5 awesome things to do in Boca Raton

Downtown Boca Raton, courtesy of Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Boca Raton, Florida, enjoys a reputation as a haven for wealthy, golf loving retirees but that’s just part of the picture. Thisrosy-hued beach town also supplies a variety of options for visitors who don’t fall into any of those categories. From foodie finds to natural wonders, Boca has you covered, so keep this sunny city on your radar for your next Florida trip.

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A worker applies honey to an injured turtle’s shell to help it heal at Gumbo Limbo. | Photo courtesy of Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Gumbo Limbo Nature Preserve

Noted for sea turtle conservation and turtle walks along the beach, Gumbo Limbo is one of Boca Raton’s most popular excursions. The center provides interactive displays about marine and coastal ecology, as well as a butterfly garden, a boardwalk trail and an outdoor marine aquarium. Visitors can view eels, tropical fish, parrots and sea turtles, among other native wildlife.

The view from The Blue Restaurant, courtesy of Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Dinner at the Top of Boca at the Blue

For the ultimate Boca Raton experience, dining atop the sleek Blue restaurant at Boca Raton Resort is a must. The jaw dropping, 360 degree vistas are the best in town, as is the contemporary American menu. Billed as “elevated American cuisine,” expect to be wowed by dishes like honey roasted chicken, fried green tomato salad and key lime cake.

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Mizner Park amphitheater | Photo courtesy of Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Mizner Park

Filled with shopping, eating, bar hopping and free concert choices, Mizner Park is ground zero for Boca Raton fun. Spend the day browsing through the shops lining the plaza and then relax with an al fresco dinner at local faves like Max’s Grille or Rack’s Downtown Eatery. Grab drinks at Dubliner’s Irish Pub and then head over to the amphitheater for a free concert.

Lake view of the Japanese Gardens | Photo courtesy of Morikami Museum

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

For those who think South Florida history is only about pirates and Seminole culture, a journey to Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens offers nice surprises. The museum commemorates the Japanese farmers who formed a farming colony in Boca called Yamoto in 1904. They intended to revolutionize Florida agriculture but their experiments fell short. Fortunately, the museum, boasting two buildings and six Japanese gardens, does not. Morikami also hosts exhibits, tea ceremonies and various forms of Japanese arts and culture.

Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge | Flickr CC: normanack

Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

Located just outside of Boca on the edge of the Everglades, Loxahatchee  National Wildlife Refuge showcases the area’s natural beauty. Enjoy 147,392 acres of protected parkland that features a boardwalk, fishing pier and cypressswamp. Wildlife includes alligators, storks, armadillos and bobcats.

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Tagged: Florida