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What to do in Deerfield Beach. Places to eat: Caps Place Restaurant
Get a taste of local history along with outstanding fresh seafood. Cap's Place in 1928 Cap's location halfway between Miami and West Palm Beach on the intracoastal waterway makes a trip to the secluded coastal pine and pecky cypress landmark a must for anyone visiting South Florida and the Gold Coast. Back in the 20's in No-Man's Land Florida, Cap Knight, Lola Knight and Al Hasis brought together a group of wooden shacks attached to an old barge which was floated up the present day intracoastal waterway from Miami to its location on Cap's Island near the fabled Hillsboro lighthouse north of Fort Lauderdale. This was a rum-running restaurant and gambling casino, nestled on an island in the coastal marsh. For over seven decades Cap and Lola Knight, Al and Patricia Hasis, and now their children Tom, Ted and Talle Hasis, have served up only the finest of seafood in South Florida's most unique waterfront setting. Among some of the notables who have enjoyed Caps creative cuisine are Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, the Vanderbilts, the Rockefellers, Al Capone, Meyer Lansky, Casey Stengel, George Harrison, Errol Flynn, the Temptations, Susan Hayward, Gloria Swanson, Mariah Carey, "Norm" from TV's Cheers and Joe Namath. Cap's has hosted the famous and infamous for decades. The winner of numerous dining awards, in 1990 Caps Place was listed as a historical site on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy South Florida ... "like it used to be!" Take our motor launch from Cap's dock located next to Lighthouse Point Yacht Basin & Marina (8 miles north of Fort Lauderdale). To reach Cap's dock turn east 2 blocks north of Copan's Rd & US-1 (N. Federal Hwy) at U.S.-1 & NE 24th St. Follow the double lines and signs on the curvy road as you go toward the Yacht Basin. Most major credit cards accepted. Public parking for 150 cars is available adjacent to our dock. Please review our directions page for parking information. Cap's does NOT require Reservations, but Reservations are suggested If you wish a Reservation - Reservations are available You may place a request on our ONLINE RESERVATION SYSTEM which located under Reservations on the main menu or call (954) 941-0418 after 4:30 p.m. OPEN YEAR ROUND from 5:30 p.m. Cap's Dock is at 2765 N.E. 28th Court, Lighthouse Pt., FL. (954) 941-0418
Baja Café Baja Café is locally known for very good Mexican food and Wednesday evening two for one tequila drinks. Staff is fun and attending but not overbearing. Outside dining available and menu has good selection both starters and main course. Location is convenient South of Hillsboro Blvd. on Federal. By Bill Olsen (work at Dixie Divers)
Little Havana Little Havana restaurant is located South of Hillsboro Blvd. apx. mile on East side. Cuban cuisine is the theme with an excellent variety of various dishes. Full liquor bar is in facility with service available at your table. Food preparation is traditional Cuban and very tasty. Restaurant staff is attentive, helpful and will help with explanation of menu items. By Bill Olsen (work at Dixie Divers) JBs on the Beach Provides all the best South Florida has to offer beautiful beach views, cool tropical breezes, friendly service, warm ambiance and simply great food. The setting is best described as "classy casual, with a menu that features tropical flavors, specializing in fresh seasonal seafood, steaks, ribs, and chops, all centered around our wood fired grill. JBs also offers lighter fare featuring entrée salads and sandwiches all at affordable prices. The chefs at JBs also put together daily specials for lunch and dinner, highlighting seasonal favorites. You can now enjoy our "Weekend Breakfast at Lunch Menu served from 11am to 2pm on Saturday and from 10am to 2pm on Sunday. JBs on the Beach What could be better than this! http://www.jbsonthebeach.com
Parks to visit: Gumbo Limbo Park It's located in Boca Raton at Red Reef Park on the barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Twenty acres of Boca Raton's Red Reef park have been reserved specifically for a nature center and the preservation of a natural plant association known as a tropical hammock. The marine and estuarine location, and the diversity of native vegetation communities found within Red Reef park, also include the coastal dune, a sabal palm hammock and a mangrove wetlands. Interesting faunal species include a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. Rare and endangered species such as the manatee, the brown pelican, the osprey and sea turtles can often be observed on or from the facility. Coastal relics like a shell midden from the Pre-Columbian Indians and Pond Apple trees from the original freshwater body (known as the Spanish River) can be seen. A cannon and anchors have also been found on the shore of Red Reef park. All these assets give Gumbo Limbo a unique blend of living history. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center offers a variety of nature programs
Red Reef Park ![]() A 67 acre oceanfront park, including the HOURS OF OPERATION: Red Reef Park opens at 8:00 A.M. and closes at 10:00 P.M. seven days per week. The Gumbo Limbo facilities are open Monday through Saturday 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and Sunday noon until 4:00 P.M. PICNICKING: The picnic area of the Park is equipped with grills, tables and restrooms. Facilities are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional facilities are available at Spanish River Park located one (1) mile North on A1A. TENT AND TRAILER CAMPING: No individual family tent or trailer camping will be allowed. Red Reef Park is considered principally a day-use area. FIRES: All fires must be in self-contained charcoal units. No open or wood fires will be permitted. PETS: No pets will be allowed in the Parks or on the beach. SWIMMING: Access to the beach and the Atlantic Ocean is available from designated locations within the Park. Pedestrian traffic is restricted to these elevated walkways. Lifeguards are on duty year round from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Snorkeling is a popular leisure activity at the south end of Red Reef Park. NATURE: The walks and heavily foliated areas are favored haunts for a wide variety of small birds. On occasion, larger and more spectacular web-footed birds are observed on the ocean side of the Park. Nature related programming is conducted through the facilities at the Gumbo Limbo Environmental Education Center. Call 561-338-1473 for program information SNORKELING: Snorkel the unique rock and reef outcroppings near the offshore area. FISHING: Surf fishing is one of the favorite pastimes of many Park visitors. However, fishing in designated swimming areas during normal swimming hours (9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.) is PROHIBITED. ALCOHOL: NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE ALLOWED IN THE PARK.
Spanish River Park ![]() Spanish River Park takes its name from the shallow fresh water stream, which once flowed along what is now the western edge of the park. Since its channelization by the core of engineers, the river has become known to boaters as part of the intercoastal waterway. Early maps show the river as "Boca Raton's Lagoon", But late settlers and developers apparently borrowed a page from history and renamed it the old Spanish river , Remnants of the meandering stream bed are still visible in the park. Click here for a Map of Spanish River Park. HOURS OF OPERATION: The Park opens no later than 8:00 A.M. and closes at sundown, seven days per week. Sundown is usually established by the U.S. Weather Bureau and is normally published in the weather section of the local newspaper. PICNICKING: The picnic area of the park is equipped with grills, tables and restrooms. Facilities are available on a first-come, first-served basis. GROUP - Picnicking by groups (more than 25 people) is restricted to the group picnic areas (picnic shelters). The shelters are available to all responsible groups by reservation. Requests should be directed to the Boca Raton Recreation Services Department, Park Ranger Headquarters (phone 393-7815), Boca Raton, Florida. YOUTH CAMPING: Overnight camping by organized youth groups at a pre-selected site in Spanish River Park is allowed under rules set forth by the City of Boca Raton. Organized youth groups are six or more (maximum of 50) persons under 18 years of age who are: 1. Members of or affiliated with a recognized organization such as Boy or Girl Scouts of America, Campfire Girls, Pathfinders, or similar organizations. 2. Under the sponsorship for a particular outing of a recognized organization such as a church, school, benevolent or civic service club. Requests should be directed in writing to the Recreation Services Director, Boca Raton Recreation Services Department, 201 West Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, Florida, 33432. Resident groups will be given preference on available days. TENT AND TRAILER CAMPING: No individual family tent or trailer camping will be allowed. Spanish River Park is considered principally a day-use area. FIRES: All fires must be in self-contained charcoal units. No open or wood fires will be permitted. PETS: No pets will be allowed in the Park or on the beach. SWIMMING: Access to the Beach and Atlantic Ocean is available from Spanish River Park. Lifeguards are on duty year 'round from 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Hours are extended during the summer months. Swimming in the lagoon and Intracoastal Waterway is prohibited. FISHING: Fishing in the Intracoastal Waterway is one of the favorite pastimes of many park visitors. No fishing license is required for saltwater fishing from the shoreline. Surf fishing in designated swimming areas during normal swimming hours (9:00am to 5:00pm) is prohibited.
WILDLIFE: The quiet walks and shaded area are favored haunts for a wide variety of small birds. On occasion, larger and more spectacular wading birds are observed along the lagoon and Intracoastal Waterway. Please do not feed the animals in the park. Spanish River Park 3001 N. State Road A-1-A, ALCOHOL: NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF ANY TYPE ARE ALLOWED IN ANY AREA OF THE PARK.
Sugar Sand Park The playground is located outdoors adjacent to the Sugar Sand Park Community Center / Children's Science Explorer The Science Playground is a trilevel handson experience that features many interactive components demonstrating a variety of scientific principles for all ages. It also features a limited water area where no one gets utterly soaked. A water trough and water jets will keep those who want to splash busy, and others can still enjoy the rest of the playground. Note: water is not available during mandated water restriction or when the temperature is below 72. The hours are: MondaySunday 9 am 6 pm Advanced reservations and residency requirements are necessary for group visits. For reservations call (561) 347-3912 James A. Rutherford Park- A Canoe/Kayak Experience CANOE AND KAYAK RENTAL: Please contact Dixie Divers at 954-420-0009 PICNICKING: The picnic area is equipped with grills, tables, covered pavilions and restrooms. Facilities are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If desired, a pavilion may be reserved by calling Ranger Headquarters at (561) 393-7815. TENT AND TRAILER CAMPING: No individual family tent or trailer camping will be allowed. James A. Rutherford Park is considered principally a day-use area. The picnic area is equipped with grills, tables, covered pavilions and restrooms. Facilities are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If desired, a pavilion may be reserved by calling Ranger Headquarters at (561) 393-7815. FIRES: All fires must be in self-contained charcoal units. No open or wood fires are allowed. PETS: Pets are not permitted in the park or on the beach. SWIMMING: Swimming in the lagoon and Intracoastal Waterway is prohibited. FISHING: Fishing is not permitted. NATURE: The extensive boardwalk system at James A. Rutherford Park is designed to allow ease of movement above vegetation which would otherwise hinder access to this beautiful area along the intracoastal and canoe trails. ALCOHOL: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE PARK.
Deerfield Beach Arboretum - Tree Zoo The Deerfield Beach Arboretum (aka Tree Zoo) is located in Constitution Park, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442. Please call us for information at (954) 574-9502. The park is approximately 1 1/2 miles West of I-95 and 1/2 mile East of Powerline Road. Look for the marquee clock sign on the North side of Hillsboro Blvd. Friends of the Arboretum Friends of the Arboretum, is a 501(c)3 "Not for profit" Corporation. Click here to see our Board of Directors and Consultants. Purpose To supplement the efforts of the City of Deerfield Beach in maintaining the Arboretum facility. For further information regarding joining the Friends of the Arboretum, please email us. Special Activities Special classes will be offered to educational facilities in wetlands management, arboriculture, plant and tree propagation, tropical fruit culture and various other horticulture and arboriculture related subjects. Other educational programs are offered for both the trades and the residents throughout the year. Tours Public tours are offered every Friday at 10:00am and also on the first Saturday of the month. These walking tours are also wheelchair assessable. A private group tour may by arranged by contacting the office.
Deerfield Island Park- The Mysterious "Capone Island" Deerfield Island Park By: Elisa Baldwin-Root
In the early 1930s, gangster and mob lord, Al Capone purchased the island for its vast seclusion. The now heavily populated area was once mainly unsettled and the island provided the perfect setting for him to carry about his activities in secrecy. Legend has it that in 1934 Capone fell in love with Carmilla Cantella, a leading lady in the Italian opera, while she toured the Jackson Opera House just outside of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Enamored by her beauty, he ordered his men to kidnap her and it is believed she was held on the island for some time. Arvida Corp., in 1959, preserved Royal Palm Yacht & Country Clubs interest in this mysterious habitat by securing a 50 ft strip along the north side that lies within Palm Beach County. This action would assure the twenty or so homes in Royal Palm, directly across from Capone Island, uninterrupted enjoyment of the tranquil views and sounds of nature. Further restrictions were in posed limiting the use of the property for single-family residences in exchange for an easement granted by Arvida. Title to the island in 1965 was and had been for many years in Florida Inland Navigation District, the local agency that cooperates with the federal government in constructing and maintaining the lntracoastal Waterway. By act of legislature. provision was made to declare the island surplus and convey it to the State for recreational purposes. In an agreement dated August 23, 1966, the Florida Inland Navigation District conveyed a 99-year right to the State for use of the island as a park and recreation area.
An alternative plan was then proposed to dig a new 120 ft wide canal through the north end of the island, but again opposition was met as this plan would leave the 50 ft Arvida owned buffer strip a separate, narrow island. The envisioned usage was never realized and, to date, the park remains accessible only by water vessel.
Pavan kayaks around the island with his 3 daughters and they have a great time. It is a very relaxing experience , and usually they see many different kinds of birds and sometimes they see eagle rays, manatees, tarpon and many other different fish. Also at Dixie Divers we rent kayaks with all the accessories necessary to enjoy kayaking around this island for full or half-day adventures.
Our Beach is Blue Wave Beach Come visit our award winning "Blue Wave" beach. The City of Deerfield Beach has earned this award designation from the Clean Beach Council, based on specific criteria, which include excellence in water quality, beach conditions, safety services, public information and habitat conservation. The City of Deerfield Beach Ocean Rescue Division is certified by the United States Lifesaving Association and protects a one-mile stretch of beach. There are nine lifeguard towers that line the ocean. Lifeguards are present from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm 365 days a year. Surfing is permitted on the north side of the pier and south of tower #7. Sand volleyball courts and recreational areas are located on the north side of the pier. Dogs and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. For beach conditions please call (954) 480-4413.
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