I have a complicated relationship with Florida, but I have so many friends who live in and love my home state. Why not feature a few fun Sunshine State beach towns here and there? Between Boca Raton and Pompano Beach is a quiet one known for its ocean breeze and safe, well-secured pier. It’s a family-friendly town that doesn’t ooze “family,” if you know what I mean.
Liz's Perfect Day in Deerfield Beach
Words by Liz Martinez, a Deerfield Beach-based writer, event planner, and t-shirt hustler whose work has appeared in Porthole Travel Magazine and other local publications. When not writing or planning events, you can find her selling vintage and pre-loved music tees at pop up markets and the coolest vintage collective called Vibrant Village in Hollywood, FL.
About 40 miles north of the hectic hustle and beauty bustle of Downtown Miami is the quaint (well, compared to Miami) beach town that I now call home. Just over 16 miles in total area and with less than 90,000 people, Deerfield Beach makes me feel at home. There’s plenty to see, do, eat, and drink, but you can still wear shorts and flip flops almost anywhere; the tourists are manageable, and the mile-long beach is probably my favorite in all of Florida.
My perfect day starts with a bike ride to The Cove Shopping Center where I can have breakfast at the eclectic Modern Rose or the family-run Sticky Bun. With a full tummy, I love to ride over the bridge to the beach, and pick a spot on the sand by one of the new lifeguard towers, ready to watch a game of beach volleyball or take a dip in the ocean. Later in the afternoon, I love to stroll over to JB’s on the Beach, one of several bars/restaurants right by the water, for an appetizer, a glass of wine, and some live music.
Because I already live in Deerfield, I don’t really stay in hotels here. But the Royal Blues Hotel, a boutique art hotel and the only Relais & Chateau in Florida, is where I’d stay if I were visiting. With an intimate 40-seat restaurant and just nine guest rooms and three suites, the hotel is located right on the oceanfront, which means incredible views from every room. The restaurant is open to everyone and it’s the perfect spot for a romantic date! (Hello? Cupid? Anyone?)
Right before sunset, I ride my bike back over the bridge to The Cove Waterfront Restaurant + Tiki Bar to catch the sunset and one more glass of wine. (Who’s counting?) And on my way home, I like to make one more, happy stop at Charm City Burger Company—an institution around these parts—for a veggie burger and one of their vegan shakes.
Between food, drinks, and outdoor adventures, you’re sure to stay busy in Deerfield. But one other attraction worth hitting during your visit (a great option for rainy days) is the Deerfield Beach Historical Society Museum and Cultural Center. The former mid-century home of Martha and Robert Butler (his father was the first mayor of Deerfield), the center now hosts arts and culture events, along with community gatherings like live music, lectures, art classes, and more. The historic Butler House is right across the street.
Some sun, messy beach hair, a little exercise, and, of course, yummy food and drinks...can’t see my perfect day going any other way.
Looking for more fun things to do in Deerfield? I wrote this guide to the city for TripSavvy a few years back. -AR