Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Drive south from Fort Lauderdale's wall of glass towers and the skyline abruptly vanishes at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park Beach. Here, 1.3 miles of Atlantic coast remain stubbornly undeveloped—no boardwalk kiosks, no tiki bars, just dunes stitched with sea oats and the rhythmic crash of waves on coarse sand. Named for two civil rights pioneers who fought for equal access to Florida's beaches, the park shelters the county's last intact coastal ecosystem: mangrove-lined lagoons, maritime hammock thick with gumbo limbo and strangler fig, and nesting grounds for loggerhead and leatherback turtles that crawl ashore each summer under cover of darkness. You'll wade into surf that feels wilder than beaches a few miles north—the absence of jetties and dredging means sandbars shift with each storm, and waves break with unpredictable energy. Pelicans fold their wings and plunge just beyond the breakers. Families spread blankets near the pavilion while serious anglers work the jetty at the park's north end, hauling in snook and tarpon as the tide turns. By late afternoon, the sun sinks toward the Intracoastal Waterway behind you, backlighting the mangroves in amber and rose. Ospreys return to their nests, and the beach empties except for a few walkers tracing the waterline. It's the kind of quiet that reminds you what South Florida looked like before the boom—raw, resilient, and worth protecting.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park Beach.
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Swimming is generally safe at this beach, though conditions vary with weather and tides. The park has lifeguards on duty during peak hours and weekends. The beach faces the Atlantic Ocean, so waves can be moderate to strong depending on the day. Always check posted flags and warnings before entering the water. The park's natural, undeveloped setting means less infrastructure than commercial beaches, so exercise typical ocean safety precautions. Jellyfish may be present seasonally, and visitors should be aware of natural marine life in this protected coastal ecosystem.
The beach is enjoyable year-round, with Florida's subtropical climate offering warm temperatures in all seasons. Winter months (November-April) feature lower humidity and fewer afternoon thunderstorms, making them particularly popular with visitors. Summer brings warmer ocean temperatures ideal for swimming but expect higher humidity and brief afternoon showers. Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting for the scenic views and wildlife watching. The park opens at 8 AM daily, allowing you to beat crowds and experience cooler temperatures.
The park is located at 6503 North Ocean Drive in Dania Beach, easily accessible from Interstate 95 or US Highway 1. From I-95, take the Sheridan Street exit east, then turn north on A1A (Ocean Drive). The park entrance is clearly marked. Ample parking is available for a small per-vehicle entrance fee (typically $6 for a single-occupant vehicle, more for multiple occupants). The parking area fills quickly on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended. The park is approximately 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
The park has basic amenities including restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic pavilions with grills, perfect for beach barbecues. However, there are no restaurants or food vendors within the park itself, so visitors should bring their own food and drinks. Nearby Dania Beach and Hollywood Beach, just minutes away, offer numerous dining options ranging from casual beachfront cafes to seafood restaurants. For overnight stays, hotels and vacation rentals are available along the coast in Dania Beach, Hollywood, and Fort Lauderdale, all within a short drive of the park.
This is Broward County's last undeveloped coastal ecosystem, offering a rare glimpse of natural Florida before development. Unlike the heavily commercialized beaches nearby, this park preserves native coastal vegetation, mangroves, and dune systems. It's excellent for wildlife watching, including sea turtles that nest here seasonally. The park also features a beautiful coastal hammock nature trail and offers kayaking through mangrove-lined waterways. This combination of pristine beach and protected natural habitats makes it unique among South Florida's typically developed coastline, appealing to nature enthusiasts and families seeking a more authentic coastal experience.
