If you think there’s nothing to do in Boca Raton besides going to the beach everyday, you’re in for a real surprise!
I downright hate the beach. And unfortunately for me, I spent most of my winter vacations visiting Boca Raton Florida going to the beach with my family.
So over the years, to steer them away from the beach, I had to find some other things to do near Boca Raton for entertainment (p.s. I did the same for South Beach in Miami!).
Here are my top 10 fun things to do in Boca Raton Florida other than going to the beach! And don’t worry, there’s something for everyone on this list, not just for families! Surprisingly, Boca is a very diverse place for activities!
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
Top Fun Things To Do In Boca Raton (& Around!)
Let’s be real, Boca Raton isn’t that big so I’ve included a few places in Boca Raton, and up to an hour away from the city. But most things to do in Boca Raton Florida are within a 15 to 30 minute drive.
I’ve separated the things to do near Boca into three categories:
- Outdoor things to do near Boca Raton →
- Food & drink things to do near Boca Raton →
- Indoor things to do near Boca Raton →
Outdoor Boca Raton Things To Do
You’re visiting Florida for the incredible weather, so take full advantage of the outdoor activities that aren’t sitting at the beach all day!
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1. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens is one of my favourite things to do near Boca Raton.
With so much to do here, you can easily spend hours enjoying it and still want to come back for more!
For starters, it has one of the best Japanese gardens I’ve ever visited (and I’ve been to Japan!)! And because you’re in Florida, it’s also possibly the largest gardens!
On top of that, there are permanent and temporary exhibits, including an incredible world class bonsai display.
But wait, there’s more!
Morikami also offers different Japanese cultural workshops throughout the year. They have everything from a traditional tea ceremony to sushi making. And they even offer different workshops for both adults and youths (15+)!
The downside is that there are very select dates for their workshops, and you have to register in advance.
2. Gumbo Limbo Nature Park
The Gumbo Limbo Nature Centre is a wonderful initiative and one of the best things to do in Boca Raton Florida for all ages. I used to come here as a kid on family vacations to Florida and I’ve since gone back as an adult.
This is a completely free activity, although they do accept donations.
There are two parts to the Gumbo Limbo Park: the walking trails and an educational centre.
The nature trails take you on a raised walkway through the park, perfect for spotting native flora and fauna along the way. It feels like you’re in the deepest depths of the jungle, far away from civilization!
The Gumbo Limbo educational centre is home to a few aquatic tanks as well, housing all different species of fish and even sea turtles!
Staff at the Gumbo Limbo are available to answer your questions, educate you on all the research and rehabilitation being done to help the sea life in Florida.
Find out more, and plan your visit to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Centre.
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3. The Everglades – Things To Do Near Boca Raton
The Everglades are a wetland preserve, a unique environment somewhere between land and sea! With slow-moving rivers and marshes, the everglades are home to many different animal species from crocodiles and manatees, to Florida panthers!
And lucky for you, Boca Raton is actually within driving distance of the Florida Everglades! Although it involves a bit more driving (about 40 minutes, you can’t visit Florida and not see the everglades, it’s just one of those activities that screams Florida.
The best way to visit the Everglades is on an airboat ride through the marshland. Get up close and personal with wildlife on an airboat ride with this tour on Viator.
4. Wakodahatchee Wetlands – Boca Raton Things To Do
The Wakodahatchee Wetlands are a mix between the Everglades and Gumbo Limbo Nature Centre.
Stroll along a raised boardwalk through the wetlands of Florida (a.k.a the Everglades!). If an airboat ride is too much for you, then maybe a walk through the wetlands are more your speed.
The Wakodahatchee Wetlands are an essential breeding ground for many types of birds, and home to alligators, turtles and more
But even if you don’t end up seeing any animals at all, it’s still a beautiful nature walk!
P.S. Doing anything outside in Florida is HOT, but especially in the Wakodahatchee Wetlands. There’s barely any shade on the boardwalk.
So make sure you’re prepared with enough water to avoid getting dehydrated. I fill up my Thermoflask water bottle, see it on Amazon, to keep my water cold and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Make sure to also apply (and re apply) sunscreen, you don’t want to burn on vacation! You can also invest in a sun umbrella, like this one on Amazon, it’s a life saver for those hot summer days!
5. Butterfly World
Although there are some indoor sections, Butterfly World is mainly outside. Plus, you’ll want to come on a nice day anyway – the better the weather, the more butterflies you’re more likely to see!
Butterfly World was the first butterfly house in the U.S., and in classic Florida style, it’s also the largest in the world!
But it’s not just about seeing some of their 20 000 butterflies in the aviaries, but also learning about them too!
See the butterflies as they change through the different stages of life, from caterpillar, to cocoon, before finally emerging as a beautiful butterfly!
6. Quiet Waters Park (Things To Do in Deerfield Beach Florida)
If you’re looking for things to do in Deerfield Beach Florida, head to Quiet Waters Park, just around the corner from Boca!
And don’t take the name too literally here… there’s nothing quiet about this park!
There’s A TON to do in Quiet Waters Park, it would be hard to find something you wouldn’t want to do! Mountain biking, walking trails, and water parks for kids and even dogs!
But the main attraction is Ski Rixen USA where you can sign up for wakeboarding or water skiing on their lake. If you’re a beginner, they also offer lessons on the weekends!
7. Fort Lauderdale Boat Cruise, Riverwalk, & Las Olas Blvd
Fort Lauderdale is the largest city near Boca Raton, so it’s a no-brainer that one of the top Boca Raton things to do is to visit at least once.
You could easily spend the day exploring the different unique parts of this city.
Walk along the Riverwalk, exploring the parks along the way and maybe you’ll even catch a local event taking place. Be sure to check out upcoming events. For example, the first Sunday of every month is a free jazz concert!
If walking isn’t your style, explore the city by water on a boat cruise through Fort Lauderdale, see tour options on Viator.
Fort Lauderdale Boat Tours on Viator
Fort Lauderdale water taxi all day pass →
Be sure to stay for dinner to enjoy one of the many trendy restaurants along Las Olas Blvd. Walk off the meal afterward by doing some much needed window shopping at the local boutiques lining the street.
Food & Drink Things To Do Near Boca Raton
Even though Florida isn’t exactly known for being a foodie hub, we all still need to eat, so why not turn it into one of your things to do in Boca Raton Florida that isn’t the beach!?
I mean, it’s also terrace season all year round in Florida, so you should also take advantage while you can!
8. Delray Beach Atlantic Av. Food Tour
As a neighbouring city, Delray Beach is one of the best places to visit near Boca Raton. But did you know that it’s also a hopping place for top food in Florida?
The main street to visit in Delray Beach is Atlantic Avenue with shopping and restaurants galore!
But why not elevate your trip to Delray by going on a delicious secret food tour of the city. Your guide will take you through an off the beaten path culinary tour of Delray Beach! Check out the tour on Viator.
9. The Funky Buddha Brewery
I know Florida doesn’t seem like the beer capital of the states either, but they do dabble in some of their own local brews. One of those being Funky Buddha Brewery, which is actually the largest brewery in South Florida.
There’s nothing more fun than ordering a flight to taste local brews (and take notes to compare them!). Who knows, maybe Florida brewers will surprise you!
They also have weekly events that you can find on their Instagram. Events include Happy Hour with discounted prices, trivia nights, bottomless brunch, DJs, and more!
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Indoor Things To Do In Boca Raton Florida
As great as the weather can be in Florida, you can also have really bad days. So, when you’re bored of Town Centre Boca Raton mall, here’s another idea for more fun things to do in Boca Raton…
10. Boomers! Arcade, Mini Putt, & More!
Boomers was my favourite activity in Florida as a kid! Seriously, if you’re traveling to Florida with your family, you need to head to Boomers STAT!
It’s an indoor arcade with all the top games to play and win prizes!
Plus if the weather starts to take a turn for the better, you can go outside where they’ve added a mini putt course and bumper boats.
Or if it takes a turn for the worse, head across the street to AMC and watch the hottest new movie in theatres.
Bonus! Full Day Trip To South Beach Miami
If you’ve run out of things to do in Boca Raton Florida, consider going on a full day trip to South Beach Miami.
Although South Beach is a bit farther away (about an hour drive), it’s still worth visiting and spending the day. And yes, just like Boca, South Beach Miami is SO MUCH MORE than just a beach.
For starters, head to the historical Art Deco District, a top bucket list destination in the United States. The unique architecture is matched with lively pastel colours and up beat vibes.
Go on a guided tour around the art deco district, like this one on Viator. Stop in for an iced coffee at one of the many cafes, and do some shopping on Lincoln Avenue.
Or if you have some more energy, you could even bike along the boardwalk to enjoy those beachy views without getting sand between your toes!
You can see my full list of things to do in South Beach Miami that don’t include the beach.
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Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API