Discover Boca Raton: A Luxury Getaway with Miles of Beaches, World-Class Golf, and Endless Shopping
Boca Raton is a coastal city located in Palm Beach County, Florida. With a population of around 93,000, it's a mid-sized city situated almost equidistant between West Palm Beach to the north and Fort Lauderdale to the south.
Boca Raton has over 5 miles of beautiful public beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Inland, the city has approximately 1,080 acres of public parks and recreational facilities. Some of the most popular parks include Sugar Sand Park, Patch Reef Park, and Spanish River Park.
The city has a reputation as an affluent resort area and retirement destination. It boasts high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment. The downtown area known as Mizner Park contains many upscale restaurants, boutiques, and cultural attractions.
Boca Raton's parks, beaches, golf courses, restaurants, and shopping make it a popular tourist destination. The city has a number of large resorts and conference centers that attract business travelers as well. With its coastal location, amenities, and pleasant climate, Boca Raton is considered one of South Florida's most desirable places to live and visit.
Top Hotels in Boca Raton
Boca Raton is home to some of the top luxury hotels and resorts in Florida. The crown jewel is the Boca Raton Resort and Club, a 356-acre property with a variety of accommodation options, including the Cloister building with classic style rooms, the dramatic and modern Tower building, the beachfront Boca Bungalows, and more. Guests can enjoy a huge range of sports and activities onsite.
Another top choice is the Marriott Boca Raton at Boca Center, with luxurious marble bathrooms, rainfall showers, and deluxe amenities. The elegant Renaissance Boca Raton Hotel is also a fantastic option, with a Mediterranean vibe, lush tropical grounds, and a beautiful pool area. Between the Boca Resort, Marriott, Renaissance and other excellent hotels in the area, visitors have their pick of high-end accommodations perfect for a relaxing Florida vacation.
Golf Courses
Boca Raton offers a variety of excellent golf courses for players of all skill levels. The Boca Raton Resort And Club Resort Course is located on the Resort grounds and offers a 6,253 yard par 71 course with elevation changes and water features. The signature 12th hole was designed by renowned golf course architect Hugh Hughes.
For a more affordable municipal course option, try the Boca Raton Municipal Golf Course. This public course has an 18-hole regulation, 6,115-yard, par-72 course, a 9-hole executive course, driving range and putting green.
Right on the oceanfront, golfers can play the scenic 9-hole, 1,628-yard, par-32 course at Red Reef Executive Golf Course. The ocean views provide a picturesque backdrop.
Southwinds County Golf Course is another 18-hole, par 72 course open to the public. Spanning 72-par over 6,566 yards, this course offers a reasonably priced golfing option in Boca Raton.
Between picturesque resort courses, affordable municipal options, and scenic oceanfront executive courses, Boca Raton provides diverse golf experiences for all players and budgets. Golf is a popular activity for both visitors and locals in the Boca Raton area.
Shopping in Boca Raton
Boca Raton offers some of the best shopping in South Florida. The premier shopping destination is the Town Center Mall, located at 6000 Glades Rd. This upscale mall features nearly 200 exclusive stores, including Bloomingdales, Burdines, Cartier, The Disney Store, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom's and Tiffany's. Even the most discerning shopper will find something special at Town Center Mall.
For another high-end shopping experience, visit Royal Palm Plaza, conveniently located on South Federal Highway. This open-air plaza contains over 60 shops and restaurants, including Brooks Brothers, Williams-Sonoma, Anthropologie and Seasons 52. Stroll along the palm tree-lined walkways as you explore the delightful boutiques and eateries.
In addition to Town Center Mall and Royal Palm Plaza, Boca Raton has many other shopping centers to meet your retail therapy needs. Boca Center on Military Trail features 120 stores and restaurants, including Macy's, DSW and Barnes & Noble. The Shops at Boca Center on Northwest 19th Street contains a Saks Off 5th along with specialty stores.
Other notable centers include the Fifth Avenue Shops, Glades Plaza, Shops at the Sanctuary, Polo Shops, Del Mar Shopping Village, and Piccadilly Square. Whether you're looking for upscale fashion, big box stores, specialty boutiques, or casual dining, the diverse malls and shopping plazas of Boca Raton have something for everyone.
Outdoor Activities
Boca Raton is an outdoor lover's paradise with its beautiful beaches, excellent fishing, and variety of water sports.
The city has over 5 miles of publicly owned beachfront, most notably South Beach Park and Red Reef Park. These wide sandy beaches offer swimming, sunbathing, beach walks, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The warm clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling to see the colorful fish and coral reefs, or scuba diving to explore even deeper underwater sights.
Fishing is a popular activity in Boca Raton. Go offshore fishing for sailfish, mahi-mahi, grouper and other deep sea trophies. Inshore fishing in the Intracoastal Waterway offers great catches like snook, tarpon and snapper. The freshwater lakes and canals are stocked with largemouth bass, peacock bass and panfish.
Water sports abound in Boca Raton. Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing or kitesurfing. Rent a boat, yacht or waverunner and cruise along the waterways. For an adrenaline rush, go wakeboarding or waterskiing while being pulled at top speeds across the water.
With its prime coastal location, Boca Raton is a dream destination for enjoying fun outdoor activities from land to sea.
Royal Palm Polo Club
The Royal Palm Polo Sports Complex, located at 18000 Jog Road in Boca Raton, is home to the oldest existing polo club in South Florida. Founded in 1924, the Royal Palm Polo Club has earned a reputation as the sport's winter capital and hosts numerous high-goal polo tournaments each season.
With immaculately manicured fields set against the scenic backdrop of the Atlantic coastline, Royal Palm provides an idyllic setting for polo. Spectators can watch top players from around the world compete, enjoy gourmet food and drinks at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Lounge, and even step onto the field between matches for the "divot stomp."
The polo season at Royal Palm runs from January through April, culminating with the prestigious U.S. Open Polo Championship. This event regularly draws over 12,000 fans to watch elite athletes and their thoroughbred horses exhibit incredible teamwork, athleticism, and skill.
Beyond tournaments, Royal Palm offers polo lessons, trail rides, and hosts a variety of other equestrian events. With year-round activities open to the public, a visit to the Royal Palm Polo Club provides a uniquely Floridian experience and the chance to discover polo's roots in Boca Raton.
Dining
Boca Raton has a vibrant dining scene, with restaurants to suit every taste and budget. From upscale steakhouses to hip bistros to casual cafes, there are plenty of excellent options for meals during your stay.
Some of the top restaurants in Boca Raton include:
Lucca
This Northern Italian restaurant is consistently rated as one of the best in Boca. Chef Michael Schenk offers creative takes on classic dishes like osso buco and gnocchi in an elegant setting. The wine list features over 200 varieties.
Racks Downtown Eatery & Tavern
Located in Mizner Park, Racks is known for its extensive menu of seafood, steaks, and chops served in a lively sports bar atmosphere. Popular dishes include the colossal shrimp cocktail and New England clam chowder. There's also a great happy hour.
Farmer's Table
For locally sourced, farm-to-table fare, check out this cozy bistro near the beach. The menu changes daily but often includes creative salads, flatbreads, and entrees relying on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Rocco's Tacos
This is the place to go for delicious Mexican food and a fun, festive vibe. Tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and more are served alongside margaritas and other cocktails. The Boca Raton location is large and lively.
Truluck's
This upscale seafood restaurant is part of a small chain but offers outstanding food and service. Dive into jumbo lump crab cakes, lobster bisque, and fresh catches perfectly prepared. The cocktail menu is also creative and extensive.
With such excellent dining options, you'll enjoy exploring the Boca Raton restaurant scene during your visit. The city offers eateries for all tastes and budgets.
Nearby Attractions
Boca Raton offers plenty to see and do during your stay, but the area's attractions don't end there. Within an easy drive you'll find world-class beaches, nature, and city life.
Palm Beach
Just 20 minutes north, discover the beauty and luxury of Palm Beach. Marvel at the mansions on Millionaire's Row, lounge on the sandy beaches, or browse the high-end shops on Worth Avenue. The Flagler Museum provides a glimpse into the Gilded Age, while the Norton Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection.
Miami Beach
The vibrant city of Miami is less than an hour south on I-95. Iconic Miami Beach boasts stunning Art Deco architecture and white sand beaches. Enjoy South Beach's lively nightlife and dining scene. Take a cruise to view celebrity mansions on Star Island or explore Miami's multicultural neighborhoods like Little Havana and Little Haiti.
Lake Okeechobee
Florida's second largest freshwater lake, Lake Okeechobee offers excellent fishing and boating. Walk along miles of marshy shoreline or traverse the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. See alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife at Lake Okeechobee State Park.
With world-famous beaches, natural beauty, and exciting cities so close by, Boca Raton provides easy access to the best of South Florida.
Accommodations Overview
Boca Raton offers a wide range of excellent hotel accommodations to suit any taste and budget. From historic grande dame resorts to modern business hotels, Boca has it all.
The city's most famous hotel is the magnificent Boca Raton Resort and Club. This sprawling 356-acre property offers a choice of 5 distinct accommodation styles, from the classic Cloister building to the sleek Boca Bungalows. Guests can enjoy multiple golf courses, tennis courts, pools, restaurants, and a world-class spa. Rooms feature elegant furnishings and top amenities.
For a contemporary vibe, the Renaissance Boca Raton is a stylish option set on lush tropical grounds with a pool and outdoor lounge spaces. Guest rooms have a chic, modern decor and balconies. The Marriott Boca Raton at Boca Center also offers a contemporary style with upscale amenities like rainfall showers and luxury bedding.
Beyond the major hotels, Boca has a wide selection of boutique inns, beachfront resorts, and affordable chain hotels and motels. Whether you seek classic Florida charm or modern luxuries, Boca Raton has an ideal hotel option for every traveler. The city's accommodations showcase the very best of South Florida hospitality.
Boca Raton offers an idyllic Florida vacation destination with its beautiful beaches, world-class resorts, excellent shopping, and abundance of recreational activities. This guide has highlighted some of the top attractions that make Boca Raton a premier vacation spot.
With over five miles of pristine public beaches and more than 1,000 acres of parks, Boca Raton has plenty of space to relax in the sunshine. The beachside hotels, like the iconic Boca Raton Resort and Club, provide luxurious accommodations and amenities.
Golfers will be delighted with the four excellent golf courses in Boca Raton, including the scenic course at the Boca Raton Resort. Shoppers can find everything from high-end designers at Town Center Mall to local boutiques in the many shopping plazas around the city.
Outdoor lovers have numerous activities to enjoy, from snorkeling and scuba diving to freshwater fishing on Lake Okeechobee. Don't miss polo matches at the Royal Palm Polo Sports Complex, dating back to 1924.
The many fine restaurants offer casual and upscale dining with fresh local seafood, steaks, and international cuisine. Nearby attractions like Palm Beach and Miami Beach are an easy day trip.
With beautiful beaches, world-class resorts, excellent shopping, recreational activities, and fine dining, Boca Raton has something for everyone. This guide provides an overview of the best this inviting Florida destination has to offer for a memorable vacation.
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