As a high schooler in Boca Raton, Florida, my life revolved around gated communities and the mall. The ocean was just a ten-minute drive away, but in typical teenage fashion, I took it for granted. Now, as an adult, I view the suburban beach town differently. Just as I’ve changed, so has Boca—into a cooler version of itself.
Boca Raton is sandwiched between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach (about thirty minutes from each), and while silver hair is still a common sight there, a youthful verve has bubbled up in recent years—especially in East Boca with its walkable downtown and proximity to the beach. The city is also more beautiful than I ever gave it credit for, defined by Spanish-style architecture, sprawling banyan trees, and picturesque waterways.
My grandmother still lives there, so I make the pilgrimage a couple of times a year. When I visit now, I no longer dream of escaping. Instead, I lean into the Boca Raton of today—its charming restaurants, pristine beaches, and touch of old-school glamour.
Eat
Boca’s dining scene, like the city itself, is a mix of posh and laid-back. One of the most popular destinations isn’t a restaurant at all but a food truck; Cheffrey Eats serves indulgently topped burgers (think burrata and pesto atop a beef patty) outside of Barrel of Monks Brewing, which is known for its Belgian-style beer. In Mizner Park, a palm tree–lined shopping plaza, Max’s Grille is an institution known for its buzzy patio, strong cocktails (like a spicy watermelon margarita), and modern American fare. At the nearby white-tablecloth spot Six Tables, married chef-duo Jennifer and Tom Finn, formerly of the Breakers resort, serve a five-course, French-inspired tasting menu under an eclectic array of chandeliers, with only one seating per evening.
Boca’s affluent populace lends itself to frilly bakeries and coffee shops—including Tartelette, which serves French pastries like croissants and éclairs, though it’s best known for its hyperrealistic fruit-shaped confections. Mane Coffee stands out for expertly pulled espresso shots and creative seasonal drinks.
Stay
The Boca Raton balances historic elegance with modern appeal. The heart of the five-hotel resort is the Cloister, built in 1926 by architect Addison Mizner, who gave both Palm Beach and Boca their distinct Mediterranean aesthetic. With its grand lobby (think soaring arches, dark wood beams, and stained-glass windows), range of restaurants (including an outpost of New York’s famed Sadelle’s deli), three pools, and lazy river, it almost feels like a cruise ship on land.
The resort’s Beach Club, however, feels more contemporary coastal than Spanish Colonial. The pools glitter against the oceanfront view, and the on-site restaurant, Marisol, sources locally caught seafood—like grouper fished from the Intracoastal just behind the hotel—and produce from nearby farms such as Swank, incorporating them in Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Photo: courtesy of the boca raton
The Beach Club at the Boca Raton.
Play
Boca’s expansive beaches invite lounging and exploration. Red Reef Park is best known for snorkeling as well as its scenic trails and walkways. If you’re traveling with your pup, Spanish River Park welcomes them between towers 18 and 20 on Friday through Sunday during certain hours. At Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, a trail winds through a butterfly garden and offers glimpses of the Intracoastal (and the stately homes on it). Say hello to the resident sea turtles while you’re there.
Photo: courtesy of the palm beaches
Red Reef Park.
The Boca Raton Museum of Art contains a mix of contemporary, African, and pre-Colombian art as well as a sculpture garden. The postmodern building draws in plenty of natural light, which makes it almost as interesting as the art itself, while its proximity to Mizner Park lends itself to a pre- or post-lunch outing. Mizner Park and the nearby plaza Royal Palm Place also house chic shops worth perusing, including Belle Cose Boutique and Walter Baker.
Photo: courtesy of the Palm Beaches
The Boca Museum of Art.
Lia Picard is a lifestyle writer who has called Atlanta home for more than a decade. She writes about travel, food, interior design, and interesting people for Garden & Gun as well as the New York Times, Travel + Leisure, and Atlanta magazine, among other national and regional publications. When she’s not writing, she’s exploring the South with her family and shares her adventures on Instagram.
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