🏆 Official Guide: Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park — a barrier-island beach and manatee-sanctuary creek in Dania Beach, renamed to honor two civil-rights leaders who desegregated Broward County’s beaches.
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is a rare thing on Florida’s crowded Gold Coast: a stretch of natural Atlantic beach and mangrove shoreline just south of Fort Lauderdale, with deep roots in civil-rights history. Opened in 1953 on a barrier island in Dania Beach, the park protects a sweep of ocean beach plus Whiskey Creek, a mangrove-lined tidal inlet that serves as a manatee sanctuary.
The park’s name tells its most important story. Long called John U. Lloyd Beach State Park — for the Broward County attorney who helped secure the land — it was renamed in 2016 for Dr. Von D. Mizell and Eula Johnson, the NAACP leaders who organized the 1961 “wade-ins” that desegregated Broward County’s beaches the following year. It’s a day-use coastal park with a standard Florida entrance fee.
What Makes This Park Unique
A Civil-Rights Landmark
Renamed in 2016 for Dr. Von Mizell and Eula Johnson, whose 1961 wade-ins desegregated Broward County’s beaches.
Whiskey Creek & Manatees
A mangrove-lined tidal creek runs the length of the park as a manatee sanctuary — a calm-water paddle and snorkel spot.
Natural Beach Near the City
Undeveloped Atlantic beach and dune between Fort Lauderdale’s port and its high-rises — a genuine escape minutes from downtown.
Two Boat Ramps
Direct Intracoastal access with two ramps makes this a favorite launch for anglers and paddlers.
Things to Do
Beach & swimming: A long, quiet ocean beach with picnic pavilions and grills — bring shade, as amenities are low-key by design.
Paddling & snorkeling: Kayak or paddleboard Whiskey Creek among the mangroves, and watch for manatees, especially in cooler months.
Fishing & boating: Launch from either boat ramp for Intracoastal and offshore fishing, or cast from the creek and jetty.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | $4–$6/vehicle (2–8 people); pedestrians/cyclists $2 (as of July 2026) |
| Opened | 1953; renamed for Mizell & Johnson in 2016 |
| Highlights | Atlantic beach; Whiskey Creek manatee sanctuary; 2 boat ramps |
| Camping | Day-use only — no camping |
| Location | 6503 N. Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL 33004 (Broward County) |
| Official Info | Florida State Parks – Mizell-Johnson |
Getting There
The park sits on the barrier island just south of Port Everglades in Dania Beach, off A1A/Ocean Drive — about 15 minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale and five minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Nearby Parks Worth Combining
Pair Mizell-Johnson with the urban mountain-biking trails and mangrove kayaking of Oleta River State Park in North Miami, Florida’s largest urban park. The Florida state parks guide has the full picture.
Facts verified against the Florida Park Service and public records, July 2026. Fees and hours are set by the Florida Park Service — check the official park page before your trip.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leashes may not exceed 6 feet; pets must be under physical control at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on beaches, boardwalks or playgrounds, or in bathing areas — swimming pets can be viewed as prey by alligators.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in any state park buildings, cabins or cabin areas.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at several parks including Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs (free kennels at the entrance), Weeki Wachee Springs and Egmont Key; in campgrounds pets must be confined in the camping unit 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
Are dogs allowed at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park?
Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via floridastateparks.org. More: Florida state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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