9 Things to Do in Lighthouse Point Florida for Boaters

Lighthouse Point, Florida, is one of South Florida's best-kept boating towns. With 18 miles of navigable canals, direct Intracoastal Waterway access, and the Hillsboro Inlet minutes away, this small Broward County community was basically built for people who love being on the water.

But here is the thing. Most visitors skip right past it. They head straight to Fort Lauderdale or Pompano Beach without realizing that Lighthouse Point packs some seriously unique experiences into less than 2.5 square miles. Especially for anyone arriving by boat.

So what are the best things to do in Lighthouse Point, Florida? Here are nine that boaters should absolutely have on their radar.

1. Cruise the Intracoastal Waterway Through Town

Lighthouse Point sits right on the Intracoastal Waterway between Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach. The stretch here is gorgeous. Waterfront homes line both sides, many with private docks and impressive yachts tied up out back.

Cruising this corridor feels more like a private neighborhood tour than open water boating. The speed zones keep things calm. And the views of Hillsboro Mile mansions across the water are hard to beat. Boats of almost any size can navigate the main channel here with easy ocean access through Hillsboro Inlet.

2. Dine at Cap's Place Island Restaurant

This one is special. Cap's Place opened in 1928 as a Prohibition-era speakeasy and gambling den. It is the oldest restaurant in Broward County. And here is what makes it perfect for boaters: the only way to get there is by boat.

The restaurant runs a free motor launch from the Lighthouse Point Yacht Basin. The ride takes about 90 seconds across the water. Once on the island, guests walk into what feels like a living museum. Old photographs, nautical artifacts, and newspaper clippings cover the walls.

The menu focuses on fresh local seafood. Think cobia, wahoo, snapper, pompano, and their famous hearts of palm salad. Notable past guests include FDR, Winston Churchill, and Al Capone. The dress code is casual. The history is anything but.

3. Visit the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse by Boat

The Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse gave Lighthouse Point its name. Built in 1907, this 137-foot iron tower is one of the most powerful beacons on the East Coast. Its original Fresnel lens still actively rotates, which is surprisingly rare.

Here is the catch. The lighthouse sits on private Coast Guard property. Vehicle access is extremely limited. But by boat? Completely different story. Boaters can anchor near the inlet for a close-up view of the tower and surrounding grounds. The Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society also runs monthly boat tours for members that include climbing the 175 steps to the top.

Even without the tour, simply cruising past the lighthouse at sunset is one of the most scenic moments on the water in South Florida.

4. Stop at Nauti Dawg Marina Cafe

Port 32 Lighthouse Point Marina sits right on the Intracoastal, just minutes from the Hillsboro Inlet. And right there at the marina is Nauti Dawg Marina Cafe. This is a classic dock-and-dine spot.

The vibe is laid back. American fare, island-inspired drinks, and occasional live music. Pull up to the fuel dock, grab a bite, and watch the boats roll through the inlet. It is the kind of place where flip-flops and a T-shirt are the unofficial uniform. For boaters cruising through the area, it is an easy and rewarding stop.

5. Fish the Hillsboro Inlet

Anglers already know this spot. The Hillsboro Inlet is one of the most productive fishing zones in Broward County. The inlet connects the Intracoastal to the Atlantic, which means a constant flow of bait and gamefish moving through.

Popular catches in these waters include:

• Snook (especially around the inlet jetties)
• Tarpon (spring and summer runs are legendary)
• Kingfish and mahi mahi (just offshore)
• Snapper and grouper (on the nearby reef)
• Sailfish (winter season brings them in close)

Charter captains operate out of Port 32 Marina, but anyone with their own boat can access the inlet directly. Just mind the currents. They can be strong on outgoing tides.

6. Explore the Residential Canal System

This is one of those hidden gem experiences. Lighthouse Point has dozens of residential canals weaving through its neighborhoods. Most are navigable by smaller vessels, and they offer a completely different perspective of the town.

Cruising through these canals is like a floating open house. Stunning tropical homes. Private docks with sportfishers and center consoles. Lush landscaping hanging over the water. It is quiet, relaxed, and uniquely Lighthouse Point. Delray Beach Boat Rentals offers a range of captained vessels perfect for cruising these calm, narrow waterways at your own pace.

For anyone renting a boat for the day, spending 30 to 45 minutes exploring these canals before heading to open water is well worth the time.

7. Anchor Near the Hillsboro Mile

Hillsboro Mile is the narrow barrier island across the Intracoastal from Lighthouse Point. It is sometimes called "Millionaire's Mile" for good reason. Some of the most expensive waterfront homes in Broward County line this stretch.

Boaters can cruise along the Intracoastal side and take in the architecture. The water is calm here, and anchoring for a swim or paddleboard session is common. On weekends, you will often see a handful of boats rafted up together near the inlet, just enjoying the scenery and the water.

8. Spend Time at Lighthouse Point Park

Not everything has to happen on the water. Lighthouse Point Park offers beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway right from shore. It is a great spot to stretch your legs after a morning on the boat.

The park is small but well maintained. Walking paths, shaded benches, and views of passing boat traffic make it surprisingly relaxing. For families or groups splitting time between on water and on land activities, it works perfectly.

Other nearby parks worth knowing:

• Frank McDonough Park: Nine clay tennis courts and a pro shop
• Dan Witt Park: Baseball fields, basketball courts, volleyball, and covered pavilions
• Al Fletcher Park: Small waterfront park with boat access

9. Take a Sunset Cruise Along the Coast

Look, sunset cruises might sound predictable. But doing one from Lighthouse Point is different. The combination of the Intracoastal, the Hillsboro Inlet, and the open Atlantic creates a route that most South Florida sunset cruises simply cannot match.

Heading out through the inlet as the sun drops behind the skyline is genuinely one of the best on-water experiences in the region. The lighthouse starts glowing. The sky turns orange over the mansions. And there is very little boat traffic compared to Fort Lauderdale or Miami. It is peaceful in a way that feels almost private.

For couples, celebrations, or just a quiet evening on the water, this is the move. A private yacht charter from Boca Raton or Delray Beach makes it easy to reach Lighthouse Point just in time for golden hour.

Why Lighthouse Point Belongs on Every Boater's List

Lighthouse Point does not have the flashy reputation of Fort Lauderdale or the nightlife of Miami. And honestly? That is what makes it great. It is a genuine boating community. The kind of place where the water is not a backdrop. It is the whole point.

Whether arriving on a personal vessel or renting a yacht for the day from nearby Delray Beach or Boca Raton, Lighthouse Point delivers experiences that feel authentic. No crowds. No tourist traps. Just 18 miles of pristine waterways and some of the best boating in South Florida.

FAQs

What are the best things to do in Lighthouse Point, Florida for boaters?

The top activities include cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, dining at Cap's Place (accessible only by boat), visiting the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, fishing the inlet, and exploring the residential canal system. Dock and dine at Nauti Dawg Marina Cafe for a laid-back waterfront meal.

Can you visit Cap's Place without a boat?

Cap's Place provides a free motor launch from the Lighthouse Point Yacht Basin. Guests do not need their own boat, but the restaurant is only reachable by water. The ride takes roughly 90 seconds.

Is the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse open to the public?

The lighthouse grounds sit on private Coast Guard property. Public access is limited to monthly tours run by the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society, which require HLPS membership. Boaters can view the lighthouse from the water at any time.

How do boaters access Lighthouse Point from nearby areas?

Lighthouse Point connects directly to the Intracoastal Waterway with quick ocean access through the Hillsboro Inlet. Boaters from Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, and Fort Lauderdale can reach it easily by cruising the ICW north or south.