Where to Stay Near Harbor Beach in Fort Lauderdale

Harbor Beach in Fort Lauderdale is a distinctive waterfront neighborhood at the southern end of Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront, just north of the Port Everglades inlet. Known for its waterfront homes, deep-water canals and proximity to the ocean, the neighborhood has a very different character from the busier beachfront areas farther north.

The surrounding Harbor Beach area is also home to several well-known resorts and waterfront destinations, including the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa and Pier Sixty-Six. (Marriott) (Pier Sixty-Six)

If you’re considering Harbor Beach for your trip, it’s also worth looking at the neighborhoods and accommodations nearby. You don’t necessarily have to stay directly on the beach to be close to the attractions, restaurants and waterfront experiences that bring visitors to this part of Fort Lauderdale.

One nearby option is Tarpon River, a central Fort Lauderdale neighborhood with a residential waterfront setting and convenient access to downtown, Las Olas and the beach. (Fort Lauderdale)

What Is Harbor Beach Like?

Harbor Beach has a distinctly waterfront character, with beachfront resorts, private beach areas, residences and easy access to Port Everglades.

The Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is located within the Harbor Beach community and has a quarter-mile private beach, pools, restaurants, spa facilities and other resort amenities. (Marriott)

Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club is another established option, with its own private stretch of beach, resort pools and on-site dining. (Lago Mar | Beach Resort & Club)

Harbor Beach also puts you close to other parts of Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas and Port Everglades are all nearby, making the area convenient for travelers who want to combine a beach vacation with dining, entertainment or a cruise.

For someone looking for a traditional beachfront resort experience, staying in Harbor Beach makes a lot of sense.

But there are also some interesting things to do in the area even if you’re staying somewhere else.

Things to Do Near Harbor Beach

One of the advantages of staying near Harbor Beach is being close to several waterfront attractions and destinations.

Pier Sixty-Six and Pier Top

Pier Sixty-Six is one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks. The waterfront resort sits along the Intracoastal Waterway and includes a marina, multiple dining options, pools, a spa and other amenities. (Pier Sixty-Six)

Even if you’re not staying at the resort, Pier Top is worth knowing about.

Located on the 17th floor of the iconic tower, Pier Top is a revolving cocktail lounge that completes one full rotation every 66 minutes. The rotating lounge provides 360-degree views of the surrounding waterways, Port Everglades and the Fort Lauderdale skyline. The current menu includes cocktails as well as champagne and caviar service. (Pier Sixty-Six)

It’s a fun option for a drink or evening out, especially if you want to experience one of Fort Lauderdale’s more unusual landmarks. Check the current hours and reservation requirements before going, since the schedule can change.

What If You Want to Stay Near Harbor Beach?

You may like the Harbor Beach location but have different preferences for your accommodation.

Maybe you’re looking for a Fort Lauderdale vacation rental rather than a resort. Maybe you’re traveling with family or friends and want multiple bedrooms and a full kitchen. Or perhaps you’re looking for weekly and monthly rentals in Fort Lauderdale for a longer stay.

Travelers comparing an Airbnb in Fort Lauderdale or a VRBO in Fort Lauderdale may also want to look at vacation rentals in nearby neighborhoods rather than limiting their search to beachfront properties.

That’s where it makes sense to look beyond Harbor Beach itself.

Other Places to Consider Near Harbor Beach

Harbor Beach isn’t the only part of Fort Lauderdale worth considering for your trip.

Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach is the obvious choice if being close to the sand is your top priority. You’ll find a large selection of hotels and resorts along with restaurants, beach activities and the beachfront promenade.

Las Olas and Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Las Olas and downtown are a good fit for travelers who want restaurants, shopping, nightlife, galleries and easy access to the Riverwalk and other downtown attractions.

Tarpon River

Tarpon River is a good option for travelers who prefer a residential neighborhood and are interested in a vacation rental rather than a traditional hotel or resort.

Tarpon River: A Nearby Alternative to Harbor Beach

Tarpon River is a geographically distinct neighborhood in central Fort Lauderdale, located just south and west of downtown and bordered by the New River, Andrews Avenue and Davie Boulevard. The neighborhood combines residential areas with waterways, parks and local businesses. (Fort Lauderdale)

For travelers who want a different type of stay, Tarpon River offers a residential waterfront setting instead of a traditional beachfront resort.

It’s also close to several of the places visitors typically want to explore, including Las Olas, downtown Fort Lauderdale and Fort Lauderdale Beach.

That makes Tarpon River Fort Lauderdale an area worth considering if you want access to the city’s beaches and attractions without staying directly in the resort district.

For travelers looking specifically for a Fort Lauderdale short term rental, the neighborhood can also be a useful alternative to searching only for hotels.

Harbor Beach vs. Tarpon River

The two areas offer different types of Fort Lauderdale experiences.

Feature
Atmosphere	Beachfront and waterfront setting with resorts, residences, marinas and a more urban feel.	Primarily residential waterfront neighborhood with single-family homes, waterways and a more local setting.
Location	Southeastern Fort Lauderdale, along the Atlantic waterfront near Port Everglades.	Central Fort Lauderdale, just west and south of downtown, along the Tarpon River and New River.
Beach access	Direct access to the Fort Lauderdale beachfront area.	Not beachfront. The beach is a short drive from the neighborhood.
Waterfront	Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway and marina views.	Tarpon River, New River and smaller residential waterways.
Dining & nightlife	Beachfront dining, resort restaurants, bars and nearby waterfront destinations including Pier Sixty-Six.	Local restaurants and breweries nearby, with easy access to Las Olas and downtown.
Things to do	Beach activities, boating, marinas, waterfront dining and destinations such as Pier Sixty-Six.	Explore the neighborhood waterways, local businesses, nearby parks, Las Olas and downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Accommodation	Hotels, beachfront resorts, residences and vacation rentals are available in the broader area.	Primarily residential, with vacation rentals and other residential accommodations available.
Port Everglades	Very close to Port Everglades.	Convenient by car for travelers using Port Everglades.
Las Olas	Close to Las Olas Boulevard and Las Olas Beach.	Close to Las Olas Boulevard and downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Best suited for	Travelers who want a beachfront or resort-oriented Fort Lauderdale experience.	Travelers who prefer a residential waterfront setting while staying close to the beach, Las Olas and downtown.
Overall character	Beachfront, resort-oriented and more urban.	Residential, waterfront and more neighborhood-oriented.

If your priority is a beachfront resort with extensive on-site amenities, Harbor Beach gives you several options.

If you’d rather stay in a waterfront vacation rental with a residential setting and easy access to Las Olas, downtown and the beach, Tarpon River is worth considering.

Which Area Is Right for Your Fort Lauderdale Trip?

Want a beachfront resort experience?
Harbor Beach offers several beachfront resort options.

Want to be as close to the beach as possible?
Look at accommodations in Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Want restaurants, shopping and nightlife nearby?
Las Olas and downtown Fort Lauderdale are worth considering.

Want a waterfront vacation rental?
Take a look at Tarpon River and Tarpon Harbor.

Want to explore a memorable Fort Lauderdale attraction?
Consider a visit to Pier Top at Pier Sixty-Six for its rotating lounge and panoramic views. (Pier Sixty-Six)

Looking for Vacation Rentals Near Harbor Beach?

You don’t have to stay directly in Harbor Beach to enjoy everything this part of Fort Lauderdale has to offer.

A Fort Lauderdale vacation rental near Harbor Beach can put you within easy reach of the beach, Port Everglades, Las Olas and other popular destinations while giving you a different type of accommodation.

Tarpon Harbor in nearby Tarpon River offers two-bedroom waterfront townhomes, a shared pool, full kitchens and the comforts of a home base rather than a traditional hotel room.

Explore Tarpon Harbor Vacation Rentals