BOCA RATON, FLORIDA

Boca Raton, Florida is located on the east coast of the state, about 20 miles north of Ft. Lauderdale and 27 miles south of West Palm Beach.  Its immediate neighbor to the north is Delray Beach.

Boca Raton Resort View From Intracoastal Waterway

It has a population of nearly 100,000 people and is the second largest city in Palm Beach County. Only West Palm Beach is larger. It is located on US-1, known locally as Federal Highway.

Boca Raton also has easy access from I-95 and the Florida Turnpike. The beach neighborhood is on the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, known locally as Lake Boca Raton.

Although Boca Raton Airport serves general aviation in the area, most commercial flights that will get you to Boca Raton come into nearby larger airports.

These include Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale International Airport, and Palm Beach International Airport.

The earliest residents of the Boca Raton area were the Tequesta, a tribe of Native Americans who lived along the ocean for thousands of years but disappeared in the 1700s during the years Spain owned Florida.

The first settlers came to this area of south Florida around 1895, about the same time the Florida East Coast Railway came to town.

The railroad immediately began to improve the city's economy and by the early 1900s it had become a thriving community.

Boca Raton Club Postcard
Flickr/Boston Public Library

Early Birdseye View of Boca Raton
Florida Memory, State Archives

The early settlers of Boca Raton grew vegetables and pineapples.

In the early 1900s a community of Japanese farmers arrived and established the Yamato colony. 

Their history and legacy is presented today in nearby Morikami Gardens located in Delray Beach.

Camel Sign on Dixie Highway, Boca Raton in 1929
Florida Memory, State Archives

It wasn’t until 1925 that Boca Raton was incorporated. Today it is a place where the past and future come together.

Early in the town's history it was learned that the Shriners would be having a big convention in Miami.  One of the Shriner's symbols was the camel.

So the town fathers built a camel sign and erected it across Dixie Highway.  They hoped the Shriners would drive through and notice their little town on the way to Miami.

THE INFLUENCE OF ARCHITECT ADDISON MIZNER

The area was heavily influenced by Addison Mizner, a notable architect of the time. Mizner wanted to design a luxury resort city.

He designed and created the 100 room Cloister Inn as its focal point. 

Boca Raton Beach Club

The Cloister Inn was a Spanish architectural gem that was successful but Mizner got caught by the Great Depression and went bankrupt.

The Mizner assets in Boca Raton were purchased in 1930 by financier Clarence H. Geis, who turned the club into an extravagant nightclub called the Boca Raton Club.

Boca Raton Club in 1945, Boston Public Library
Art By James Montgomery Flagg

The property was later purchased by Arthur Vining Davis in 1956, who turned it into the Boca Raton Hotel and Club.

The club prospered as a resort retirement community filled with luxurious homes and surrounded by sparkling waterways and luxurious golf courses.

Today, Boca Raton is a vibrant city full of art and culture.

There is always something to do – concerts to attend, museums to walk around, outdoor food festivals to attend, beaches to stroll, and amazing restaurants to dine at. 

Howard Schnellenberger Stadium at Florida Atlantic University
By Jerseydem-Own work CC BY-SA 3.0 https://commons.wikimedia.org

The city is home to Florida Atlantic University, one of the state's 12 public universities, with a student population of more than 30,000 and a Division 1 athletic program.

Their stadium is nicknamed "The House That Howard Built" after revered football coach, the late Howard Schnellenberger.

Aerial View of Boca Raton Resort and Inlet
bocamag.com

The city of Boca Raton has five miles of Florida’s beautiful eastern coastline on the Atlantic Ocean with many beaches, 46 parks, and 1,650 acres of recreational space to enjoy.

The city limits extend west from the original downtown area to the Florida Turnpike, a distance of about six miles. 

A major shopping opportunity near the Turnpike is the large Town Center Mall with many stores and restaurants.

Boca Raton was one of the first U.S. cities to adopt a tree protection ordinance, so tourists and city-dwellers alike can enjoy seemingly endless nature trails, plenty of greenery, and many ocean-front activities. 

One of my favorite spots to visit is the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center.

Mizner Square in Boca Raton

Boca Raton has a diverse restaurant scene that is sure to please any pallet.

As a coastal city, Boca Raton has access to some of the freshest saltwater fish you can find.

Mizner Square Amphitheater

The modern town center of Boca Raton is Mizner Square. The shopping district includes many upscale restaurants and shops.

The Centre for the Arts at Mizner Park is located at the north end, which includes the Boca Raton Museum of Art.

The Centre also has amphitheater that is one of the area's largest concert venues.

Mizner Park was designed as a Mediterranean revival town center. It fits in well with the original architecture of Boca Raton.

The Boca Raton Resort and Club still uses and maintains many of the original buildings. 

It is now owned and managed by MSD Partners L.P., a group headed by Michael Dell. It's name is now The Boca Raton.

THINGS TO DO IN BOCA RATON

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center - 1801 N Ocean Blvd: Explore this coastal nature preserve with its winding trails, educational exhibits, and a sea turtle rehabilitation facility, offering a unique opportunity to learn about local marine life and ecosystems.

Mizner Park - 327 Plaza Real: Indulge in shopping, dining, and entertainment at this vibrant outdoor mall featuring a wide range of boutiques, restaurants, a cultural arts center, and a beautiful amphitheater for live performances.

Red Reef Park - 1400 N Ocean Blvd: Immerse yourself in the beauty of this beachfront park, offering swimming areas, snorkeling opportunities, picnic spots, nature trails, and even a coral reef just offshore for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Sugar Sand Park - 300 S Military Trl: Visit this family-friendly park boasting a science playground, carousel, nature trails, interactive exhibits, and a performing arts theater, catering to both children and adults alike.

Boca Raton Museum of Art - 501 Plaza Real: Discover an impressive collection of contemporary and modern art at this renowned museum, featuring rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and a sculpture garden in a stunning architectural setting.

Spanish River Park - 3001 N Ocean Blvd: Enjoy a day at the beach surrounded by serene natural beauty at this oceanfront park, offering ample recreational facilities, including picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a designated dog beach.

Town Center at Boca Raton - 6000 Glades Rd: Shop 'til you drop at this upscale shopping mall, featuring an extensive selection of high-end retailers, department stores, restaurants, and a luxury cinema for a complete retail experience.

Gumbo Limbo Coastal Hammock Trail - 1801 N Ocean Blvd: Embark on a scenic hike through this coastal hammock trail, winding through a tropical forest canopy with informative signs about the local flora and fauna, providing a peaceful escape from city life.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens - 4000 Morikami Park Rd: Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at this unique museum and garden complex, featuring traditional tea ceremonies, art exhibits, lush gardens, and tranquil walking paths.

Boca Raton Historical Society and Museum - 71 N Federal Hwy: Delve into the rich history of Boca Raton at this engaging museum, showcasing artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that chronicle the city's past, including its architectural heritage and development.