Miami to Boca Raton drive: Distance, time & best stops

Finding the best things to do between Miami and Boca Raton

The Miami to Boca Raton drive takes you up Florida’s Atlantic coast.

Miami is a city with several sides to it. The art deco and showiness of South Beach contrasts heavily with the landscaped garden grandeur of Coral Gables, for example.

Top Miami experiences include food tours of Little Havana, sightseeing by speedboat and South Beach cruises that take in the homes of millionaires. Alternatively, try a sunset cocktail cruise, a half day Everglades tour or a scenic helicopter flight.

Attractions worth getting advance tickets for include the Frost Science Museum, the Museum of Graffiti and the Paradox Museum.

The most memorable Miami accommodation is in one of South Beach’s art deco hotels. The Essex House Hotel is an architectural classic. The National has an amazing pool.

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.

Miami to Boca Raton distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Miami to Boca Raton is 47 miles. With fair traffic, you can expect a driving time of around 53 minutes.

The best stops to add to a Miami to Boca Raton road trip itinerary are Hollywood FL, Fort Lauderdale and Deerfield Beach.

For more suggestions, see the guides to the Miami to Fort Lauderdale drive and Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton drive.

Best stops between Miami and Boca Raton: Hollywood FL

Hollywood FL is best known for its gorgeous, palm-lined beach. You can pick out your preferred spot while walking along the 2.2 mild Hollywood Beach Boardwalk. But there’s also something of a food and drink scene here. This is best explored on a food walking tour.

For something a little wilder, the mangrove-lined Anne Kolb Nature Center offers walking and kayaking trails.

Search for good Hollywood FL hotel deals here.

Miami to Boca Raton road trip attractions: Fort Lauderdale

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

Miami to Boca Raton drive: 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.

Boardwalk in Boca Raton, Florida.
Boardwalk in Boca Raton, Florida. Photo by Rafael Figueroa/ Unsplash.

More Miami road trips

Miami to Deerfield Beach | Miami to Fort Lauderdale | Miami to Fort Myers | Miami to Hollywood FL | Miami to Naples | Miami to Pompano Beach.

More Boca Raton road trips

Fort Lauderdale to Boca Raton | Jacksonville to Boca Raton | Boca Raton to Naples | Orlando to Boca Raton | Tampa to Boca Raton | West Palm Beach to Boca Raton.