Best Things to do in Boca Raton, Florida In 2023

BikeCrUz Tour

If you are the type of traveler that likes to experience unique transportation ways while meeting new people as you enjoy delightful food and drink options then an ideal thing to do in Boca Raton is to go on a BikeCrUz Tour. These excursions offer a wide variety of ways to explore the area while you pedal around on a custom-built bicycle type vehicle which is powered by peddling with your friends. There are great options like the BrUnchHop, a WineCrUz and you can peddle around downtown at 3 miles per hour. Each tour includes stops at up to three different restaurants, pubs or bars to help you with your thirst and hunger that will surely increase as you get some light exercise in from peddling.

Fishing Tour

Going on a Fishing Tour can be one of the most exciting and relaxing things to do in Boca Raton for families who like getting outdoors while trying to catch some of the most robust fish in the world. These excursions are perfect and include all necessary fishing equipment from rods and reels to bait to expert captains that know where the fish live. While you are on one of these tours you can try to catch the fighting butterfly peacock bass, redear sunfish and even a clown-knife fish which is originally native to South America. You can decide on the amount of time you want to spend fishing that ranges from 4 to 12 hours and you will be delighted with added amenities like viewing million dollar homes and lush landscapes.

Flyboard Lessons

If you are an adrenaline junkie looking for something new to get your heart pumping then a perfect thing to do in Boca Raton is to take a Flyboard Lesson. This type of watersport activity is the hottest new craze on the waterfront and will have you soaring 60-feet above the Atlantic Ocean. You will be amazed at the agility of the Flyboard that can have you diving like a dolphin as your instructor follows on a jet ski which helps create the propulsion of the water that will send you into the air. Flyboarding is great for adventurous families and there are expert instructors to help you navigate the Flyboard over the water as you learn new tricks during your lesson that can range from 30 to 60-minutes.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Making a visit to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is one of the best things to do in Boca Raton for families that are interested in learning more about the natural environment of the area. Located 1.5-miles east of downtown Boca Raton along North Ocean Boulevard, the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is 20-acres of protected barrier island landscape and can be found within the northern portion of Red Reef Park. When you arrive at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center you will pleased with the activities that range from a nature center that contains exhibits such as a sea turtle garden, a butterfly nursery and a gopher tortoise exhibit. Outside you will find a boardwalk trail which meanders through a remnant of rare coastal hammock and includes a 40-foot observation tower for bird as well as wildlife watching. Within the center you will also find the Ashley Trail and Butterfly Garden where you can view sulphur, zebra longwing and monarch butterflies. The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center has four outdoor saltwater aquariums that are packed with marine habitat which represents a coastal mangrove area and three types of reefs from tropical coral to an artificial shipwreck reef.

Photo by Lisa Jacobs

Mizner Park

When you want to combine dining, entertainment and shopping into a fabulous day or night then an ideal thing to do in Boca Raton is to stop at Mizner Park. Located in the heart of Boca Raton, is designed after a Mediterranean Revival town center with almost 400,000 square feet of retail space as well as a couple of entertainment venues that include the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Mizner Park Amphitheater and the Mizner Park Center for the Arts. Shopping at Mizner Park is great with more than 40 boutiques to browse that include retailers like EdgeLook, Lord and Taylor as well as Tommy Bahama. Dining is superb with more than 15 selections such as Max’s Grille, Tanzy, Kapow Asian Noodle Bar and Uncle Julio’s Mexican from Scratch. There is the iPic Theaters for entertainment and in the north section of the Mizner Park you will find the Boca Raton Museum of Art. Other entertainment venues include musical performances as well as theatrical productions at the Mizner Park Amphitheater and the Mizner Park Center for the Arts.

Photo by Lisa Jacobs

Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier

If you are interested in fishing or just strolling above the Atlantic Ocean with your favorite people then an ideal thing to do in Boca Raton is to take a trip to the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier. Located 3.5-miles from downtown Boca Raton along Highway A1A, the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier is a 976-feet pier that jettisons over the Atlantic Ocean and is a favorite for sunsets, a quiet walk and above all for fishing. When you arrive at the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier you can find plenty of space to dip your line into the Atlantic Ocean in hopes of catching a king mackerel or other type of sport fish. The concessions Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier offers equipment rentals as well as sells everything from tackle to various forms of bait and there are fishing lessons available. An added bonus for teenagers 13 to 18 years of age is free fishing lessons on the first Thursday of every month.

Photo by D.R.Davis

Red Reef Park

When you are ready to explore the underwater world of the Atlantic Ocean then the best thing to do in Boca Raton is to plan a visit to Red Reef Park. Located 1.5-miles west of downtown Boca Raton along Highway A1A, Red Reef Park is nestled between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean with 67-acres of area to explore. The Red Reef Park is a perfect spot for snorkeling during high tide where you can find several artificial reefs that have water depths of 6 to 12 feet. Snorkeling is ideal here for beginners with the opportunity to watch eels, barracudas, turtles, rays and parrot fish. Surf fishing is another popular watersport activity at the park. There is a nice boardwalk at the park which allows for ideal bird watching and the Red Reef Park has many picnic facilities that are complete with tables as well as barbeque grills. Also within the park you will find the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and the Red Reef Executive Golf Course for your enjoyment. Other services include daily life guards, showers and water fountains.

Photo by John and Christina

Spanish River Park

The Spanish River Park also known as the Boca Raton Lagoon is a great thing to do in Boca Raton for people who want to mix nature, picnics and the beach. Located 3.5-miles north of downtown Boca Raton, the Spanish River Park is a 94-acre area that includes several nature trails and you can reach the beach area by crossing through tunnels that take you under Highway A1A. When you arrive at the Spanish River Park you will be pleased the serene surroundings that are ideal for a picnicking and having fun. The park offers numerous nature trails for walking or biking where you can spot several species of bird and other interesting wildlife of the area. The beach area at Spanish River Park has nice white sand and you can find plenty of space to lounge under the sun or under a banyan tree. Water enthusiasts will be delighted with good swimming conditions and there are lifeguards on duty 365 days of the year. Other popular activities at the Spanish River Park are surf fishing and surfers like the offshore breaks for carving turns. There are also picnic tables with barbeque grill and restrooms located throughout the park.

Photo by Maureen Leong-Kee

Children's Science Explorium

The Children’s Science Explorium is a perfect thing to do in Boca Raton for families who like to experience learning about new things in a relaxing environment that is ideal for children. Located 2.5-miles south of downtown Boca Raton, the Children’s Science Explorium is within the Sugar Sand Park and offers a unique learning experience that concentrates on children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. Once you are inside the Children’s Science Explorium you can walk through two galleries that are packed with hands-on exhibits that help children learn interesting facts about the various sciences that exist in our world. Children can play with the exhibits that range from space and star gazing to creating molecules to learning about earthquakes. There are also interesting traveling exhibits that are rotated out twice a year from other outstanding science museums from around the world. Also there are numerous programs for children to attend that will further nurture their lover of the sciences.

Photo by Nathan & Jenny

Daggerwing Nature Center

One of the best things to do in Boca Raton for all types of travelers including families that like to learn about the untouched eco-system in a peaceful natural environment is to take a trip to the Daggerwing Nature Center. Located 8-miles west of downtown Boca Raton, the Daggerwing Nature Center has a 3,000 square feet exhibit hall which contains numerous live animals as well as several interactive exhibits and is situated on 40-acres within the Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park. Once you are at the Daggerwing Nature Center you can learn about the local eco-system through a series of interactive exhibits which are a favorite for children as well as visit a butterfly garden, a bee theater and you can watch a nature video. There is an elevated boardwalk which will take you through the surrounding swamp area where you can see large pond apple and strangler fig trees along with Jamaican satinlleaf as well as huge leather ferns. While you are on the boardwalk you can climb the observation tower where you can expect to view numerous animals which include alligators, woodpeckers, osprey and you can see the Ruddy Daggerwing butterfly.

Photo by PBC Parks and Recreation

Deerfield Island Park

When you are interested in finding a peaceful outdoor environment that is packed with recreational as well as wildlife viewing opportunities then a great thing to do in Boca Raton is to visit Deerfield Island Park. Located 2.5-miles south of downtown Boca Raton in Deerfield Beach, Deerfield Island Park is situated on a triangular piece of land that is 56 acres between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Hillsboro as well as Royal Palm canals. Deerfield Island Park is only accessible by boat and there is a free water taxi shuttle that leaves from Sullivan Park. Once at the park you can enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities that include over 100 species of birds and the endangered gopher tortoise. There are two hiking trails which include interpretive signage to explain the eco-system of the island and a short boardwalk. You can also choose to kayak or standup paddleboard to Deerfield Island Park and there is a marina if you decide to take the trip on your own boat. Other facilities at the park include restrooms, picnic areas and playground for children.

Boca Raton Historical Society and Museum

The Boca Raton Historical Society and Museum is a great thing to do in Boca Raton for families and for people who like to learn about the history of new places. Located along the North Federal Highway, the Boca Raton Historical Society and Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the city and area through a series of educational exhibits. The Boca Raton Historical Society and Museum is housed in the original town hall that was constructed in 1926 with a Spanish Revival style and is listed on the Register of National Historic Places. The building was designed by Addison Mizner who was the mastermind of planning Boca Raton. The Boca Raton Historical Society and Museum has permanent and rotating exhibits for the public to view which are created from the artifacts that range from photography to art to historic maps as well as historic home furnishings. The Boca Raton Historical Society and Museum offers several guided tours which include stops at the Boca Raton Resort and Club, the nearby historic Boca Express Train Museum and you can view the city while on a historic trolley.

South Inlet Park Beach

Visiting South Inlet Park Beach is an ideal thing to do in Boca Raton for beach goers that like less crowds and perfect conditions for a variety of watersports. Located 5-miles southeast of downtown Boca Raton, the South Inlet Park Beach is situated on 11-acres that includes an 850-foot beach area and is sandwiched by several rock jetties. The beach area at South Inlet Park Beach has white sand and there is plenty of space for lounging or for playing various beach games. Water enthusiasts will like snorkeling, swimming in a protected zone, fishing as well as standup paddleboarding and you can access the Atlantic Ocean by boat or other water vessels by way of the Boca Raton Inlet. The South Inlet Park Beach is a favorite with locals and you can relax while using one of the picnic areas that have barbeque grills. There is also the Eshleman Pavilion which was designed in the 1930s and is listed on the Palm Beach County’s Registry of Historic Places. Other facilities at South Inlet Park Beach include life guards, a playground, restrooms and showers.

The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum

When you want to view one of the most impressive collections of Broadway costumes or view a live performance in an intimate setting then the only thing to do in Boca Raton is to take a trip to the Wick Theatre and Costume Museum. Located 5-miles northeast of downtown Boca Raton, the Wick Theatre and Costume Museum is a 300-seat theater that specializes in live performances that range from Broadway musicals and plays to outstanding musicians to simple productions. The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum offers great sight lines from all seats and you can take a guided tour of the theater before productions or indulge in dinner prior to the show. The museum portion of the Wick Theatre and Costume Museum is fascinating with costumes from over 35 Broadway productions and is valued at more than $20 million. The Costume Museum features exhibits that are formed from their costume collections which include the Dodger, the Jean Ann Ryan Follies and the Hollywood, Film and Madame Berthe as well as the newest collection which is of Liberace.

Sugar Sand Park

One of the more popular things to do in Boca Raton for families looking for a variety of activities in one place is to stop at the Sugar Sand Park. Located less than 3-miles west of downtown Boca Raton along the South Military Trail, the Sugar Sand Park is situated on 132-acres of various terrains that includes several attractions such as a carousel, the Children’s Science Explorium, the Willow Theatre as well as nature trails and athletic venues. The Sugar Sand Park has a carousel for families to enjoy that will bring back memories of childhood. The Children’s Science Explorium features interactive science exhibits for children 5 to 13 years of age and there is a tri-level science playground that is full of playful activities. The Willow Theatre is an intimate venue of 300-seats that specializes in small theatrical productions as well as two nature trails which are the Sand Pine and Slash Pine Trails which include interpretive signs. There are several picnic areas that include barbeque grills and restrooms. The athletic venues at Sugar Sand Park include a field house, six baseball fields as well as several outdoor courts for sports that range from inline hockey to basketball.