Once nicknamed the “Tomato Capital of the World”, Dania Beach has transformed itself into the “Antique Capital of the South” with an abundance of vintage shops. The suburb is home to one of America’s most famous waterfront restaurants and borders the picturesque wetlands of West Lake and Anne Kolb.
Things to do in Dania Beach
Dania Beach is home to The Casino at Dania Beach, a Las Vegas-style gaming venue with a 24-table card room. Nationally-renowned musicians and comedians regularly perform in the casino’s lounges, while its sports bar is the place to be for American football and baseball games.
The Casino at Dania Beach is also home to one of the largest Jai alai “fronton” playing areas in the United States. This unique sport is a variation of Basque pelota that has been referred to as the “fastest sport in the world”, with balls flying at staggering speeds.
On the eastern edge of Dania Beach are West Lake and Anne Kolb Nature Center, which are both a part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Spot bald eagles, reddish egrets and mangrove cuckoos, together with an impressive range of native butterflies.
Don’t miss a visit to the Rustic Inn Crabhouse, one of the most famous restaurants in the Fort Lauderdale area. It was established back in 1955, with diners coming from across the United States to their water-front dock to feast on the signature garlic crabs.
Getting around Dania Beach
Dania Beach lies adjacent to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport or around 30 minutes’ drive north of Miami International Airport. Dania Beach Station connects the suburb to Fort Lauderdale in the north and Miami in the south, while private vehicles are the main means of getting around.