Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Scenic undeveloped shoreline and maritime hammock greet visitors to this picturesque state park seven miles south of Ft. Lauderdale.
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, once known as John U. Lloyd Beach State Park is located along the Atlantic coastline in Hollywood, Florida. The park was renamed for Dr. Von Mizell and Eula Johnson, civil rights activists during the 1950s and 1960s.
Swimming, snorkeling, shell collecting, fishing, picnicking and bird watching are popular activities with guests to this family oriented Florida state park.
Activities
Spend a relaxing day inside this beautiful state park. In addition to the spectacular beach area the park also features boardwalks (that lead out to that pretty beach area), shower stations for rinsing off, picnic areas, an Education Center, a marina and a concessionaire with restaurant and kayak, canoe and paddle board rentals.
The park’s concessionaire, Whiskey Creek Hideout not only features a full restaurant but also offers snacks and picnic items, ice, souvenirs, guides and paddle rentals. They are also available for private functions such as weddings, reunions, parties, etc. Please call 954-929-4970 for more information.
The park’s 7 large pavilions are also available to rent for large private gatherings. Each pavilion can accommodate up to 120 people.
Here are some more activities that you can do during your visit to Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park:
Boating at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Canoe or kayak along the mangroves or take your vessel out onto the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean during your visit to Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. The park’s boat ramp is the closest launching area to Port Everglades Inlet, providing an easy access point for boaters wanting to access the Atlantic Ocean. This ramp is open daily between sunrise and 11pm.
The park’s concessionaire, Whiskey Creek Hideout, offers canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals as well as food, supplies, guides and souvenirs.
Swimming at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Swim, snorkel, scuba dive, collect shells and more along the 2.5 mile soft sandy beach inside Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. The colorful reefs are breathtaking! And the closest is only about 300 yards off shore.
While enjoying the beach and water be aware of the park’s warning flag system which indicates daily swimming conditions.
Hiking at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
The park’s Barrier Island Nature Trail is a moderate 5 mile path through the surrounding coastal hammock. This trail follows a sandy path through flatlands, along the dunes and out to the beach.
Biking at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Explore the park by bicycle. The 2.5 mile road inside the park stretches from Dania Beach to Port Everglades Inlet.
Be cautious, this roadway is also the road into and out of the park. Helmets are required for all riders under the age of 16.
Fishing at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Pack your fishing gear, pick up a Florida fishing license and plan a relaxing day inside Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. The beach area and along the north end of the park are ideal for fishing. Here you may catch red snapper, yellow tail, Spanish mackerel and Florida grouper. Be especially aware of swimmers and pedestrians while fishing near the beaches.
Birding at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Year round, many native and migrating birds may be seen inside this picturesque park. Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is along the migratory flight path for many bird species and an important stop along the Great Florida Birding Trail.
The park is an ideal area to bird watch since so many species stop here to rest and refuel before continuing on their journeys. Bring your binoculars! You may see brown pelicans, gulls, warblers, terns, egrets, herons, ibises, storks, sparrows, doves, black birds, plovers and osprey during your visit here.
Nature and Wildlife at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Deer, birds, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, squirrels, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, armadillos, iguanas and many other wildlife species may be seen throughout the park’s maritime hammock, mangroves and along the beaches.
The park’s tidal waterway provides a refuge for many including the endangered West Indian manatee. And its beaches are important sea turtle nesting areas. More than 10,000 hatch annually.
Pets at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Well behaved and supervised pets are allowed inside Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park but must be kept on a hand held leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not allowed inside any park buildings or in the beach area.
Camping Near Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
There are no overnight accommodations inside Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, but nearby Hollywood, Ft Lauderdale and Miami Beach feature many campgrounds, resorts and hotels.
Here are two popular campgrounds nearby:
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Hollywood KOA – 5931 Polk Street, Hollywood
Spacious campsites for RVs and tents and deluxe cabins are offered within this popular campground. Both tent and RV campsites have electric and water hookups.
Deluxe cabins have full kitchens and bathrooms and sleep 4. These cozy bungalows also have a washer and dryer and a flat screen tv with cable.
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Oleta River State Park – 3400 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach
This nearby state park offers primitive cabins and campsites. The rustic cabins each have tables, chairs and beds but no kitchen or bathroom. Restrooms and showers are conveniently located nearby.
The park’s primitive campsites are intended for organized youth groups of up to 30 campers and at least one adult leader. These campsites have picnic tables, a fire ring, cold water shower and a restroom. A pavilion is also located in this area for the 3 camps to share.
Park Location
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park 6503 N Ocean Dr Dania Beach, FL 33004 Phone: 954.923.2833
Map
Video
Here is a YouTube video showcasing the beach at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park:
Fort Lauderdale’s Barrier Island Paradise
Formerly John U. Lloyd Beach, this park offers pristine beach, boat ramps, and mangrove kayaking right in the heart of greater Fort Lauderdale. Named for two civil rights pioneers.
Beaches
| Beach | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Beach | 2.5 mi Atlantic coastline |
| Lifeguards | Year-round |
| Amenities | Showers, picnic pavilions |
Kayaking
Whiskey Creek mangrove trail offers excellent paddling through wildlife-rich waterways.
Why was it renamed?
In 2020, it was renamed to honor Dr. Von D. Mizell and Eula Johnson, civil rights leaders who fought for beach access during segregation.
Explore More Florida State Parks
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Florida. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Florida guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Insider Tips
Fort Lauderdale’s beach: Formerly known as John U. Lloyd, this park offers pristine beach directly across from Port Everglades — watch massive cruise ships pass just yards away. Pro tip: The park was renamed to honor two civil rights pioneers who fought for beach access during segregation. Sea turtles: Major loggerhead nesting beach.
Best Time to Visit
Winter: Perfect weather. Spring: Sea turtle nesting begins. Summer: Peak beach season. Fall: Less crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was this park renamed?
The park was renamed in 2017 to honor Dr. Von D. Mizell and Eula Johnson, civil rights leaders who organized “wade-ins” at Fort Lauderdale beaches in the 1960s to protest racial segregation. Their activism helped desegregate Broward County beaches. The renaming acknowledges this important civil rights history.
Park Location
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