Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton drive: Distance, time & best stops
The best road trip stops on the Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton drive are Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach. The distance from Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton by car is 21 miles, with a 27 minute driving time.
Planning a Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton road trip itinerary
The Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton drive takes you between two of southern Florida’s top beach cities.
Fort Lauderdale is sleek coastal city of beaches and canals. For Fort Lauderdale experiences, try narrated 90 minute cruises on the Jungle Queen, Everglades airboat adventures and snorkelling tours on the Fort Lauderdale reefs.
Alternatively, try an evening boat cruise, renting a powerboat or parasailing.
Great beachfront Fort Lauderdale accommodation options include the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort and the Hotel Maren.
Two coastal parks are the highlights of Boca Raton. Red Reef Park comes with a snorkelling area over a series of artificial reefs, plus the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. The latter comes with a boardwalk and sea turtles. Spanish River Park, meanwhile, has plenty of picnic tables and a dog-friendly beach.
The Boca Raton Museum of Art is the top cultural attraction, known for its thoughtful special exhibitions.
Boca Raton is also a popular spot for fishing charters.
Top Boca Raton accommodation choices include the Marriott at Boca Center and the Hyatt Place.
Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton is 21 miles. That makes for a driving time of around 27 minutes.
The best stops to add to a Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton road trip itinerary are Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach.
Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton: Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a low-rise, village-like haven on an otherwise heavily developed coast. The beach is the main highlight, and you can go snorkelling just offshore. You can also take a guided snorkelling tour if you wish.
However, you can also enjoy the weekly farmers’ market in El Prado Park or the shops and restaurants of Commercial Boulevard.
Other options include food tours and e-bike rentals.
Best stops between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton: Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach has a couple of craft breweries to enjoy, but it’s mainly about the beach. It’s a good spot for sunbathing, but the real attraction lies in the coral reef just offshore. You can swim out from the beach and snorkel.
Alternatively, you can take a jetski tour.
Elsewhere, Butterfly World allows you to walk through glass houses full of thousands of butterflies. There’s also lorikeet feeding.
Good Pompano Beach accommodation possibilities include the budget-friendly Surf Side Resort and the more stylish RA Suites.
Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton road trip attractions: Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach has a claim to having the best beach in southeast Florida. It’s a top spot for water sports, with a huge cable-skiing course, plus options for surfing, wakeboarding and paddleboarding.
The star of the show, however, is the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier, which stretches for nearly 1,000ft. As the name implies, it’s a top spot for fishing.
The top Deerfield Beach accommodation choice is the five star Vistalmar Beach Resort. The Hampton Inn is a solid cheaper option.
More Fort Lauderdale road trips
Buffalo to Fort Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale to Cape Coral | Dallas to Fort Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale to Deerfield Beach | Fort Lauderdale to Fort Myers | Houston to Fort Lauderdale | Jacksonville to Fort Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale to Naples | Miami to Fort Lauderdale | Nashville to Fort Lauderdale | Philadelphia to Fort Lauderdale | Pittsburgh to Fort Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale to Washington DC.
More Boca Raton road trips
Jacksonville to Boca Raton | Miami to Boca Raton | Boca Raton to Naples | Orlando to Boca Raton | Tampa to Boca Raton | West Palm Beach to Boca Raton.