Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Dania Beach, FL
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, still commonly called John U. Lloyd Beach State Park by longtime locals, holds one of Broward County's last undeveloped barrier island beaches, renamed in 2020 to honor two civil rights leaders who fought to desegregate this stretch of coast. Snorkeling around the jetty rocks and a mangrove-lined lagoon on the Intracoastal side round out a beach that feels far removed from the high rises just up the coast.
A genuinely undeveloped stretch of barrier island with real civil rights history and decent jetty snorkeling stands out in built up Broward County, though the limited parking means it fills fast on the best weather days.
How we score beachesSnorkel near the north jetty rocks rather than the open beach if underwater interest is the goal, that's where the rocky structure actually holds fish. The park can fill on holiday weekends given its limited lot size, so a weekday visit is the easier bet.
The entrance fee is 6 dollars per vehicle, 4 dollars for a single occupant. A separate boat launch fee of 9 dollars applies, though kayaks and canoes are exempt.
Paved paths lead from the lots to the beach, mostly flat. The jetty rocks themselves are uneven and better suited to confident waders than casual walkers.
Leashed pets are welcome elsewhere in the park, but they aren't allowed on the beach.
Winter and spring bring South Florida's driest, mildest weather, while summer's heat and hurricane season, June through November, thin the crowds some on weekdays. Water stays warm enough to snorkel comfortably most of the year.
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