Boca Raton, adorned with beaches, artistic flair, and steeped in history and culture alongside its Mediterranean Revival allure, stands as a prized destination in South Florida. As the city prepares for its centennial celebration in 2025, this seems like an ideal moment to explore all it has to offer.
From an iconic
luxury resort
With its moniker as “the city within a park” (boasting over 40 public parks along with extensive beaches and trails ideal for hiking and cycling), Boca Raton offers endless entertainment for all kinds of visitors. Discover how to enjoy Boca Raton just like a resident.
The Great Outdoors
Extending over its five-mile stretch along the Atlantic coast, Boca Raton features three beaches.
pristine beaches
(South Beach, Red Reef, and Spanish River), however, there are numerous options for entering, navigating, and exploring beneath the water.
Explore the Red Reef Park Snorkeling Route
The
Red Reef Park
The Snorkel Trail is a hidden treasure cherished primarily by local residents. Suitable for newcomers yet offering ample sights even for seasoned snorkelers, this man-made reef system consists of 20 artificial reef structures along with an additional artificial reef pier extending from the shoreline into the sea. Situated close to the coast in relatively calm shallows, it facilitates straightforward underwater excursions among colorful aquatic creatures such as parrotfish and approachable reef sharks.
Besides having easy access to beaches at Red Reef Park, you can also appreciate
bird-watching
, beach fishing, and even golfing at the Alan C. Alford Red Reef Family Golf Course.
myboca.us
, 1400 North Ocean Boulevard, Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Bask in the Sunshine at Spanish River Beach
Spanish River Beach provides a distinctive two-fold attraction: proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. On the Intracoastal side, you’ll find a boat docking facility, nature paths for bird watching, and waterfront spots for picnics. Meanwhile, the beach area boasts swimming opportunities along with vibrant murals decorating the tunnels, offering an appealing blend of natural scenery and artistic flair.
myboca.us
, 3001 North State Road A-1-A, Boca Raton, Florida 33431
Enjoy Your Day at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Spanning across 20 acres of preserved land on a secluded barrier island, this location offers an escape from everyday life. Established in 1984, the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center provides various attractions including a network of walkways perfect for leisurely strolls, tanks housing colorful tropical fish, educational nature activities, guided kayak trips, and a thriving butterfly garden. However, one of the most popular draws remains the center’s sea turtle recovery area, which allows guests to gain insights into preservation initiatives and observe baby turtles being released back into their natural habitat during nesting seasons. Be sure not to overlook Jacob’s Outlook—a newly constructed 40-foot high observation deck compliant with accessibility standards—offering panoramic vistas of the ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and surrounding ecosystems.
myboca.us
, 1801 North Ocean Boulevard, Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Culture and Nightlife
Although much of Boca Raton’s cultural scene revolves around Mizner Park, there are several notable spots throughout the city that are also worth visiting.
Savor a Day at Mizner Park
Honoring architect Addison Mizner, the 30-acre Mizner Park stands as the cultural epicenter of Boca Raton. This location offers an array of high-end retail spaces, eateries, and leisure activities—such as a venue with a seating capacity of 4,200—all set against a backdrop of palm trees and structures designed in the Mediterranean Revival style. Praised for its charming pink architecture, verdant gardens, and vibrant blend of food establishments and shops, Mizner Park holds the distinction of being among the earliest mixed-used projects in the nation.
miznerpark.com
, 327 Plaza Real Suite 315, Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Attend a Show at the Mizener Park Amphitheater
At the Mizner Park Amphitheater and lawn, you can enjoy a consistent lineup of live music, community gatherings, concerts, and festivals, making it an excellent spot for people to come together.
myboca.us
, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Stop by the Boca Raton Museum of Art for your visit.
The Boca Raton Museum of Art, which is 70 years old, boasts an extensive permanent collection along with stimulating temporary exhibitions. It features a beautifully landscaped sculpture garden and a modern gift shop offering handcrafted items, stylish home decor, jewelry, and much more—an ideal spot for distinctive mementos. Additionally, the museum includes The Art School, providing opportunities for families to engage in various artistic workshops and courses.
bocamuseum.org
, 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Dine and Wine at One of Mizner Park’s Numerous Eateries
Mizner Park boasts numerous enjoyable spots for drinks and dining, yet
Kapow!
is beloved locally for its delightful Asian-fusion cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere. If you’re looking to start your day with some artisanal coffee,
Subculture Coffee
is a beloved regional franchise known for premium coffee beans and a concise selection of acai bowls, avocado toast, and breakfast sandwiches.
Marvel at the Abundance of Public Art
Public Art Boca
goes to great lengths to make sure that Boca’s appreciation for the arts reaches far beyond just its museums. Throughout the city, you can discover murals, installations, and sculptures, including some in surprising spots such as tunnels that lead to the shore. Embark on a self-led journey to explore them all.
Enjoy Live Music at The Funky Biscuit
The Funky Biscuit is a cozy live music spot famous for presenting both nationally recognized and local artists, particularly those who play funk, rock, jazz, blues, and reggae genres. In addition to the musical performances, they offer Southern-style cuisine along with handcrafted cocktails.
funkybiscuit.com
, 303 SE Mizner Boulevard Suite 59, Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Go Wild at Wacky Uncle Mike’s
Vibrant yet laid-back, Crazy Uncle Mike’s is a go-to spot for an entertaining evening out. This expansive 4,000-square-foot space offers food, drinks, along with activities like karaoke sessions, board game nights every Monday, and frequent performances from local musicians and entertainers filling up their busy event schedule.
crazyunclemikes.com
, 6450 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida 33487
Boca’s Past—and Future
Check out the Schmidt Boca Raton Historical Museum
Located in the city’s former Town Hall building (keep an eye out for the iconic golden dome), the Schmidt Boca Roton History Museum explores a wide range of topics including local contributions to World War II efforts as well as the development of the IBM PC, which took place in this very town.
bocahistory.org
, Historical City Hall, 71 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Stop by the Wick Theatre & Costume Museum
At The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy performances as well as admire an impressive array of genuine Broadway attire valued at over $20 million—this museum boasts original costumes from more than 50 different Broadway plays and their revivals. In addition to theatrical presentations, guests can partake in tours, cabarets, and meals.
thewick.org
, 7901 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida 33487
Check out the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC)
Design enthusiasts and those fascinated by technology’s past should make sure to visit the 1.7 million square-foot corporate campus referred to as the
Boca Raton Innovation Campus
The BRiC—previously home to IBM’s corporate headquarters, now known as the site of the invention of the world’s first personal computer. This modern location harmoniously combines contemporary aesthetics with Brutalist design elements crafted by architect Marcel Breuer. Visitors have the opportunity to walk along the longest corridor in the western half of the hemisphere, view both permanent installations and changing exhibitions, and relax over a cup of coffee or a meal in a sunlit atrium adorned with an oversized piano keyboard painted on the pavement below.
workatbric.com
, 5000 Tyrannosaurus Rex Lane, Boca Raton, FL 33431
The Boca Raton
Once called The Boca Raton Resort & Club, tracing back to 1926, this renowned former pink landmark has recently undergone an extensive $375 million makeover. Now referred to simply as The Boca Raton, it comprises five distinct hotels under one luxurious resort banner located centrally in Boca Raton. It spans from the coastline—where you’ll find the iconic Beach Club hotel, now open again following a massive $130 million refurbishment—to Lake Boca Raton and The Boca Raton Golf Club.
Even if you’re not staying overnight, make sure to visit and appreciate the stunning Mizener architecture and exceptional cuisine—although remember that experiencing a treatment at the acclaimed, 50,000-square-foot spa requires prior planning.
Spa Palmera
Modeled after Spain’s stunning Alhambra Palace, access is restricted to guests of the resort.
thebocaraton.com
, 501 East Camino Real, Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Where to Eat
Ranging from freshly caught local seafood to global cuisines—choices vary from petite dishes inspired by India prepared by chef Pushkar Marathe.
Stage
to kosher-style Mediterranean at
Motek
to Uruguayan at
Narbona
—Boca Raton’s restaurant scene offers everything and more.
Farmer’s Table
At Farmer’s Table, the emphasis is on wholesome cuisine: All offerings are sustainably sourced, with absolutely no chemicals, hormones, pesticides, or antibiotics present in their protein dishes. Their menu features nutritious, substantial meals made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
dinefarmerstable.com
, 1901 North Military Trail, Boca Raton, Florida 33431
Tin Muffin
The Tin Muffin Café is renowned for serving delicious brunch and lunch fare. Famous for their handcrafted sandwiches, soups, quiches, cakes, and pies, this charming cash-only establishment is perpetually busy (despite lacking an online presence).
364 East Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Luff’s Fish House
Located in a renovated bungalow dating back to the 1920s, Luff’s Fish House offers a taste of the Florida Keys with its fresh catches served directly from sea to table. This laid-back eatery attracts visitors who appreciate its casual atmosphere, excellent customer care, and generous portions of classic Key lime pie for an after-dinner treat.
luffsfishhouse.com
, 390 E Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Patio Tapas & Beer
Patio Tapas & Beer is favored by locals for serving authentic Spanish tapas, refreshing sangrias, and notably having an expansive patio area. The head chef and owner, Bryant Fajardo, honed his skills at Le Cordon Bleu in Los Angeles as well as under renowned chef José Andrés. This culinary expertise brings out exceptional flair and excellence in each meal served.
patiotapasandbeer.com
, 205 SE 1st Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33432
Biergarten Boca
Located in
Royal Palm Place
, Biergarten Boca Raton offers an genuine German experience.
biergarten
Experience located in the center of Boca Raton. Notable features consist of 24 varying drafts (ranging from crafts to imports) as well as live music performances every Friday and Saturday evening.
biergartenboca.com
, 309 Via De Palmas #90, Boca Raton, Florida 33432
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