Pompano Beach: The Perfect Summer Escape for Families
Tucked between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, Pompano Beach is less than an hour's drive north of Miami. It's the ideal summer getaway for families who want all the perks of a beach vacation without the crowds or sky-high prices of the better-known hotspots.
Pompano Beach boasts three miles of pristine shoreline, crystal-clear Atlantic waters, and an oceanfront promenade made for laid-back beach days. Kids can splash in the gentle surf, explore interactive splash pads, or climb and play at the colorful beachfront playground, all just steps from the sand. Families can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, or private cabanas for a comfortable home base, then enjoy a stroll together along the iconic Fisher Family Pier or relax under shaded picnic pavilions nearby.
Unlike more crowded destinations, summer in Pompano Beach means plenty of room for everyone to unwind and play.
Whether you're coming from Miami or making a longer drive from elsewhere in South Florida, Pompano Beach is a convenient and stress-free escape, just a quick hop up the coast. It's easily accessible via both I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, making it perfect for spontaneous weekend getaways or full-fledged family staycations. And with hotel rates often lower in the summer, your vacation budget goes further, too.
This summer is the perfect time for locals and road-trippers alike to discover Pompano Beach, one of Florida's best-kept coastal secrets.
Summer in Pompano brings warm water temperatures and calm ocean conditions, ideal for snorkeling, paddle boarding, or parasailing. Families can explore vibrant coral reefs, check out Wahoo Bay (a marine conservation area), or hop on a glass-bottom boat tour to spot colorful fish without even getting wet.
For a more laid-back adventure, hop aboard the Water Taxi for a breezy ride along the Intracoastal or enjoy some quality family time casting a line from the pier.
Fuel your beach day with a seaside meal at local favorites like Beach House or Lucky Fish, where ocean breezes and family-friendly menus make dining a breeze. Craving something sweet? Stop by Razzleberry's or Kilwin's for an ice cream treat. And keep an eye out, you just might spot How You Brewin's Cold Brew Coffee Trike cruising the promenade, serving up refreshing iced coffee and hibiscus tea.
Whether your crew prefers spacious resort suites, beachfront hotels with pools, or cozy vacation rentals with kitchens and room to spread out, Pompano Beach has plenty of family-friendly places to stay. Choose from well-known brands, charming boutique hotels, or fully equipped condos just steps from the sand. Many options offer easy beach access, outdoor grills, and on-site amenities that make traveling with kids easier and more fun.
Visit during the summer months (June through August) and you'll enjoy lighter crowds and better deals. It's the perfect time for families to slow down, spread out, and soak up the beach at their own pace, without the packed boardwalks or busyness of Florida's more touristy spots. No stress, no rush, just wide-open beaches, friendly faces, and that far-away vacation feel, all without ever leaving South Florida.
If you're looking for an affordable, family-friendly beach destination within easy driving distance this summer, Pompano Beach is the perfect place to unplug and reconnect with each other. Start planning now at VisitPompanoBeach.com — and discover why this charming coastal city is Florida's Warmest Welcome.
Make your summer unforgettable, with wide beaches, warm smiles, and memories that will last long after the sand is gone.
This article is sponsored by Pompano Beach Tourism.
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Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
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Summer in the city is crowded and sweltering. Use this road trip guide to get out of town and explore the charming places within driving distance of Toronto. Every week, we'll spotlight an Ontario destination, complete with expert picks for how best to enjoy. Happy trails! When Toronto's heat has you seeking a beach escape, set your sights and GPS on Norfolk County , also known as 'Ontario's South Coast,' about a two-hour drive southwest. In this generally quiet, largely rural area, the picturesque stretches of sand along Lake Erie are the main draw. Beyond basking on the beaches, there are small-town gems to explore, including Port Dover, right on the lake, and Simcoe, the county's largest community. Plus, there's easy access to natural beauty: bird watching in a UNESCO-recognized biosphere region, biking through a Carolinian forest, and strolling through one of Canada's most acclaimed botanical gardens. On the whole, the region is less tourist-crowded than, say, Prince Edward County and Niagara , so you'll feel like you're uncovering some of Ontario's blissful little hideaways. Here are some of the best things to do in Norfolk County: An aerial view of Long Point Beach at sunrise. Kick back on a beach. The region boasts three main beaches, each offering a distinct vibe. Turkey Point Provincial Park is favoured by families for its two-kilometre sandy beach and relatively shallow waters, while Port Dover has a stretch of sand dotted with palm trees (yes, real ones planted by the Beach House restaurant), just steps away from the town's shops. For wildlife enthusiasts, Long Point Beach is located in the provincial park of the same name. The park, a 40-kilometre sand spit that juts into the lake, is a UNESCO-recognized biosphere region renowned for its many species of songbirds and waterfowl and other wildlife, including the endangered American badger. The Main Street of Port Dover, just one of Norfolk County's communities. Explore one of the charming communities. Port Dover draws summer day-trippers for its beach, indie shops and restaurant patios. The compact core is easily walkable; before you start strolling, pick up a Golden Glow, the locally famous orange-flavoured drink at the Arbor, an institution since 1919. Browse Liberty Home Decor or Grand Trunk Station for the shabby-chic cottage decor, then walk to the waterside for the Port Dover Harbour Museum . At the museum, which was partially built into an original fisherman's net shanty, you can learn about this community's fishing heritage and shipwreck lore. End your nautical-themed tour at the Port Dover Lighthouse, one of the oldest of this wooden style in Ontario. Nicknamed 'Ontario's Garden,' Norfolk County is home to bucolic settings like Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery. Sample the emerging wine region. 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Miami Herald
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Pompano Beach: The Perfect Summer Escape for Families
When summer rolls around, there's no better beach escape for South Florida families than Pompano Beach. This laid-back coastal gem is ready to welcome you with sun, sand, and a slower pace that's just right for making new memories together. Tucked between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, Pompano Beach is less than an hour's drive north of Miami. It's the ideal summer getaway for families who want all the perks of a beach vacation without the crowds or sky-high prices of the better-known hotspots. Pompano Beach boasts three miles of pristine shoreline, crystal-clear Atlantic waters, and an oceanfront promenade made for laid-back beach days. Kids can splash in the gentle surf, explore interactive splash pads, or climb and play at the colorful beachfront playground, all just steps from the sand. Families can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, or private cabanas for a comfortable home base, then enjoy a stroll together along the iconic Fisher Family Pier or relax under shaded picnic pavilions nearby. Unlike more crowded destinations, summer in Pompano Beach means plenty of room for everyone to unwind and play. Whether you're coming from Miami or making a longer drive from elsewhere in South Florida, Pompano Beach is a convenient and stress-free escape, just a quick hop up the coast. It's easily accessible via both I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, making it perfect for spontaneous weekend getaways or full-fledged family staycations. And with hotel rates often lower in the summer, your vacation budget goes further, too. This summer is the perfect time for locals and road-trippers alike to discover Pompano Beach, one of Florida's best-kept coastal secrets. Summer in Pompano brings warm water temperatures and calm ocean conditions, ideal for snorkeling, paddle boarding, or parasailing. Families can explore vibrant coral reefs, check out Wahoo Bay (a marine conservation area), or hop on a glass-bottom boat tour to spot colorful fish without even getting wet. For a more laid-back adventure, hop aboard the Water Taxi for a breezy ride along the Intracoastal or enjoy some quality family time casting a line from the pier. Fuel your beach day with a seaside meal at local favorites like Beach House or Lucky Fish, where ocean breezes and family-friendly menus make dining a breeze. Craving something sweet? Stop by Razzleberry's or Kilwin's for an ice cream treat. And keep an eye out, you just might spot How You Brewin's Cold Brew Coffee Trike cruising the promenade, serving up refreshing iced coffee and hibiscus tea. Whether your crew prefers spacious resort suites, beachfront hotels with pools, or cozy vacation rentals with kitchens and room to spread out, Pompano Beach has plenty of family-friendly places to stay. Choose from well-known brands, charming boutique hotels, or fully equipped condos just steps from the sand. Many options offer easy beach access, outdoor grills, and on-site amenities that make traveling with kids easier and more fun. Visit during the summer months (June through August) and you'll enjoy lighter crowds and better deals. It's the perfect time for families to slow down, spread out, and soak up the beach at their own pace, without the packed boardwalks or busyness of Florida's more touristy spots. No stress, no rush, just wide-open beaches, friendly faces, and that far-away vacation feel, all without ever leaving South Florida. If you're looking for an affordable, family-friendly beach destination within easy driving distance this summer, Pompano Beach is the perfect place to unplug and reconnect with each other. Start planning now at — and discover why this charming coastal city is Florida's Warmest Welcome. Make your summer unforgettable, with wide beaches, warm smiles, and memories that will last long after the sand is gone. This article is sponsored by Pompano Beach Tourism.
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