Whether you’re thinking of moving to Boca Raton or just popping in for a weekend getaway, this beachside paradise has something for everyone. Boca Raton offers a heady blend of sophistication and relaxation. Spend your morning unwinding on pristine beaches, paddle through tranquil mangroves by kayak, indulge in designer shopping after lunch, and end your evening with cocktails at an elegant waterfront restaurant. In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the best, coolest, and most unique things to do in Boca Raton for both families and adults, so you can make the most of your stay, however long it lasts.
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Family Fun
Boca Raton is a great place for a family vacation with a lot of cool activities that your kids will love. Here are a few must-see stops to keep the whole family entertained.
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is a favorite stop for families, offering both educational and fun experiences! It offers an up-close look at Boca Raton’s coastal environment. Children and adults alike will love strolling the boardwalk, learning about the delicate ecosystems, and observing marine wildlife.
“Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is home to a myriad of animals that thrive in the harsh surrounding ecosystem of Southeastern Florida. The habitats which these animals live in at Gumbo Limbo are carefully designed to replicate the species’ natural environments. One of these habitats is the ficus habitat, located in the classroom. Visitors can observe the hermit crabs as they scurry around, climb on the tree, and interact with their neighbors. The exhibit serves as a great way to teach visitors about the natural relationships between different species in the ecosystem. The connection between the hermit crabs and the Florida strangler fig highlights the importance of preserving and protecting our native environments.”
Aerial Boggs, Exhibit Coordinator, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Sugar Sand Park
Sugar Sand Park is a multipurpose community center maintained by the City of Boca Raton. It’s home to a large carousel, a theater, and the “Children’s Science Explorium,” designed to teach children about the physical sciences. Kids can burn off energy at the large open playgrounds, while the whole family can enjoy the scenic nature trails, picnic spots, and the interactive exhibits.
Boomers Amusement Park
Though often overshadowed by Orlando’s world-famous theme parks, Boca Raton boasts its own family-friendly amusement park with shorter lines. From laser tag to mini-golf, there’s plenty at Boomers for the children and young at heart to enjoy! It’s the perfect place to laugh and make memories with your family, and the large variety of unique activities means there’s something for almost every age group.
Beaches and Outdoors
With year-round sunshine and a lovely subtropical climate, Boca Raton is an outdoor lover’s paradise! If you’re looking for free things to do in Boca Raton, Florida, look no further than the long stretches of golden sand and shaded boardwalks by the beach. For a more unique and regimented experience, adults visiting Boca Raton may enjoy its outdoor adventure packages.
Red Reef Park
Red Reef Park boasts soft, sandy beaches and clear waters, optimal for snorkeling. The snorkel trail comes with a jetty that extends from the beach into the water. Beneath the surface, there are many beautiful artificial reefs to discover without disturbing the native wildlife.
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James A. Rutherford Park
James A. Rutherford Park offers scenic trails through the mangrove habitats, an intracoastal waterway for canoeing and kayaking, and a beautiful observation pier overlooking the water. If you like to picnic, there are a few designated grilling areas to serve up a meal. You’re free to observe—but not interact with—the local wildlife, in the city’s ongoing efforts for preservation and restoration.
Palm Breeze Charters
For those wanting to take their outdoor adventures on the water, Palm Breeze Charters offers cruises and private charters to experience the city’s coastline from a new perspective. There are a host of options—from cocktail cruises, sightseeing getaways, with options catering for corporate and private events, sure to make any trip memorable.
Museums and Art
Believe it or not, Boca Raton isn’t just about fun in the sun—it’s also got its own hubs of local culture and arts. The city is home to a sophisticated arts scene, with museums, galleries, and performance spaces hosting both local and international talent.
Festival of the Arts BOCA
This is an annual celebration of the arts held in Boca Raton, open to all of Palm Beach County and South Florida. There’s a diverse array of performances from classical to jazz, as well as panels for visual and literary arts. Regardless of whether you’re especially knowledgeable or involved in the arts scene, there’s sure to be something for you here! The intent is to educate and inspire new audiences, young and old.
Boca Ballet Theater
The Boca Ballet Theater is a chance for fans of dance to experience the best ballet Florida has to offer. With a wide repertoire featuring both classical and contemporary works, the theater provides captivating performances that appeal to both seasoned ballet lovers and newcomers alike. Off the stage, Boca Ballet Theater enriches the community through educational programs and outreach. It’s a cornerstone of local arts.
The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum
For those interested in learning the city’s history, the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum offers an immersive journey through Boca Raton’s past. It features exhibits highlighting the city’s culture, fashion, development, and architecture over the decades. Additionally, younger history buffs can enjoy coordinated scavenger hunts and free museum Saturdays on the first of every month.
Mizner Park
No trip to Boca Raton is complete without a walk through Mizner Park. Mizner Park stands as the crown jewel of Boca Raton’s downtown. There is a broad selection of local boutiques and national retailers, catering to cultivated tastes and the latest trends. Beyond shopping, Mizner Park is a culinary hotspot, featuring several grills, cultural cuisine from all across the world, and the freshest seafood.
Conclusion
Competing with Orlando and Miami, Boca Raton may not always be the first city that comes to mind when planning a South Florida getaway, but it offers a wealth of experiences that appeal to all ages and plenty of cool things to do. From family-friendly theme parks to outdoor adventures to long-standing cultural institutions, there truly is something for everyone. So next time you’re planning a vacation, keep Boca Raton on your radar!
FAQs
For adults aged twenty-one and older, Boca Raton’s nightlife is distinct from other South Florida cultural hubs. Rather than loud clubs, it features wine bars, craft kitchens, upscale eateries, and some old-fashioned cigar bars.
Boca Raton boasts some of the most pristine beaches in Florida, and they’re all free to the public, unless stated otherwise. The only associated cost would be parking, and an all-day parking pass costs about $35.
J. Dailey has an English degree with a focus in technical writing. When not busy blogging, find J. Dailey hiking, playing tabletop games, or spending time with cats.
