The best walks and hikes around Oakland Park

By Fede from komoot

Updated June 2, 2026

If you've ever tried planning hiking around Oakland Park, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails and green spaces, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has explored, mapped, and reviewed countless routes here, and we've distilled all that local knowledge into a curated shortlist, saving you the guesswork.

Hiking around Oakland Park is all about embracing the flat, coastal terrain and the unique blend of urban green spaces and natural preserves. Expect routes with minimal elevation changes, often providing scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and local waterways. While many trails are easy, there are plenty of moderate options to get your legs moving, offering a taste of that "Old Florida charm" with majestic live oak trees.

For a classic coastal experience, we'd start with the Earl Lifshey Ocean Park & Bayview Drive loop, a popular 5.7 miles (9.2 km) route that perfectly blends ocean views with urban coastal paths. If you only do one, this one gives you a great feel for the area. Another fantastic choice, especially for a mix of park scenery and beachside walking, is the Las Olas Beach – Rest Area loop from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, coming in at 5.5 miles (8.8 km). With over 800 hikers already exploring Oakland Park using komoot, you're in good company.

If you only do 3 of these routes

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail	Distance	Elevation	Difficulty
Earl Lifshey Ocean Park & Bayview Drive loop	9.20 km	0 m	Moderate
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach – Shore Haven Resort Inn loop from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea	4.37 km	0 m	Easy
Plank path along the beach loop from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park	8.77 km	10 m	Moderate
Shore Haven Resort Inn – Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach loop from Cardinal Gibbons High School	7.05 km	10 m	Easy
Rest Area loop from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park	5.16 km	0 m	Easy

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Earl Lifshey Ocean Park & Bayview Drive loop

9.20 km

0 m

Moderate

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach – Shore Haven Resort Inn loop from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

4.37 km

0 m

Easy

Plank path along the beach loop from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

8.77 km

10 m

Moderate

Shore Haven Resort Inn – Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach loop from Cardinal Gibbons High School

7.05 km

10 m

Easy

Rest Area loop from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

5.16 km

0 m

Easy

1. Earl Lifshey Ocean Park & Bayview Drive loop

9.20km

02:18

The Earl Lifshey Ocean Park & Bayview Drive loop offers a refreshing blend of coastal beauty and urban charm in Fort Lauderdale. This 5.7 miles (9.2 km) hiking route, rated moderate, guides you from the serene, sandy shores of Earl Lifshey Ocean Park, where you can enjoy Atlantic Ocean views, to the sidewalks of Bayview Drive, providing glimpses of the Intracoastal Waterway. With only 8 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain, it's a wonderfully accessible trail that takes around 2 hours and 18 minutes, perfect for a leisurely outing.

Planning your visit to this Fort Lauderdale gem is straightforward. Earl Lifshey Ocean Park is a peaceful, less crowded spot, making it ideal for a relaxed hike. The park features convenient outdoor rinsing showers, and dogs on a leash are welcome. Given Florida's climate, consider starting your hike in the cooler morning or late afternoon hours to fully enjoy the experience.

What makes this trail stand out is its unique combination of natural coastal elements and a peek into local life, highlighting Fort Lauderdale's diverse character. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as iguanas, within the park's green spaces. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a tranquil beach setting combined with vibrant residential views, offering a distinct perspective of the city.

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2. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach – Shore Haven Resort Inn loop from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

4.37km

01:06

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3. Plank path along the beach loop from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

8.77km

02:13

10m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4. Shore Haven Resort Inn – Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach loop from Cardinal Gibbons High School

7.05km

01:46

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5. Rest Area loop from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

5.16km

01:18

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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6. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park loop from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

7.88km

01:59

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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7. Earl Lifshey Ocean Park – Plank path along the beach loop from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

8.98km

02:16

10m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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8. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach – Shore Haven Resort Inn loop from Oakland Park

9.88km

02:29

10m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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9. Earl Lifshey Ocean Park loop from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

6.76km

01:43

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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10. El Mar Drive Beach Promenade – Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach loop from A1A/Northeast 30th Street

8.83km

02:14

20m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the general terrain like for hiking around Oakland Park?

Hiking trails around Oakland Park are primarily characterized by flat terrain and proximity to the coast. You can expect routes that often include views of the Atlantic Ocean and local waterways, with minimal elevation changes.

Are there many easy hiking options in the Oakland Park area?

Yes, the Oakland Park area offers a good selection of easy hikes. Out of 73 total routes, 45 are classified as easy, making it suitable for various fitness levels and casual walks.

Are there any challenging hikes near Oakland Park?

While most trails are easy to moderate, there is at least one route classified as difficult among the 73 available hikes. However, the region is generally known for its flat and accessible paths.

What kind of views can I expect on the trails around Oakland Park?

Many trails offer coastal views, including glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean and local waterways. Routes like Earl Lifshey Ocean Park & Bayview Drive loop — Fort Lauderdale specifically feature ocean views and urban coastal paths.

Are there any loop trails available for hiking in Oakland Park?

Yes, several loop trails are available. For example, the Hiking loop from Oakland Park is a popular option that takes you through local urban and natural areas.

What are some notable attractions or landmarks near the hiking trails?

Near the hiking trails, you can explore attractions such as Las Olas Beach, Hillsboro Inlet Park for views, and the historic Stranahan House Museum. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is also a significant natural area with trails.

What do other hikers say about the trails in Oakland Park?

The trails in Oakland Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 20 reviews. Hikers often praise the accessible coastal paths and urban green spaces.

Are there any shorter hiking routes suitable for a quick walk?

Yes, there are shorter routes available. For instance, the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach – El Mar Drive Beach Promenade loop from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is an easy 2.6-mile (4.2 km) trail that can be completed in about an hour.

Can I find trails that combine park scenery with beachside walking?

Absolutely. The Las Olas Beach loop from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers a great combination of park scenery and beachside walking, providing a varied experience.

How many hiking routes are available in total around Oakland Park?

There are 73 hiking routes available around Oakland Park, offering a diverse selection of trails for different preferences and abilities.

What is the best time of year to go hiking in Oakland Park?

Given Florida's climate, the cooler, drier months from late fall to early spring (roughly November to April) are generally the most comfortable for hiking in Oakland Park, avoiding the peak heat and humidity of summer.

Are there any trails that are less crowded or considered 'hidden gems'?

While specific 'hidden gems' are not highlighted, exploring some of the less-trafficked easy routes or those slightly further from the main coastal areas might offer a quieter experience. You can filter for less popular routes on komoot to discover these.

The best walks and hikes around Oakland Park

If you only do 3 of these routes

Compare these routes at a glance

1.

Earl Lifshey Ocean Park & Bayview Drive loop

2.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach – Shore Haven Resort Inn loop from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

3.

Plank path along the beach loop from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

4.

Shore Haven Resort Inn – Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach loop from Cardinal Gibbons High School

5.

Rest Area loop from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

6.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park loop from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

7.

Earl Lifshey Ocean Park – Plank path along the beach loop from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

8.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach – Shore Haven Resort Inn loop from Oakland Park

9.

Earl Lifshey Ocean Park loop from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

10.

El Mar Drive Beach Promenade – Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach loop from A1A/Northeast 30th Street

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Hugh Taylor Birch State Park loop from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park	7.88 km	10 m	Easy
Earl Lifshey Ocean Park – Plank path along the beach loop from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea	8.98 km	10 m	Moderate
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach – Shore Haven Resort Inn loop from Oakland Park	9.88 km	10 m	Moderate
Earl Lifshey Ocean Park loop from Lauderdale-by-the-Sea	6.76 km	10 m	Easy
El Mar Drive Beach Promenade – Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach loop from A1A/Northeast 30th Street	8.83 km	20 m	Moderate