With miles of public beaches and a year round temperate climate, Boca Raton (locals says Boca Ratone) epitomizes the outdoor southern Florida lifestyle. While just 40 miles north of Miami, Boca Raton has none of the traffic headaches associated with a major metropolis.
As a rule of thumb for getting around Florida, take the I-95 (with a Sunpass) if you’re in a hurry, but drive the meandering A1A with beautiful views of the Atlantic if you have time. The drive south on the A1A into Boca from Palm Beach is especially scenic.
Many buildings in Boca Raton have a Mediterranean Revival or Spanish Mission architectural theme. In the winter of 1918, architect Addison Mizner brought the Mediterranean style to his first Florida commission, the Everglades Club in Palm Beach, for his friend, sewing machine heir, Paris Singer. Addison Mizner was also the visionary behind the planned development of Boca Raton.
Mizner’s Mediterranean style, which utilized stone, tile and stucco, was a better match for Florida’s semi-tropical climate (and threat of hurricanes) than the wooden shingle-style resort architecture imported from the Northeast.
Don’t miss seeing the jewel in Mizner’s crown, The Boca Raton Resort & Club or as locals know it, The Pink Hotel. It first opened in February 1926, as The Ritz Cloister Inn. The beautiful, one of a kind interiors offer a glimpse into the hotel’s storied past.
Things to do
The Wick Theater & Costume Museum
Fans will enjoy seeing movie and stage costumes up close and personal, from productions as diverse as Titanic, Dick Tracy and Les Liasons Dangereux. Marilynn Wick, CEO of Costume World, a national retailer and renter of theatrical costumes, bought The Caldwell Theatre in Boca Raton to house her enormous collection of original Broadway costumes. She also gained a 333-seat auditorium in the deal and produces popular Broadway musicals like South Pacific.
Boca Raton Museum of Art
Art lovers will be thrilled to find The Boca Raton Museum of Art at the north end of Mizner Park. The Museum features travelling exhibitions as well as an extensive permanent collection, from The Old Masters to contemporary artists. Don’t miss the sculpture gardens.
Where to eat
Max’s Grille
Dine al fresco from a fresh contemporary bistro menu at Max’s Grille on Mizner Park. Perfect for people watching.
Where to stay
The Waterstone Resort and Marina
You’re a short walk to the beach at The Waterstone Resort and Marina. The newly renovated hotel has 139 guest rooms, all with private balconies overlooking either the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway or Lake Boca.
The contemporary polished chrome against whitewashed teak millwork both indoors and out creates a seamless transition between the main floor and waterfront promenade. Easy access to water activities that include paddleboards, reef snorkeling trips, fishing charters, boat rentals, surfing lessons, jet skis, and ocean kayaks.
Boca Beach Club
Located on the Atlantic Ocean with a mile of private beach, Boca Beach Club is the sister property of The Boca Raton Resort and Spa, just a short shuttle ride away.
Popular with young families for a wealth of water activities, guests of Boca Beach Club are also entitled to use the facilities at The Boca Raton Resort and Spa, including an outdoor Flow Rider surf machine.
