At first, Pompano Beach, Florida, seemed to be little more than a northern extension of Fort Lauderdale. That’s a common perception among those who haven’t been – it’s close, coastal, and easy to reach. But I checked into the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort on a recent getaway to the area and quickly realized this beach town has its own unique charm. Just north of Fort Lauderdale along Florida’s eastern seaboard, you can spend your mornings enjoying the beach, your afternoons exploring the waterfront, downtown, or nearby attractions, and your evenings dining with ocean views. Pompano Beach strikes the balance of relaxation and exploration, offering plenty to do without ever feeling rushed. I found both the hotel and its surrounding town to be an ideal getaway – and here’s how you can craft the ideal trip.
Why Pompano Beach Is Florida’s Most Underrated Beach Town
Settling into Pompano Beach
Photo: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort
If you fly in, Pompano Beach is about a 25-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Upon arriving I immediately noticed the difference in pace compared to the much larger city of Fort Lauderdale. Mornings started with people walking along the beach, and in the afternoons, restaurant patios filled with conversation and cocktails. At all times of the day, the waterfront felt more local than tourist-driven. It struck me as a place where people genuinely enjoy being outside and taking their time, which made it incredibly easy to do the same. Pompano Beach has all the advantages of being close to Fort Lauderdale – the famed Las Olas Boulevard is a mere 20 minutes away by Uber – but with more of a relaxed coastal energy that makes it easy to settle in and slow down. Afternoons slip by before you notice, and it’s easy to stop checking the time or worrying about what’s next.
The Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort offers an effortless oceanfront stay
Photo: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort
The Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort was recently renovated, and everything about the refresh felt modern while still embracing its beachfront setting. Light coastal tones, open-air gathering spaces, and views of the Atlantic make it feel connected to the destination. The clean, open design uses beachy colors to create a calm space that never feels overdone. My corner room with an ocean view was a highlight. The large windows filled the space with natural light throughout the day, and the layout made it easy to enjoy the views whether I was relaxing in the room, getting ready for the day, or stepping out on the wrap-around balcony.
On my first evening, I roamed the property to get a feel of the resort before having dinner at the hotel’s poolside restaurant, The Kester. Here, the coastal vibe fits right in with the rest of the resort, headlined by a menu featuring local flavors, seafood, seasonal dishes, and even some comfort food. The atmosphere is polished but the vibe is laid-back (you won’t be out of place in sandals), making it a great place to start a trip to Pompano Beach.
Slow mornings, beach days, and finding your rhythm
Photo: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort
Breakfast at The Kester quickly became something I looked forward to each day in Pompano Beach. Since it’s right by the pool, it was great to sit outside, enjoy breakfast and coffee, and take in the Pompano Beach views.
The resort is right on the beach, and you can feel the ocean breeze as you move about the property. One morning, I joined an aqua cardio class in the pool. It turned out to be one of the most fun parts of my trip. Upbeat music played as everyone moved through the water, laughing and not taking it too seriously.
My days flowed easily from the beach to the pool. Lunch at The Citrus Club was light and refreshing — perfect for staying close to the water. The menu is right for midday with salads, seafood, and other light options for the warm weather.
An afternoon at the pier, local stops, and dinner by the water
Photo: Alexandre Cyrino Silva e/Shutterstock
Spending an afternoon at the Pompano Beach Pier was one of the best parts of the trip. Located just a few minutes away from the resort, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular spot. I loved walking out along the pier and taking in the views of the Atlantic and watching the fishermen in action. There are ocean views in every direction, people walking around, music in the background, and a steady breeze that makes you want to stay. Coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping are all close by.
I also stopped at the Jellyfish Museum, which turned out to be an unexpected highlight of my trip. It’s the nation’s only dedicated jellyfish museum. Inside, the space is immersive and easy to explore, with over 25 species of jellyfish from around the world in softly lit tanks that show off their movement and bioluminescence.
That night, I ate at Oceanic at Pompano Beach Pier, right by the water. The menu is coastal and fresh, with a focus on local seafood. I started with the ceviche as an appetizer and crab cakes for my entree. Both tasted incredibly fresh – a perfect match for a waterfront dinner. Oceanic is the kind of place where you can order a mix of plates or a full entrée and still not feel too full afterward. Having the ocean in front of you and the sunset just right sets the scene for a perfect evening.
A morning at the market and a walk through downtown
Photo: MG_Photos /Shutterstock
One morning, I visited the Pompano Beach Green Market. Held at the campus of the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, the Green Market brings together produce, artisanal foods, plants, and handmade goods from local vendors. There’s music, coffee in hand, and vendors selling everything from fresh ingredients to handmade items. The market is usually open on Saturdays from November through April. Since the market is near the center of town, it’s easy to walk from there to downtown, where you’ll find places to sit and enjoy the pleasant weather.
One interesting aspect of my trip was taking the Water Taxi from Pompano Beach toward Fort Lauderdale. Being out on the water provided a new perspective on Pompano Beach. We passed by waterfront homes, boats, and stretches of coastline I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
For me, Pompano Beach turned out to be more than just another beach trip. It was an incredible experience. Whether you are traveling as a family with friends on a getaway or solo, Pompano Beach offers a unique getaway that’s easy to get to and just far enough removed from the hecticness of South Florida, and the result is idyllic. 