Beach
- Dive trips to nearshore reefs and wrecks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to stay active outdoors in Fort Lauderdale?
Winter and spring bring the most comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. In summer, early mornings and evenings are the best times for outdoor workouts.
Where can I snorkel near Fort Lauderdale without a boat?
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers shore access to reefs within 100 yards of the beach. The Shipwreck Snorkel Trail off Datura Avenue is a local favorite.
Which neighborhoods offer easy access to outdoor recreation?
Coral Ridge sits close to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and the beach, while Victoria Park is near Holiday Park. Las Olas Isles and Rio Vista offer direct water access for boaters and paddlers.
Live an Active Fort Lauderdale Lifestyle With Tim Singer
Tim Singer and our team help buyers find Fort Lauderdale homes that match the way they want to live, whether that means a dock on the Intracoastal or quick access to the beach. We know which neighborhoods put the parks, courts, and waterways closest to your door.