Whiskey Creek
Dania Beach, Florida · Broward County
Whiskey Creek is a sheltered mangrove creek inside Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach, calm enough for first-time paddlers. The tidal water stays flat between the dunes and the Intracoastal, and manatees and rays are a regular sight on an incoming tide. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available right at the launch.
The Paddle
This is a protected mangrove creek that runs the length of the state park, sheltered from wind and boat wakes for most of its course. The out-and-back route follows calm, glassy tidal water between the beach dunes and the Intracoastal Waterway, with manatees, rays, wading birds, and the occasional dolphin showing up in the shallows. Mornings around mid to high tide are the calmest time to go.
Launch & Parking
Launch from the sandy beach at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, where a kayak launch makes getting on the water easy. State park entry runs 6 dollars per vehicle carrying up to 8 people, 4 dollars for a single occupant, and 2 dollars for pedestrians or cyclists.
Rentals
The on-site concession now operates as Dania Beach Adventures, renting kayaks and paddleboards right at the park. No need to bring your own gear for a first visit; just show up during park hours.
Rules & Safety
The main hazards here are current near the inlet and boat traffic where the creek meets the Intracoastal, so stay alert on that stretch. Statewide paddleboard rules apply on this water too; the summary below covers them.
Before You Go
Our Pompano Beach store sits about 12.4 miles from Whiskey Creek and carries paddleboards, paddles, leashes, and dry bags, along with lessons if you want an instructor for your first flatwater paddle.
Florida paddleboard rules
Outside designated swimming, surfing, and bathing areas, Florida and the U.S. Coast Guard treat a stand-up paddleboard as a vessel, which means basic boating rules apply. Carry one Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board, and children under 6 must wear theirs while the board is underway. You also need a whistle or other sound device audible for at least half a nautical mile, and after sunset or in poor visibility, a flashlight or lantern with a white light to signal your position. Inside a marked swimming or surfing area these vessel rules do not apply. Non-motorized paddleboards under 16 feet do not need Florida registration. Rules can change, so check current FWC guidance before you paddle.
Summarized from FWC and U.S. Coast Guard guidance, verified 2026-08-12. Rules can change; check current FWC guidance.
FAQ
Where do I launch a paddleboard at Whiskey Creek?
Launch from the sandy beach at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park; a kayak launch on site makes it an easy carry down to the water.
Can I rent a paddleboard at Whiskey Creek?
Yes. The on-site concession, now operating as Dania Beach Adventures, rents kayaks and paddleboards right at the launch.
Is Whiskey Creek good for beginner paddlers?
Yes. It is a sheltered, flat-water mangrove creek rated beginner level, calmest on a morning paddle around mid to high tide.
Nearby paddle spots
HollywoodLas Olas Isles Canals (Fort Lauderdale)
Fort LauderdaleOleta River State Park
North Miami BeachSullivan Park / Deerfield Island
Deerfield Beach