Pompano Beach Fishing Pier
No trip to Pompano Beach is complete without a visit to the iconic Pompano Beach Fishing Pier. Stretching over 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, this historic pier has been a popular local fishing spot since it first opened in the 1960s. Anglers of all ages flock to the pier daily to try their hand at catching Florida favorites like snook, snapper, jack crevalle and more. Even if you’re not an avid angler, the pier makes for a lovely oceanfront stroll and is one of the best spots to take in a Pompano Beach sunset. You’ll also find beachy restaurants and bait shops right off the pier if you need a bite to eat or fishing supplies. The Pompano Beach Fishing Pier is fun, family-friendly attraction that offers a taste of classic Florida beach life.
Hillsboro Lighthouse
For a slice of Pompano Beach history, visit the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, an iconic structure that has guided mariners safely to shore since 1907. As the brightest lighthouse in Florida with a beam that can be seen from over 20 miles out to sea, it still serves a vital navigation function today. Tour the grounds of the lighthouse and visit the museum to learn about the fascinating history of this local landmark. Brave visitors can even join one of the weekend tours that takes you to climb up the 175 winding steps to the top of the lighthouse for unparalleled views of the Pompano coastline. Whether you tour the lighthouse or simply admire it from the inlet shore nearby, the Hillsboro Lighthouse is a must-visit Pompano Beach attraction.
Atlantic Boulevard Beaches
It wouldn’t be a proper Pompano Beach vacation without spending time lounging on the area’s beautiful beaches! Pompano’s beachfront runs for nearly 4 miles along Atlantic Boulevard, with the sands and surf divided up into distinct public beach parks. Some of the most popular Atlantic Boulevard beaches include Pompano Beach Park near the pier, which has playground facilities for the kids. Alsdorf Park offers beach volleyball courts while Crystal Heights Park is known for its shaded picnic tables. No matter which section you choose, these beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing and simply enjoying the sun and surf of the Atlantic Ocean.
Pompano Beach Sea Turtle Monitoring Program
Florida is home to several endangered and threatened species of sea turtle, many of which nest right on Pompano Beach’s sandy shores between March and October each year. The Sea Turtle Monitoring Program allows visitors to get up close and watch the magic of sea turtle nesting and hatching during guided night walks. Expert local volunteers will take you to nesting sites and educate you all about sea turtle conservation in Pompano Beach and beyond. This special hands-on experience lets you play an active role in preserving these magnificent creatures while witnessing the moving spectacle of turtles returning to shore to lay their eggs. It’s an eco-friendly late night affair perfect for nature lovers.
Sample Fresh Seafood
From grilled mahi sandwiches to seared snapper and poached shrimp, Pompano Beach is a seafood lover’s paradise. As a fishing town it has no shortage of delicious seafood restaurants offering the freshest local catches transformed into mouthwatering dishes by talented chefs. For the ultimate seaside dining experience, grab a table on the waterfront patio at The Fish Market overlooking the Hillsboro Inlet. Their menu highlights regional favorites like Key West pink shrimp, hogfish and yellowtail snapper. Or opt for more casual fare at down-to-earth waterfront joints like the Pompano Beach Fish Company. Don’t miss trying a Florida classic: crunchy grouper fingers with tangy rémoulade sauce!
Shop Atlantic Boulevard Boutiques
Atlantic Boulevard isn’t just home to beautiful beaches – this bustling thoroughfare also offers excellent shopping and boutiques to browse during your Pompano vacation. Start your retail therapy at chic storefronts like Trillions Shoes and Laura Lynn Boutique for trendy fashions and accessories. Or pick up locally made gifts and souvenirs at spots like The Purple Octopus, which sells jewelry, home decor and novelty items that capture the beachy vibe of Pompano. You’ll also find beachwear stores, surf shops, gift emporiums and art galleries dotted along this stretch. With all that Pompano shopping has to offer, you’re sure to find the perfect mementos of your trip.
Visit the Pompano Beach Arts District
Pompano Beach has a fantastic arts scene, thanks in large part to the charming Pompano Beach Arts District located just off the beach. Here you’ll find art galleries like the Bailey Contemporary Arts showcasing impressive regional talent, as well as the Bailey Arts Center which hosts musical performances and theater productions throughout the year. Don’t miss the chance for creative inspiration at colorful public art installations like the Aquatic Garage Mural Project on Pompano Beach Blvd. Many restaurants in the district also have live music at night, so you can enjoy a meal with a side of arts and culture during your visit.
Kayak the Pompano Canal
For a break from the beach, try a kayaking adventure to explore the scenic Pompano Canal! This human-made canal system winds through the city and provides a unique glimpse into some of the area’s most beautiful natural spots. As you kayak past mangroves and marine wildlife, your experienced guide will fill you in on the ecology and history of the canal. Kayak out to Lake Santa Barbara, where egrets, herons and gallinules congregate amidst the marsh grasses. Paddling the Pompano Canal is a peaceful outdoor escape and a fun way to work up an appetite before sampling more of Pompano’s seafood delicacies. Most kayak tours last 1-2 hours, perfect for a quick morning or afternoon adventure.
Go Fishing
With a vibrant offshore fishing scene, Pompano Beach is a dream destination for anglers. You have several options to get casting during your Pompano vacation. For solo fishing, you can try your luck right off the Pompano Beach Fishing Pier or nearby bridge crossings. No equipment or boat needed! Many local captains also offer affordable shared group fishing charters departing from Pompano marinas daily. Or if you’re with a large group, you can book your own private charter fishing boat complete with an experienced captain and mate who’ll take you to catch the big ones offshore. Target prized gamefish like sailfish, kingfish, mahi and more.
How to Get Around Pompano Beach
With so much to see and do, you’ll want to make getting around Pompano Beach easy and enjoyable. Here are some of the top options for transportation during your visit:
Public Transportation
Pompano Beach has a public bus system that serves most major destinations in the city, including the beach, shopping centers and attractions. It connects with other regional transit like Broward County Transit and Tri-Rail. Fares start around $1.75 per ride. The buses can be handy, but routes only run every 30-60 minutes so they may not be the most efficient option.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are available for hailing in central Pompano Beach and popular tourist spots, but you’ll likely have quicker pickup relying on rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft. Average fares run $1-2 per mile. While convenient, keeping track of everyone in a large group can get tricky with multiple rideshares.
Charter Buses
For maximum convenience when traveling in large groups, charter bus rentals are the way to go in Pompano Beach. You can book buses in a range of sizes to accommodate groups from family reunions to school field trips and more. A charter bus rental keeps everyone together on one comfortable vehicle while a professional driver navigates to your chosen Pompano Beach destinations. Many buses offer amenities like WiFi, TVs and relaxing reclining seats too!
Ready to Get Started?
We hope this Pompano Beach travel guide has helped give you a taste of everything this sunny Florida destination has to offer first-time visitors. With beautiful beaches, great seafood, fascinating attractions and a lively arts scene, Pompano Beach makes for an amazing seaside vacation.
The hardest part is narrowing down everything you’d like to see and do on your Pompano trip! Once you’ve made your Pompano Beach itinerary, be sure to book transportation like a charter bus rental to keep your group moving smoothly between destinations.
At Charter Bus Company Pompano Beach, our goal is to make exploring Pompano Beach easy and enjoyable with our fleet of top-quality buses with professional drivers. We offer charter bus rentals for all group sizes and occasions. Give us a call at 954-369-0987 when you’re ready to start your Pompano Beach adventure and get a free quote on transportation for your crew!