1010 Boca Raton

Boca Raton Guide to Attractions, Places to Stay, Restaurants and Local Resources

Our guide to Boca Raton in South Florida helps you find the best attractions, places to stay, shopping areas and restaurants while traveling on vacation to Boca Raton. Check local resources to help plan a better vacation: info about hotels, resorts, motels, beaches, boating and golf as well as discount packages and specials and other ways to save.

Boca Raotn Florida has been an oasis for vacationers for almost a century now. With lavish hotels and resorts, finding a great place to enjoy the sun poolside is pretty easy.

Welcome to Boca Raton

updated - May 4, 2012

Boca Raton is one of Florida's most successful cities. In the 1920's, the visionary architect Addison Mizner turned his attention and fortune from Palm Beach to the small pineapple farm area of Boca Raton with a grand vision. Boca Raton became Mizner's legacy. 

Unfortunately for Mizner, the real estate collapse of 1926 derailed his dream and drained his fortune. Not until the 1950s did Boca Raton begin to emerge. His legacy, and dream, have had a lasting impression on the city. Certainly Mizner's dream was delayed, but the city certainly lived up to his expectations - and then some.

His crowning achievement was the Cloister Inn, completed in 1926, and is the genesis of what is now the Boca Raton Resort and Club - unabashed opulence on the bay with yachting and country club amenities.

Boca has morphed into much more than a tourist destination. It's the home of many a corporate headquarters, ultra-modern medical facilities, research and development as well as an educational hub. In this respect, Mizner's vision has been vastly eclipsed.   


Boca Raton

Boca Raton is an upscale South Florida vacation destination that offers a number of interesting attractions and has a colorful and historic background. It makes no apologies for its success and with the natural features of the local geography it's easy to understand why it's such a magnet for people who can afford to be selective.

You'll find excellence in all facets - the beach, the water, restaurants, attractions and places to stay. Getting around the area is quite easy, but a car is almost essential - which is true for most of Florida. 

There are several shopping areas that offer a unique experience, tops among them is Mizner Park which features many art galleries, boutiques, plenty of eating options and a movie theater.



Restaurants

Arturo's Ristorante
An Italian family affair specializing in regional favorites as well as many house originals. Two seating areas - inside is more formal, the garden area is on the casual side. An outstanding choice with an award winning wine selection.

Cielo
Located at the top of the Boca Club and Resort with awe-inspiring panoramic views. Most dishes are cooked from scratch, but worth the wait - particularly with the views. While many restaurants at leading resorts can be overrated, Cielo is an exception and worth every penny.

TooJays Gourmet Deli
This strictly Florida restaurant chain of about two dozen locations is a local favorite in Boca Raton and is about as close as you'll get to a New York style deli. Three locations in Boca Raton with eat-in or take-out options. Origins date back to 1981 at the first location in Palm Beach.  

Abe & Louie's
Bring your appetite and size up these big cuts of USDA Prime steaks and some of the largest lobsters you'll ever see. Sophisticated setting to help you relax as you enjoy one fabulous feast. Rated among the nation's best steakhouses. 2200 West Glades Road.  

Gary Woo Asian Bistro
Impressive for its menu selections and variety, finding your favorite Chinese dish is all but assured. 3400 North Federal Highway - about a mile south of Yamato Road.  

Kyojin Japanese Seafood Buffet
Serving up in large numbers sushi, sashimi and hibachi grill favorites. Many items prepared on an "as-ordered" basis. 21073 Powerline Road - in the Shops of Boca Grove.  


Places to Stay 

Boca Raton Bridge Hotel
Situated across from the ocean and on the Intracoastal waterway, this 11 story high-rise hotel of about 120 units and suites offers water views from every room. 999 East Camino Real.

Boca Raton Resort and Club
This is the obvious choice for those looking for an exclusive and memorable vacation. Perfection can be found throughout this Spanish-style hotel complex. Yacht Club and golfing are among the many, many on-site attractions. Located on the Western Shore of the Intracoastal; beach goers may be more inclined to stay at the Boca Beach Club - a sister property located directly on the beach and within a short distance across the waterway. 501 East Camino Real

La Boca Casa
For those looking for more modest accommodations but with beach proximity, this small motel-esque property of about 20 condominium type units may be just the thing. 365 North Ocean Blvd.

Boca Raton Plaza Hotel and Suites
One of six hotels in the small Plaza Hotel and Suites chain. Emphasis is on comfort and reasonable cost. With about 100 rooms, and ample amenities that are included in the rates. Discounted pass to Gold's Gym available, microwaves and refrigerators in all the rooms. Kids stay free. A good choice for budget travelers. On the north side of Boca Raton, east of the airport on 2901 North Federal Highway (US 1).

Towneplace Suites Boca Raton
This Marriott branded extended stay hotel sits adjacent to I-95 and Yamato Road. Freeway convenient, reasonable rates - generally suited for business travelers. 5110 NW 8th Avenue in the Arvida Park of Commerce.

Hilton Suites Boca Raton
Located in the heart of Boca Raton and featuring 200 suites - all facing the lake - this hotel also puts you just a few minutes from the beach and area golf courses. Features complimentary Cooked to Order breakfast daily and an evening cocktail reception. Site has outdoor pool, fitness center and whirlpool.7920 Glades Blvd.


Attractions

Boca Raton Museum of Art
Located within the confines of Mizner Park, includes a superb permanent collection as well as first-rate visiting exhibits. Modern masters and contemporary icons are a focal point. 501 Plaza Real, Mizner Park.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
View local habitat from boardwalk and observation platform as well as exhibits of turtles, sharks and native fish species. On A1A about 1 mile north of Palmetto Park Road.

Boca Raton Historical Society
Located with the original 1927 town hall structure (gilded dome) - not your average town hall by any means. Local history, Mizner's influence as well as frequently changing art and history exhibits. 71 North Federal Highway (US 1) at Palmetto Park Road.

Children's Museum of Boca Raton
Put away the iPad and the PlayStation as you walk into this 100 year old structure (made from discarded timber). Keep with you your imagination and fascination at numerous exhibits designed to spark the creative and critical thinking process. $5 entrance fee - can you beat that! - to explore history, science, arts and humanities and much more. 498 Crawford Boulevard, in Boca Raton.

Sugar Sand Park
This community park offers some interesting nature trails through indigenous Florida pine and scrub. Exhibits include art-related, a theater the Children's Science Explorium and a carousel. 300 South Military Trail.

Sports Immortals Museum and Memorabilia Mart
View a collection of sports memorabilia spanning almost all sports that pulls from an inventory of over 1 million separate items. 6830 Federal Highway (US 1).

Loxahatchee Everglades Tours
Departing on the hour, this environmentally sensitive tour company features airboat rides through the famed "River of Grass". 15490 Loxahatchee Road, Parkland, FL 33076.


Local Resources

Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce
1800 North Dixie Highway in Boca Raton



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Boca Raton Travel & Vacation Resources


Florida Vacation Websites

Palm Beach, Florida - Many visitors to Boca Raton look north to Palm Beach to enhance their vacation with top-of-the-world shopping and restaurants.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida - to the south, there are plenty of active diversions in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Miami Beach, Florida - chic and stylish, Miami Beach is the touchstone for fashion, elegance and attitude.

Orlando, Florida - take the Florida Turnpike north to Orlando and vicinity (about 3 hours) to take in Disney's Magic Kingdom, SeaWorld or any one of over 200 different attractions.


Related Vacation Websites

Florida Vacations - this site has other places in Florida you might like to visit including Miami, Orlando, Sarasota and Key West.

Caribbean Vacations - guide to the Caribbean destinations including the Bahamas and Bermuda listing many of the special features of each destination.