DR. VON D. MIZELL-EULA JOHNSON STATE PARK
The park is named for Civil Rights Movement leaders who led wade-in protests to desegregate South Florida beaches in the 1950s and 1960s. It was once the countys designated colored beach and bore the name of the Broward County attorney who was instrumental in transferring ownership of the land to the state, in lieu of being developed for residential high-rises.
Now, the park is a popular location for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, bicycling and picnicking, offering a haven where everyone can escape the hectic pace of the metropolis and reconnect with nature.
The park land was purchased by the state from Broward County on August 23, 1973. The initial acquisition of 117 acres cost $15,314,000.
Today, the park area encompasses 310 acres between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, stretching from Port Everglades Inlet on the north to Dania on the south.
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the
FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
The park features 2.5-miles of Atlantic Ocean beach front. Swimmers may enjoy the temperate waters, lounge on the sandy beach, build a sand sculpture or just enjoy the ocean view.
Park visitors can enjoy the great beauty of our well-known beach. It offers a firm sandy bottom and a beautiful view of the Florida coastline.
Beach Warning Flags Signage
Beach warning flags.
Visitors to coastal parks are reminded to pay close attention to the Warning Flag Signs posted at welcome stations and on the beaches. These flags indicate the swimming conditions at the beach
Double red flags mean absolutely no swimming because of high winds and undertow currents
Red flag means high surf and/or strong currents
Yellow flag means swim with caution and stay close to shore
Green flag means that the waters are safe
Purple flag means that marine pests are present.
Swim at your own risk. No lifeguards are on duty.
One of the most popular recreational activities in South Florida is boating. At Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, we offer boaters amenities not found in many places.
The parks boat ramp can launch trailered boats up to 36 feet in length and the adjacent parking lot can accommodate 90 vehicle and trailer rigs. Our boat ramp is the closest launching area to Port Everglades Inlet, which gives a boater quick access to the Atlantic Ocean and allows for greater time on the water.
Another perk the boating public may enjoy is the sheltered area in Whiskey Creek, where a boater may beach their boat on the sandy bottom.
From there, boaters may have a picnic, visit the beach or grab a meal at Whiskey Creek Hideout, which is the official concessionaire for the park. Besides food, BG Whiskey Creek Hideout also offers canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals to further explore the water and surrounding mangroves.
Fishing is permitted on the beach, as long as there are no swimmers in the immediate area. Species like red snapper, Florida grouper, Spanish mackerel, yellow tail, and more may be landed.
A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions website, Fishing in Florida.
There are three reef systems just offshore. The closest is about 300 yards off. Second, is close to a half-mile and the last is over two miles out.
Divers, by Florida Law, must have a red diver down flag to identify their approximate location while underwater.
Remember, never dive alone. Always have a buddy and a dive plan.
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is located near Dania, Deerfield Beach and Fort Lauderdale
Escape the hectic pace of the metropolis and reconnect with nature. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the parks picnic areas, which feature pavilions, tables and grills.
The park has picnic tables and grills for public use on a first-come, first-served basis in the picnic area at the north end of the park.
Seven pavilions are available for rent through the park administration office. Each pavilion's capacity is 120 people, depending on table usage.
- Jetty Trail: A 2.5-mile round trip trail that takes hikers along the park's jetty, offering views of Port Everglades and a variety of wildlife; includes interpretive signs about local history.
- Maritime Hammock Loop: This is a half mile loop through one of South Florida's rare coastal hardwood hammocks; it offers opportunities to see native plants like gumbo limbo trees and strangler figs.
- Beach Hiking Trail: An approximately three miles long beachside hike with beautiful ocean views where visitors can often spot sea turtles nesting during certain seasons.
- Mangrove Boardwalk Pathway: Short but scenic boardwalk path winding through mangroves, providing an opportunity for bird watching or spotting other aquatic creatures in their natural habitat below the walkways.
- Coastal Dune Lake Nature Walk : Approximately two-thirds-of-a-mile-long nature trail circling around Whiskey Creek Hideout area showcasing diverse ecosystems including dunes, freshwater lake habitats as well as saltwater estuaries.
- Barrier Island Biodiversity Nature Trail : Half mile self-guided tour featuring informational panels on various plant species found within this unique barrier island ecosystem which include Sea Grapes , Sabal Palms etc .
- Kayak Trails : Not traditional hiking trails but offer another way to explore Dr Von D Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park via water routes ; these marked paths wind throughout manatee-inhabited waters allowing close encounters with marine life .
Note that all distances are approximate due to shifting sands and changing landscapes inherent in such dynamic environments.
Casual and experienced cyclists like to travel the 2.5-mile park drive from Dania Beach Boulevard to Port Everglades Inlet.
Since it is the only way in and out, the road is two directional. Cyclers are encouraged to travel in single file lines, so traffic may pass safely.
Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida Law requires helmets for riders age 16 years and under.
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is a treasured spot for bird watchers. As a noted spot on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, this park offers year-round habitat for many native and migratory bird species.
Bird on the Beach
The park is part of the migratory flight path for many species and is an ideal site for these transients to stop, rest and feed before resuming their long journey.
Along the shoreline, pelicans, terns, gulls, ruddy turnstones and sanderlings are common sights for bird-watchers. Meanwhile, warblers, sparrows, pigeons, doves and black birds may be seen darting thru the tropical hardwood hammock.
Herons, egrets, skimmers, ibises and storks are easily seen feeding in the tidal creek. Ospreys can also be spotted in the park, flying high above the water and using their keen eye-sight to search for fish.
Whether a beginner or a pro, bird-watchers will not be disappointed by the wide variety of bird species that can be seen in the park.
Be sure to bring your binoculars when you come to visit, and wear plenty of sunscreen
Holiday Park3140 West Hallandale Beach Boulevard
Hallandale Beach, FL
954-744-1094
Pets are welcome at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. All pets must be on a hand-held, 6-foot leash at all times. Pets may not be left unattended.
Pets are not allowed on the beach.
Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles.
Service animals are allowed in all areas of the park.
Directions from Miami, Florida:
- Start on I-95 N.
- Continue for approximately 21 miles.
- Take exit 23 for FL -818/Griffin Rd.
- Keep right at the fork to stay on Exit 23 and merge onto FL -818 W/Griffin Rd.
From Griffin Road:
- Destination will be in about a mile after merging off of I -95 North
- Turn left into park entrance
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