City Guide

It's beach season in Boca Raton! With May more than halfway over, we're expecting balmy nights and sunkissed mornings. Even with a splash of rain here and there, the summer heat brings the best out of South Florida's communitywide commitment to health & fitness. When you live in the shadow of Mizner Park, it's easy to lose track of what we order and the relationship it has with our waistline. After all, we have dozens of incredible restaurants and classy establishments to wine & dine with your favorite people. Did you know you can decode a restaurant menu by understanding the basic implications of menu terminology? Not every menu is likely to have calories cited, especially in more fine-dining settings. With our menu decoder, learn what you need to know before you order, and watch your positive decisions transform your physical outlook! 

The following terms are related to the removal or omission of certain ingredients that may be linked to allergies or lifestyle choices.

Vegan 

All products are completely free of animal-based ingredients, including eggs, dairy, broths, and gelatin, among the more obvious inclusions (or exclusions).

Vegetarian

Vegetarian foods include the use of dairy and eggs but omit meats based on their immediate proximity to animal slaughter. No-kill byproducts do not count.

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Compared to most of the world, the United States of America has a very young history. Almost every major event has been chronicled since the initial foundation of the American Colonies. Without the nebulous origins of ancient civilizations, our foundational tales are not shrouded in myth & legend, do not contain religious underpinnings, and can be found in any major public library. Florida, namely South Florida, is an even younger vestige of this otherwise juvenile country. With nary a century of real development under our belts, the historic sites of Boca Raton are a rare glimpse into a time not too long ago. It was a time when our beautiful Tuscan architecture and signature luxury lifestyle were merely ideas coalesced around the vision of community forbear Addison Mizner. Without further ado, learn more of our Boca Raton history as we review 5 of the oldest sites in Boca Raton!

Spanish Village

Spanish Village sits in an area just a few blocks north of City Hall on Boca Raton Boulevard. Originally built in the 1920s by the Mizner Development Corporation, the company was named for its founder, Addison Mizner once Boca Raton became more of a city than a dream, these modest homes were among the earliest residences in the area. Today, eleven still stand, and despite efforts from the residents, only one is currently protected by historic designation.

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If one were to look at a map of the planet and find the equator, they'd find the dividing line that splits not only our hemispheres, but sets the bar for wildlife diversity. It is a known fact that the further from the poles and closer to the equator we reach, the more biodiversity we experience. The frigid climes of the northern and southernmost reaches of our planet don't provided cold-blooded denizens a survivable climate, nor is it optimal for lush plant life. Biologists refer to this concept as the LDG, or Latitudinal Diversity Gradient, and it is the broadest indicator of noted biodiversity patterns on earth. As the southernmost state in the U.S. and a major attractor of foreign business, visitors, and exotic pet owners, Florida is a perfect place to harbor invasive species from Burma to Belize and almost anywhere in between. Learn about 10 of these invasive species and what you should look out for if you encounter one in the wild, or on your doorstep. 

Cane Toad

Outside of the now-notorious Green Iguana, the Cane Toad is one of the most common invasive species in the world. The South & Central American native has long been a commonality at our doorsteps, driveways, front yards, and... everywhere else too.

Caution: Keep your pets away, as when bitten they secrete a poison that is often fatal to animals. They are not dangerous to humans....

South Florida is the natural attractant to healthy, fit people. The hot sun and year-round beach weather permit the less-than-shy to spend a remarkable amount of time in bikinis, board shorts, and workout gear. Nowhere (except maybe California) is there a greater presence of athleisure wear than in South Florida, and with its celebrity population, bustling fashion districts, and fitness subculture it's easy to see why. For those of you who struggle to eat breakfast, need a bigger boost in the morning, or simply want to enjoy the decadence of dessert without the guilt, look to the best smoothie and juice bars in Boca Raton for that healthy fix!

PURLife Cafe

Purlife Cafe (formerly known as PurGreens) sits on one of the busiest corners of Mizner Park. The long-serving juice, wrap, and healthy bites cafe has been a staple of Mizner Park's bustle for more than 3 years, with its own high-end, trainer-focused gym on the premises as well. Alongside its terrific food, smoothie, and juice offerings, PurLife has hosted health-focused events and been a place for those living the lifestyle to gather.

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Middle Eastern food may be the best represented among the many cuisines that are showcased in Boca Raton. From the Levant to Hijaz, the deft use of exotic spices, legumes, and flatbreads mark some of the many characteristics that unite Middle Eastern cuisines. Despite these similarities, each region and nation have something unique to offer. With a robust Jewish and Middle Eastern population, the best Middle Eastern food can be found around every corner. From a quick falafel pita on the go to halloumi and hummus, here are a few from the long and growing list of the best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Boca Raton. 

Mediterranean Kebob House 

The Mediterranean Kebob house is a renowned favorite in the heart of Mizner Park off US1. Serving a primarily Turkish menu, their menu includes Greek favorites like gyros, Greek salads, and kofte. With a simple yet refined decor, excellent service, and sterling reviews, the Mediterranean Kebob House is a notable recommendation straight from many of Boca Raton's Turkish population.

Hannah's Kitchen 

Hannah's Kitchen is a versatile one-stop for all things the Mediterranean. With a fully handcrafted menu, all dishes are from scratch and made to order. Their menu covers all the bases from the Grecian Islands to the Persian Gulf, with a full bakery and dessert list. Perhaps best of all is the wallet-friendly prices, offering...

The United States of America is one of the youngest countries in the world, and a developed South Florida is one of its late risers. With so much of South Florida blanketed in swampland, deciduous woods, and palmetto scrub, Boca Raton's history is largely truncated to a minute quantity of time compared to other states along the eastern seaboard. With such a humid and hurricane-prone climate, South Florida didn't truly shine as a tourist hovel for decades, yet now is the brightest beacon in the United States. For those looking to move to Boca Raton, or those just visiting, here are a few of the most prominent historic landmarks in Boca!

Boca Raton Old City Hall

Without centuries of Medieval History, American landmarks are often either the ruins of past civilizations or the artifices of post-industrial development. Old City Hall, also known as the Town Hall was one of the first significant structures in Boca Raton. Designed by legendary town planner Addison Mizner, his flair for elegance has been preserved, as have some antiques from his collection. The building was commissioned in 1926, and once housed Boca Raton's first police station, fire department, and library. Today, the fire engine bay is a gift shop, and the building has been converted to the Boca Raton Welcome Center and Boca Raton History Museum. In 1980, the Old City Hall was officially added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

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Boca Raton has long been renowned for its trendy cocktail bars and exquisite cuisine. Thanks to South Florida's position as one of the biggest trending real estate markets in the country, people from around the world venture to visit and take residence in our beautiful beachfront community. Thankfully, their flavors tend to follow! Asian noodle bowls like the Japanese ramen and Vietnamese Pho have taken root in our hearts and carved their place in our local cuisine. Check out 5 of the best places to get pho and ramen in Boca Raton today!

Kapow Noodle Bar

This trendy pan-Asian restaurant sits at the heart of Mizner Park, and seems to always be full of happy customers. Formed from a triumvirate of South Florida restauranteurs, this comic-themed contemporary Asian restaurant brings the vibrancy of South Florida to the modern twist of pan-Asian cuisine. Specializing in small plates, noodles, and shareables - Kapow is one of the most fun places to enjoy pho and ramen in Boca Raton.

Basilic Vietnamese Grill

Perhaps the most purely Vietnamese place to get pho in Boca Raton, Basilic has a longstanding tradition of being one of the foremost East Asian restaurants in Boca Raton. Situated off U.S. 1 in the Mizner Park area, this unassuming...

South Florida is one of the nation’s most diverse regions and Boca Raton is a key example of the patchwork of the great state of Florida. People from all walks of life find a home in Boca Raton. If you are considering a move to Boca Raton for your family and a member of your family possesses special needs, please consider the following institutions in town and the surrounding area.

Unicorn Village Academy (Ages 13 to 22)

Serving ages 13 to 22, Unicorn Village Academy provides a complete education for those with special needs in Boca Raton, with a focus on whole-life skills from the scholastic to the professional. It is a stand-out among Boca Raton special needs schools, as it is the sole institution in the city to serve its students beyond the age of 18. Trained faculty provide individual-specific academic instruction to students in tandem with vocational training as students work towards their high school diploma. At the age of 17, students may become eligible to participate in UVA’s post-secondary work program, which encompasses a full year of internship opportunities in partnership with the Boca West Country Club.

Lighthouse Point Academy (3^rd Grade to 12^th Grade)

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South Florida may not have the prestigious history of centuries' old universities lining the northeast, nor the Pacific Coast technical institutions pacing the ascension of Silicon Valley, but South Florida is an enormous market attracting some of the best minds in the world to our local economy. From Miami to Palm Beach, numerous educational institutions show massive influence growth as their numbers rise and funding pours in. Whether looking to relocate to Boca Raton or as an existing resident, our exhaustive list of Boca Raton Colleges & Universities is here. 

Florida Atlantic University

Palm Beach County's best-known public university, FAU was founded in 1961 but vaulted to national prominence with the growth of its campus and the ascension of its athletics program to relevance. As of 2018, its enrollment has grown to over 30,000 students representing over 140 countries. The earmark year of 2004 marked FAU's transition into a more traditional university, with an increase in admissions stringency, research funding, and the addition of an on-campus stadium. For a prominent, constantly growing university experience, look no further to FAU.

Lynn University

Lynn University is...

In just a few short years, Yoga has gone from a fringe activity that we'd commonly associate with... ahem... new-age types, and is now a facet of everyday life for millions of Americans. Among many things, the Boca Raton community vibe is sustained by people who work hard, play hard, and take care of their bodies. For some, yoga is a way of life. For others, an essential way to break up a busy week. Whatever your reason for coming to Boca Raton, bliss out at one of these 4 (among many) great Boca Raton yoga studios.

UPDATED (01/24/2021): YOGA AT THE BEACH ADDED TO ENTRIES

Yoga Joint Central Boca

The Brainchild of founder Paige Held, the yoga joint brand has now expanded to 6 locations, with an additional 2 sets to open this year. The yoga joint is a hot yoga studio featuring their signature vinyasa flow, yin/restore, and high-intensity fit classes focusing on core strength and cardiovascular endurance. all under the purifying infrared lighting that makes so many moments at YJ as photogenic as they are healing.

Keshava Radha Yoga Inc.

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Florida has a semi-comical reputation as the "Australia of America" mostly due to its numerous venomous and predatory animals. the flora and fauna of Florida have adapted to our subtropical environs, providing a backdrop for both prehistoric and invasive species. While these animals are something to be wary of encountering, by no means should we live in fear of these incredible creatures. A healthy respect and a basic body of knowledge will go a long way in keeping our Boca Raton environment clean and preparing you for the potential of an encounter. Remember, these animals largely want nothing to do with you, and it's their environment we call home. Here are 5 predatory and venomous creatures that call Boca Raton home.

Cottonmouth

Also known as the Water Moccasin, this aquatic dwelling pit viper can be found largely in muddy flats, lakefronts, puddles, and moist woodland. Given their name for their distinctively white mouths, these are among the most commonly encountered venomous snakes in Florida. While bites are infrequent and rarely deadly, these snakes should not be taken lightly, especially after heavy rains and flooding.

Portuguese Man o' War

The...

Boca Raton is home to some of the best fine dining in South Florida. You are never far from outstanding Italian food or sensual French cuisine. However, often overlooked is the cuisine of our closest international neighbors: the island of the Caribbean. Below are some of the best Boca Raton Caribbean restaurants for your dining pleasure!

Rocksteady Jamaican Bistro

• 2399 N Federal Hwy Unit C, Boca Raton, FL 33431

Craving some ackee and saltfish? No? Ever heard of it? It’s the Jamaican national dish and you will forevermore after your first plate of it at Rocksteady, one of the best places to find Jamaican food in Boca Raton and all of South Florida. You’ll find favorites such as jerk chicken or shrimp, baby back ribs, or brown stew chicken, along with some curry goat to leave your comfort zone. Inside, you will be greeted by modern décor and authentic personalities from the island. You will be well taken care of from your first visit.

Caribbean Grill Cuban Restaurant

• 1332 NW Boca Raton Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33432 

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The comfort food that transformed America - the 20th-century contribution of Italian-Americans to our national cuisine cannot be ignored. From massive delivery pizza chains to high-end trattorias, Italian food in boca Raton is a flourishing culinary scene, with a spot for every moment and a dish for every taste. see where some of the best Italian food in Boca Raton can be found below!

Maggiano's Little Italy

Maggiano's has endured as one of Boca Raton's best Italian restaurants. Just northeast of our Central Boca Raton office, Maggiano's has been a popular destination for birthdays, date nights, graduation parties, and whatever reason calls you and your loved ones to gather. Their menu covers it all - classic Italian favorites, high-end steaks, and delectable cocktails. There's a reason Maggiano's is still a popular Italian restaurant in Boca Raton - and they continue to forge ahead with a great reputation around the community.

Giuseppe's Cafe

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The Boca Raton's lifestyle is elegant but relaxed, but we certainly love our creature comforts. Almost anything you need is within a ten-minute drive to some of the best malls or cutest boutiques that our seaside town has to offer. Here are 5 of the best shopping centers, malls, and retail districts in Boca Raton!

Town Center at Boca Raton

6000 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431

Undeniably the gold standard for malls in Florida, or nationally for that matter. Town Center is the once, present, and future center of life for many a teenager, working professional or the leisurely retired. With its wide, avenue-like hallways with ceilings that reach up to three stories, and, most importantly, impeccable A/C maintenance in the summer, Town Center offers Boca Raton residents shops from the mid-range to Louis Vuitton. There are also ample restaurants, such as The Capital Grille or Grand Lux Café, to Earl of Sandwich and Chick-fil-A. Come as you are, because there is simply something for everyone at this Boca Raton mall!

Mizner Park

327 Plaza Real Suite 315, Boca Raton, FL 33432

As one of the most charming and open-air shopping districts in Boca, Mizner Park possesses an actual...

In a place that's as humid and searingly hot as Boca Raton, with so much beach to explore, fitness is at a premium. Part environmental and part cultural, South Florida's workout and fitness culture is thriving, and growing! As we learn more about the many benefits of frequent exercise, find out where to try something a little different in Boca Raton - with these 4 incredible Boca gyms to check out!

Pit Fitness

Pit Fitness is a multipurpose HIIT (high intensity interval training) facility with an indoor/outdoor vibe, located just off Federal Highway. Pit Fitness is not for the faint of heart, and despite training all ages and body types, these classes are intense and driven - built around the fusion of hard work, motivation, and modern exercise science. For those recently moving to Boca Raton, Pit Fitness is a great place to socialize and meet new people, all while working on that beach body.

Busy Body Fitness Premium

Busy Body Fitness Premium in East Boca is the place to get the upscale treatment at a cost most can afford. Setting out to marry the deluxe with the discernible, Busy Body Fitness East Boca provides luxury amenities, high quality exercise technology, and one of the best personal training staff's in Boca Raton.

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There's nothing quite like a midsummer in South Florida. The incredible heat, flash storms, and humidity all make outdoor fun in Boca Raton a challenge to plan for. While we get sun almost every day, the midsummer rain showers also are a relatively consistent expectation during hurricane season. Whether just looking to stay dry, or escape the dangers of lightning - here are rainy day activities for kids and adults alike!

Visit the Boca Raton Children's Museum

This local gem is one of the best museums in Boca Raton. Founded in 1979 by the Junior League of Boca Raton, this is the first children's museum anywhere in Florida. Full of interactive exhibits, exciting presentations and educational programs, the Boca Raton Children's museum has enriched the lives of well over a million children and continues to expand its impressive legacy as the forerunning of children's museum education in our state. 

The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum

Sure to ahem... light the fuse in your imagination, The Wick Theater & Costume Museum is one of the finest cultural establishments in Boca Raton - and a surefire way to enrich your rainy afternoon. Their theater delivers a slice...

Boca Raton Swim Center

The Boca Raton Swim Center is a city-owned pool complex at Meadows Park. This pool is open year-round from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends. This complex features a 25 yard, 6 lanes Olympic-style pool, temperature regulation, a spa, kiddie pool, aquatic chair lift, and pool equipment such as kickboards and noodles. Their staff is highly qualified, with each possessing several major water safety certifications and emergency administration. Perhaps best of all, swim instructors hold a Special Needs Water Certification, making the Boca Raton Swim Center a great place to gather, cool off, and enjoy the water.

Deerfield Beach Aquatic Center

The Deerfield Beach aquatic center is located just a short trip south of Boca Raton proper - but we had to mention this sprawling athletic facility. This Olympic-sized pool includes a zero-depth entry, 8 lanes at a full 50 meters, and 10 lanes at 25 meters. The pool offers all-age group and private swimming lessons and even fields a competitive swim team - The Dolphins. This year-round recreational competitive swimming program offers instruction in all 4 major...

The hamburger - a Germanic sounding, very American classic of cuisine. This piled-high grilled sandwich has won the hearts & minds of our nation, as a central staple to any festive outing, patriotic holiday, outdoor party, ball game and so much more. With so many new people moving to Boca Raton, we wanted to ask our realtors who they thought had the best burger in Boca Raton. From their palate to yours, here's what we heard! Check out 5 of the very best burgers in Boca Raton.

Tucker Duke's

Tucker Duke's has carved its name out in the past few years of a dream for fans of the modern, gastropub culture. Their dessert bites and apps are exciting enough, but it's the inventive take on the burger that really takes the cake. Reflective of the type of gastronomic science seen in some of the most established corners of America's restaurant culture, they feature a piled-high burger for every preference. 

Burton's Grill & Bar of Boca Raton

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Boca Raton might not show up on a map of BBQ hotspots in America, but you should give our local fare the attention it deserves. Our reputation might be more popularly aligned with gourmet cuisine and trendy wine & tapas establishments, but the glitz and glamor of our celebrated community don't have to eschew old-fashioned home cooking in lieu of the many fine dining options in Boca Raton. We can have both! Here are a handful of the finest places for smoked meats, soul food, and saucy goodness. Behold: the best BBQ in Boca Raton

Mississippi Sweets

One of Boca Raton's best-reviewed BBQ joints with nearly 800 positive entries, Mississippi Sweets is a no-frills, locally-owned spot renowned for its upbeat service, positive environment, and great sauce selection. Most locals will tell you Mississippi Sweets is their go-to for catfish, wings, and the home-friend sweet potato chips.

Lucille's Bad to the Bone BBQ

Lucille's Bad To The Bone BBQ has three locations spanning South Palm Beach County - from Boca to Boynton. Their appetizers include the classics and sports bar fare - like fried pickles, crispy fish fingers, and corn muffins. Their menu is a bit less traditional than Mississippi Sweets, offering tacos, melts, and a grilled chicken reuben. 

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