Fort Lauderdale to Deerfield Beach drive: Distance, time & stops

The best road trip stops on the Fort Lauderdale to Deerfield Beach drive are Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Pompano Beach and Hillsboro Beach. The distance from Fort Lauderdale to Deerfield Beach by car is 17 miles, with a 24 minute driving time.

Planning a Fort Lauderdale to Deerfield Beach road trip itinerary

The Fort Lauderdale to Deerfield Beach 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.

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.

Fort Lauderdale to Deerfield Beach distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Fort Lauderdale to Deerfield Beach is 17 miles. That makes for a driving time of around 24 minutes.

The best stops to add to a Fort Lauderdale to Deerfield Beach road trip itinerary are Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Pompano Beach and Hillsboro Beach.

Fort Lauderdale to Deerfield Beach: 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 Deerfield Beach: 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 Deerfield Beach road trip attractions: Hillsboro Beach

Hillsboro Beach has a great beach, but the main point of difference is the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse. There’s a small museum near to the lighthouse that shows off its history. If you want to visit the lighthouse, tours run on occasional Saturdays.