Just south of Port Everglades, on the barrier island in Dania Beach, sits one of Broward's best-kept natural beaches, long known as John U. Lloyd Beach State Park and renamed in 2016 for Dr. Von D. Mizell and Eula Johnson, civil-rights leaders who organised the 1961 wade-ins that desegregated Fort Lauderdale's beaches. The site's history makes the rename apt: this stretch was once Broward County's designated colored beach, and the land was later protected rather than developed into high-rises. Today it offers a wide, undeveloped beach for swimming, shelling and snorkelling, the jetty at the inlet where anglers cast and visitors watch cruise ships and freighters slide in and out of the port, and Whiskey Creek, a calm, mangrove-lined waterway on the island's west side that is one of the best beginner paddles in the county. Birders find herons, ibis and ospreys along the creek, and sea turtles nest on the beach in summer. Entry is a modest per-vehicle fee, and the park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown every day. Note that some areas have been closed for repairs, including two parking lots, the Barrier Trail and some pavilions and restrooms, so check the park's alerts before you go and follow posted signs.
The wade-ins are the story to carry with you. In the summer of 1961, Black residents led by Eula Johnson, then president of the local NAACP, and Dr. Von D. Mizell walked into the water at the whites-only beach in Fort Lauderdale, defying segregation; the legal fight that followed opened the county's beaches.
The background sharpens it
As early as 1946 Black residents petitioned the county for a beach of their own, and the barrier-island site designated in 1954 never got its promised road, so families reached it by boat, ferried across by local boatman Alphonso Giles.
The state bought the land in 1973, and the park has since grown to about 310 acres between the ocean and the Intracoastal. Historical markers in the park tell the story, and the Florida Channel and Visit Lauderdale have both produced short features on it.
Using the park well
Arrive at opening on weekends because the lots fill, head to the north end if you want the ship-watching show at the inlet, and save Whiskey Creek for a calm morning when the water is glassy and the birds are active. The creek runs parallel to the beach, sheltered from ocean swell.
The park concession, Whiskey Creek Hideout, handles kayaks and paddleboards alongside food and drinks, or launch your own craft; there is also a boat ramp. Rangers lead occasional guided walks along the creek, including a New Year's Day hike. The beach has no high-rise backdrop, which makes it feel far wilder than its location between the port and Hollywood suggests.
Candour
Facilities are simpler than at city beaches, some areas remain closed pending repairs, and summer brings biting insects near the mangroves. In exchange you get the most natural shoreline within minutes of the airport. Pair it with Hollywood's Broadwalk to the south or Hugh Taylor Birch State Park to the north for a two-park day.
What to expect
The experience
A barrier-island state park with an undeveloped beach, inlet jetty, and the mangrove-lined Whiskey Creek for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Best time
Opening time on weekends to beat the parking queue; calm mornings for the creek; late afternoon for cruise ship departures.
How long
A half day for beach and paddle.
Tips
Check park alerts for current area closures. Bring insect repellent for the mangroves. Bring your own paddle craft or confirm rentals in advance.
Quick picks
- Best for
- The most natural beach near the airport and the port.
- Families
- Calm creek paddling and a beach without high-rise crowds.
- Couples
- Watching the cruise ships sail at sunset from the jetty.
- Pair with
- Hollywood Beach Broadwalk a few minutes south.
- Time needed
- A half day.
Good questions
Is this the old John U. Lloyd Beach State Park?+
Yes. It was renamed in 2016 to honour Dr. Von D. Mizell and Eula Johnson, leaders of the 1961 wade-ins that desegregated local beaches.
What does it cost?+
A modest per-vehicle entrance fee, payable at the gate. The park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sundown.
Can I kayak here?+
Yes. Whiskey Creek is a sheltered mangrove waterway ideal for beginners, running parallel to the beach out of the ocean swell. The Whiskey Creek Hideout concession handles paddle craft; confirm availability on your date, or bring your own.
Are any areas closed?+
Some lots, restrooms, the Barrier Trail and certain picnic areas have been closed for repairs. Check the park page for current alerts. The closures were posted in September 2025 and were still listed in late 2026, so expect some lots, the Barrier Trail and certain picnic areas to remain fenced.
Can I see cruise ships?+
Yes. The north end faces the Port Everglades inlet, and ships pass close to the jetty on departure afternoons. Weekend afternoons, when several ships often sail one after another, give the best show; check the port's published cruise schedule for departure days.
