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 - January 26, 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

To say that Boca Raton is an upscale Florida destination is a vast understatement. 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. 

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.  

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).

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.

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

Related Vacation Websites

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