A guide to Boca Raton Florida
Living in Boca Raton Florida
Boca Raton Florida is a city well known for its beautiful architecture and landscaping, beaches, luxury, vibrant arts and culture, trendy dining, walkability and of course, those warm, tropical breezes here in southeast Florida.
Boca Raton is where many reside and travel to when they seek the fabulous southeast Florida lifestyle filled with all that Florida and Boca Raton have to offer. Once you visit, it’s hard to leave and many will find themselves becoming Boca Raton residents discovering what it’s all about living in Boca Raton.
This Boca Raton guide focuses primarily on the downtown area and city limits of Boca Raton.
Are You Wondering – Where Is Boca Raton Florida?
Boca Raton is located in southeast Florida situated nearby and on prime oceanfront beach, nestled on the Atlantic Ocean and runs approximately 13 miles west.
How far is Boca Raton from Miami?
It’s north of Miami about 45 miles and south of Palm Beach about 27 miles.
Boca Raton was incorporated in 1925.*
Boca Raton history
In 1925, when Addison Mizner, Palm Beach Architect arrived in the city, he had brilliant plans to establish residential and commercial Mediterranean architecture on 1600 acres. Mizner would later open the Cloister Inn, which sparked the city’s beginning of becoming a resort community.
Clarence Geist later buys the Cloister Inn, which he then turns over into the private Boca Raton Club. Later in 1945, J. Myer Schine buys the Boca Raton Club which would be later reopened as the Boca Raton Hotel and Club.
In 1936, Boca Raton’s first airport is established, which today is now located just west of the El Rio Trail and canal of the same name.
The Boca Raton Hotel and Club would change hands again in 1956 when Arthur Vining Davis established new aesthetics for development within Boca Raton with the creation of Arvida Development Corporation.
In 1964, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is opened, welcoming college bound students who sought a better life.
Did you know that the IBM PC was born in Boca Raton in 1981? How cool is that?! It got it’s start after the International Business Machine Corporation started in its purchase of 550 acres of land from Arvida in 1966.
In 1986, the Boca Raton Museum of Art became the new name for what used to be called the Art Guild, which was originally established in 1950.
First historic district
Old Floresta
The city’s first historic district was assigned to Old Floresta in 1990, where 29 Mizner designed homes existed being located north of Palmetto Park between Cardinal Ave and Paloma Ave (NW 8th Ave) – a beautiful neighborhood area.
If you’re looking for a home for sale in Old Floresta of Boca Raton, call/text/email me and I’d be happy to help you find a place to call home in the neighborhood of Old Floresta.
The city’s second official Historic District was provided to Pearl City, Boca Raton’s historic black neighborhood from its original inception back in 1915.
Mizner Park opened during 1991 in east Boca Raton. It presented an open, urban area concept with shops, dining, business offices, a concert pavilion, parks and apartments.
In 1991, achieving University status, the College of Boca Raton becomes Lynn University named from its major benefactors, the Lynn family.
In 2001, Mizner Park takes on a new resident of The Boca Raton Museum of Art with its 44,000 square foot center.
More about the history of Boca Raton.
Boca Raton Home Sales
There has never been a better time to move to Florida and Boca Raton!
Homes for sale in Boca Raton that are available for sale, continue to reflect a Seller’s market. Buyer’s want homes! If you’re a Buyer, look below for a link to search for homes in Boca Raton.
If you’re considering selling a home in Boca Raton, you’ll likely want to know your home’s value.
Let me know if I can help you, as your eXp Realty Boca Raton Realtor.
good eats and coffee!
Boca Raton eateries
There are countless, great places to eat in Boca Raton with its many restaurants, cafes and bars. From inexpensive to highly-priced restaurants, you won’t get bored with all there is being offered when it comes to dining out in Boca Raton. You’ll find many of the well known Restaurant brands to exquisite, one-of-a-kind restaurants to divulge in whatever it is you’re craving, featuring many cultural cuisines to select from.
A few of my favorites include La Nouvelle Maison, Trattoria Romana, Saiko-i, Josephine’s Italian Restaurant, Season’s 52, PF Changs, and Tin Muffin Cafe
And, we certainly can not forget a wonderful coffee shop; The Seed – Boca’s best coffee shop!
Keep in mind, that these are just a few that I’ve named…I could go on forever, yet we’ll be here all day!
Imagine what you’d like to eat and you’ll likely find it here. Pick up a fork and dig in!
Boca Raton Shops, Notable Places and Things to Do
so much to see and do
Here you’ll discover a bit about shopping, entertainment and just some of the various things to do in the downtown Boca Raton part of the city limits, but by no means is it a complete list.
Royal Palm Place
Lovingly referred to as “The Pink Plaza”, Boca Raton’s first shopping plaza, Royal Palm Place, brought to the scene in 1962 and today is a favorite local attraction for shopping, dining and entertainment. Walk the plaza in the gorgeous Florida sunshine, as you stroll from shop to shop or stop for a quick bite, relaxing meal or catch some music to enjoy.
Mizner Park
Another favorite draw is Mizner Park that brings Boca Raton residents and visitors routinely wanting a taste of the outdoor park that offers the best in arts, shopping, eating, movie going, along with parks and apartment living.
You’ll love the park’s own leading-edge, outdoor amphitheater – Mizner Park Amphitheater, where you’ll be able to enjoy the amphitheater’s year round entertainment. You’ll discover a host of productions featuring community, city and commercial concerts. Take a closer look at the photo gallery below.
The Town Center Shopping Mall
Boca Raton’s indoor shopping mall attracts those who appreciate luxury and the luxurious lifestyle. They work hard and can afford luxury. The luxury shopper will discover all that they need here at the The Town Center Mall. Expect to find top-tier brands here at some of the main department stores that include Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and many more individual boutiques that appeal to the luxury shopper.
Yet by no means, is it only for shoppers seeking luxury that are attracted to The Town Center, as the mall also appeals to the mainstream shopper too – a mall that has something for everyone.
The Town Center Mall
fine shopping, dining and entertainment
Major Grocery Shopping Brands
Several Publix stores, one Whole Foods, several Trader Joe’s and several Fresh Market stores provide Boca Raton residents with a wealth of options for all their grocery demands. You can see the choices for grocery stores in Boca Raton are pretty incredible. Eat well at home in Boca Raton.
Boca Raton Museum of Art
View the museum’s collections, find out about all of the art programs and events offered or become a member. So much art to discover at Boca Raton’s museum located at 501 Plaza Real in Mizner Park.
Boca Raton Resort and Club
Situated at 501 E. Camino Real, the Boca Raton Resort, a Waldorf Astoria resort, is a luxury resort and hotel that welcomes those with the finest of tastes. It’s a reflection of the historical sophistication and style that the resort has been true to over the last 80 plus years.
It presents an award winning spa, oceanfront beach, extravagant marina and championship golf and tennis to name a few. Exclusive private jet and yacht charters are also available.
Boca Beach Club shares being included with the Boca Raton Resort and Hotel situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
Boomers of Boca Raton
Looking for a bit of fun and adventure? Try some of your adventurous side out at Boomers, where there’s fun for the whole family.
How about some laser tag, batting cages or go-kart and bumper cars?! Plus there’s a game room and food.
The Boca Raton Public Library
Yes, the internet has replaced some of what we used to discover at a library, but there is so much about a library that will always be an integral part of any city and the Boca Raton Public Libraries fits that bill. Check out their calendar.
Downtown Boca Library – located at 400 NW 2nd Avenue is conveniently located in east Boca Raton just west of Federal Highway.
Spanish River Library – is located at 1501 NW Spanish River Blvd, as shown below in the slides:
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
20 acres of protected barrier island for your enjoyment located at 1801 N Ocean Blvd. The locals and tourists visit the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center to view and learn more about the many varieties of plants and animals that can be unique and endangered – the ultimate in a marine and environmental experience.
Boca Raton Parks, Trails, Recreation and Boca Raton Beaches
El Rio Trail
A popular walking and biking trail follows the El Rio canal between Glades road and Spanish River Blvd. It’s conveniently located just east of FAU University.
It’s a great place to bird watch, fish, and enjoy the great outdoors of nature in south Florida, Boca Raton.
Spanish River Park
Plan a day at the park right by the ocean front beach located at 3001 N. Ocean Blvd.(North State Rd A1A). You’ll find picnic areas to include tables, grills and restrooms.
Want to take you dog to the beach? Here you’ll discover what beach in Boca Raton welcomes your best friend! Dog beach details at Spanish River Park.
Patch Reef Park
Located at 2000 W. Yamato Road (1/4 mile west of Military Trail) on 55 acres. You’ll enjoy tennis courts, picnic pavilions, a community center, children’s playground, soccer/football fields, basketball courts, fitness trails, basketball courts and softball/baseball fields. Read all about it here.
Sugar Sand Park
Located at 300 S Military Trail…so much to do at Sugar Sand Park , from its nature trails, carousel, willow theater, science playground to science explorium and pavilions for you to rent – you’ll love all there is to do.
Mizner Dog Park
Nothing like the joy a dog will bring to you and nothing better then being able to let your doggie have some fun at the local Boca Raton Dog Park located at 751 Banyan Trail – just down the road from one of the local post offices.
The Tim Huxhold Skate Park & Shuffleboard Courts
For skateboarders and rollerbladers, you’ll love Boca Raton’s skate park. The park is located at 400 Crawford Blvd. We’ve got the perfect weather for year round enjoyment.
The reasons keep adding up for the benefits of moving to Boca Raton Florida!
The Spanish River Athletic Park
Features baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, children’s play areas, fabulous walking/running paths. The Spanish River Athletic Park is located at 1000 Spanish River Blvd.
Tennis Centers
If tennis is your game, you’ll be glad you’re living in Boca Raton.
Boca Raton Tennis Center
Located at 271 NW Boca Raton Blvd. You’ll find 4 Hydro-Grid clay courts and top-notch lighting for the perfect tennis match. Learn more here.
Patch Reef Park Tennis Center
Located at 2000 Yamato Rd. Learn more here.
The Racquet Center
Located at 21618 St Andrews Blvd sports 26 Har Tru courts for the ultimate tennis match. Game on. Learn more here.
Golf Courses
If golfing is your passion, you’ll find two municipal golf courses for year round use.
The Boca Raton Municipal Golf Course
A challenging Championship course and 9 hole Executive course located at 8111 Golf Course Rd. Discover more info here.
The Red Reef Park Executive Golf Course
An executive 9 hole layout. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and intracoastal waterway at 1221 N Ocean Blvd.
Boca Raton Public, Municipal and Private Golf Clubs
Play the best round of golf year round at Boca Raton’s Private Golf Clubs .
If you’re looking to buy a home where a private course is situated, be sure to give me a call/text/email, so I can help you find the perfect Boca Raton Country club home.
The Beach Parks
What will be your favorite beach below? Boca Raton has been rated amongst the Best Beaches.
Spanish River Park
(mentioned above). Plan a day at the park right by the oceanside located at 3001 N. Ocean Blvd.(N State Rd A1A). You’ll find picnic areas to include tables, grills and restrooms.
Red Reef Park
Is an oceanside park that includes the 20 acres Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex that is located at 1400 N. State Road A1A. Picnics areas with tables and grills are available for your use also, while taking a break from the surf.
South Beach
Beach located at 400 N State Road A1A. No picnic facilities at this beach.
South Inlet Park
Beach located at 1100 S. Ocean Boulevard. Picnic areas with tables and grills provided here too along with showers and restrooms.
More details about the beaches in Boca Raton Florida
Boca Raton Places of Worship
Our faiths are a critical part of our daily lives and Boca Raton affords a vast array of places in which you can worship.
You’ll find many churches and synagogues located throughout Boca Raton. Discover the one that you like best!
Boca Raton Regional Hospital
And if you need medical attention, you’ll be happy to know the top-rated Boca Raton Regional Hospital is nearby located at 800 Meadows Rd Boca Raton FL 33486.
Has been ranked as a top-ranked regional hospital and highest ranked hospital in Palm Beach county.
Boca Raton Post Offices
Conveniently located and likely not too far, you’ll find three United States Post Offices for all your mailing and package shipping needs:
Woodland at 604 Banyan Trail
Downtown Boca Raton at 170 NE 2nd St
Palmetto Park at 12790 W Palmetto Park Rd
Boca Raton Schools
Top performing schools in Boca Raton within the county of Palm Beach begin with early childhood development, right through high school, where you’ll find many A rated public schools, along with private schools that are nationally ranked.
Colleges and Universities in Boca Raton
Excellence in education extends to the best in college and universities right here in Boca Raton, so you won’t have to travel far.
Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
Private Schools in Boca Raton
Should you prefer a private education for your children, you’ll find more top rated private schools in Boca Raton to consider for your child’s education.
Nearby Airports
The Boca Raton Airport.
The Boca Raton Airport is located in between West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale at 903 NW 35th Street. The Boca Raton Airport provides service to corporate, recreational, and flight training.
Palm Beach International Airport.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional flyer, you’ll find the Palm Beach International Airport conveniently located about 28 miles north of Boca Raton Florida, an easy commute to catch a flight to 25 destinations with connecting flights to destinations worldwide.
About Lynn Pineda
Lynn Pineda with eXp Realty LLC of southeast Florida in Boca Raton has been selling homes since 2005 – she couldn’t think of doing anything else.
You’ll find her expert advice featured in many Real Estate platforms nationwide, voicing her track record of success with Real Estate transactions. Call her when you need a Real Estate Agent that you can trust. Real Estate promised delivered.
*Source for History: City of Boca Raton