Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has several beach portals which are entrances to the beach. They are like a mini parks with showers, benches and chairs. The portals were all named in honor of prominent community members. This portal was named after Laura Cheek Ward, who was a town administrator in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea from 2000 to 2005. Laura was known for being able to get things done. She was able to raise 2 million dollars to turn five streets in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea that were ugly dead ends at the ocean into landscaped beach portals, one of which was named in her honor. Laura Ward passed away in 2008 at the age of 68 from cancer. There is also a plaza along the New River in Ft. Lauderdale named after her. This beach portal is located at the intersection of El Mar Drive and Washingtonia. Before you enter the beach there is an open green space, benches and a picnic table. Limited metered park is available nearby. On the beach there is a sign for the SS Copenhagen, a shipwreck that rests on a reef in 16 to 30 feet of water making it perfect for snorkels and divers. The beach is a beautiful stretch of sand perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

It's really great to have access to the beach. Some limited parking nearby. Showers at the beach access 👌. I'm not a fan of beach condos claiming the beach as private. Thank you Laura Ward.

Parking fee $3.00 an hour. You can download an app to pay online if you don't have quarters for the meter. Restrooms about a 10 min walk away at Lauderdale by the Sea Beach. Lovely place. Nice & clean. Not crazy full especially if you put your chairs between entrances.

Loved this place the water was great and it wasnt crowded at all. The beaches were clean and the area was so beautiful. Theres also free beach chairs on the beach and umbrellas.

Nice quiet park that is away from the downtown area a few blocks away . not as busy and during the Pandemic is what I liked and wanted . beach and parking areas clean and well kept !!

a few steps from the beach, very quiet neighborhood with adorable people, peaceful place, enough benches, showers, enough parking!

Nice beach in FL by the sea. Plenty of access portals, free entry, plenty of parking. Many shower stations as well.

Great place to hang out by the beach not so crowded

Quiet and peacefull place, very kid friendly. Bring the hole familly for a good quality time 👌

Great locals beach. Never crowded, even on weekends. Parking can be tough on weekends.

Beautiful view of the ocean and sunrise 🌅

Just a lot of people sunning.near commercial Blvd.All the fun is down the street.can walk there from 🏖️.to have a cool drink and eat! 👍😎

Is a tiny beautiful park. If you look closely, you will be able to see a couple of birds

Great beach, always parking and not many people! Sand Plower workers or whatever they’re called come a little too late and start wanting to run people over.

This sea sand hill floor not right from disability walking

Very peaceful and comfortable. Showers to wash off sand. Small tables and benches for a picnic. Cover areas under palms and small trees. Hear the sound of the ocean!!

Parking is a pain. The meters are checked every hour so don’t be 2 minutes late. The beach was full of seaweed but seemed more laid back and had plenty of room.

Great little park to prepare yourself for the beach. Parking is for the resident permit only.

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Great public beach access. Showers, a pavilion, and parking. The park itself is very well upkept, with a couple of benches and tables.

A very nice beach, but also quite crowded - even on not so hot days. The view is very nice and you can see many ships on the horizon.