With its manicured lawns and sweeping beaches, Boca Raton is a dreamlike vision on Florida’s southeastern coastline, dubbed one of America’s best beach resorts.
There are ample things to do in Boca Raton, from playing a few holes at world-class golf courses to exploring one of the many nature reserves. To make things easier, we’ve picked some of our favorite activities for you to enjoy during your trip to the ‘City For All Seasons’.
Boca Raton Museum of Art
Begin your visit to the cultural heart of Boca Raton when you head to the city’s Museum of Art for a rich visual experience. The museum prides itself on its extensive and well-curated collections, spanning an array of cultures and styles. Previous exhibitions included works by American visual artist Paul Gervais and Renee Cox, a Jamaican-American painter/photographer, as well as works from The Monroe Family Collection. Gain a deeper appreciation of the art world with a guided tour led by the Museum’s professionals.
Red Reef Park
One of the best Boca Raton attractions is the city’s splendid coastline, which stretches more than two miles along the edge of Florida.
Red Reef Park lets holidaymakers take to the water and discover the local marine life. Spanning 37-acres, the artificial reef is ideal for recreational snorkeling. Keep your eyes peeled for local fish species like Sergeant Majory, Parrotfish, Bar Jack, and more. The crystal-clear water allows for exceptional visibility – you may even spot a sea turtle or snoozing shark.
Daggerwing Nature Center
It wouldn’t be a trip to Florida without visiting a swamp – the Daggerwing Nature Center takes you on a tranquil journey through this unique natural environment, giving you the opportunity to learn more about the abundant plant and wildlife of Boca Raton. There’s a 3,000sqft exhibition hall with animals and interactive exhibits, a butterfly garden, a reading area, an art gallery, and more. The elevated boardwalk has the option of two exciting trails, as well as an observation tower for you to view even more of the area. Make sure you look out for the center’s namesake, the Ruddy Daggerwing butterfly. Osprey Point Golf Course
Osprey Point Golf Course
Hoping to check out a golf course in Boca Raton? You’re in luck - the city has some of the best courses in Florida, with Osprey Point Golf Course being one of the most popular public courses in the state.
Tee off across three nine-hole courses or work on your putt in the award-winning practice facility. The affordable day rates make Osprey Point Golf Course one of the most budget-friendly things to do in Boca Raton. Purchase a frequent player card for even lower prices and other exciting discounts.
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Help support local conservationism and environmental research when you visit the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. The Center specializes in sea turtle protection and care, but a trip to Gumbo Limbo will also see you come to face to face with other marine life and butterflies too.
The outdoor trails take guests on a journey through the Florida ecosystems, with the Butterfly Trail flourishing during the springtime.
Head inside to learn more about sea turtles – for the past two decades, Gumbo Limbo has rescued sick and injured sea turtles and released them back into the Florida area after rehabilitation.
Casa de Montecristo Cigar Lounge
Step into the luxurious Casa de Montecristo cigar lounge in Boca Raton for a unique smoking experience. The full-service establishment offers tasty nibbles and delectable drinks which the expert staff will help pair with a premium cigar such as the Romeo y Julieta. Choose from a range of top brands, wraps, styles, and lengths. Find your perfect puff over the course of the evening and leave with a new favorite cigar.
Spanish River Park
Is there any better feeling than the sand between your toes or the waves lapping at your ankles? The Spanish River Park is one of Boca Raton’s exquisite beaches, which covers 95-acres between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. One of the few public beaches where dogs are welcome, the Spanish River Park is open seven days a week from 8am-sunset, with lifeguards on duty year-round.
Wakodahatchee Wetlands
Pay a visit to the diverse Wakodahatchee Wetlands if you’re looking for free things to do in the Boca Raton area. A ¾ mile boardwalk spans the open water pond areas and various islands, where over 178 bird species have been identified.
The wetlands also have a very important use – two million gallons of highly treatable wastewater is pumped into the area each day, eventually returning billions of gallons of fresh water back into the water table.
And that’s not all – wildlife lovers will be spoilt for choice in the Wakodahatchee Wetlands. Turtles, alligators, rabbits, frogs, fish, and raccoons all have their homes here too, and visitors may be lucky enough to see them in their natural habitat.
Boca Raton Helicopters
Take to the skies to see Boca Raton and the rest of south-eastern Florida from a helicopter in this once-in-a-lifetime activity. Boca Raton Helicopters takes you on a mesmerizing flight over the edge of the ocean as well as all the popular landmarks. Choose from seven set tours or tailor-make your own for a special birds-eye view of Boca.
Delray Beach
Just north of Boca Raton sits Delray Beach, another quintessential beach town perched by the Atlantic Ocean. The main attraction of the city is, of course, the sweeping sand. Spend the day catching some rays or indulging in some water sports – Delray Beach is a great spot for surfing and paddleboarding, kite-surfing, and sailing.
Beach clubs and bars will keep you fed and watered throughout the day, or you can venture into the city and visit the restaurants, cafes, and various art galleries that Delray is known for. A naturally beautiful place with a fun, exciting vibe.
