De-stress in Dania Beach
A sun-kissed city awaits in the heart of Southern Florida—Dania Beach has plenty of beach-town fun to turn your business trip into a working vacation
Take a walk down the iconic Dania Beach fishing pier to clear your head after a long day of work.
Staying at the Cambria hotel in Dania Beach puts you in an unparalleled location. With Fort Lauderdale to the north, Miami to the south and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport just minutes away, this sunny coastal hotspot famous for antiquing and sandy beaches is a dream for work and play.
Visit the oldest standing structure in Broward Country with a tour of picturesque Stranahan House. Credit: Gordon Ollie Wareham
Dania Dining Discoveries
Comfort Food Favorites
Kick-start your day at a popular, cozy bakery that serves up some of the best goodies—including locally roasted coffee, delicious donuts and decadently gooey cinnamon buns—at Bake Shack. In addition to all the handmade baked goods, locals rave about the friendly staff and owner. For lunch, enjoy classic, elevated Italian cuisine at Antonio’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant—a long-time, low-key and laid-back bistro with colorful murals. It’s hard not to fill up on their free tasty garlic rolls at this family owned-and-operated spot. First time visitor? You’ll get a $5 coupon for a return visit! And after a day of meetings, enjoy a little comfort food at Jack’s Hollywood Diner. Open 24-hours and serving up classic bites like burgers and shakes in an art-deco themed locale, the restaurant is a must-visit for good, old-fashioned eats. You’ll love the friendly service, fun environment and more than ample portions at surprisingly affordable prices.
A Taste of Cuba
You can’t visit the Miami area without enjoying the local flavors—and that means some of the best Cuban food outside of Cuba. Skip the traffic to Little Havana and check out the Little Cuban Café instead. Recently upgraded and expanded, this simple, family-run eatery serves up casual Cuban delights just minutes from the airport and the Cambria hotel. While you’re here, try the Cuban Supreme sandwich and wash it down with a Jupina or Materva.
Dania Desserts
Ask any local or repeat visitor and they’ll tell you: there’s really no better place to satisfy your sweet tooth in Dania Beach than Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant. Established in 1956, this local legend is still owned and run by the same family. Desserts are massive, like the rest of their full menu—so share (if you want to). With over 80 flavors of ice cream to sample, you'll want to plan a repeat visit. Or, take your sweets to the beach by visiting Surf & Spray on Hollywood Beach. Tiny but mighty, it's one of the few original Hollywood Beach sweet shacks still standing—don't miss the spumoni.
There's nothing quite like the joy of browsing old books. Credit: Old Florida Book Shop
More Than Just a Cruise Vacation Layover
The Best of Dania
If you only have time for one fun stop, the “where” is easy. At the Casino at Dania Beach, skip the slots and discover (and bet on) the “fastest game in the world,” Jai-Alai. This unique sport has been playing in Dania Beach for over 60 years. During the game, ball speeds can exceed 180 mph. Need to unwind? Step away from your computer and explore the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts to get a feel for the local art scene. This world-class collection of ceramic art and studio glass includes permanent and seasonal exhibits, as well as artwork from one of the most famous glass artists in the world, Dale Chihuly. For a glimpse into the city's past, visit the Historic Stranahan House Museum. Built in 1901 as a trading post for pioneers, it’s the oldest surviving structure in Dania beach and surrounding Broward County.
Incomparable Blue Wave Beaches
Dania Beach is considered one of the prettiest and least crowded stretches of coastline in the greater Fort Lauderdale area. Stroll on down to retro Hollywood Beach, home to a 2.5-mile boardwalk and tons of shops. It’s one of the hippest spots in all of Florida. At Deerfield Beach, home to one of the first cable water ski parks in the country, you’ll enjoy spectacular sunrises on cove-like beaches. Hillsboro Beach offers beachgoers sweeping views of the lighthouse, a glimpse of sea turtle nesting sites and a quiet escape compared to other area beaches. Finally, explore Pompeo Beach, which is famous for warm, clear waters and endless sporting thrills—like parasailing and beach volleyball.
Antiquing for Days
Dania Beach has earned the nickname “Antique Capital of the South”—and it’s easy to see why. Find friendly shopkeepers, historic buildings and hidden treasures in the many shops and galleries of the city’s quaint Antique Row. Start at the corner of Federal Highway at Akiba Antiques and browse their eclectic collection of fine art, jewelry and more. If you're longing to line your shelves with vintage books, drive down to the Old Florida Book Shop. A local favorite since 1978, this shop is brimming with rare books, vintage magazines and more.
While any of the Southern Florida Blue Wave Beaches deserve a visit, Dania Beach is the one to beat.
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