Exploring Broward County's Boat Ramps: A Gateway to South Florida's Waters
Exploring Broward County's Boat Ramps: A Comprehensive Guide to Boating in South Florida
Broward County, known for its stunning coastline, expansive waterways, and vibrant boating culture, is one of South Florida's premier boating destinations. From the bustling canals of Fort Lauderdale to the serene Everglades waters, Broward offers boaters a variety of waterways to explore. However, as the popularity of boating in the area continues to grow, the limited availability of boat ramps can make it challenging to launch, especially during peak times. Whether you're a local boater or visiting the area, it's helpful to know where the ramps are located and what each one offers. Here’s a guide to the key boat ramps in Broward County, categorized by region.
Northeast Broward County
1. Alsdorf Park Boat Ramp
Located in Pompano Beach, Alsdorf Park offers easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway. This ramp is popular among local boaters for its quiet location and convenient parking. While it's not as large as some of the other ramps, it provides a solid option for boaters looking for a less crowded place to launch.
2. Pioneer Park Boat Ramp
Situated just off the Intracoastal in the Pompano Beach area, Pioneer Park offers a small but functional ramp. It’s a great place for smaller boats and kayaks, with direct access to the waterway. The park itself is peaceful, with ample green space, making it a relaxing spot for post-boating activities.
3. Villages of Hillsboro Park Boat Ramp
This ramp, located in Deerfield Beach, provides access to the Intracoastal Waterway and is a favorite among locals for its convenience. The area features plenty of parking and a clean, well-maintained launching area, although the ramp can fill up quickly during busy weekends.
Northwest Broward County
4. Donaldson Park Boat Ramp
Located in Fort Lauderdale, Donaldson Park offers boaters access to both the Middle River and surrounding canals. The ramp is well-maintained, with good parking facilities. It’s a great option for those looking to explore the waterways leading into the city’s canal system, as well as those hoping to head out to the Intracoastal Waterway.
5. Margate Marina Boat Ramp
Situated in Margate, this ramp offers access to the nearby canals and the broader Intracoastal Waterway. Margate Marina is a popular spot for boaters looking for a quiet and relatively uncrowded launching area. The ramp is equipped with decent parking, making it an attractive option for locals and visitors alike.
6. Legacy Park Boat Ramp
Located in Coconut Creek, Legacy Park provides easy access to the North Fork of the Middle River. The ramp is small but functional, making it perfect for smaller vessels, kayaks, or paddleboards. With fewer crowds than more central locations in Broward, it’s an ideal spot for boaters who want to avoid the hustle and bustle.
7. Winfield Park Boat Ramp
Winfield Park in Fort Lauderdale offers access to the Middle River, which connects to the Intracoastal Waterway. The ramp is popular for local boating, especially for those looking to explore the rivers and canals. Though it can get busy on weekends, it's a convenient location with plenty of parking and nearby park amenities.
8. Veterans Park Boat Ramp
This Fort Lauderdale-based ramp provides access to the adjacent waterways and offers good parking and facilities. Veterans Park is a nice family-friendly area, so the ramp is ideal for boaters looking for a peaceful experience while still being close to the city's attractions.
9. Riverside Park Boat Ramp
Riverside Park, located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, is a small but functional ramp offering access to the New River and Intracoastal Waterway. The ramp is well-maintained and provides easy access to some of the best boating areas in Fort Lauderdale. It's a favorite for boaters looking to quickly get on the water.
West-Central Broward County
10. Markham Park & Target Range Boat Ramp
Located in Sunrise, Markham Park provides a larger ramp that offers access to the Everglades and surrounding waterways. It’s a popular spot for both recreational boaters and anglers. The park features plenty of amenities, including picnic areas and nature trails, making it an excellent place for a full day of outdoor activities.
11. J. Dewey Hawkins Landing Boat Ramp
Situated in Davie, J. Dewey Hawkins Landing provides easy access to the nearby canals and the larger waterways of the Everglades. The ramp is small but well-maintained, offering good parking and convenient access to some of the region’s best fishing spots.
12. Colohatchee Park Boat Ramp
Colohatchee Park in Fort Lauderdale is a hidden gem, offering direct access to the Middle River. The boat ramp is small but functional, ideal for smaller boats and watercraft. The surrounding park area is peaceful, offering a relaxing atmosphere for families and boaters alike.
13. Snook Creek Boat Ramp
Located in Fort Lauderdale, Snook Creek Boat Ramp provides easy access to some of the area’s quietest waterways, including the Snook Creek Canal. It’s an excellent spot for boaters looking for a peaceful day on the water away from the busier areas of the Intracoastal Waterway.
14. Riverland Woods Park Boat Ramp
Riverland Woods Park is a small, quiet boat ramp located in Fort Lauderdale. It provides access to the New River and surrounding waterways, making it an ideal spot for exploring the scenic canals and rivers. The ramp is popular among locals, and the park itself offers a tranquil spot to relax after a day on the water.
15. Cooley’s Landing Boat Ramp
This ramp in Fort Lauderdale offers direct access to the New River, which connects to the Intracoastal Waterway. Cooley's Landing is a convenient spot for those looking to cruise through the city’s canals or head out toward the ocean. The area also features easy parking and quick access to local restaurants and attractions.
16. George English Park Boat Ramp
A well-loved spot in Fort Lauderdale, George English Park offers a good launching location with easy access to the Middle River and nearby waterways. The park has ample parking, picnic areas, and sports fields, making it a popular choice for boaters who enjoy a full day of outdoor activities.
17. Southeast 15th Street Boat Ramp
Located in Fort Lauderdale, this ramp provides access to the Intracoastal Waterway and is a popular launching spot for boaters heading out to the ocean or exploring the city’s canals. Due to its central location, it can get crowded, but it offers a convenient launching point for those who want to explore the heart of Fort Lauderdale by water.
Southeast Broward County
18. Griffin Marine Park Boat Ramp
Situated in Dania Beach, Griffin Marine Park offers a quiet location for boaters to launch their vessels into the Intracoastal Waterway. The ramp is well-maintained and features ample parking, making it an excellent choice for both local and visiting boaters.
19. Harbour Town Marina Boat Ramp
Harbour Town Marina, located in Fort Lauderdale, offers easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. The ramp is well-equipped, with plenty of parking and amenities, including a fuel dock. It’s a great option for boaters who want quick access to some of the best boating waters in Broward County.
20. Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson Boat Ramp
Located within the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach, this ramp provides direct access to the waters of the Intracoastal and the Atlantic. The park is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere, offering a great place to relax after a day on the water. The ramp is relatively quiet compared to more central locations, making it an excellent choice for boaters seeking solitude.
21. S.S. Holland Park Boat Ramp
A small but convenient ramp in Hollywood, S.S. Holland Park provides easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s an ideal location for smaller boats and kayaks. The park itself is a great place to unwind after a day of boating, with picnic areas and plenty of green space for families.
22. Hollywood Marina Boat Ramp
Hollywood Marina offers a spacious boat ramp with excellent access to the Intracoastal and nearby waterways. The marina is well-equipped and popular among both recreational boaters and anglers. With ample parking and a well-maintained launch area, it’s a top choice for those looking to explore the waters of Hollywood.
23. Hollywood Rotary Park Boat Ramp
This smaller ramp in Hollywood provides direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a peaceful spot for boaters to launch and is often less crowded than some of the larger marinas in the area. The nearby park offers picnic facilities and a relaxing atmosphere, making it a good option for a full day of outdoor activities.
Southwest Broward County
24. Everglades Holiday Park Boat Ramp
Located near the entrance to the Everglades, this boat ramp provides access to one of Florida's most unique ecosystems. The ramp is popular with anglers and adventurers looking to explore the waters of the Everglades. Ample parking and quick access to the park make it an excellent starting point for a day of exploration or fishing in the Everglades.
25. Sawgrass Recreational Park Boat Ramp
Sawgrass Recreational Park, located in Weston, offers a great launch point for those looking to explore the Everglades. The ramp provides easy access to the waters of the Everglades, making it a popular spot for fishing and wildlife viewing. The park also offers airboat tours, making it a
