Best Places for a Sunrise Run In Ft. Lauderdale, FL

If you enjoy running, you might agree that there’s no better way to start your day than with a run. If you happen to be in a place as beautiful as Fort Lauderdale, you don't want to miss going for a run on one of the picturesque routes where you’ll get a view of the sunrise that will take your breath away. Below, you'll find a list of some of the best running routes to help you start your day on the right foot — by using your feet to invigorate both your physical and visual senses.

Fort Lauderdale Beach/A1A

Fort Lauderdale Beach by msmariamad is licensed with CC by 2.0

The A1A is a scenic highway that runs along the coast of Florida, from Key West in the south to Fernandina Beach in the north. If you're looking for iconic sunrise views directly along Fort Lauderdale Beach, this is your route. This path is a paved sidewalk that runs right alongside the ocean, and it even has mile markers to help you chart your course. While running parallel to the iconic highway, you'll find yourself surrounded by palm trees and white sandy beaches, setting the tone for a great day.

The entire route out and back is 9.3 miles. The path starts and ends at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, where you'll find a picnic area with restrooms for your convenience.

Las Olas Boulevard

This route that goes through a busy downtown district is perfect for a sunrise run. You'll be able to navigate the sidewalks with ease before the shops and restaurants open for business. While running past art galleries, fashion boutiques, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, and more, you'll get plenty of ideas for where to spend the rest of your day after you're back from your run.

The entire route out and back is 4.8 miles. This route begins in a festive downtown area at the NSU Art Museum and ends at Las Olas Oceanside Park directly at Fort Lauderdale Beach, where you can take in the peaceful sunrise views. There's an option to connect this run to the Fort Lauderdale Beach/A1A route if you feel like doing a longer run.

Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk

Although this route will take you slightly inland compared to the previous two routes, the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk will most likely be one of the most scenic and beautiful runs you'll ever experience. This pristine paved route traces the shores of the New River and will guide you past parks, luxury apartments, picnic areas, and a butterfly garden, as well as through lush tropical landscapes. If you're a history buff, you’ll enjoy contemplating the historical significance of this course as you run, as these banks traditionally served as a trading route for Native Americans.

The Riverwalk has a route that travels along the north side of the river, as well as a route that travels along the south side. Both are connected via pedestrian-friendly bridges at Andrews Avenue or S.E. Third Avenue. Riverwalk North is approximately one mile, while Riverwalk South is just over half a mile.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Dawn on the pier at Lauderdale By The Sea by joiseyshowaa is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0

The town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is just north of Fort Lauderdale Beach and is a charming seaside village located on a narrow barrier island by the Intracoastal Waterway. The beach here includes a three-tiered coral reef system just 100 yards from the beach, making Lauderdale-by-the-Sea the beach and diving capital of Florida. The town itself includes a bustling commerce district with sidewalks that are perfect for a morning run. Jam-packed with over 100 businesses, you’ll not run out of things to look at as you cruise the busy Commercial Boulevard on your way to watch the sunrise at the pier.

This route begins at the intersection of Commercial Boulevard and West Tradewinds Avenue and ends at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach. Coming in at just under 1 mile for a round trip, this is a short run that will start your day off on the right foot.

Hollywood Beach Boardwalk

Located just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale is Hollywood, Florida, a beach town that’s conveniently located halfway to Miami. Hollywood has one of the most beautiful boardwalks in America, and it's the perfect spot for a sunrise view on your morning run. This brick path is lined with palm trees, outdoor cafes, and ice cream stands, and is wide enough to accommodate the multitude of walkers, bikers, and joggers that it receives daily.

The boardwalk is 2.2 miles long one way, making it a nearly 4.5-mile there-and-back route. The southern end of the boardwalk is located at Jefferson Street, and the northern end is at Sheridan Street.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Although the park doesn't open until 8 a.m., which means you'll miss the sunrise, it's still worth a trip to one of the best parks in the area for a morning run. Located between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park gives you the opportunity to enjoy nature on your morning run. Although it’s located near shops, restaurants, and the hustle and bustle of Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park has several miles of trails that will allow you to start your day in peace and serenity.

The Hugh Birch State Park Perimeter Loop is 1.9 miles long and will take you around the park and alongside the Intracoastal Waterway. The Mid Trail Loop will extend your run to 2.3 miles as you explore more of the interior portion of the park.

• Location: 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset.

The white sandy beaches, tropical palm trees, and refreshing ocean breezes make Fort Lauderdale an ideal place for a run. Going for an early morning run not only will give you breathtaking views of the sunrise but also allow you to get out and beat the heat and the crowds that will soon flood the sidewalks. Whether you're a local looking for a new route or a visitor looking for a way to jump-start your adventures, this list should have you covered.

How did you like our list? Did we miss any of your favorite sunrise running routes in the Fort Lauderdale area? Let us know what we missed so we can keep it in mind for future lists.