{"ok":true,"data":{"id":2317,"slug":"dr-von-d-mizell-eula-johnson-state-park-beach-dania-beach","name":"Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park Beach","country":"USA","state":"Florida","city":"Dania Beach","coords":{"lat":26.0718,"lng":-80.1093},"beachType":null,"tags":["famous","scenic","family","sunset"],"article":{"hero":"Drive south from Fort Lauderdale's wall of glass towers and the skyline abruptly vanishes at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park Beach. Here, 1.3 miles of Atlantic coast remain stubbornly undeveloped—no boardwalk kiosks, no tiki bars, just dunes stitched with sea oats and the rhythmic crash of waves on coarse sand. Named for two civil rights pioneers who fought for equal access to Florida's beaches, the park shelters the county's last intact coastal ecosystem: mangrove-lined lagoons, maritime hammock thick with gumbo limbo and strangler fig, and nesting grounds for loggerhead and leatherback turtles that crawl ashore each summer under cover of darkness.\n\nYou'll wade into surf that feels wilder than beaches a few miles north—the absence of jetties and dredging means sandbars shift with each storm, and waves break with unpredictable energy. Pelicans fold their wings and plunge just beyond the breakers. Families spread blankets near the pavilion while serious anglers work the jetty at the park's north end, hauling in snook and tarpon as the tide turns.\n\nBy late afternoon, the sun sinks toward the Intracoastal Waterway behind you, backlighting the mangroves in amber and rose. Ospreys return to their nests, and the beach empties except for a few walkers tracing the waterline. It's the kind of quiet that reminds you what South Florida looked like before the boom—raw, resilient, and worth protecting.","teaser":"You step from the parking lot onto sand flanked by coastal hammock and buttonwood instead of condos. The Atlantic rolls in unimpeded, seabirds trace the dune line, and sunset gilds the only stretch of Broward shoreline where nature still sets the agenda.","uniqueAngle":"This is the only undeveloped beach left in Broward County, a living archive of Florida's pre-condo coastline.","accessType":"Drive-up with parking lot","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"kayak","title":"Paddle Mangrove Trails","subtitle":"Launch into sheltered lagoon waters"},{"icon":"swim","title":"Surf-side Wading","subtitle":"Ungroomed waves, shifting sandbars"},{"icon":"camera","title":"Capture Sunset Silhouettes","subtitle":"Buttonwoods frame golden-hour light"},{"icon":"hike","title":"Dune & Hammock Loop","subtitle":"Boardwalk through native coastal forest"}],"audience":{"surfer":"The beach offers inconsistent but spirited shore break, best on northeast swells during fall and winter when frontal systems push waist- to shoulder-high waves onto ungroomed sandbars. There's no defined peak, so crowds thin out quickly—paddle north toward the jetty for cleaner shoulders. Bring tropical wax; the water stays warm year-round. Respect turtle nesting season from March through October: no night sessions, and avoid trampling marked zones above the high-tide line.","couples":"Claim a patch of sand near the southern pavilion as the sun dips behind the mangroves, painting the Intracoastal in shades of tangerine and plum. The lack of development means no oceanfront dining here, but pack wine and cheese from nearby Hollywood's Yellow Green Farmers Market for an impromptu beach picnic. Stroll the dune boardwalk hand-in-hand as ospreys settle into nests overhead. For overnight stays, book a room at the Diplomat Beach Resort five minutes south—request a north-facing balcony to glimpse the park's undeveloped shoreline at dawn.","backpacker":"Entry is eight dollars per vehicle—arrive by bike or on foot to skip the fee entirely. There's no camping on-site, but pitch a tent at nearby C.B. Smith Park for around twenty dollars, then pedal the five miles east to catch sunrise. Fill your cooler at Flanigan's in Dania Beach: grouper sandwiches run under ten bucks. The 1 bus from downtown Fort Lauderdale stops within half a mile of the park entrance. Rinse off salt at the outdoor showers, refill your water bottle, and you're set for the day without cracking a twenty.","local":"Hit the beach before eight on weekday mornings when the lot is nearly empty and the light slants low across the dunes. Locals favor the stretch just south of the jetty, where the sandbar creates a natural trough perfect for bodyboarding. Bring a cast net during mullet runs in October—you'll fill a bucket in twenty minutes. Park rangers sometimes lead free guided walks through the hammock on Saturday mornings; check the bulletin board by the entrance. Skip summer weekends entirely; come instead on Thursday evenings in shoulder season when families have left and the shore is yours.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Swimming is generally safe at this beach, though conditions vary with weather and tides. The park has lifeguards on duty during peak hours and weekends. The beach faces the Atlantic Ocean, so waves can be moderate to strong depending on the day. Always check posted flags and warnings before entering the water. The park's natural, undeveloped setting means less infrastructure than commercial beaches, so exercise typical ocean safety precautions. Jellyfish may be present seasonally, and visitors should be aware of natural marine life in this protected coastal ecosystem.","q":"Is it safe to swim at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park Beach?"},{"a":"The beach is enjoyable year-round, with Florida's subtropical climate offering warm temperatures in all seasons. Winter months (November-April) feature lower humidity and fewer afternoon thunderstorms, making them particularly popular with visitors. Summer brings warmer ocean temperatures ideal for swimming but expect higher humidity and brief afternoon showers. Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting for the scenic views and wildlife watching. The park opens at 8 AM daily, allowing you to beat crowds and experience cooler temperatures.","q":"When is the best time to visit Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park Beach?"},{"a":"The park is located at 6503 North Ocean Drive in Dania Beach, easily accessible from Interstate 95 or US Highway 1. From I-95, take the Sheridan Street exit east, then turn north on A1A (Ocean Drive). The park entrance is clearly marked. Ample parking is available for a small per-vehicle entrance fee (typically $6 for a single-occupant vehicle, more for multiple occupants). The parking area fills quickly on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended. The park is approximately 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.","q":"How do I get to Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park Beach and is parking available?"},{"a":"The park has basic amenities including restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic pavilions with grills, perfect for beach barbecues. However, there are no restaurants or food vendors within the park itself, so visitors should bring their own food and drinks. Nearby Dania Beach and Hollywood Beach, just minutes away, offer numerous dining options ranging from casual beachfront cafes to seafood restaurants. For overnight stays, hotels and vacation rentals are available along the coast in Dania Beach, Hollywood, and Fort Lauderdale, all within a short drive of the park.","q":"Are there food options and amenities at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park Beach?"},{"a":"This is Broward County's last undeveloped coastal ecosystem, offering a rare glimpse of natural Florida before development. Unlike the heavily commercialized beaches nearby, this park preserves native coastal vegetation, mangroves, and dune systems. It's excellent for wildlife watching, including sea turtles that nest here seasonally. The park also features a beautiful coastal hammock nature trail and offers kayaking through mangrove-lined waterways. This combination of pristine beach and protected natural habitats makes it unique among South Florida's typically developed coastline, appealing to nature enthusiasts and families seeking a more authentic coastal experience.","q":"What makes Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park Beach different from other South Florida beaches?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson Beach: Dania's Wild Shore","description":"Broward County's last undeveloped beach sanctuary shelters mangrove tunnels, nesting sea turtles, and golden sand unmarred by high-rises. Discover where coastal Florida still runs wild.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50009014268_cae6c49bd2_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"515593","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50009014268_cae6c49bd2_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50009014268_cae6c49bd2.jpg","alt":"Fort Lauderdale FL Skyline Photo from Did you mean: von mises  Search Results Web results  Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach, Florida"},{"id":"515594","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50009013473_6efab01bce_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50009013473_6efab01bce.jpg","alt":"Beachcombing in South Florida in Did you mean: von mises  Search Results Web results  Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach, Florida in Broward County"}]}}