The best place to paddle board in Fort Lauderdale for beginners is the freshwater lagoon in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: it’s sheltered, has no boat traffic, and you can rent a board in the park. For the classic Fort Lauderdale paddle past waterfront mansions and yachts, rent a board in Victoria Park and explore the Las Olas canals; for mangroves and wildlife, head south to Whiskey Creek in Dania Beach.
Fort Lauderdale is built around water, with canals, rivers and the Intracoastal Waterway running through the city, and the water is warm all year. The catch is boat traffic: the Intracoastal and the New River are busy with yachts, tour boats and water taxis, so the best paddling is in the quiet canals, lagoons and mangrove creeks off the main channels.
Quick answer
- First time on a board: the lagoon in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, with rentals in the park.
- Mansions and yachts: the Las Olas canals, with rentals from Victoria Park.
- Mangroves and wildlife: Whiskey Creek in Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Dania Beach.
- Marked mangrove trails: West Lake Park in Hollywood, south of the city.
- A quiet river paddle: the upper New River, west of downtown.
The best places to paddle board in Fort Lauderdale
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park lagoon
DirectionsBest for: beginners and families. Flat freshwater.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park sits between the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway, right off A1A. Through the middle of the park runs a mile-long freshwater lagoon, a rare coastal dune lake, lined with palms and shady hammock forest. People have been renting canoes on it since the 1950s.
Where to launch: Rent on the lagoon inside the park. The park is at 3109 E Sunrise Boulevard and charges an entry fee per vehicle. With no boats, no current and no waves, it’s the calmest water in the city.
Rentals and lessons: The park’s concession rents canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and paddle boards on the lagoon. Call the park for hours and current prices.
Good to know: Look for herons and egrets along the banks. If you want to bring your own board, check with the park first.
Las Olas canals and the Middle River
Directions
Best for: sightseeing, mansions and yachts. Flat water, but with boat wakes.
The canals off Las Olas Boulevard, between downtown and the beach, are lined with waterfront homes and private docks. They’re mostly residential and quieter than the main channels, and they’re the closest thing to a guided tour of the “Venice of America” that you can do on your own.
Where to launch: The easiest start is with a rental from Victoria Park. Las Olas Paddle Boards launches from its own dock on the Middle River, a short paddle from the Las Olas canals and the Intracoastal.
Rentals and lessons: Las Olas Paddle Boards, Boats & Kayaks (934 NE 20th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale) rents paddle boards and kayaks for first-timers, couples and groups, and allows dogs on many of its rentals.
What to avoid: The Intracoastal Waterway itself carries fast boats, big yachts and water taxis. Cross it quickly and at right angles if you must, and stay in the side canals.
Whiskey Creek (Dania Beach)
Directions
Best for: mangroves, wildlife and a tour. Flat, tidal water.
Whiskey Creek runs about 1.5 miles through Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park (formerly John U. Lloyd Beach State Park), between the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s shallow, calm and lined with mangroves on both sides, and most powerboats stay out on the Intracoastal. Visit Lauderdale describes mangrove tunnels and plenty of wildlife on the way.
Where to launch: Start from the beach by the boat ramp at the north end of the park, where the rental concession is. Both ends of the creek have sandy spots to get in and out. The park is at 6503 N Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, and charges an entry fee per vehicle.
Rentals and lessons: Whiskey Creek Hideout (6503 N Ocean Drive, Dania Beach), the park’s concession, rents paddle boards, kayaks and canoes, runs paddle tours, and has a waterfront café.
Good to know: The creek is shallow, especially at low tide, so check the tide before you go and watch your fin on the bottom.
West Lake Park (Hollywood)
Directions
Best for: a mangrove paddle on marked trails. Flat, tidal water.
Broward County’s West Lake Park, between Hollywood and Dania Beach, protects a large area of mangrove wetland next to the Intracoastal Waterway; Visit Lauderdale puts the nature center’s preserve at more than 1,500 acres. Three marked paddling trails run through the mangroves: the Red Trail (1.2 miles), and the White and Green trails (0.9 miles each). No motorboats are allowed on them.
Where to launch: The park is at 1200 Sheridan Street, Hollywood. Launch from the kayak ramp at the marina, where the rental concession is. A small park entry fee applies.
Rentals and lessons: The marina concession rents paddle boards, kayaks and canoes. Opening days have been limited in recent years, so call the West Lake Park marina (954-357-5186) before you go.
Good to know: The Anne Kolb Nature Center, in the same park, has an observation tower over the mangroves. Tides affect water depth on the trails.
The upper New River
Directions
Best for: experienced paddlers who want a river paddle with their own board. Flat water with boat traffic.
The New River runs through downtown Fort Lauderdale past the Riverwalk, then winds west through quieter neighborhoods. Downtown, it’s narrow and busy with yachts, tour boats and water taxis, and bridges open for boat traffic, so it’s no place for a beginner. West of downtown, the river is calmer.
Where to launch: The City of Fort Lauderdale maintains small paddle launches upriver, such as the sandy kayak beach at Bill Keith Preserve on the New River, which has a handful of parking spaces. Paddle west or upstream from there, away from the downtown traffic.
Good to know: Stay close to the bank, give larger boats plenty of room, and listen for horns at bends. Avoid weekends, when traffic is heaviest.
When to go
You can paddle Fort Lauderdale all year. NOAA has no long-term water temperature station in Fort Lauderdale itself, but its nearest stations, Lake Worth Pier to the north and Virginia Key in Biscayne Bay to the south, average about 72–75°F in January and 86–88°F in August. Most people paddle in a swimsuit and rash guard; our wetsuit check can tell you if you need more on a cool winter morning.
- Winter and spring (November–April): the most comfortable season, with lower humidity. Cold fronts bring a few windy days.
- Summer (May–September): hot and humid, with thunderstorms most afternoons. Paddle early and be off the water before storms build.
- Hurricane season: June 1 to November 30. Watch the forecast.
- Time of day: early morning, before the wind and the boat traffic both pick up.
Planning a loop of Whiskey Creek or the West Lake trails? Our Trip time calculator estimates how long it’ll take at your pace.
Rules and safety in Fort Lauderdale
Florida treats a paddle board as a vessel once you’re outside a swimming, surfing or bathing area. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC):
- Life jacket: carry a US Coast Guard–approved wearable life jacket for each person. Anyone under 6 must wear one. See our pick of the best PFDs for SUP.
- Sound device: carry a whistle or horn.
- After dark or in poor visibility: have a white light, such as a flashlight, ready to show in time to prevent a collision.
Local rules and habits:
- Stay out of the main channels. The Intracoastal Waterway, the downtown New River and Port Everglades carry heavy boat traffic, including large yachts and ships. Keep to the side canals, creeks and lagoons.
- Manatees: they’re common in Fort Lauderdale’s canals and rivers, especially in winter. Give them room, and never chase, touch or feed them.
- Lightning: get off the water at the first rumble of thunder.
- Wear a leash, so wind or a wake can’t take your board if you fall.
FAQ
Where can beginners paddle board in Fort Lauderdale?
The freshwater lagoon in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. It’s calm, closed to boats and has rentals in the park. Whiskey Creek is a good next step once you’re comfortable.
Can you paddle board in the Fort Lauderdale canals?
Yes. The canals around Las Olas are popular with paddlers. Rent from Las Olas Paddle Boards in Victoria Park, stay in the side canals, and be careful crossing the Intracoastal.
Do I need a permit to paddle board in Fort Lauderdale?
No permit or registration is needed for a paddle board in Florida. You’ll pay park entry fees at Hugh Taylor Birch, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park and West Lake Park.
Can I bring my dog paddle boarding in Fort Lauderdale?
Las Olas Paddle Boards allows dogs on many of its rentals. State parks have their own pet rules, so check before you go. Read how to paddle board with a dog before your first trip together.
Is there anywhere similar nearby?
Heading south? See our guide to where to paddle board in Miami. Not sure what board to rent or buy? Our Board Fitter suggests a size based on your weight, skill and where you’ll paddle.
