Moving to Pompano Beach? Offering plenty of green space, fun beach activities, affordable homes, and more—check out these 14 things to know about living in Pompano Beach!
Live in the Heart of the Gold Coast
Located halfway between West Palm Beach and Miami along the Intracoastal Waterway, Pompano Beach (named for the pompano fish) is a sunny beach town often referred to as the “Heart of Florida’s Gold Coast.” By living in Pompano Beach, you can enjoy city living, active outdoor recreation, arts, and entertainment without the high costs of other South Florida cities like Fort Lauderdale, whose cost of living is 13% higher! Housing can also be affordable—with median home prices sitting at $165,300 and median rent prices at $1,099, there are plenty of safe, affordable neighborhoods in Pompano Beach to choose from. Pompano Beach’s real estate offers a variety of luxury condos, waterfront mansions, and tropical townhomes to fit your budget and lifestyle.
Make the Most of Pompano Beach Transportation
With plenty of transportation options, it’s easy to get around Pompano Beach! Take the bus with Broward County Transit or hop on the Tri-Rail for commuter train access throughout Pompano Beach and other areas of South Florida. Many residents of this sunny beach town also enjoy riding their bikes due to the area’s scenic bike trails and well-marked bike paths. If you don’t own a bicycle, rent one through one of many local businesses or Broward BCycle, which has a station near The Fishing Village. Jump on the Pompano Circuit—a free electric shuttle service serving the beachfront and downtown areas. Or, if you’re a frequent traveler, take a quick 25-minute drive from Downtown Pompano Beach to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
Bask in the South Florida Sun
There’s a reason Florida is nicknamed The Sunshine State, and Pompano Beach is a great example of why! With Pompano Beach’s 242 sunny days per year and annual temperatures averaging between 67 and 85 degrees, Pompano Beach residents can soak up the sun and enjoy plenty of outdoor activities like sand volleyball, golfing, cycling, and more! Plus, the Gulf Stream gives residents warm ocean waters, making swimming, surfing, and other Pompano Beach water sports pleasant. The Gulf Stream’s presence also affects Florida weather—Pompano Beach’s hurricane season runs from June through November, so expect around 61 inches of rain per year and prepare for inclement weather when necessary.
Explore Endless Pompano Beach Parks
Not only does Pompano Beach have some of the best white sand beaches in the Fort Lauderdale area, but there are also over 50 parks and green spaces to explore. Play a game of pickleball, basketball, or soccer at Pompano Community Park. Go for a run or take your kids to the playground at North Pompano Park. Venture outdoors through the nature walking trails surrounded by over 30 varieties of ferns at Fern Forest Nature Center. Walk through the palm trees and enjoy relaxing views of the harbor at Harbor’s Edge Park. Explore the scrub habitat and see some of the most ecologically-sensitive Florida wildlife while hiking at Crystal Lake Sand Pine Scrub. Or take your pup out for some exercise at Canine Corner Dog Park!
Enjoy the Pompano Beach Oceanfront
With over three miles of public beach access, there are tons of fun things to do in Pompano Beach. Swim, sunbathe, or have a picnic with views of the historical Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse at North Ocean Park. Go fishing, or take in stunning sunset ocean views while exploring the various shops and restaurants around the Pompano Beach Pier. Get your heart racing and rent a jet ski, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard from American Watersports to take on the Atlantic Ocean waves. Or build sand castles, play a game of sand volleyball, or take an evening sunset stroll at Stonewall Beach.
Explore the Ocean Blue
There’s an abundance of spots for scuba diving in Pompano Beach. From shipwrecks to natural reefs, there’s so much to explore. Head out on a drift diving excursion and explore reef sites like Ant Beds, Lighthouse Ledge, and Crab Cove with South Florida Diving. For a more relaxed diving experience that allows you to explore further into the ocean, try freediving at Drift Freediving. Not quite ready to head into the depths of the ocean? There are plenty of snorkeling spots in Pompano Beach close to the shore to discover as well. If you’d rather stay dry, opt for a sunset cruise or the Hillsboro Inlet Adventure to see the beauty of the ocean with Unforgettable Boat Tours!
Become a Master Angler
You’ll find plenty of deep-sea fishing in Pompano Beach, as well as some exciting South Florida fishing tournaments! Book your private fishing charter for a high-energy deep-sea fishing experience catching swordfish, marlin, and more with Naughty Girl Sport Fishing. Hop into a kayak and catch big gamefish like mahi-mahi, kingfish, snapper, and more with TC Kayak Fishing. Or skip the boat altogether and fish from the Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier or the beautiful white sand Florida beaches! You can also show off your skills with the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo, Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament, or Pompano Beach Sailfish Challenge!
Year-Round Family Fun
Looking for fun Pompano Beach family activities? See thousands of exotic butterflies in the tropical rainforest or feed the lorikeets at Butterfly World—the largest butterfly park in the world. Spend the day shopping at department stores, participate in free yoga classes, and attend family fun days at the open-air mall, Pompano Citi Centre. Head to the European-style market with over 250 vendors selling clothing, jewelry, home goods, and more at Festival Flea Market. Go horseback riding, explore the petting farm, go on a model steam train ride, and more at Tradewinds Park & Stables. Or race go-karts, go bowling, and climb your way through the ropes course adventure at Xtreme Action Park.
Enjoy Tons of Local Events & Festivals
There are many Pompano Beach festivals and events throughout the year that you won’t want to miss! Try delicious seafood creations, jam out to live music, and support local charities at the Pompano Beach Seafood Festival. Experience Brazilian culture with international concerts, samba dancing, and authentic cuisine at the Annual Brazilian Festival. Throw your hands up on carnival rides and take part in the silent auction all while celebrating Italian culture at the St. Coleman Italian Festival, active since 1984. Get in the holiday spirit and view boats decked out with lights, decorations, and more along the Intracoastal Waterway at the nation’s oldest Holiday Boat Parade. Celebrate Juneteenth with art and history performances, pie-tasting contests, and plenty of live gospel and blues entertainment at The Annual Blues and Sweet Potato Pie Festival. Or enjoy live Caribbean concerts, cuisine, and dancing at the Pompano Beach Caribbean Fest.
Celebrate South Florida Arts & Culture
With galleries, studios, and performance venues scattered throughout Pompano Beach, there’s plenty for art lovers to discover! Head downtown to the Creative Arts District and explore live performances like Fat Cat Caterpillar: The Storybook Musical or events like the Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center. See paintings and photography from local resident artists or attend an art workshop at Bailey Contemporary Arts Center. Learn about and celebrate the African-American community in Pompano Beach with live performances and exhibitions at the Ali Cultural Arts Center. Browse the galleries and purchase a painting or photographic print from one of many curated artists at Artblend Gallery. Or learn about the heritage of two of Pompano Beach’s prominent families and relax in Centennial Park at the Sample-McDougald House.
Perfect Your Golf Game
Are you an avid golfer? Pompano Beach has some of the best golf courses for year-round play! Schedule a tee time on one of the three courses like the Palms, Oaks, or Cypress, or hit the driving ranges at Palm Aire Country Club. Practice your golf game on 36 championship holes or browse the Pompano Beach Golf Shop for new gear at Pompano Beach Municipal Golf Course—and be sure to compete in Pompano Beach’s annual golf tournament and new MLK City Golf Championship! Become a member at private golf courses in Pompano Beach—like Leisureville Fairway, a 9-hole course. Take advantage of the free services offered at Deer Creek Golf Club‘s 18-hole champion course. Or get an in-depth analysis of your golf game and choose from 230 different simulated golf courses at the indoor Sim-U-Golf.
Eat Some Delicious Food
You can find everything from fine-dining establishments to fresh seafood in Pompano Beach! Start your morning off with the Irish Eggs Benedict, Dulce de Leche Waffles, and Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast at The Hen and The Hog. Enjoy Atlantic Ocean views while eating Sun-Kissed Shrimp, Conch Chowder, and other seafood bites at Oceanic Pompano Beach. Savor authentic Italian dishes like the Baked Clams Oreganato, Veal Pizzaiola, and Homemade Tiramisu for dessert at Gianni’s Italian Restaurant. Eat traditional Mediterranean cuisines like Kefta Kabob, Chicken Tagine, and Chicken Shawarma while enjoying live belly dancing and other entertainment at La Vie Lebanese Restaurant. Looking for one of the best restaurants in Pompano Beach on the water? Order the Chick-Y Dip, Coconut Shrimp Roll, Punaluu Beach Fish Tacos, and more at Beach House Pompano. Or for some of the best seafood in Pompano Beach, try the Lobster Bisque, Char-Grilled Swordfish, Bouillabaisse, and more at Sea Watch On The Ocean.
Support Pompano Beach’s Growing Brewery Scene
When it comes to South Florida breweries, Pompano Beach has a fast-growing community of Florida craft beer and cider enthusiasts! Bring your four-legged buddy to the dog-friendly taproom and cool down with a Beer Slushie or pint of Scotchness Monster at 26 Degrees Brewing Company. Enjoy board game night and comedy shows while drinking a Nookie Monster Cookie Dough & Vanilla Stout or Lickin’ Lollies Wheat Ale at Black Flamingo Brewing Company. Order one of the rotating seasonal drafts like the Bikini Bay Sour, Toasted Coconut Cream Ale, and Chocolate Voodoo Stout at Pompano Beach Brewing Company. Take home a bottle of Spiffy Kicks Golden Wild Ale or No Puns Gose from Odd Breed Wild Ales. Or order a flight of beer served in beakers with options like Sacsayhuaman, Cocobana, and Solvay w/Blood Orange at Dangerous Minds Brewing Co.
Have a Night Out in Pompano Beach
Looking for fun things to do at night? There’s plenty of Pompano Beach nightlife to go around! Watch a live music performance from well-known music acts such as Sammy Hagar, Boyz II Men, 3 Doors Down, and more at the 3,000-seated outdoor theater, Pompano Beach Amphitheater. Make reservations and sit by the fire pits while listening to live music and sipping specialty cocktails at popular Pompano Beach bar Pier 6 Rooftop. Dance the night away to performing DJs, enjoy VIP bottle service, and dazzling LED lights illuminating the club at Shadow Bar Or enjoy live music, karaoke nights, and games of Left Center Right at popular biker bar Mickey’s Tiki Bar.
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