6 Great Things to Do in Deerfield Beach, Florida
For decades, only expert beach-goers knew about Deerfield Beach. Thanks to numerous awards in recent years, however, this South Florida beach is getting a lot more press. Officially located in Broward County, Deerfield Beach is just south of Palm Beach County’s famous Boca Raton.
Believe it or not, a few critics who’ve visited this beach for the first time claim Deerfield has some of the bluest waters in the USA. It’s definitely worth your while to book a few days on this relatively secluded stretch of sand. In this article, we’ll go over some of the best things to do in Deerfield Beach and explain how you can get there.
Main Attractions In Deerfield Beach
1. Relax on Deerfield Beach Pier and Boardwalk
The main attraction in Deerfield Beach is, well, the beach! The waters in Deerfield Beach are so blue that the Clean Beach Council actually awarded this city with a “Blue Wave” award not too long ago. Take advantage of this beach’s clear waters and book a spot on one of the many scuba diving adventures. People who just want to sunbathe will find plenty of places to place their towel and soak up some Vitamin D. Deerfield Beach also has a wonderful fishing pier for people who want to sit back and cast a line. Be sure to walk along the city’s boardwalk one night as the romantic Florida sun sets in the distance.
2. Try Cable Skiing at Quiet Waters Park
Deerfield Beach’s Quiet Waters Park is sure to keep the whole family satisfied. Measuring an impressive 431 acres, the Quiet Waters Park has plenty of trails, campgrounds, and even a few water parks. The most famous part of this park, however, is the 2,700-foot cable skiing course called Ski Rixen USA. You can choose to either go wakeboarding or water-skiing in this impressive complex, which is one of the largest of its kind in the USA. For those who want a less adrenaline-packed vacation, perhaps you’d prefer kayaking, hiking, or visiting the Harbin Butterfly & Bird Sanctuary in Quiet Waters Park. A visit to the Quiet Waters Park is a must for anyone’s list of things to do in Deerfield Beach.
3. Meditate in Deerfield Beach Arboretum
Looking to find your inner Zen? Look no further than the Deerfield Beach Arboretum. Covering approximately nine acres, this chill park boasts hundreds of trees and plants guests can enjoy. There’s also a tranquil pond and waterfall in the center with a few fish to check out. Taking a stroll around this relatively small park should last you only about a half-and-hour, which is ideal for in-between sun bathing sessions! The Deerfield Beach Arboretum also offers guided tours for a small fee. You’ll find this arboretum at 2841 West Hillsboro Blvd.
Other Things to Do in Deerfield Beach
4. Learn Local History at the Butler House
The most famous home in Deerfield Beach is called the Butler House. Named after former local leaders James D. and Alice Butler, this 1920s Mediterranean-style building now houses the city’s historical society. Anyone interested in learning about Deerfield Beach’s past should visit on Saturday between 10AM and 2PM. That’s when the Butler House offers guests free guided tours.
Not only will you learn about James and Alice Butler here, you’ll also figure out why the original settlers called this city “Deerfield” and how they developed this city in the first place. While it’s not one of the first things that come to mind when people think of things to do in Deerfield Beach, a visit to the Butler House is certainly worth a visit. You can find the Butler House at 380 East Hillsboro Boulevard.
5. Savor Local Seafood
Eating delicious local seafood isn’t just one of the best things to do in Deerfield Beach, it’s one of the best things to do in South Florida. You’ll find plenty of delectable restaurants for all kinds of budgets in Deerfield Beach. A few local favorites include The Whale’s Rib, Casa Maya Grill, and JB’s On The Beach. Of course, if you don’t find anything to your liking at Deerfield Beach, you’ve got a wide array of restaurants to choose from all over nearby Palm Beach County. Some of the highest reviewed restaurants in the region are in West Palm Beach and Boca Raton.
6. Take a Day Trip to Palm Beach County or Fort Lauderdale
Speaking of Palm Beach County, why not add a side trip to Boca Raton to your vacation list? You’ll be just a few minute’s drive away from this city and all its family-friendly attractions like Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Red Reef Park, and Mizner Park.
If you’ve got more time to spare, you could take the 30-minute drive north to the bustling West Palm Beach. You could also visit the coastal city Fort Lauderdale (aka “The Venice of America”), which is only a 30-minute drive to your south. If you ever tire of the relative seclusion of Deerfield Beach, it’s nice to know you have two extremely popular tourist areas to your north and south.
How to Get to Deerfield Beach
People flying into Deerfield Beach should book their flight to Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (IATA: FLL). A few of the airlines that fly into FLL every day include Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, Norwegian Air, JetBlue, and Sprint Airlines. If you’re flying into the USA from far away, you might have to book your flight into Miami International Airport (IATA: MIA). The car ride from MIA to Deerfield Beach is about one hour. The drive from FLL to Deerfield Beach, on the other hand, should only take you 35 minutes.
To get from FLL to Deerfield Beach, first take Terminal Drive and follow it towards I-595 West. After about 3 miles, get onto I-95 North towards FL-810 East. It will take you about 20 miles to reach Deerfield Beach.
Final Thoughts
Deerfield Beach certainly isn’t the first name that comes to mind when planning a trip to South Florida. This city’s relative obscurity, however, is a major part of its appeal. People who take the time to visit Deerfield Beach are rewarded with a beautiful blue ocean and plenty of personal space. Plus, as you could see from the list above, there are plenty of interesting things to do in Deerfield Beach to keep you entertained. Definitely keep Deerfield Beach on your radar if you’re planning a trip to South Florida.
