Fort Lauderdale Neighborhood Guide: Central Beach
If you’re planning on moving to Fort Lauderdale, FL, you’re likely trying to figure out the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale and which one would be the right fit for you. For wave watchers and riders, Central Beach is the neighborhood of choice. What’s better than living less than two minutes from the sandy shores? This chill area has plenty of local favorites to make a peaceful yet entertaining home—not to mention the incredible ocean views!
Thinking about moving to Central Beach in Fort Lauderdale? Here’s our guide to the best restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, outdoor attractions, gyms, nightlife, and transportation in the neighborhood.
Food and dining
In Central Beach, it’s all about that beachside table dining. Cozy up to the waves with our favorite spots on the Atlantic shore. A go-to neighborhood spot, Casablanca Cafe gives you two things—excellent beachside seats and crowd-pleasing American fare. We recommend starting with the phyllo-wrapped baked brie, then indulging in the Deep Sea Linguine for your entree. Yum!
Oysters by the dozen? Fresh crab caught that morning? Coconuts is the semi-casual bistro for eating seafood right by the ocean it came from. This Fort Lauderdale favorite even has half-priced bottles of wine on Mondays and Tuesdays!
After a long day on the beach, lounge with a tray of Spazio’s Primavera pizza or linguine clam pasta while lounging on their outdoor porch. Trust us—you’ll have a great time!
Groceries
Even though Central Beach is far from downtown Fort Lauderdale, it still has plenty of grocery options. Head to the Galleria Mall to grab staples at Publix and seasonings at The Spice Lab—and don’t forget your weekly fresh produce at Las Olas Oceanside Farmers Market.
Coffee shops
In Central Beach, there are plenty of cheerful and caffeinated cafes to keep you alert and ready for the day. A beloved Fort Lauderdale chain, Nanou’s serves European-style coffee with breakfast favorites like omelets and croissants.
For that perfectly relaxing, slow-paced morning on the shore, Archibald’s has fresh scones and quality lattes for the job.
Put a pep in your step with Cafe Ibiza’s breakfast, served with lively music and a friendly vibe.
Outdoors and recreation
Of course, the Atlantic Ocean is right there. But for Central Beach residents, you’ve got a few more outdoor activities than lounging by the beach.
Roam the century-old estate and wetlands of the historic Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. Or, for a weekend afternoon, rent a charter at Fishing Headquarters to catch big winners like tarpon or swordfish. To strike tourist-free beach time, stick to the north end of Fort Lauderdale Beach, which houses a spacious, sugar-sand shore.
Gyms and fitness
Welcome, all yogis and holistic health enthusiasts—it’s all about that wellness life in Central Beach.
For traditional yoga enthusiasts, visit the gorgeous sunlit studio at Yoga on Breakers for focused flows. Or, maybe you fancy a class with an ocean breeze? FL Beach Yoga & Fitness has creative classes held at nearby parks, rooftops, and shores. And for more traditional exercisers, Powerhouse Gym has all the spin classes and training equipment you’ll ever need.
Nightlife and entertainment
At night, Central Beach is more chill than fiery. But this Fort Lauderdale neighborhood still has its fair share of sophisticated hangouts, especially within the local hotels.
Nosh on appetizers and craft beers as you admire a shore-lined sunset from Premiere Hotel’s Cafe & Bar and Atlantic Hotel’s SKY Bar. To shake things up, go retro by spending some time at the Elbo Room, made famous by the 1960 film “Where the Boys Are.”
Transportation
Having a car makes life much easier in Central Beach. But if you don’t have a personal vehicle, you can budget for a $70 monthly bus pass (the A1A line cuts up the shore). When making nighttime trips, local cab companies like Hypp’s Cab can save the day. Of course, you can also opt to use ride-sharing companies like Lyft or Uber to get around Fort Lauderdale as well.
Land in a great apartment in Central Beach, FL
Central Beach is for ocean lovers. It’s relaxed, spacious, and right on the beach. Slide into the beach life with a shoreside condo with mesmerizing views.
If you like the idea of moving to Central Beach, FL, Landing offers fully furnished apartments with flexible lease terms, concierge services, seamless transfers, and all the amenities you need. Browse our available apartments in Central Beach, or contact us to learn more about how Landing works.
Still looking for the right Fort Lauderdale neighborhood for you? Browse our other Fort Lauderdale neighborhood guides, including: