Boca Raton South Florida

Description

Boca Raton is a city on Florida’s southeastern coast, known for its golf courses, parks and beaches. Large, oceanfront Red Reef Park is home to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center with trails, a butterfly garden and a sea turtle sanctuary. Downtown, Boca Raton Museum of Art has modern and contemporary American and European collections, and a sculpture garden. Nearby Mizner Park Amphitheater hosts concerts and events.

Beaches and golf courses; fine hotels and wondrous art museums (and the Festival of the Arts BOCA); jazz clubs and concerts at Mizner Park; the glittery Town Center at Boca Raton shopping mall, with 220 upscale and elite specialty shops; and, elsewhere around town, countless family-owned boutiques.

And let's not forget fine restaurants, some of the best in the south. After all, Boca Raton is located in Palm Beach County and, more to the point, in the heart of Florida's Atlantic Ocean Coast.

Along those lines, give some thought to staying at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, one of the nation’s premier resort destinations.

Best Time to Visit Boca Raton

The best time to visit Boca Raton is in the fall or winter when temperatures are at their most comfortable. Fall (September to November) constitutes the city's offseason, offering the lowest prices on accommodations – a side effect of Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

Getting to Boca Raton

1. Fort Lauderdale International Airport [3] (airport code: FLL), large airport 20 miles south of Boca in Fort Lauderdale.
2. Palm Beach International Airport [4], PBI, large airport 20 miles north of Boca.
3. Miami International Airport [5], MIA, Miami.

Things to Do in Boca Raton, South Florida

As part of Florida's famed Palm Beaches, it's no surprise that Boca Raton is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Top sights include Red Reef Park – home to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center – Spanish River Park and Sugar Sand Park. Meanwhile, shoppers and cultural aficionados will love strolling through Mizner Park, a tropical oasis that is home to the Boca Raton Museum of Art and a bevy of designer shops and trendy restaurants, as well as an outdoor amphitheater. When you need a break from the Florida heat and humidity, catch a show at the Wick Theatre or indulge in some retail therapy at the Town Center.

1. Mizner Park

One of the landmarks in Boca Raton and the primary community gathering place, Mizner Park was designed by architect Addison Mizner and reflects his love of Mediterranean architecture. This centrally located park is home to the Boca Raton Museum of Art, an outdoor amphitheater, a movie theater complex, and a wide variety of high-end department stores, designer boutiques and eateries.

2. Gumbo Limbo Nature Park

This nature center, located at the north end of the boardwalk in Red Reef Park, offers a unique look at the wildlife and natural marine environment of the region. A variety of programs led by naturalists are available for both children and adults, including the popular turtle walk and hatchling release program. Visitors can watch aquarium feedings, hike nature trails or catch a glimpse of local wildlife and indigenous plants on the scenic boardwalk. Florida Atlantic University also operates a sea turtle research and rehabilitation facility here.

3. Sugar Sand Park

The 132-acre Sugar Sand Park is a family favorite, featuring an array of amenities for both children and adults. Little ones can burn off some energy at the playground, water park, carousel or interactive Children's Science Explorium, while adults enjoy the athletic courts, full gym and nature trails. The entire family will enjoy shows at the Willow Theatre and extensive picnic facilities.

4. Red Reef Park

The oceanfront Red Reef Park occupies 67 acres on one of Florida's most scenic highways, State Road A1A. In addition to swimming, snorkeling and surf fishing, the park also offers the Red Reef Executive Golf Course and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, as well as extensive picnic facilities.

5. Spanish River Park

Spanish River Park, also known as "Boca Raton's Lagoon," is named for a stream that once flowed along the western side of the park. The river is now considered to part of the Intracoastal Waterway. Although you can't swim in the lagoon or waterway, there is access to the Atlantic beach and lifeguards are on duty during the day. The park also offers several nature trails and a picnic area with grills, tables and restrooms. Fishing is also permitted with a license.

6. South Inlet Park

South Inlet Park is an off-the-beaten-path local favorite. The quiet inlet is rarely crowded and offers peaceful fishing from the shore or jetty, a lovely beach, restrooms and outdoor showers, as well as a small picnic area.

7. Boca Raton Museum of Art

Located in Mizner Park, the Boca Raton Musuem of Art features more than 4,500 works. Permanent collections include African and Pre-Columbian art, 19th- and 20th-century European and American paintings, drawings and sculptures, and a stunning photography collection that includes more than 1,500 images.

8. The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum

In 2013, Marilynn A. Wick purchased a defunct theater to house her huge collection of Broadway costumes. Not wanting the 333-seat auditorium to go to waste, she also founded a resident theater company. Additionally, she created the Tavern Room, a restaurant that pays homage to New York City's famous Tavern on the Green and sports the amber and crystal chandelier that once hung in its foyer, as well as some of its china and crystal. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the costume museum followed by lunch, or grab dinner before a show.

9. Town Center at Boca Raton

In 2013, Marilynn A. Wick purchased a defunct theater to house her huge collection of Broadway costumes. Not wanting the 333-seat auditorium to go to waste, she also founded a resident theater company. Additionally, she created the Tavern Room, a restaurant that pays homage to New York City's famous Tavern on the Green and sports the amber and crystal chandelier that once hung in its foyer, as well as some of its china and crystal. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the costume museum followed by lunch, or grab dinner before a show.