Fort Lauderdale to Delray Beach drive: Distance, time & best stops

The best road trip stops on the Fort Lauderdale to Delray Beach drive are Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach and Boca Raton. The distance from Fort Lauderdale to Delray Beach by car is 28 miles, with a 35 minute driving time.

Planning a Fort Lauderdale to Delray Beach road trip itinerary

The Fort Lauderdale to Delray Beach drive takes you up Florida’s Atlantic coast.

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.

Delray Beach is one of the more interesting cities along the coast of southeast Florida, largely because it doesn’t rely too heavily on the beach itself. There’s a good dining and drinking scene here, which is best discovered on a food and drink tour.

Art is where Delray Beach punches above its weight, however. The Cornell Arts Museum hosts international exhibitions, while the Pineapple Grove Arts District brims with sculptures, murals and galleries.

Elsewhere, the Morikami Museum and Gardens takes a look at Japanese culture and the Sandoway Discovery Center concentrates on local wildlife. There are coral reef aquarium tanks, plus shark and stingray feeding, here.

For Delray Beach accommodation with a sense of swagger, try the Atlantic Suites on the Ave or the Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort.

Fort Lauderdale to Delray Beach distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Fort Lauderdale to Delray Beach is 28 miles. That makes for a driving time of around 35 minutes.

The best stops to add to a Fort Lauderdale to Delray Beach road trip itinerary are Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach and Boca Raton.

Best stops between Fort Lauderdale and Delray 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 Delray Beach 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.

For more suggestions, read the guide to the Fort Lauderdale to Deerfield Beach drive.

Fort Lauderdale to Delray Beach drive: Boca Raton

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.