A Perfect Day in Boca

Boca Raton is known for its beauty, sophisticated flair and sought-after lifestyle. And in recent years, the city has upped the ante with on-trend restaurants, must-have shopping and cultural gems. Explore the city’s new hot spots using our curated itinerary.

Boca Raton - things to do in Boca, from on-trend restaurants, cultural gems and haute shopping

 

8 a.m.

raw oatmeal from Apura Juicery and Coffeehouse

Raw oatmeal from Apura Juicery and Coffeehouse | Photo by John Gillmore

With a variety of clean-eating options popping up, Boca Raton is quickly becoming the leader in healthy living in Palm Beach County. Start the day with a fresh cleanse at one of the area’s juice shops. Raw Juce (561-424-5823) offers a variety of tasty smoothies, bottled cold-pressed juices and organic coffee as well as raw food options, like acai bowls. Newly opened Apura Juicery and Coffeehouse (561-430-3596) also prepares plant-based cuisine—including hand-pressed nut “mylks”—in a chic, sleek space.

Skillet from Farmer’s Table

Skillet from farmer’s table | Photo by Gyorgy Papp, Papp Photography

   For something heartier, take a seat at Farmer’s Table (561-417-5836), where Executive Chef Wilson Wieggel serves organic teas and cuisine made from whole, local ingredients. If you’re looking for an early brunch vibe, join the crowd at Another Broken Egg Café (561-405-6940) for creative egg benedicts, skillets and, of course, mimosas and Bloody Marys.

Huevos Rancheros from Another Broken Egg Café

Huevos Rancheros from Another Broken Egg Café

 

9:30 a.m.

Sailing in Boca Raton - Biscayne Lady Yacht ChartersOn any given weekend, the most popular place to be in Boca isn’t on land but water. Catch some early rays with Boca’s favorite activity: boating. Lake Boca is the go-to spot on a sunny day, and the waterway can get crowded. Before you head out, check the action on the live feed at lakebocacam.com.

   If you’ve left your boat at home, relax on a private vessel from Biscayne Lady Yacht Charters (305-379-5119). Reserve your choice from the luxury fleet, including sport yachts and catamarans, and board at the Boca Raton Resort and Club. The company offers full- and half-day charters as well as dining and entertainment options.

   In Boca, “hitting the beach” means indulging in the luxurious amenities from one of the many beach clubs that line A1A. While residents have plenty of options, our top choice is the Boca Beach Club (561-447-3000). Membership grants access to a half-mile private beach and three swimming pools, along with serious upgrades: Reserve a private cabana, which includes a personal butler to cater to your every whim, including lunch. When not lounging in the sun, take surf lessons on the club’s new wave simulator or participate in watersport activities like paddleboarding or jetskiing.

the view from a private cabana at the Boca Beach Club

The view from a private cabana at the Boca Beach Club

Noon

For lunch, you’ll want to think out of the (bento) box. The best place to grab a bite and people watch is The Cheese Course (561-395-4354) in Mizner Park. The bistro menu includes baguette sandwiches made with artisan meats and cheeses, refreshing salads and a customizable meal of cheeses with accompaniments—chosen from more than 100 offerings with the help of the shop’s cheese steward.

the white meat chicken salad sandwich from The Cheese Course

The white meat chicken salad sandwich from The Cheese Course.

The crab-salad stack from Mariposa at Neiman Marcus

The crab-salad stack from Mariposa at Neiman Marcus.

   Off the beaten path, a cozy hidden gem is the Tin Muffin Café (561-392-9446), a small eatery on Palmetto Park Road. The cash-only restaurant serves home-style comfort food like large salads, chicken potpie and its signature order, a hearty chicken salad sandwich. Insider’s tip: Don’t leave without checking out the restroom.

   For confirmed shopaholics, the best choice is a power lunch and glass of wine at Mariposa at Neiman Marcus (561-544-2320) in the Town Center Mall—where, conveniently, you’ll be ready to jump on the next activity on your agenda: retail therapy.

 

1:30 p.m.

Boca shoppers don’t waste time sifting through the racks. At Neiman’s and at Saks Fifth Avenue (561-393-9100), request the department stores’ complimentary personal shopper programs, in which a private consultant will present perfect-outfit options according to your specifications.

   Before you leave the Town Center mall, take a peek in Intermix (561-393-6942), which is always stocked with coveted brands like Rag & Bone, Helmut Lang and Derek Lam.

Lord & Taylor

Lord and Taylor

   Shopping bags in hand, continue your hunt at Mizner Park and seek the help of the personal shopper at Lord and Taylor (561-394-5656)—the retail chain’s only location in Florida. Of course, shopping doesn’t have to be all about you. Pick up something for a little one in your life at Elegant Child (561-416-0152), an adorable children’s boutique carefully curated with fine, traditional clothes for fashionistas in training.

 

3 p.m.

You Tell Us What to Do, by Izhar Patkin. - The Boca Raton Museum of Art

Get your culture on! It’s time to check out Boca’s art scene. First stop: the Boca Raton Museum of Art (561-392-2500), an artsy staple for the past 60 years. In addition to the museum’s renowned permanent pre-Columbian art collection, view two temporary exhibits on display this month: “Surrealism and Magic” and “Izhar Patkin: The Wandering Veil,” featuring Patkin’s mural-sized paintings on tulle (above).

Rosenbaum Contemporary - Boca Raton art gallery

   Next, venture to Rosenbaum Contemporary (561-994-9180; above) which houses quality abstract works in a variety of mediums by artists like Robert Indiana, Joan Miro and Frank Stella.

Dale Chihuly glass art at the Stewart Fne Art gallery

Dale Chihuly pieces.

   End your museum tour at Boca Raton’s Gallery Center, home to diverse local galleries. Browse the vast contemporary collection at the spacious Baker Sponder Gallery (561-241-3050), where colorful works by Patrick Hughes, Jun Kaneko, Jeff Koons and other artists pop against the space’s white walls. Walk past the Dale Chihuly chandelier to examine the dazzling studio glasswork at Stewart Fine Art (561-995-2760), showcasing American artists. Lastly, explore the artifacts at Griffin Gallery Ancient Art (561-994-0811). These pieces are more than art; they are authentic ancient finds like pottery and other handiwork from civilizations dating back to 1000 BCE.

 

Go to page two for the rest of our perfect day in Boca.

4:30 p.m.

the Hana Hydrotherapy Room at the Maui Spa and wellness center

The Hana Hydrotherapy Room at the Maui Spa and wellness center.

Your feet must be tired from all this walking—you totally need a spa treatment! While there’s no shortage of spas in Boca, a standout is the Maui Spa and Wellness Center (561-393-7733), which practices therapeutic Hawaiian rehabilitation. Today, you’ll have time for The Great Escape: an aromatherapy foot soak, a copper tub and a massage or a facial. At an hour-and-a-half long, this much-deserved relaxation session will ensure you are pampered just in time for your next activity: happy hour.

 

6 p.m.

Have a seat at the bar at Rebel House (561-353-5888), which boasts an urban, underground feel with eclectic furniture and edgy artwork. Don’t let the offbeat vibe fool you; the cuisine here is first-rate, some of it made with the help of a sous vide machine. Craft cocktails dominate the bar menu and are served with popcorn, flavored differently every day. If you’re hungry for more, order the hefty charcuterie plate.

Sip on Craft beer at the Rebel House and the Sybarite Pig in Boca Raton

   Beer lovers, march to the Sybarite Pig (561-883-3200). An assortment of mostly Florida beers is on tap, and more hard-to-find brews are available by the bottle. The hops are paired with a meat-heavy food menu that consists largely of unique sausage and burger varieties; while vegetarians will want to stay away, the menu proves beer drinkers are foodies, too.

 

7 p.m.

Only in its second season, the Wick Theatre and Costume Museum (561-995-2333) is helping to revitalize Boca Raton’s entertainment industry. Catch an evening performance here (showing this month is La Cage aux Folles and, later, Man of La Mancha), and don’t leave without touring the venue’s impressive costume museum, home to recognizable garments worn in dozens of Broadway shows.

a scene from the Wick Theatre and Costume Musem’s production of 42nd Street.

A scene from the Wick Theatre and Costume Musem’s production of 42nd Street.

   Live music fans will want to head to Jazziz Nightlife (561-300-0730), a hotspot in Mizner Park. Past crooners who have taken the stage here include Molly Ringwald and David Cassidy.

 Tanzy at Mizner Park - iPic Theaters

 iPic Theaters’ Tanzy at Mizner Park

   Florida Atlantic University houses one of the area’s best entertainment gems: Living Room Theaters (561-549-2600), which plays local and international independent films typically only screened at festivals. But if mainstream is more your thing, you’ll get the best seat in the house at iPic Theaters (561-299-3000). The chairs here are roomy recliners, and at the push of a button a personal server will appear to take your order from a specialty menu offered by Tanzy, the venue’s in-house restaurant.

 

9 p.m.

In recent years, Boca’s dining scene has become overwhelming—in a good way. Creative, independent eateries have emerged alongside established chains, making the decision of where to dine out a difficult one.

13 American Table - on-trend culinary goods in Boca Raton

13 American Table

   A must-try among the newer restos is 13 American Table (561-409-2061). One of the draws here is the kitchen’s Josper, a combination of an oven and a grill that uses charcoal to cook all types of food. You’ll have to taste it to notice the difference, and you will—in everything from chicken, pork and vegetables to the grilled octopus, served over greens with hummus and chickpeas. The worldly cuisine will turn even the pickiest eater into a foodie.

   Another buzzworthy restaurant is the Gluttonous Goat (561-923-9457), a Caribbean-American gastropub. Dishes like braised short rib, sharable empanadas and goat potpie pair well with the assortment of craft beer on tap.

 

10:30 p.m.

Le Macaron - Mizner Park

You can’t end the night without a little dessert, right? Make a quick stop into Le Macaron (561-245-7281) in Mizner Park for gluten-free versions of the heavenly pastry. You’ll find traditional and unique flavors, from pistachio and rose to basil white chocolate, passion mango and orange-chocolate Grand Marnier.

 

11 p.m.

a spacious stay at the Boca Raton Resort and Club

A spacious stay at the Boca Raton Resort and Club.

There’s no better way to end a quintessential day in Boca than by spending the night at the Boca Raton Resort and Club (561-447-3000), A Waldorf Astoria Resort. The recognizable pink hotel, designed by Addison Mizner, remains a city icon, boasting modern amenities with glamorous history in more than 1,000 rooms. The apartment-style Boca Bunaglows are ideal for families, while The Tower offers breathtaking views as the tallest building for miles. One thing’s for sure: Wherever you lay your head to rest on the grounds, you’ll fall asleep and wake up in pure, luxurious Boca bliss.

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