Local Atractions

What to do in Deerfield Beach.

Places to eat:

Caps Place Restaurant

For over 75 years Cap's Place has been known for fresh native seafood, hearts of palm salad, succulent steaks, chops and chicken. Cap's extensive selection of fish and shellfish dishes offer the very best in casual waterfront dining. Our menu includes only the freshest local dolphin, wahoo, cobia, snapper, pompano, lobster and stone crab, varying with the catch. Plump clams and oysters on the half shell come shucked to order from Cap's raw bar. Take our boat to South Florida's premier waterfront restaurant - Cap's Place.

Get a taste of local history along with outstanding fresh seafood.

Cap's Place in 1928
Recognized as a national landmark Caps is Broward County, Florida's oldest restaurant. With roots as a 1920's casino and rum-running speakeasy, it sits on an island off Lighthouse Point and can only be reached by Cap's motor launch.

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.
7 Days a week during "the season" Dec thru May
6 Days a week "off season" closed Monday June thru Nov

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)

www.bajacafe.com

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 that appeal to all ages. Please Click HERE for our complete schedule. Reservations are required for all programs. Please call 561.338.1473 to make a reservation. Please note: many of our programs are family oriented. An adult must accompany children at all times except in specific instances. All programs are subject to cancellation due to extreme weather conditions or low attendance. For more information regarding our programs, please visit the nature center.

A 67 acre oceanfront park, including the
20 acre Gumbo Limbo environmental educational center.

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 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.

NATURE: We are sure you will find the flowers, plants and trees of the Park interesting, especially along the nature trails. Fires could destroy this natural area, so please be careful. Cooking should only be done where proper facilities are provided.

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,
Boca Raton, FL.

ALCOHOL: NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OF ANY TYPE ARE ALLOWED IN ANY AREA OF THE 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
HOURS OF OPERATION: The park opens at 8:00 A.M. and closes at sundown, seven days a week. Sundown is usually established by the U.S. Weather Bureau and is normally published in the weather section of the local newspaper.

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.

To develop educational programs for school children and adults that promote appreciation and understanding of horticulture and arboriculture.
To provide guided walking tours every Friday and the first Saturday of each month and to provide for private group tours by appointment.
To provide free public programs on various horticulture subjects with guest speakers on the second Thursday from September through May.
To supply from the Friends nursery such plant material needed for local groups seeking to establish public garden areas.
To hold sales semi-annually to raise funds for the continuing development of new Arboretum facility projects.
To teach volunteers the finer points of propagation and maintenance of subtropical trees and plants.

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.

www.treezoo.com

By: Elisa Baldwin-Root

Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway at the border of Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach, Florida, rests this 56-acre designated Urban Wilderness Area. Deerfield Island Park, formerly known as Capone Island, is a triangular-shaped body of land bounded by the Hillsboro Canal along its southwest side, the Intracoastal Waterway on the east and the Royal Palm Canal on the north.

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.

In 1971, there was a proposed plan to construct a bridge for service vehicles across the 1-lillsboro Canal on the southwest side of the island linking it with the Deerfield Beach mainland. The state legislature had also granted Florida Atlantic University a five-acre tract within Broward Countys proposed recreational park for use as an oceanographic center. Realization of the park and oceanographic center depended upon the construction of the access bridge. Before this could take place, the county had to provide another water route for boat traffic from Cee Bee Marina. The original plan called for deepening the Royal Palm Canal to accommodate increased traffic along that route. This proposal met with strong opposition from residents of Royal Palm and the City of Boca.

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.

This heavily wooded area provides a critical habitat for the threatened gopher tortoise and is a nesting place for squirrels, raccoons and armadillos. lt is also used by both migratory and indigenous sea birds as a roosting and feeding place. Over the years, what was once marsh and pineland transformed into a coastal strand mangrove community and some of the land has succumbed to invasive non-native species such as Brazilian Pepper and Australian Pine. Native habitat restoration is underway at the park.Contact 954-360-1320 for additional information.
* Park is handicapped accessible at high tide only. Call park office for tide schedule.
The Deerfield Island Story
Walk along the sandy Coquina Trail (1/2 mile) and discover some of the mysteries of the island. Peer into a gopher tortoise burrow and learn to identify plants by look, smell and touch. 2 hours, includes boat transportation. Group size: minimum 12.
Evolving Habitats
Witness remnants of the past, when freshwater plants lined the Hillsboro canal. Discover how plants and animals have adapted to living near the intruding salt water along the Mangrove Trail (3/4 mile). 2 hours, includes boat transportation. Group size: minimum 12.

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.