This close-knit South Florida community is the old-fashioned beach town of our dreams.
Theyre quiet but never boring, cheerfully bustling but not overcrowded.
The idyllic South Florida beach hamlet Lauderdale-By-The-Sea offers all of these things and more.
Credit:Robbie Caponetto
Robbie Caponetto
The bridge fromFort Lauderdaleinto Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is like a portal to vacation world.
Cross over, and suddenly ho-hum drugstores and fast-food restaurants transform into vibrant shops and cafes.
The change of pace is palpable.
Credit:Robbie Caponetto
The only thing to do is exhale and obey the towns tagline: Relax…youre here.
The community celebrated its 75th birthday in 2024.
And in another 75, they hope to look and feel largely the same.
The grilled shrimp over spicy papaya at Delacaseas Cafe features local fruit.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
So many places in South Florida are growing, says town manager Linda Connors.
Ten years ago, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea took strides to do exactly that by carrying out a series of upgrades.
At just 1.5 square miles in area, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is very walkable.
At Mickeyâs Downtown, the eclectic menu includes the Mixed Grill platter.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
At the western terminus isBlue Moon Fish Co., a white-tablecloth dockside seafood spot.
Although theyre open for lunch and dinner, Sunday brunch is well worth the wait.
Locals swear by the pan-seared Duck Breast Magret.
Aruba Beach Cafe has been a favorite since 1983.
Live music and delicious drinks bolster the jovial atmosphere.
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is the punch in of place where everything feels just a little dreamier than day-to-day life.
But nowhere is quite as stunning asSea Watch on the Ocean.
Aruba Beach Cafe has waterside seating.
Generations of families return year after year to request their regular tables in the cozy, window-wrapped Captains Room.
Start with the Boathouse Baked Oysters, and finish with a refreshing slice of Key lime pie.
If youre looking to dive a bit deeper, schedule an excursion withGold Coast Scubaand Blu3.
Gold Coast Scuba and Blu3 provide guided snorkeling and diving excursions.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
After traveling the globe and living on his boat for years, Gug chose Lauderdale-By-The-Sea as his home base.
The sandy shores are combed for seaweed and trash nightly, which earned the town a Blue Wave certification.
In fact, no building in the entire town can be built over four stories tall.
El Mar Drive is a scenic oceanfront road thatâs great for cruising on a bike.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
Instead, family-owned boutique hotels and charming beachfront condos are the speed.
The town is home to35 different accommodationssprinkled along oceanfront El Mar Drive and its surrounding streets.
Plunge Beach Resorteffortlessly combines retro touches with modern amenities in resort-style rooms, as well as adult-only bungalows.
Natural flora lines the beaches.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
Other great beachfront options includeTropic Seas Resort Motel,Tides Inn Hotel, andHigh Noon Resort.
Lounge by the pool under a palm frond umbrella, then head just outside the gate to the beach.
Chris Gug, owner of Gug Underwater Gallery, has been a marinelife photographer for more than 20 years.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
High Noon Beach Resort reflects mid-century modern style.Credit:Robbie Caponetto
