Editor's note: Beaches and parks are listed geographically from north to south.

Beaches with this symbol have beach wheelchairs available, either provided as a courtesy, or available for (prearranged) rent and delivery from private companies.

Twenty-three miles of warm, wide beaches and sparkling Atlantic Ocean water draw visitors from all around the world. From Deerfield to Hallandale Beach, this area will appeal to every member of your family. Here you'll find charming downtowns, funky shops and sophisticated restaurants, old-world elegance and, of course, fantastic beaches.
Fort Lauderdale boasts seven miles of warm, soft sand. There are 30 beach access points, but the city's award-winning "wavewall" and beachfront promenade provide the perfect place to soak up Fort Lauderdale's flavor.

Deerfield Beach
This area is a respite from some of the more bustling areas of the county. The beaches are wide and serene, but you'll still find plenty of activity here. Visit the Public Beach and International Fishing Pier. This one-mile stretch of beach features lifeguard stations, recreational areas and volleyball nets. The nearby Deerfield Island Park is accessible by shuttle or boat. This park is heavily wooded 56-acre site, which features a nature trail, boardwalk, picnic area and playground.

Pompano Beach
With its 3-½-mile beach, the Intracoastal Waterway, canals and offshore reef, Pompano Beach is an outstanding area for beach-goers, sports fishermen and water lovers alike. The public beach here is 100- to 150-feet wide, one mile long, and made up of fine, white sand running from Atlantic Boulevard north to Northeast 16th Street. The beach features watersports, sand volleyball, swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, sailing, a playground, a boardwalk and picnic areas. There is also a pier that's open 24 hours a day.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
This tiny town is a haven for divers and beachgoers. Just 100 yards off the beach, you'll find an amazing three-tier reef ecosystem. Once you've finished exploring this underwater paradise, stroll up to Anglin's Pier or over to the charming Pelican Square to check out the quaint shops and restaurants.

Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale boasts seven miles of warm, soft sand. There are 30 beach access points, but the city's award-winning "wavewall" and beachfront promenade provide the perfect place to soak up Fort Lauderdale's flavor. The beachfront is bustling with people checking out the shops, restaurants and sidewalk cafés. On the beach, you can boat, windsurf, Jet Ski, play volleyball, snorkel, scuba dive or do whatever else you may desire. If you'd rather relax, stretch out on your towel and enjoy beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Dania Beach
Located Between Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, Dania Beach is a short drive to all the attractions in the area. This family-friendly beach has unique Seminole "chickee huts" for shade and playgrounds on the sand. Dania Beach features several city parks including the very popular Dania Beach Waterfront and Fishing Pier.

John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, Dania Beach
With 2-½ miles of natural beach, this park is a favorite in the area. Lloyd Beach has two boat ramps with easy access to the ocean through the Port Everglades Inlet. Snorkel and see tropical fish or explore nature trails with glimpses of beautiful birds and animals. You can also canoe along the mangroves for more wildlife viewing. The park has concessions, restrooms and picnic facilities.

Hollywood Beach
The coastline here is lined with a five-mile Broadwalk, a 27-foot wide thoroughfare with its own cycle path that parallels the palm-fringed beach. However, there are three distinct areas of Hollywood Beach. North Beach is a haven for shell seekers and families in search of quieter amenities. Three parks, one run by the city, one by the county, and one by the state, create plenty of access to picnic areas, showers, playgrounds, an observation tower and restrooms. Central Beach, considered the bustling center, has boutiques, outdoor cafés and live entertainment. It's perfect for people-watching. South Beach is the residential area of the city. There are many small bed-and-breakfasts, as well as some high rises and hotels.

Hallandale Beach
The southernmost beach in the area, this small town features a mile of unspoiled coastline. At this public beach, you can rent chickee huts, and relax and watch the ocean. There are concession stands, a playground, bocce ball courts, restrooms and showers.