Deerfield Beach, Florida, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. From sunny beaches to delicious eateries, this lively city has so many things to do.
Take a stroll on the iconic Deerfield Beach Fishing Pier or explore the underwater world with a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure. For a unique experience, head to the Charm City Burger Company, where microbrews and premium steak burgers are the flavor du jour.
Hike or bike your way through the picturesque Quiet Waters Park or enjoy a picnic by the lake. With so much to see and do in Deerfield Beach, you'll never be short on things to do with a stay at Pier Walk on Deerfield Beach.
To help you with your planning, we’ve curated a list of 12 can’t-miss things to do in Deerfield Beach!
About Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach, Florida, is a quiet, peaceful city in Broward County. Conveniently located near the major cities of Fort Lauderdale (30 minutes away), West Palm Beach (40 minutes away), and Miami (an hour away), this charming town is the perfect place for a relaxing beach vacation.
Deerfield Beach is known for its exceptionally clean beaches and water. It’s also a very family-friendly place to spend the day lazing on the golden sand or splashing in the warm surf while gazing out to the Atlantic Ocean. Those visiting Deerfield Beach will love the peaceful atmosphere and ample opportunities for relaxation and connecting with nature.
Foodies will love visiting Deerfield Beach, where beachfront restaurants serve mouthwatering fresh seafood. Those looking for unique eats won’t have trouble finding tasty restaurants serving globally inspired cuisine.
Anyone looking for adventure or traveling with kids will have no problem finding fun things to do that will thoroughly entertain. From surfing to hiking, and even cable water skiing, you’ll never be bored on your vacation in Deerfield Beach! This is also prime territory to splash in your kayak or go paddleboarding, both available for rental near the beach.
What to Do in Deerfield Beach
Soak up the Sun on Deerfield Beach
You likely aren’t surprised to hear that one of the best things to do in Deerfield Beach, Florida, is to visit Deerfield Beach itself! This pristine beach is a beautiful place to spend a day soaking up some sun and playing in the gentle waves.
Grab a kayak or paddle board rental from Eastern Watersports and hit the water with the family! Deerfield Beach is a Blue Flag award-winning beach, meaning it is recognized for having exceptionally clean water and sand. It is one of the cleanest beaches in the entire region, making a visit here hard to beat!
The beach also has a picturesque pier and boardwalk, nine volleyball courts north of the pier, and lifeguards on duty daily from 9.00 am 5.00 pm.
Stroll the Deerfield Beach Boardwalk
Photo Credit: Mike Kuhlman
The Deerfield Beach Boardwalk is one of the gems of this coastal Florida town and is a must-see for all visitors. Stretching over a mile long, the boardwalk follows along the beachfront and provides unbeatable views of the sparkling blue ocean.
The boardwalk provides a great place to walk, bike, or rollerblade along the beach without getting sandy. It is also wheelchair and stroller friendly, meaning your whole family can enjoy the beauty of Deerfield Beach. Deerfield Beach Boardwalk is completely free and always open.
During mid-day heat, palm tree-shaded benches are the ideal spot to rest and cool off. Enjoy an evening stroll here and watch the sunset before heading over to one of the delicious beachfront restaurants like Oceans 324 for dinner.
Surf the Atlantic
Photo Credit: YES Market Media
The generally calm waters of Deerfield Beach make it a good spot for beginner surfers to practice their craft. Summer is the best season for surfing here when you will have the most consistent wave conditions.
More experienced surfers tend to head north of the International Pier to find the bigger, more difficult waves. However, it is always advised to consider your experience level and choose a location that best suits your abilities.
Pro Tip: South Tower 7 is considered the best spot for beginner to intermediate surfers and has a relaxed atmosphere.
Hit the Waves at Ski Rixen USA
Photo Credit: Darin S via Flickr CC2.0
For an unforgettable water sports experience, head over to Ski Rixen USA, located in Quiet Waters Park. This is a great adventure for water skiers of all experience levels, and lessons are available for beginners or those interested in learning new skills.
Ski Rixen USA is unique because it features a cable high above the peaceful lake, which allows guests to be pulled around the water and obstacle courses, no boat required! The exciting obstacle course is a great way to test your abilities and even features jumps for adrenaline junkies.
Choose from water skiing, wakeboarding, or knee boarding for your day at Ski Rixen USA. Multiple passes are available, from one hour to a full-day pass, and your helmet and life jacket are included in the price.
Take the Family to Quiet Waters Park
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Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach is the perfect destination for endless family fun. This 430-acre center has so many features and activities that you might have to spend a few days here to experience everything they offer!
The water park is a favorite with children and offers a fun, interactive experience with slides, sprinklers, and a splash pool. In addition, the park features a playground is perfect for keeping kids entertained when you aren’t at the water park.
Try your hand at fishing while at Quiet Waters. There are numerous lakes on-site where you can rent a boat and head out for a relaxing afternoon casting a line.
Other activities include the Ski Rixen USA cable water skiing, mountain biking trails, volleyball, disc golf, nature trails, and dog parks. It is enjoyable for the entire family and one of the best places to go in Deerfield Beach.
Fish the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier
Photo Credit: Mike Kuhlman
A stroll along the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier is a must for every visitor. This picturesque pier stretches 976 feet into the vibrant blue ocean, providing the perfect spot for fishing, photography, or simply enjoying the incredible views.
You will see many people fishing along the pier, as it is a fantastic spot for nearly guaranteed success.
Stop by the Deerfield Beach Shop at the start of the pier, where you can rent fishing gear and buy bait, souvenirs, and other items before heading down to cast your line.
Be sure to head here for sunrise or sunset if you want the best views over the Atlantic. The International Fishing Pier is undoubtedly one of the top locations for anyone staying in Deerfield Beach, and you’ll be glad you visited.
Explore Marine Life with Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Photo Credit: Ocean Gypsy via Flickr CC2.0
Deerfield Beach benefits from the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, making it a fantastic place for snorkeling and diving. The Bower County artificial reefs program has placed over 70 artificial reefs in the area, providing a safe home for sea life and creating unforgettable dive locations in the county. The Greater Fort Lauderdale region is actually home to the Western world’s largest collection of warm water wrecks.
Deerfield Beach has ten dive spots, ranging from 30 feet to 167 feet. Consider booking a dive tour with a local outfitter to explore one of the most famous, the wreck of the Ancient Mariner.
For those who aren’t SCUBA certified or prefer to stay closer to the surface, there are plenty of opportunities for snorkeling in the area. Book a chartered snorkel trip to see some of the surrounding reefs, or simply rent, buy, or bring your own snorkeling gear and swim out directly from Deerfield Beach.
Take the Ferry to Deerfield Island Park
Deerfield Island Park is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and spend some time in nature. The 43-acre island can only be reached by boat, which ensures a quiet and peaceful experience.
You can take the ferry to the island on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm or book a private boat.
Once on the island, enjoy a scenic walk along the boardwalk, where you can spot wildlife like turtles, alligators, frogs, and many species of birds. In fact, birdwatching is one of the top activities on the island.
There is one pavilion on the island with some shade, but there are no amenities at Deerfield Island Park. Be sure to pack a back with essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Get Your Plant Fix at Deerfield Beach Arboretum
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Plant lovers absolutely must visit the lush Deerfield Beach Arboretum. This large property at Constitution Park has more than 200 species of trees, hundreds of flowers, and other beautiful flora. The nine-acre park is protected land, allowing the stunning plants to grow large and healthy.
Free tours can be booked between September and May, providing the chance to have an educational visit and learn about each plant in the Arboretum.
Other amenities include a large playground and numerous pieces of exercise equipment for those who want to work out in a picturesque setting.
Pro Tip: Also on-site is the H.W. “Zeke” Landis Nursery, allowing you to browse their selection of gorgeous plants, some of which are available for purchase.
Run Through the Splash Pad at Sullivan Park
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Sullivan Park is a fantastic spot for a family outing. This three-acre park is the perfect place to spend your morning, featuring multiple shaded play areas and a splash pad to keep little ones cool.
It is located along the Intracoastal Waterway, meaning parents can enjoy beautiful views while their children play. Sullivan Park also features a boat dock, and fishing is allowed.
Sullivan Park is located across the waterway from the aforementioned Deerfield Island Park. The ferry to Deerfield Island departs from the Sullivan Park dock, so a quick trip to the scenic island is easy when visiting the park.
Discover Local History at the Butler House
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If you are looking for an educational opportunity in Deerfield Beach, consider visiting one of the fascinating museums in town. This indoor activity is also a great way to beat the heat when the mid-day sun gets too strong.
One of the best options for a historical location in Deerfield Beach is the Butler House. Built in 1923, the Mediterranean Revival-style home was the home to James and Alice Butler, well-known civic leaders and pioneers in Deerfield Beach.
Alice Butler donated the house to the Deerfield Beach Historical Society in 1977, which now operates it as its headquarters and a museum. This historic home still features many of the original furnishings and is a wonderful experience for those interested in history and architecture.
The museum is open Monday through Friday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.
Explore the South Florida Railway Museum
Photo Credit: rrmsf.org
Learn more about railways’ impact on the growth and development of Deerfield Beach with a visit to the South Florida Railway Museum. Located in the historic Seaboard Air Line Railway Station, this small museum has intriguing train memorabilia and a large model train to explore.
Dining in Deerfield Beach
The food scene in Deerfield Beach is nothing short of spectacular, with plentiful opportunities for live entertainment and sunset viewing. With its proximity to the ocean, you can expect tons of fantastic seafood from the many restaurants dotting the shore. Check out local favorites for unique dishes and classic beachy cuisine.
- JB’s On the Beach: Stop by JB’s On the Beach, a beachfront seafood restaurant beloved by locals and visitors alike, for Happy Hour and frequent live music.
- The Whale’s Rib: This is another great option relaxed beach cafe with great seafood and famous french fries.
- La Panza Latin Bisto: Check out La Panza Latin Bistro, a lively restaurant serving up traditional Peruvian dishes.
- Little Havana Restaurant: This gem offers mouth-watering Cuban food, or get your pasta fix at Amante’s Italian Cuisine.
Local Events
Throughout the year, Deerfield Beach hosts many exciting festivals and events that are a great addition to your visit. Some of these events and holidays include:
- The Festival of the Arts (February)
- Ocean Brews and Blues (May)
- Ocean Way Holiday (December)
- Jr. Angler’s Day (September)
- Family Food Truck Event (Year Round)
Keep an eye on the Deerfield Beach event page to see if your vacation coincides with any exciting events.
Nearby Day Trips
If you decide to take a day trip from Deerfield Beach, there are many fun activities in the surrounding area. From big cities to world-class national parks, this region of Florida is teeming with opportunities for making memories. Best of all, you don't even need to drive yourself to many of these destinations. The Boca Brightline bullet train can take you to downtown Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Starting in June 2023, you'll also be able to take this train to Orlando.
West Palm Beach
Located 32 miles north of Deerfield Beach is the upscale community of West Palm Beach. This area is fantastic for dining, beaches, and luxury shopping. For those traveling with kids, attractions such as the Palm Beach Zoo and the Manatee Lagoon are great options for a day trip.
The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is another great option that entertains and educates visitors of all ages.
Boca Raton
Only 15 minutes north of Deerfield Beach is the charming town of Boca Raton. It is a great spot for a day trip and is known for its beautiful beaches and fantastic golf courses. In addition, kids will enjoy the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, a beautiful wildlife preserve with boardwalk trails and animal exhibits.
Visit Mizner Park for fantastic shopping opportunities, or relax on the gorgeous beach.
Miami
Experience one of the richest cultural hubs in the whole country with a sightseeing visit to Miami. Located about an hour south of Deerfield Beach, a day trip to this major metropolitan area is well worth it for those seeking a memorable experience.
Known for lively beaches, incredible food, and extensive nightlife, you will never get bored in Miami. Famously Cuban-influenced, the food of Miami is hard to beat. Try classics such as a Cuban sandwich, empanadas, or Cuban coffee. There are also fantastic options for fine dining, making Miami a great option for special occasions.
The Everglades National Park
A trip to South Florida wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the most incredible natural areas in the world. The Everglades National Park is a 1.5 million-acre wetland made of up coastal mangrove forest, marshes, and pine flatwoods. Visiting the Everglades is a truly unforgettable experience that will delight nature lovers.
One of the major draws to the Everglades is its abundant wildlife. Book a boat tour and watch for animals such as sea turtles, Florida panthers, manatees, alligators, and American crocodiles. The Everglades are unique in many ways, one being that it is the only place on earth where alligators and crocodiles share a habitat.
Discover Deerfield Beach
Make lifelong memories when you book a vacation home rental in the stunning town of Deerfield Beach. With endless activities for visitors of all ages, mouth-watering food, and some of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in the state, a vacation in Deerfield Beach is one you’ll never forget.