4.6 / 5
Moderate
Half Day
Fall & Winter
Amenities & Activities
Fun Facts
John U. Lloyd Beach State Park is a barrier island sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway — offering two completely different ecosystems in a 244-acre footprint.
The park lies adjacent to Port Everglades, one of the busiest ports in the US — massive container ships and cruise liners pass within feet of the park's south inlet beach.
The park is named after John U. Lloyd, a Broward County state attorney who advocated for the preservation of this barrier island in the 1960s.
Seasonal Events
Sea Turtle Nesting Season
Loggerhead sea turtles nest along the park's beach — nests monitored by volunteer groups.
Spring Bird Migration
Migratory warblers and shorebirds pass through the park's coastal hammock during spring migration.
Wildlife
The park's 244-acre barrier island supports nesting loggerhead sea turtles, gopher tortoises, burrowing owls, brown pelicans, and a variety of migratory shorebirds. The mangrove-lined Intracoastal Waterway side hosts manatees, dolphins, tarpon, and snook. The park lies along a critical songbird migration corridor in spring.
Visitor Tips
The best-kept beach secret near Fort Lauderdale — natural and uncrowded compared to the commercial beaches nearby. Kayak the mangrove-lined Intracoastal side for dolphin and manatee sightings. The north end of the park has calmer water for families. Visit during spring migration for excellent birding in the coastal hammock.
Safety Notes
No lifeguards. Ocean swimming can have strong currents — check conditions. Port Everglades boat traffic is heavy on the south inlet side — stay clear of the shipping channel.