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Dania Beach is a small coastal city in Broward County, Florida, squeezed between Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, with Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades on its northern edge. Incorporated as Dania in 1904, it is the oldest city in Broward County and added Beach to its name in 1998 to highlight its stretch of Atlantic shoreline.
The beach is the main draw. Dania Beach Ocean Park and its long fishing pier offer a quieter alternative to the busier resort strips nearby, and just north lies Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, a barrier island with miles of sand, mangrove-lined Whiskey Creek and views of cruise ships leaving the port. Inland, Secret Woods Nature Center protects a patch of native forest along the New River.
Once called the Antique Capital of the South, Dania still has antique shops along Federal Highway, and newer attractions include a huge Bass Pro Shops store, the Dania Pointe shopping district and Boomers family park. Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood beaches are minutes away.
A long concrete fishing pier, rebuilt in 2010, that reaches out into the Atlantic from Dania Beach Ocean Park. Anglers fish from it day and night, and walkers can pay a small fee to stroll out for sunrise views over the water. A restaurant sits at its base, and paid parking is nearby.
The city's main public beach, with lifeguarded sand, picnic shelters, a playground, showers and the pier right alongside. It is usually calmer and less crowded than the big resort beaches of Fort Lauderdale. Paid parking fills on weekends, so come early or late in the afternoon.
A barrier island state park, formerly called John U. Lloyd Beach, with about two and a half miles of quiet Atlantic beach and views of cruise ships leaving Port Everglades. Paddle the mangrove-lined Whiskey Creek, picnic under sea grapes, and look for nesting sea turtles in summer. Vehicle entry fee.
Broward County's first urban wilderness area, protecting a pocket of hardwood forest and mangrove swamp along the New River. Boardwalk and dirt trails lead past ferns, oaks and wildlife, and a small nature center and butterfly garden sit near the entrance. Free to visit; bring bug spray in summer.
Dania was once known as the Antique Capital of the South, and a handful of antique and vintage shops remain along Federal Highway near the old town center. Browse furniture, mid-century decor and collectibles. Many shops keep limited hours, so call ahead or visit on a weekday afternoon.
A huge outdoor sporting goods store off Interstate 95 with fishing, boating, camping and hunting gear, plus mounted wildlife displays and a large freshwater aquarium. Even non-shoppers enjoy a browse, and anglers can pick up local tackle and advice before heading to the pier.
A newer open-air shopping and dining district beside Interstate 95 with national retailers, restaurants, a hotel and green spaces for events. It is a convenient stop for a meal or errands near the airport, and parking is free in the surrounding garages and lots.
A family amusement park with go-kart tracks, mini golf, bumper boats, batting cages, rides and a large arcade. It is a popular evening outing for families with kids and teens. Buy a combo pass if you plan several activities, and check hours, which vary by season.
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Photo: Richard Mc Neil, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Richard Mc Neil, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Richard Mc Neil, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
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Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Phillip Pessar, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Phillip Pessar, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Phillip Pessar, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Phillip Pessar, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
