23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Pompano Beach (FL)

Pompano Beach is situated between Miami and Palm Beach. It is often referred to by many as “the Heart of the Gold Coaster”.

The city offers the warmest of welcomes in Florida with the majority of the residents telling you that here is one of the friendliest areas in the whole of the US.

They are right though, this is because the locals here are so courteous.

The city has experienced a surge in tourism, with visitors trooping in to experience the events and have a firsthand feel of Pompano Beach attractions.

These include landmarks, natural reserves, museums, parks, buzzing markets, exciting malls, and others.

To aid plan your trip, here are the best things to do in Pompano Beach.

Things to Do in Pompano Beach

1. Relax on the Beach

For anyone hearing Pompano Beach for the first time, what immediately comes to mind is the aquatic body. That’s right, I would think so too. Well, this is the beach from which the city took after its name.

One of the fun things to do in Pompano Beach is a relaxation time on this Beach, its also an amazing place for lovers of water sports.

Delightfully curving around the Atlantic Ocean, the beach consists of strips of white sand which creates the perfect base for sunbathing.

You would find people swimming by the beach, some for fun while some take it as a means of training. They can be a lot at times, you know?

Visitors are permitted to surf the waters but are restricted to areas that are under control. One may also decide to go for a boogie board or even try the stand-up paddleboarding, in a case you desire a less tasking exercise.

Another common activity that visitors commonly engage themselves in is boating. One may choose to go on a fish tour or a pleasure boat trip. Whichever one you chose, there are servicemen who are ever ready to take you on a row.

Give yourself this privilege of taking a trip to the Pompano Beach, it is one experience that would not end in disappointment.

2. Greg Norman Signature Pines Course

For those who love golfing, the Greg Norman Signature Pines Course is golf located in Pompano Beach.

This golf course was reconstructed in 2013, and its new look upon reopening has made it rank amongst the top attractions you would ever find in Pompano Beach.

It is an awesome place where you can get some rolling minutes. Residents and visitors are allowed to try their hands alike or even take some lessons if they haven’t played the game before.

You can easily get to something to keep your mouth busy from the on-site restaurant while you take some views around.

You can also walk into the pro shop or the learning center, where you will find ready tutors who are willing to help you upgrade your game.

This makes what to do in Pompano Beach for golf lovers, do check out the area during your visit.

3. Pompano Beach Airpark

Drawing back history to the present is what this airpark does to whoever knows about it from history, a visit here makes one of the best things to do in Pompano Beach FL

It was initially set up during World War II and since then it has been running efficiently against all odds.

Built with a lot of runways and a sufficient quantity of aviation aircraft to complement, the Pompano Beach Airpark stands out so significantly.

It gained popularity, however, as an abode to the Goodyear blimp (also known as The Spirit of Innovation). It is a helium-filled airship. When you visit, you will be amazed at the glory of the blimp.

You would love to ride on the blimp? Oh, sorry! It’s unfortunate as the general public is not granted this permission. But, brace up, the sight of an airship in the sky would certainly captivate you.

4. Hillsboro Antique Mall and Cafe

It may have not occurred to you that you can relate antiques to Pompano Beach, but I urge you to take a trip to Hillsboro Antique Mall and Café and I bet you will be marveled at what you see.

There are over 245 antiques dealers assembled in this place, all displaying ancient works.

Pretty good too that you have the leisure of strolling around for some bargains in the stores, especially in the myriads.

You will find a collection of some experimental artworks and some pieces of beautifully decorated art.

Some of them are vintage with historical essence across the Florida region and even further afield area.

You can check into any of the cafes for a break whenever you feel exhausted in your antique hunt.

5. The Ely Educational Museum

One of the best things to do in Pompano Beach, FL is a visit to Ely Educational Museum.

Named after Blanche Ely, the Ely Educational Museum is popularly recognized as the first-ever black history museum sited in the entire Pompano Beach.

The location of the museum used to be the home of Blanche Ely who was a teacher. He was also well known for being a civil rights activist representing the African-American community here in Pompano Beach.

In the museum, you will find photographs, some ancient period objects, and some other mementos on display.

You will get the feel as though Ely still lives in the house as you tour around his home

6. Butterfly World

This is indeed a world of its own.

Established far back as the 1980s, Butterfly World is the biggest butterfly park in the whole world, and not just that, it gained much popularity as being the first-ever park of its kind.

The park is situated in Coconut Creek, which is just on the outskirts of Pompano Beach.

There are a lot of attractions attached to this park as it features over 5,000 butterflies here.

The park is set in a lush environment and features some waterfall-like pictures around it, creating an awesome imagery.

You would also see birds and different species of insects which adds to the fauna and flora strength of the park.

There should be no reason for you to miss a visit to Butterfly World while in Pompano Beach or even in the Florida region as a whole.

7. Art Connection

Art Connection is a world-renowned gallery in Pompano Beach, which occupies a whopping 45,000-square-foot showroom.

They have been in operation for over 32 years and are leaders in providing framed artworks to galleries, art retailers and designers.

The gallery features over 4,000 works of arts and even sculptures (resin and metal), lamps, vases, and Italian accessories.

These works are obtained from both the local, regional, national, and international artists. As we can see they are not just restricted to framed works alone.

Also, you can purchase some photographs, interior furnishings, hand-blown glass pieces, and sculptures from the gallery.

If you need some souvenirs, then head straight to Art Connection, you will find various subject matter, genres and prices.

Address: 2860 Center Port Circle, Pompano Beach, FL, 33064, United States of America.

8. Pompano Citi Centre

The Pompano Citi Centre is one interesting open-air shopping mall in Pompano Beach.

The mall was originally developed by Leonard L. Farber, Inc., in the year 1970 but it is currently owned by Sterling Organization.

This place is actually for some kind of upscale shopping as you would find the Sears and Macy’s. There are also anchor stores in the mall which include Lowe’s, Ross Dress for Less, JCPenney, Pet Smart, and Big Lots.

Spectacularly, there are a variety of boutiques at the center of this great mall with diverse restaurants and cafes greeting the place. So, you see why Pompano Citi Centre is so special?

Address: 1955 North Federal Hwy, SW corner of Federal Hwy and Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33062.

9. Festival Flea Market Mall

Located along Sample Road, the Festival Flea Market Mall is a booming market in Pompano which occupies about a 400,000 sq. ft in area.

This is another outdoor shopping mall built to make vendors and buyers have the feeling of Main Street USA’ alike, as though you are in the quaint town of Middle America.

The market starts like an outlet mall before it metamorphosed into a flea market.

The Festival Flea Market Mall is currently registered as a private company (1991) and has an estimated staff strength of between 50 – 99 employees.

The building has over 800 stores housing over 500 assorted vendors in the shopping area.

The building is a hub for heterogeneous features like antiques, boutique stores, electronics, jewelry stores, high-end retail shops, fruits, and vegetables.

There is very little probability of you not getting whatever you want if you search well.

Address: 2900 West Sample Road, 2 miles west of I-95

10. The Great Lawn

The Great Lawn is an open-air event venue situated at the confluence of the North Pompano Beach Boulevard and East Atlantic Boulevard.

This place is used to host concerts and various outdoor performances throughout the year.

At any time of the year, there is always an event scheduled in this arena and more special occasions booked for the major holidays.

You might have heard of Music Under The Stars.  This is one great event that takes place during the summer. It allows various artists to showcase their potentials on stage.

You can check the local listings when you are in Pompano Beach, so you know what you are meeting. Could be festivals, musical performances, or food and wine events. They’ll all do!

11. Pompano Community Park

Taking a trip to the Pompano Community Park, you won’t meet any sought of disappointment, because there are lots and lots of Pompano Beach attractions to catch your fancy.

Not just you alone but for any other person you choose to come with.

The park was designed and built to give maximum relaxation and enjoyment to every member of the family.

Quite all wonderful places for a family chit-chat with the picnic spots doing justice to that. All age brackets are covered in this place. For the younger ones, there are playgrounds and also sports arena for their pleasure.

You wish to take a walk, jog or go on a hiking experience around the park, the trails are just there with the lush surroundings giving you a feeling of ecstasy,

And then there is an Aquatic Center, an outdoor gym and a tennis court situated in the park so you can go on some workouts while enjoying the environment!

12. The Isle Casino

Activate your luck at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. Do you feel you can win big in Pompano Beach? Then, here is the place to be.

The casino is built for visitor’s enjoyment with 1,500 slots and a huge 38 poker tables. This casino also has a park area lined with a racing track. You can simply place your bet as you watch the greyhound races.

Whenever you are low on energy level or you are the type who prefers dining to games, then you can choose from the six on-site restaurants.

They are great and offer their services along with musical entertainment for your pleasure, this makes what to do in Pompano Beach for casino lovers, a perfect add to your checklist of things to do in Pompano Beach if you are one.

13. Curtain Call Playhouse

To inform and educate visitors on the arts and culture of the entire Florida region, the Curtain Call Playhouse has gone about this business diligently.

This education is for the locals alike, they have been in existence for about 20 years now.

There is a wide range of presentations done by the company, they include children’s productions, dramatic pieces, and musical theater.

To achieve this the company goes on to feature, performers with talents across the region.

Often, this fellow tour across the Florida region. I am sure you would love to catch their work of theater while in Pompano Beach.

Check up the local listings to enjoy their piece.

14. Fern Forest Nature Park

The Fern Forest Nature Park is situated in the Broward County and occupies 247 acres in land space.

The name of the park went this way because of the plenteous species of rich foliage ferns in it (with over 30 distinct species). I’m sure you would have guessed that.

The park is now officially declared as an ‘Urban Wilderness Area’, which means you can spend your leisure strolling around.

It is all yours to enjoy the view of swamp, fields, and pinelands. You may even decide to relax in the hammocks which are spread around the park.

Do you know that Fern Forest Nature Park is a part of the Wildlife Trail and the Great Florida Birding? Now you know! Do well to explore the massive local fauna and flora in the park aside the ferns.

15. Pompano Beach Amphitheater

The Pompano Beach Amphitheater adds to the number of open-air arenas used for concert and musical performances in Pompano Beach, a visit here makes one of the fun things to do in Pompano Beach FL.

Throughout the whole year, a massive number of concerts are hosted impressively in the palace.

This amphitheater can hold a seating capacity of about 3,000 spectators at the same time in an event that may even involve highly respected performance across the United States.

Please be sure to check the local listings to know who is in line for a performance, this is one of Pompano Beach attractions you should not miss during your visit.

16. Coastal Community Church

Visiting Pompano Beach would be complete if you have a place to fellowship as a Christian.

Coastal Community Church is a great assembly of good people across all walks of life with the sole aim of serving God.

They are very passionate about Gods kingdom and sharing the love of Jesus Christ through reaching out to those in need, encouraging one another, and embarking on impactful projects.

Feel free to join them in their service days and for their bible study.

Address: 6800 N University Dr. Parkland, Pompano Beach, FL 33067.

17. Bailey Contemporary Arts

Just at the center of the Creative Arts District in Pompano Beach is the Bailey Contemporary Arts, usually called BaCA for short.

A visit here makes one of the best things to do in Pompano Beach for art lovers.

This center is home to a good number of art studios with large galleries as part of their features. These galleries serve two purposes- as education spaces and for exhibitions- in the center.

One feature worthy of note is that they have a studio space and you will find visual artists like ceramicists, interdisciplinary artists, painters and painters in there.

Whether you are a visitor or a resident, an opportunity is given to everyone to groom their creativity through events, monthly exhibitions, workshops, and studio visits.

Visit BaCA, go, see the exhibitions and artistic mastery, and if you wish to attend lectures you can sign up for a class.

There is even a social area where you can engage in dialogues with other artists too!.

Address: 41 NE 1st St, Pompano Beach, FL 33060-6601.

18. Pompano Beach Water Taxi

One advantage of making use of the waterways is that is not only fun but is it also convenient.

You get to beat the traffic which may have held you and as well ease yourself.

The Pompano Water Taxi provides this wonderful cover for both residents and visitors alike.

It is a great experience to get to cruise past historical buildings, million-dollar mansions, lively restaurants, See Historic Hillsboro Lighthouse, ride along the Intracoastal Waterway or just enjoy the water Taxi Service for Pompano Beach.

Address: 125 N. Riverside Dr, Pompano Beach, FL.

19. Gen Spa

One of the best things to do in Pompano Beach is to have a relaxation time at Gen Spa.

This is not just the regular spa routine you may know, their well experienced therapist has been proven to help their natural sense of balance.

Be you a first-timer, an athlete, a physically ill person, or stressed out individual, they have specially packaged bodywork tailored to meet the needs of her clients.

They have sufficient specialists and staff ranging from massage therapists, acupuncture physicians, chiropractors, hair, nail, and skin technicians.

They take special note of your preferences with the intention of healing.

They are also available for mobile services based on an appointment. Make that visit to Gen Spa if you need a better health.

Address: 750 East Sample Road. Bldg 3, Bay 4, Pompano Beach FL, 33064.

20. Deerfield Highlands Nature Preserve

The Deerfield Highlands Nature Preserve is one of the parks managed by Broward County.

Unlike other parks you may have thought of, this one is not spacious, has no facilities and little parking space.

It is more like the raw feel of an ecosystem on the growth. There are a few trails with the presence of birds and small animals.

The park is open, with successional species of plants growing on the sand. They are still diverse scrub species as you would notice.

Some commonly seen scrub species include hairy jointweed (Polygonella Ciliata), pawpaw (Asimina reticulate), and silkgrass (Pityopsis graminifolia).

Though small there is a record in the site. In the whole Broward County, the only peninsula mole skink (Eumeces egregius onocrepis) was found here.

Address: 701 NE 41st St, Pompano Beach, FL 33064-4361.

21. Sample-McDougald House Mesuem

Now, let’s move to a home of history in Pompano Beach. The Sample-McDougald House (or Pinehaven or Sample Estate) was built in 1916.

It is currently situated on the Northeast 10th Street and occupies about 4,700 sq ft in area. The house was registered in 2004, as a museum in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

The building is a well preserved old two-story wooden house with a base of an irregular pattern. With the help of guides, you learn about people who lived in the house, the stories of these families, and exhibits that are altered during the year.

Throughout the year, the house also plays hosts to some events like food events and car shows.

Address: 450 NE 10th St, Pompano Beach, FL 33060-5730.

22. Bangin’ Banjo Brewing Company

The Bangin’ Banjo Brewing Company was established in 2014 by a group of friends. These are friends who loved to make beers as their hobby.

After some years of making beers at home, they decided to take it to the next stage. The microbrewery is sited in the center of South Florida in North Broward County just out of Pompano Beach.

They specialize in the production of hand-crafted beers. These beers come in full flavor considering the everyday consumer

You can visit the place to buy some for yourself, have a glass with some friends or even get to see how they go about this business, this makes one of the fun things to do in Pompano Beach FL, do consider adding to your checklist.

Address: 3200 NW 23rd Ave #500, Pompano Beach, FL 33069-5904.

23. Pompano Beach Pier

For some outdoor time in Pompano Beach, take to spend some time admiring nature at the Pompano Beach Pier.

The Pier is opened daily to the public from 7am to 10pm, this offers a nice opportunity to go on a sightseeing tour in the area.

This makes a great opportunity to spend some time with family exploring the area, this makes what to do in Pompano Beach for a fun time, do check this out during your visit.

Address: 222 N Pompano Beach Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33062-5100

Would you like to explore other parts of Florida?, here is a guide on things to do in Ocala as well as things to do in Lakeland for a fun time in this cities of Florida.

Plan a Trip to Pompano Beach

Pompano Beach is a part of Florida worth exploring, providing lots of fun activities to give visitors a fun time in this city

Also, its museums and legendary landmarks, markets and shopping malls, galleries and game houses, parks, natural reserves, and many more go-ahead to show how fun and active Pompano can be. All these go-ahead to give you that perfect vacation you’ve always dreamt.