Blake Walsh

22 Best Things to Do in Pompano Beach, FL

  • Published 2023/03/27

Are you looking for a relaxing but fun vacation where you can enjoy sunsets on the beach and drink your woes away at night?

Florida, the meditating heart of the United States, is famous for its calm and soothing stretch of life.

Sitting between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, this stunning city is home to hundreds of miles of beaches and attracts thousands of tourists every year.

One of the main tourist attractions in Florida is Pompano Beach, a beautiful and calm city north of Fort Lauderdale.

Famous for its beaches, marine life, diving spots and offshore coral reefs, this beach is home to a lot of flora and fauna and is definitely worth a visit.

Here is a list of things to do in Pompano Beach, Florida—a fresh, beautiful, marine state that will rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul:

Shop and Catch a Film at the Swap Shop and Thunderbird Drive-In Theater

Is your trip to Florida getting heavy on the pocket?

The Swap Shop and Thunderbird Drive-In Theater is a one-stop shop for all your needs.

One of the largest flea markets in the world, the Swap Shop features a wide range of entertainment, food, and shopping centers for you to experience.

Meanwhile, the Thunderbird Drive-In Theater is a 14-screen drive-in theater that is one of the biggest across the globe.

This market caters to about 12 million tourists per year and should definitely be a part of your itinerary.

Take a Leisurely Stroll along the Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier

Beautiful sunset over Pompano beach pier

Mary Ann Tardif / Shutterstock.com

Are you traveling with your family?

The Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier is a very family-oriented place to take a walk up the pier or to go fishing.

With a breathtaking view of the sea, this pier is the perfect spot for a relaxing day to freshen up your mind.

Welcome arch of Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier

Serenethos / Shutterstock.com

You can read, write, meditate, swim, and indulge in all the little food shacks near the beach.

Rejoice in the beauty of nature at this ever-so-relaxing pier.

It is a great place to loosen up, have refreshing drinks, and savor the small moments in life.

Go on a Scuba Diving Adventure

Scuba diving in Pompano beach

Angela N Perryman / Shutterstock.com

Are you looking for some amazing water sports to indulge in?

Enter the heart of the sea and experience life like never before.

Scuba diving is one of the most amusing things to do in Pompano Beach.

This activity allows you to witness the magic of the sea, take a dive deep down to its heart, and admire the beautiful marine life.

View a shipwreck while scuba diving in pompano beach

OceanProPhotography / Shutterstock.com

Spot everything from small fishes to sharks and little green plants to the beautiful and colorful coral reefs.

Under the sea, you can witness peace and calmness like never before and see the world from a different, magical point of view.

By going on a scuba diving adventure, you’ll be able to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Fish and corals underwater in pompano beach

Angela N Perryman / Shutterstock.com

Spend the Day at William J. Alsdorf Boat Launching Park

Welcome sign of Alsdorf park public boat launch

Serenethos / Shutterstock.com

Is Florida getting a little too crowded for launching your boats or jet skis?

William J. Alsdorf Boat Launching Park has got you covered.

This dock is a great place to visit with your friends, have lunch, or simply walk your dog.

You surely won’t get bored watching the boats come and go while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

You can also have a cute little picnic with your partner, friends, or family, or just by yourself.

This park is also great for fishing and provides easy and quick unloading.

Test Your Luck at Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park

Sign of Isle casino pompano park

Dtobias, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You’re probably wondering to you kill your time at night while visiting Pompano Beach.

The city’s beaches and activities might get you too tired to be up late at night, but if you dig late night outings, you must pay a visit to Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.

This casino is great for gambling, partying, and washing your worries away.

It is pretty spacious and is a fun place to hang out if you are not a fan of overcrowded places.

You should definitely spend one of your nights here for the ultimate Florida experience.

There are also a variety of other casino options available for you, such as Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, A Casino Event Florida, and more.

You can go to any of them, depending on the distance from where you’re staying.

Sign Up for a Lesson at EZride Surf School

You cannot end your vacation to Pompano Beach without surfing the waves, as surfing is one of the top two water sports in Florida.

EZride Surf School is one of the best surfing schools in Florida that can give you the ultimate experience of surfing the waves and make you feel like the king of the water.

Try it out for yourself.

Do not worry if you’re a beginner, as you will be taught from scratch.

Do not miss this opportunity because being adventurous is the happiest way to a long life after all.

Kick Back and Relax at Pompano Beach

The waters of Pompano Beach

Laurel A Egan / Shutterstock.com

Finally, the most important location to visit is Pompano Beach itself.

It is a great place to get a tan, go swimming, play beach Frisbee or volleyball, make sand castles, fly kites, and pretty much do all the mainstream yet enjoyable activities one does at the beach.

People playing footvolley at Pompano Beach

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You can have a picnic, read your favorite book, watch and listen to the sea, run on the sand while a soft breeze blows into your hair, have a romantic date with your partner, or have a great time with your family and friends.

A beach, after all, never gets boring.

Pompano Beach is a great place to de-stress, enjoy the calm, serene vibes, and admire the greenery and cleanliness.

People enjoying the sun at Pompano Beach

Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

Show Off Your Inner Acrobat at Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Sky Zone is what happens when you take your trampoline experience sky-high.

Here, you can take a spin in the Sky Tower, soar up above, and make a sloppy landing inside the massive foam pit below.

You could also play soccer, basketball, dodgeball, or volleyball on their springy, air-cushioned multi-court.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park features two amazing slides called Grand Prix and Mega Launch.

Alternatively, you can hang out in their Freestyle Jump, where you can casually catch some air on the sprawling wall-to-wall trampoline courts.

More fun attractions at Sky Zone Trampoline Park include SkySlam, SkyLadder, Ropes Course, Parkour Blox, Sky Camp, and more.

Get Inspired at Bailey Contemporary Arts

In Florida, you’ll also find Bailey Contemporary Arts situated right in the art heart of Pompano Beach.

Since opening in 2014, Bailey Contemporary Arts has been running comprehensive and well-curated exhibition programs featuring the works of internationally recognized artists alongside those of emerging local and nationwide notables.

Home to various artists, this 6,000-square-foot art space exhibits artistic creations, as well as educates and inspires others through various forms of art.

A large open social area is also available for artistic dialogue if needed.

Bailey Contemporary Arts provides studio space for aspiring artists, featuring ceramicists, painters, interdisciplinary artists, and photographers.

The art center provides an environment for visionaries of the artistic world to further explore their craft through workshops, conferences, studio visits, monthly exhibits, and more.

Watch a Show at Curtain Call Playhouse

Curtain Call Playhouse is the longest-operating professional theater in the city.

For over 20 years, it has served the community from young to adult audiences.

From fun plays to comedy shows and performances, this theater company has it all.

This company is also home to various events, including the Short Play Festival, which takes place at Charlotte Burrie Civic Center.

Get ready for a night of laughs and lessons at Curtain Call Playhouse on Southeast 3rd Street.

Taste Local Seafood at Pompano Beach Seafood Festival

One of Pompano Beach’s most famous festivals celebrates the city’s love for seafood and music.

Pompano Beach Seafood Festival has been a city staple since 1984.

In the years that followed, the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo have led its program.

And the best part is that the event is for a good cause!

Proceeds from this festival go to various local charities and organizations.

This festival brings together local businesses for servings of seafood and classic American cuisine.

Its main highlight is the all-star setlist of performances from regional bands.

Browse through several booths, including those selling arts and crafts and unique memorabilia.

Bring loved ones along for a weekend of food adventures, art explorations, and festival fun.

Pompano Beach Seafood Festival takes place throughout the city’s downtown area every April.

Learn to Swim at Pompano Beach Aquatic Center

Pompano Beach Aquatic Center is your ultimate destination for a splashing time indoors.

This center features an Olympic pool spanning 50 meters.

For those just learning laps, there’s a 25-meter teaching pool, too.

It hosts a multitude of programs and offers swimming lessons for those interested.

The facility offers designated water aerobics classes as well.

Book your time at this well-maintained center as soon as you can!

You can get to Pompano Beach Aquatic Center via Northeast 18th Avenue.

Discover More about Pompano Beach’s History at Kester Cottages

Exterior of Kester Cottages

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re craving a historical journey while in Pompano Beach, you might like dropping by the Kester Cottages.

These cottages, handled by the Pompano Beach Historical Society, offer a glimpse of the city’s past.

Originally built in the 30s by William Kester, these cottages were huge tourist attractions.

They housed residents and visitors and were about 150 in total.

Several years later, only two had moved locations and went under the management of the historical organization.

Far view of Kester Cottages

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The cottages now display artifacts and functional equipment from long-gone years.

School memorabilia, farm equipment, and historical photographs are only a few of the objects you’ll find within the homes.

The Kester Cottages are open by appointment, so don’t forget to book a tour of the place!

You can find these homes—and the society’s headquarters—on Northeast 4th Avenue.

View Art Exhibitions at Ali Cultural Arts Center

Ali Cultural Arts Center provides a cultural and artistic experience centered around the Native American community.

This art gallery, established in the 1930s, is impressive in both its interior programs and exterior design.

The architectural form of the house is an example of an early 20th-century design establishment.

What’s more, the building was also the first one fully owned by an African American couple.

Now, the center is open to visual art exhibitions and performances created by national, regional, and local artists.

Come by during its spoken word poetry performances and art displays.

Ali Cultural Arts Center is on Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Escape to the Breathtaking Fern Forest Nature Center

Beautiful moss trees at Fern Forest Nature Center

jaimie tuchman / Shutterstock.com

Want to explore the wilderness of the forest without actually facing its difficulties and dangers?

Fern Forest Nature Center, located 10 minutes outside Pompano Beach, gives you a life-like experience of the wilderness while maintaining all the precautions for your safety.

Cypress trees at Fern Forest Nature Center

jaimie tuchman / Shutterstock.com

The place boasts fresh air, refreshes the mind, is great for a hike, and takes you into the heart of the forest by showcasing various habitats of flora and fauna for a pleasant experience.

Located in Coconut Creek, Fern Forest Nature Center is great for nature and wildlife photography.

This place can be a joyous hideaway from the daily struggles of mechanic metropolitan life.

Take the Kids to Off the Wall Coconut Creek

If outdoor sports do not call out to you, this is the ultimate place to add to your itinerary.

Off the Wall Coconut Creek, an indoor sports complex in Coconut Creek, is just a 10-minute drive away from Pompano Beach.

This attraction for toddlers and adults is the right place for you to have fun in a safe, sound, and controlled environment.

With a wide range of indoor sports activities like a trampoline, laser tag, ropes, arcade games, and more, you can jump around carefree, play, and have a joyful time with your friends.

Off the Wall Coconut Creek is also known to serve delicious pizza hot from the oven.

You can gather your kids and celebrate birthday parties in the hall.

This place is loved by tourists and can be a fun place to visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids during your stay in Florida.

Have an Activity-Filled Day at Tradewinds Park & Stables

A stork at Tradewinds Park and Stables

Korall, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Are you looking for a fun place to go horseback riding?

Tradewinds Park and Stables is one of the most fun places to visit near Pompano Beach, where you cannot only go horseback riding but also get a tour of the park in mini trains.

This park is located in the neighboring city of Coconut Creek, less than 15 minutes away from Pompano Beach.

This park is great for taking pictures, jogging, and going for bike rides.

It also has a great lakeside view for you to enjoy while doing whatever activities you choose while you’re here.

Tradewinds Park and Stables is very famous for its evening light show, which brings true joy to the heart and is a great sight for the eyes.

It is an excellent place to take your kids for pony-riding, go-karting, bike riding, and playing for fun.

Enjoy the Stunning Views from Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse

Daytime view of Hillsboro Inlet House

cpaulfell / Shutterstock.com

The nearby town of Hillsboro Beach is a popular side trip destination for travelers visiting Pompano Beach.

One of its best-known attractions is Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1907 and has been operational since then.

This tourist attraction attracts a lot of tourists for its old architectural design and the fact that it has been operational for almost 200 years.

Its stunning views and fascinating history are the two most significant reasons behind its fame.

Spiral staircase in Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse

SunflowerMomma / Shutterstock.com

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse is known for its crystal clear waters, fun little boat rides, and its sandy coast, where you can go for a swim.

The waters around the lighthouse are so clear that you can see fishes swim right up to you.

The scenery and the adventure are truly breathtaking, and this place definitely needs to be at the top of your to-do list while you visit Florida.

It’s a must for your itinerary, especially if you’re visiting with your partner; this lighthouse, with its stunning view and the serene sound of the waves, could be the perfect romantic getaway you’ve been looking for.

The top half of Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse

SunflowerMomma / Shutterstock.com

Unleash Your Inner Child at Uncle Bernie’s Amusement Park

Uncle Bernie’s Amusement Park near Pompano Beach, Florida is a year-round spot for carnival rides.

Located under 15 minutes away in Lauderhill, it is one of the safest and most famous spots to take your kids.

The vibes are very ’90s and retro, and it is a gateway to your dream and fantasy world.

You can also go-kart, watch luxurious car displays, go on cute carnival rides, thrift shop at very pocket-friendly prices, and have a blast with your friends and family.

You can also visit Uncle Bernie’s Amusement Park if you’re a sucker for antique items.

The park is clean, usually crowded, and a must-visit if you’re in Florida.

Take a Rejuvenating Break at Colohatchee Park

Pompano Beach and its surrounding towns and cities are most famous for their natural beauty and serenity.

Thus, they are the ideal places for washing away the troubles of daily life, offering the perfect relaxing getaway to soothe your soul.

The area is home to a vast number of parks and wildlife sanctuaries where you can view nature’s beauty and exotic reptiles and animals that will leave you perplexed.

Located 12 minutes away in Wilton Manors, Colohatchee Park is one of the very famous parks near Pompano Beach buried in the woods.

It has tons of open space, a dog park, a children’s playground, a pavilion with picnic tables, a volleyball court, and a basketball court.

It’s the perfect spot to ease up, go on a walk, take pictures, and have a mellow time.

Spot Beautiful Wildlife at Tivoli Sand and Park Preserve

Want to explore more and visit the heart of Florida?

Less than 10 minutes away in Deerfield Beach, Tivoli Sand and Park Preserve is definitely worth a visit.

This preserve in the wild south of Florida is home to the natural habitat of various species of plants and animals.

You can truly feel connected to nature and wildlife in this park.

Different species of snakes, lizards, turtles, flowers, trees, and birds can be found here.

It’s a must-visit for nature and wildlife photography.

Has it ever occurred to you how it would feel to walk beneath the water in the sea?

Snorkeling in the sea is one of the most amusing things to be done in and near Pompano Beach, Florida.

Twenty to 30 feet deep underwater, you will witness life, beautiful and serene.

You can also go for a dive both during the day and night, and you will live for this experience.

Final Thoughts

When life gets too hectic, a hearty invite for a vacation to somewhere sunny might just be the thing to recharge you.

Pompano Beach is home to some of the friendliest folks you’ll find anywhere, and locals will tell you this is one of the best places to refresh your soul.

From fishing to fun fairs, shopping centers, serene beaches, and absolutely gorgeous views, you can’t go ever wrong setting foot on this side of the world.

If you want to ensure that your trip is memorable and not just another day at a beach city, this list of things to do in Pompano Beach will help make sure it’s unforgettable.

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