Local Guidebook
Beaches and Parks
Here are some of our favorite beaches and parks close to our house.
Boca Raton has amazing parks and beaches!
see https://www.myboca.us/854/Things-To-Do as a good starting point.
Before heading out, it's a good idea to check water conditions via https://myboca.us/856/Beach-Conditions.
This is a one of our favorite beaches, only a few minute drive from our house.
Since it has a jetty and is a bit more isolate, it is typically calmer and easier for kids to swim . It has amazing snorkeling accessible from the shore. We have seen a fantastic variety of fish , rays and even sea turtles. An easy portal into another underwater world of beauty. To get to the reef, go the right edge of the guarded area, and swim out about 100 ft .
Parking is only $3/hr and usually accessible.
I recommend checking the webcam first both the water conditions and how crowded the beach is.
https://video-monitoring.com/beachcams/bocainlet/
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa del Parque South Inlet
1100 S Ocean BlvdThis is a one of our favorite beaches, only a few minute drive from our house.
Since it has a jetty and is a bit more isolate, it is typically calmer and easier for kids to swim . It has amazing snorkeling accessible from the shore. We have seen a fantastic variety of fish , rays and even sea turtles. An easy portal into another underwater world of beauty. To get to the reef, go the right edge of the guarded area, and swim out about 100 ft .
Parking is only $3/hr and usually accessible.
I recommend checking the webcam first both the water conditions and how crowded the beach is.
https://video-monitoring.com/beachcams/bocainlet/
Red Reef is a bit farther south than Spanish River Park from our house,
It has playgrounds , golf and bike trails as well.
The parking is a bit more expensive for non residents, so it tends to be more private and quiet.
Our favorite is the northern most watchpoint 12.
93 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Red Reef
1400 N Ocean BlvdRed Reef is a bit farther south than Spanish River Park from our house,
It has playgrounds , golf and bike trails as well.
The parking is a bit more expensive for non residents, so it tends to be more private and quiet.
Our favorite is the northern most watchpoint 12.
Beautiful nearby jogging/biking/walking path.
Typically see many large iguanas and beautiful birds.
El Rio Trail
El Rio TrailBeautiful nearby jogging/biking/walking path.
Typically see many large iguanas and beautiful birds.
Amazing sports park with perfect grounds for baseball (pitching cages too), soccer and walking trails.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Patch Reef Park
2000 Yamato RdAmazing sports park with perfect grounds for baseball (pitching cages too), soccer and walking trails.
Centro de Naturaleza Gumbo Limbo
1801 N Ocean BlvdAn unusual terrain change where , on a calm day, you can observe fish and pelicans.
To find it, just enter Bark beach (see description) at watchpoint 20, and walk north for about 10 minutes. The beach narrows and you will see an array of unusual rock patterns into the water.
Yamato Rock
An unusual terrain change where , on a calm day, you can observe fish and pelicans.
To find it, just enter Bark beach (see description) at watchpoint 20, and walk north for about 10 minutes. The beach narrows and you will see an array of unusual rock patterns into the water.
Spanish River Park , including Bark Beach.
https://www.myboca.us/facilities/facility/details/spanish-river-park-55
This is the closest beach to our house,. You can walk/bike, or if you want to drive, there is some $3/hr parking on Spanish River Blvd near the corner of A1A (this parking gets filled in busy times).
Bark Beach is directly across road A1A.
One favorite spot it to enter the park near the north end (near the maintenance building) and via the paved trail, go under A1A via the northern tunnel to the beach at watchpoint 18. This is usually less crowded than the other parts of Spanish River if you prefer a quieter beach.
Florida A1A & Northeast Spanish River Boulevard
Spanish River Park , including Bark Beach.
https://www.myboca.us/facilities/facility/details/spanish-river-park-55
This is the closest beach to our house,. You can walk/bike, or if you want to drive, there is some $3/hr parking on Spanish River Blvd near the corner of A1A (this parking gets filled in busy times).
Bark Beach is directly across road A1A.
One favorite spot it to enter the park near the north end (near the maintenance building) and via the paved trail, go under A1A via the northern tunnel to the beach at watchpoint 18. This is usually less crowded than the other parts of Spanish River if you prefer a quieter beach.
Sand Pine Park
300 Newcastle StVery close park with great sports , picnic and playground options.
Bike Rentals
I highly recommend renting a bike when staying in our neighborhood. Except for a slight hill on the bridge, everything is flat and easy biking, with many wide and clear bike lanes.
Having a bike allows you to get to the beach quicker and expands the beaches you can go to for free with no parking hassles.
See the beach descriptions for more details on where to go.
I have used Conte's multiple times and been very pleased. They have a good selection and will work with your schedule and needs.
It's a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability.
Conte's Bike Shop
3150 N Federal HwyI have used Conte's multiple times and been very pleased. They have a good selection and will work with your schedule and needs.
It's a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability.
Trek Bicycle Store Boca Raton
141 NW 20th StPedego Electric Bikes Boca
4400 North Federal HighwayClosest bike shop, just a block from the house.
Food scene
Cinnaholic
141 NW 20th StWow. The most amazing cinnamin buns and treats you can imagine.
Local favorite ice cream store, a few minutes walk away.
Who can resist a soft serve ice cream after a walk to the beach?
Carvel
255 NE Spanish River BlvdLocal favorite ice cream store, a few minutes walk away.
Who can resist a soft serve ice cream after a walk to the beach?
Highly recommend this French style cafe and bakery with a wide selection that may not be apparent unless you go there.
Cafe Mon Ami
265 NE Spanish River BlvdHighly recommend this French style cafe and bakery with a wide selection that may not be apparent unless you go there.
Shoppping
Closeby and convenient Target that has many items you may need.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Target
1200 Linton BlvdCloseby and convenient Target that has many items you may need.
Walmart Supercenter
16205 S Military TrailCloseby Walmart
Very convenient and well stocked grocery store. Just a few minutes walk from our house.
Has great fresh bakery , wine , beer and fresh produce sections.
Friendly and helpful staff
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Publix Super Market at Spanish River
4141 N Federal HwyVery convenient and well stocked grocery store. Just a few minutes walk from our house.
Has great fresh bakery , wine , beer and fresh produce sections.
Friendly and helpful staff
Nearby costco with great food selections (including many kosher items).
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Costco Wholesale
17800 Congress AveNearby costco with great food selections (including many kosher items).