Centrally located on the Florida’s eastern coast between Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach offers breathtaking views, sandy beaches, and mild temperatures year-round. Whether you are looking for vacation rentals in Pompano Beach directly on the water, or further inland near shopping areas and restaurants, this seaside location won’t disappoint. Look forward to boating along the Intracoastal Waterway, or plan a deep-sea charter and catch some fish for dinner. There are opportunities to go hiking and biking, as well as plenty of water sports for all ages. When planning your trip, consider adding these 12 popular activities to your list of to-dos.
1. Visit Butterfly World
Step into a world filled with color at Butterfly World, located just five minutes from the beach. Watch thousands of free-flying butterflies play and dance. Explore one of the interactive exhibits, or explore the tropical rainforest aviary. You can also learn more about hummingbirds, lorikeets, and a variety of exotic plants that attract these creatures.
2. See the Goodyear Blimp
Since the mid-1920s, the Goodyear Blimp has been one of the most well-recognized aircraft in the world. Owned and operated by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, the Spirit of Innovation blimp operates out of Pompano Beach. Tour the hangar of this impressive 192-foot blimp, and learn how the blimp works. If you and the kids are lucky, you might get to take a short ride in the blimp and see views of the beach from above. Stop by one of the park benches near the airstrip to watch the blimp take off and land.
3. Snorkel in the Atlantic
Kids and adults can sign up for a snorkeling tour with the Pompano Dive Center. The company has all the equipment you need. The trip is ideal for anyone who’s comfortable swimming and navigating underwater. Pompano is often referred to as the underwater wreck capital of Florida, which makes it an excellent place for diving and snorkeling. If you need your scuba certification, stop by the South Florida Diving Headquarters and complete the program in as little as two days.
4. Fish From the Pier
The Pompano Beach Pier offers free boatless fishing for all ages. Located at Fisherman’s Wharf, the Pompano Fishing Pier sits on top of a rocky bottom that attracts snapper. Stop by the bait and concession shop for live and frozen bait. The shop also sells hot dogs, chips, and ice cream. The pier is open to the public 24 hours a day, all year round.
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5. Enjoy the Beach
A trip to Pompano Beach is not a complete without at least a single day devoted to beach activities. Rent paddleboards and kiteboards at the Beach Vacation Rentals for the family, or spend the afternoon canvassing the beach for shells. Fill your cooler full of soft drinks and snacks from your vacation rental and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along the boardwalk. There are also pizza shops and cafes that make great lunch destinations. Bring a beach chair and watch the kids play in the sand, or rent a chair with an umbrella at Pompano Beach Rentals.
6. Beat the Heat by Ice Skating
One way to beat the heat of the day in Pompano Beach is by visiting the Glacier Ice and Snow Arena. This 40,000-square-foot facility has an NHL-sized rink and a mini rink for birthday parties and private skating sessions. You’ll find a fully stocked pro shop and snack bar with equipment rentals, an arcade, and lockers to hold all of your beach gear.
7. Rent Kayaks
The Middle River is located just south of Pompano Beach. The water is calm, and the river is surrounded on either side by draping trees that offer a respite from the heat of the sun. Sign up for a family tour with American Watersports or Life’s a Beach Watersports, and spend a few hours traversing the beautiful water.
8. Race Indoor Go-Karts
For those looking for a thrill, head to the indoor go-kart facility at Xtreme Action Park. Children 8 years of age or older can careen around the paved indoor arena and challenge other family members and friends to a race. The park also includes a bowling alley, arcade games, an indoor trampoline park, and several escape rooms to try. When you get hungry, there’s a small restaurant that sells pizza and other snacks, or you can sample a shake at the Hershey Shake Shoppe before heading back to your vacation rental.
9. Take Photographs at the Hillsboro Lighthouse
The Hillsboro Lighthouse features the brightest beam in the world. Opened in 1907, this beautiful lighthouse has a bright white beacon light that flashes every 20 seconds. Take a tour of the surrounding area, and walk through the museum to learn about the structure’s history. There are also picnic tables, a boat dock, and a fishing pier for those who want to linger, and children can play on the playground.
10. Learn Something New at the Museum of Discovery and Science
Spend a day exploring the Museum of Discovery and Science with the kids. Dig for fossils, take a ride on the Everglades Airboat Adventure, or experience hurricane-force winds inside the storm center. You’ll find two floors of interactive exhibits, where you can hang out with animals, pet turtles and iguanas, or let your kids test their pilot skills in a cockpit simulator. Enjoy an IMAX film adventure, and then shop for souvenirs.
11. Ride the Ponies at Tradewinds Park
The Tradewinds Park and Stables is one of the most diverse parks in the area. The 625-acre park provides pony trail rides and an educational farm where you can pet and feed a variety of farm animals. You and the family can also try your skill at a game of disc golf.
12. Cool Down at Splash Adventure Water Park
Splash Adventure Water Park is an interactive children’s water playground designed for ages 12 and under. Tots can enjoy a variety of slides, turn valves, and a large pool for swimming and splashing. Parents can rent a 20-foot fun umbrella to get out of the heat, while kids 12 and older can slip away to Ski Rixen, which offers cable water skiing.
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