If you think you’ve seen all the beaches and parks South Florida has to offer, think again! Tucked away in Broward County between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Hillsboro Canal is a 53-acre lush sanctuary known as Deerfield Island Park. It has no cars, no roads and an interesting past dating back to the 1930s, earning it the nickname “Capone Island.”
Whether you’re craving a day trip or looking to explore a wild piece of Florida history, this urban wilderness is one of Deerfield Beach’s best-kept secrets. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.
History of the nickname
Before it became a pristine nature preserve, legend has it that Al Capone had his eyes on the property. The Riverview Restaurant is said to have been used by the mob boss as a gambling casino, brothel and for shipping illegal booze, according to The Deerfield Beach Historical Society.
His attorney purchased the land in 1930 with plans to use it as a private home, but Capone was arrested for tax evasion in 1932 before anything could be built. The island would eventually become Deerfield Island Park operated by Broward County in 1955. But the name “Capone Island” has stuck forever.
How to get there
Because Deerfield Island Park is completely surrounded by water, getting there is part of the adventure! If you don’t have your own kayak or paddleboard, Broward County operates a completely free boat shuttle that departs from Sullivan Park (1700 Riverview Rd, Deerfield Beach).
It runs every hour between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and on a first-come, first-served basis. Each ride takes about five minutes, and the final boat leaves the island at 4 p.m.
What to do once you arrive
The park feels like stepping back in time to the Florida of a century ago. It was designated as an Urban Wilderness Area in 1982 and a Gopher Tortoise Refuge in 1983, meaning that nature is a top priority and visitors should leave it the same way as (or better) than they arrived.
As you’re there, take a stroll down the mangrove boardwalk, gather with your crew around picnic areas and check out the tranquil pollinator garden, located near the center of the park. Beyond the scenic trails, the park also serves as a refuge for one of Florida’s most fascinating protected species: the gopher tortoise. These reptiles are a “keystone species,” providing shelter for dozens of other animal species who rely on them for survival.
Learn all about Deerfield Island Park here.
