Locals and visitors alike love Boca Raton for its detailed and gorgeous Spanish-Revival inspired architecture (designed in the late 1920s by Addison Mizner), the open-air Mizner shopping district, and the luxurious Boca Raton Resort and Club.
But when they aren’t shopping or being pampered, tourists stroll the beaches, splash in the sea, or visit the museums, nature centers, and water parks that Boca Raton has to offer.
Don’t know where to start? Well, hopefully our picks for 8 amazing things to do in Boca Raton worth the money (see also “Amazing Things To Do In Siesta“) will help you narrow your options down a little!
Filled with some of Florida’s best, natural assets such as sharks, iguanas, turtles, and other marine animals, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is the top tourist attraction for families.
This coastal sanctuary has twenty acres of enticing land where you can wile the hours way exploring verdant grounds. You can kayak through the mangroves or walk the scenic Boardwalk Trail.
Keep your eyes out for local wildlife, such as a red-bellied woodpecker and a grey fox. There really is no better place for sightseeing!
You can also hit the aquarium (where you can participate in feedings!) or relax in the beautiful, peaceful butterfly garden. We guarantee families will love the turtle walk and hatching release programs.
We highly recommend stopping by the Florida Atlantic University’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility, and their biology laboratory viewing gallery, where you can see the most recent research in action.
Address:1801 North Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, Florida
A total gem of Boca Raton, this beachy seaside retreat has something to suit everyone. There are pavilions, picnic tables, playgrounds, volleyball courts and zipline over 95 acres of land.
The transparent, turquoise waters of the Intracoastal Waterway are undeniably alluring, and luckily you can body surf, kayak, or swim in the waters.
Make sure you bring a mask and a snorkel with you, so you can witness the wonderful marine life. When you snorkel here, you’ll realise why it’s such a popular activity in Boca Raton.
If you’re traveling with your pup, then bring them along! Spanish River Park also has a dog park in between lifeguard towers 18 and 20. You can bring your dogs here Friday through Sunday between 7am and 9am, and 3pm and sunset.
Address:3001 North State Road A1A, Boca Raton, Florida
Mizner Park is paradise for a shopper! You’re welcomed by a green promenade, and a beautiful, three-tiered fountain spurts water from the center of the park.
Here, you can find stores selling items from jewelry to dog sweaters. If you want to indulge in some retail therapy in Boca Raton, this is the place to do it!
The restaurants here are also beautiful, with many restaurants having outdoor eating areas so you can truly soak in the atmosphere and people watch.
We recommend Max’s Grille, a much loved bistro with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian offerings. Other hearty restaurants are also available.
So whether you’re looking for designer clothes, a comfortable pair of shoes, or a delicious meal, it’s all here in Mizner Park!
Kids are also sure to love the ultra colorful and sweet It’Sugar, while parents will love visiting more upscale stores like Kendra Scott, J.McLaughlin, and ECJ Luxe Collection.
You can easily spend the entire day here, as Mizner Park is about more than shopping. There is also the Boca Raton Museum of Art, a movie theater complex, and an outdoor amphitheater.
You also don’t want to miss out on the Artisan Market that is open every Friday from 4pm to 9pm at the southern end of the shopping center, where you can buy local treats and fresh produce.
The beautiful Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse is found halfway between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, on the northern tip of the Hillsboro inlet.
What sets the Hillsboro apart from other lighthouses is that it’s built from iron. Operation started in 1907, it became electrified in 1932, and became automated in 1974.
There are a couple of fascinating memorials here, like the Barefoot Mailman Statue that celebrates letter carriers who crossed more than 40 miles of beaches between Miami and Palm Beach barefoot to deliver mail.
A plaque, fog bell, and a flagpole are also here, celebrating those who operated the lighthouse over the years.
If you visit Boca Raton in April, make sure you visit the lighthouse on the State of Florida Lighthouse Day. You can cop on a shuttle boat from Sands Dock every hour from 9am to 3pm, with other tours running every month.
Address:Hillsboro Inlet Park A1A at 2700 North Ocean Boulevard, Pompano Beach, Florida
This is an activity that will definitely make the kids happy! If you’re not a big thrill seeker and not into whizzing down water slides, then you can jump on a tube and take a leisurely journey down the 986-foot lazy river.
While your little ones splash around in the water playground, older children can be a little more daring and challenge each other to races. Meanwhile, parents can chill poolside and enjoy a bite from one of the many concession stands on site.
What makes Coconut Cove so appealing is the fact that, while there is plenty to keep you entertained, it’s not a huge park so you don’t need to dedicate a whole day to hanging out there, meaning you can fit in other activities around your trip.
However, bear in mind that there aren’t a lot of shady areas so be diligent with the sunscreen, and don’t forget your hat!
Address:20130 Regional Park Drive, Boca Raton, Florida
If you’re a sports fan then you’ve got to check out this special museum! No matter what team you root for you’re sure to find amazing, unique memorabilia that’ll have you wishing you held on to those baseball cards you had as a kid.
The staggering collection (the museum boasts over a million mementos) includes memorabilia from multiple sports such as basketball, boxing, football, hockey, and golf.
You could spend a whole day strolling through the museum, in awe at what’s on display. Plus, you can even buy some items!
From cards to posters to even boxing robes, this museum has everything you can think of on display from the world of sports.
The museum is owned by Joel Platt, an avid sports fan who has been collecting memorabilia since he was a kid.
Address:6830 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida
Just outside Boca Raton, Butterfly World is a unique attraction and a highlight of nearby Coconut Creek, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Here you can meet a graphium Agamemnon, an archaeoprepona demophon while classical music plays in the background accompanied by the sound of waterfalls and the scene of fresh roses.
There are over 20,000 species in the gardens and aviaries, so there is plenty of incredible wildlife here for you to enjoy. No matter where you look, you’re guaranteed to see at least 12 beautiful butterflies flying around.
You can cross a wobbling suspension bridge over the Butterfly World Lake, marvel at huge, loud macaws, and feed lorikeets. Or, you can chill out under the atmospheric, misty tunnel in the Tropical Rainforest Aviary.
Ronald Boender opened Butterfly World in 1988 with two main goals. One, to educate the public about butterflies and two, to support Boender’s off-site research dedicated to protecting endangered species.
In fact, Butterfly World has raised over a million butterflies so far!
While this is one of the more expensive attractions on our list, there are online discounts available on the website.
Plus, a lot of the aviaries are closed in poor weather, so plan to visit when it’s good weather so you can witness the majesty of the butterflies.
Address:3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek, Florida
Last but certainly not least is the Boca Raton History Museum, a must-see attraction. With a stunning gold dome, it’s hard to miss this beautiful building in the bright, Florida sun.
It was built in 1927, and has since been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Fitting, since it’s one of the most iconic attractions in Boca Raton.
Housed in the old Town Hall in downtown Boca Raton, the museum is run by the Boca Raton Historical Society with exhibits that teach you about the history of Boca.
If you would like to visit this iconic museum, opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Address: 71 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida
Final Thoughts
We hope our article has given you some inspiration for when you make your trip to Boca Raton!
Whether you’re a history buff, a sports fan, a nature lover or you just want to splash around at a water park there is plenty to do in Boca Raton without breaking the bank.
Hello, it’s great to have you here. My name is Julia and I am a travel blogger! I have been writing all of my life, and previously worked for a travel agency where I would recommend the best places to visit in the states.
If you are ready to take on the world, explore the sights, and see some of the most incredible places on offer, then take a look at some of my articles!
