Quaint residences, contemporary-yet-quaint condominiums, and an undeniably warm ambiance.
Drive down Commercial Boulevard to its easternmost point and you’ll find the colorful and friendly utopia that is Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Its epicenter is near Commercial Boulevard and A1A, where you’ll be greeted with a collection of restaurants, souvenir shops and the iconic Anglin’s Fishing Pier looming of its shore (*note the pier is currently undergoing repairs). There’s a small park right there, too, with vivid Adirondack chairs for taking it all in. Geographically, there is more to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea than this central hub – the town sits on a barrier island bordered to the north by Pompano Beach and, to the south, Fort Lauderdale (approximately NE 42nd Court).
The history of this quaint town that’s home to less than 10,000 residents may be traced to its original incorporation in 1927. Since day one, it has been a popular hub for tourism but, notably, you won’t see massive condominium or apartment complexes comprising its skyline. In the early 1970s, the town enacted regulations placing restrictions on building heights, in an effort to preserve its village-like feel. Those regulations are still in place today as its quaint charm that keeps folks – near and far – coming back.
Don’t be fooled by Lauderdale-by-the-Sea’s tiny size – it’s 1.5 square miles. The village has oh-so-much going for it. Its beach is dotted with apartment and condominium complexes, many with cabana and beach-chair rentals for soaking up the sun. Ocean lovers can rejoice in scuba and snorkel opportunities from the shore – in fact you can access the Reef Snorkel Trail just south of the town’s Anglin’s Pier, where underwater delights from a coral reef habitat to the SS Copenhagen shipwreck await. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is also a hotspot for lobster diving and, each July, its BugFest draws the masses to celebrate a mini lobster season. On land, the town has multiple recreation hubs, including a beach pavilion and Friedt Family Park (with shuffleboard, a playground and sports courts – bocci, tennis and basketball).
You don’t need to leave Lauderdale-by-the Sea’s limits to experience world-class dining that folks from nearby cities flock to.
Aruba Beach Café is tucked just north of Anglin’s Pier on the oceanfront. This Caribbean-inspired restaurant has been a community staple for decades and is anchored by three bars and a window-clad dining room overlook the town’s white sands. Favorites here include its bimini bread with a signature glaze, homemade conch chowder and, oh yes, tropical drinks.
On the Intracoastal side of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, you’ll find Blue Moon Fish Co. Open daily for lunch and dinner, this expansive, multi-level restaurant specializes in elevated seafood concoctions and fresh-catch delights like a Maine lobster pappardale and blue crab and corn roasted grouper.
For the partiers out there, Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar has become the spot for DJ sets, margaritas with a powerful kick and tacos upon tacos. Situated in the center of town – at Commercial Boulevard and A1A – Tacocraft has a memorable weekend brunch with morsels like a churro waffle. Its weekday happy hour runs from 3-7 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to close and includes $4 taco selections.
For shoppers, Coast Boutique has been a Lauderdale-by-the-Sea mainstay for years. The quaint shop specializes in sea-inspired jewelry, local photography, bath and body products and curated clothing. With a quick trip to Coast Boutique, you can look the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea life in addition to living it.
The town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea’s community center offers free programming for residents spanning ping pong to dance lessons to craft dates. The community center also hosts a number of annual events including an art show, holiday party and the Sea Shorts Play Festival. From December through May, the town also has an open-air farmers market at El Prado Park. The farmers market typically hosts more than 35 vendors and is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays during its operating months. For live music, Aruba Beach Café hosts regular jams in addition to the live acts you’ll hear by simply strolling nearby on a given evening.
Designated schools for Lauderdale-by-the-Sea include:
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