Best Places to Run in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale is one of the best cities in Florida for runners. With year-round warm weather, flat coastal terrain, and a mix of beachside paths, urban riverwalk routes, and nature trails, there's something for every runner here. Whether you're training for your next race or just looking for a scenic morning jog, this guide covers the top running spots in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Looking for upcoming races nearby? Check out Fort Lauderdale running events to find your next goal race.

1. A1A Beachfront Path (Fort Lauderdale Beach)

The A1A beachfront path along State Road A1A is the signature running route in Fort Lauderdale. This paved sidewalk stretches along the beach from Sunrise Boulevard south past Las Olas Boulevard and beyond, offering unobstructed ocean views the entire way. Most runners use the wide sidewalk on the east side of A1A, which runs parallel to the beach promenade and the iconic wave wall.

• Distance: 4–6 miles out and back depending on your turnaround point
• Surface: Paved sidewalk and concrete promenade
• Highlights: Ocean views, people-watching, easy access to water fountains and restrooms at beach pavilions
• Best time: Early morning before 8 AM to avoid tourist foot traffic and peak sun

2. Fort Lauderdale Beach to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

For runners who want to extend the A1A route, continue north from Sunrise Boulevard along the beachfront path toward Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. This stretch is quieter than the main Fort Lauderdale beach strip and passes through residential beach neighborhoods. The sidewalk along A1A remains well-maintained, and the turnaround at the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea pier makes for a satisfying destination.

• Distance: 6–8 miles round trip from Sunrise Boulevard to the pier and back
• Surface: Paved sidewalk
• Highlights: Less crowded, ocean breeze, the charming Lauderdale-by-the-Sea fishing pier

3. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

The Riverwalk is a mile-long linear park along the north bank of the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. It connects several cultural landmarks including the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the NSU Art Museum, and the Historic Stranahan House. While the Riverwalk itself is short, many runners use it as part of a longer downtown loop that crosses the river and returns along the south bank via SW/SE 1st Avenue.

• Distance: 1 mile along the Riverwalk; 2.5–3.5 miles for a downtown loop
• Surface: Paved brick and concrete
• Highlights: Waterfront views, public art, shaded sections, water fountains
• Tip: Great for weekday lunch runs if you work downtown. The Saturday morning Riverwalk market adds energy but also crowds.

4. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Located right on A1A between Sunrise Boulevard and Oakland Park Boulevard, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a 180-acre urban oasis. The park's main road is a paved 1.5-mile loop that's popular with runners. There's also a 0.9-mile nature trail through a coastal hammock forest that provides rare shade on hot days. The park entrance fee is $6 per vehicle, but runners and cyclists can enter for $2.

• Distance: 1.5-mile paved loop; 0.9-mile nature trail
• Surface: Paved road and packed dirt nature trail
• Highlights: Heavy canopy shade, wildlife sightings, freshwater lagoon, beach access
• Best for: Runners seeking shade and a break from pavement

5. Holiday Park

Holiday Park is a large public park in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, located on Sunrise Boulevard near I-95. The park has a paved perimeter path that measures roughly 0.8 miles per loop, making it easy to track distance. The park is home to the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center (the renovated International Swimming Hall of Fame facility) and offers plenty of shade trees, restrooms, and parking.

• Distance: 0.8-mile loop; most runners do 3–5 loops
• Surface: Paved path
• Highlights: Flat terrain, shaded sections, restrooms, free parking, central location
• Tip: Local running groups often use Holiday Park as a meetup point for evening runs

6. Las Olas Boulevard Area

Las Olas Boulevard is Fort Lauderdale's most famous street, running from downtown to the beach. While the boulevard itself can be busy with traffic, the surrounding residential streets — particularly the Isles neighborhood south of Las Olas — offer some of the most scenic running in the city. These quiet, tree-lined streets wind through waterfront homes with yachts docked in backyard canals. Combine Las Olas with the Riverwalk or the beach for a varied route.

• Distance: 2–5 miles depending on your route
• Surface: Sidewalk and residential streets
• Highlights: Waterfront mansions, canal views, restaurants and cafes for post-run refueling

7. Markham Park

Markham Park in Sunrise, just west of Fort Lauderdale, is the area's best option for trail running. The park has a network of mountain bike trails that double as excellent running trails through pine flatwoods and wetland areas. The terrain is mostly flat — this is South Florida, after all — but the natural surface and winding paths make it more engaging than road running. The park also has a large lake, a disc golf course, and a model airplane field.

• Distance: 5+ miles of trails
• Surface: Dirt trails, some roots and rocks
• Highlights: The only real trail running in the Fort Lauderdale area, shaded paths, nature setting
• Note: Trails can be muddy after rain. Bring bug spray, especially in summer.

8. Central Broward Regional Park

Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill is a 73-acre facility with a wide paved path circling the park's open green spaces and athletic fields. The park was built for the 2007 Cricket World Cup and features excellent infrastructure. The perimeter path is flat, wide, and well-maintained, making it popular for tempo runs and speed work. There's also a stadium track that may be open for public use during non-event times.

• Distance: 1.5-mile perimeter loop
• Surface: Paved path
• Highlights: Wide path, minimal foot traffic, good for speed work, ample parking

9. Pompano Beach Airpark Paths

The Pompano Beach Airpark area, just north of Fort Lauderdale, has a network of paved paths along the perimeter of the municipal airfield and through the adjacent park areas. The flat, open terrain offers long sightlines and steady breezes. Nearby, the Pompano Beach beachfront path extends the route options. The area is especially popular with early morning runners who enjoy the quiet, industrial-adjacent surroundings.

• Distance: 3–5 miles depending on route
• Surface: Paved paths and sidewalks
• Highlights: Flat terrain, minimal traffic, open sky views, small plane spotting

10. Sawgrass Sanctuary Trail (Sunrise/Sawgrass Area)

The area around Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise and western Fort Lauderdale has several paved multiuse paths and canal-side routes. The paths along the C-14 canal and through residential communities in Sunrise and Plantation provide long, flat, and relatively quiet routes. While not as scenic as the beachfront, these paths are practical for weekday training runs, especially for runners who live in the western suburbs.

• Distance: 4–8 miles along canal paths
• Surface: Paved multiuse path
• Highlights: Long uninterrupted stretches, flat terrain, good for long runs and tempo work

Tips for Running in Fort Lauderdale's Heat

South Florida's heat and humidity are no joke, especially from May through October. Here's how to stay safe and keep your training on track:

• Run early: Start before 7 AM to avoid the worst of the heat. Sunrise runs along A1A are cooler and far less crowded.
• Hydrate aggressively: Drink water before, during, and after your run. Carry a handheld bottle or plan routes past water fountains.
• Wear sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, the UV index in South Florida is extreme. Apply SPF 30+ and wear a hat or visor.
• Slow down: Accept that your pace will be 30–60 seconds per mile slower in the heat. Adjust expectations and run by effort, not pace.
• Seek shade: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Markham Park offer canopy cover. Save open beach runs for cooler months or early mornings.
• Watch for storms: Summer afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast. Check the radar before heading out for a late afternoon run.

Running Resources in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale has a strong running community with plenty of resources to help you train and connect with other runners:

• Local races: Browse upcoming Fort Lauderdale races including the A1A Marathon, Fort Lauderdale Turkey Trot, and more.
• Specialty running stores: Find gear and expert shoe fittings at Florida running stores near you. Local shops often host group runs and training programs.
• Running clubs: Connect with other runners through Fort Lauderdale running clubs like the Fort Lauderdale Roadrunners and Broward County running groups.

Whether you're a visitor logging miles along the beach or a local training for your next marathon, Fort Lauderdale delivers variety, beauty, and year-round running weather. Lace up, hydrate, and enjoy the miles.