You may know Boca Raton by our world renown beaches, but have you felt the offshore breeze, stuck your toes in the white, pillow-like sand, or marveled at the pristine blue ocean lying just along our coastline? While South Florida beaches bring in a number of guests throughout the year, Boca Raton harbors many quaint, secluded gems that make for the best days on the water. Still inclusive of adequate parking and well-maintained facilities, here is our list of the best Boca beaches you should explore this year.
Spanish River Park
Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape to watch the sunrise or a quaint spot along the water for a picnic, Spanish River Park offers unique views of both the intracoastal and the Atlantic. The best views, however, can be seen from the 40-foot observation tower, revealing a wide variety of breathtaking wildlife below. Follow the tunnels to the beach where you will discover miles of sand dunes, crashing waves, and unique Florida shells. This private-like beachfront can be a great spot to watch sea turtles hatch at night too.
South Beach Park
There is never a shortage of private spots on this 24.5-acre beach area—in fact, the park features beach access in three locations. You can leave your chairs at home when visiting South Beach, rent out lounge chairs and an umbrella for the full experience. To those looking to explore outdoor experiences, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and even Zumba classes are available. Among unique snorkeling opportunities, South Beach’s canopied walkways are also favored haunts for additional encounters with rare flora and fauna.
Red Reef Park
Calling all the picnic enthusiasts, this oceanfront park and abundance of shady palms are for you. Paralleled with charming picnic areas, Red Reef Park is known to be one of the best snorkeling spots in the area. We suggest visiting during low tides, when you can observe red reef in knee-shallow water without snorkeling gear. The Park is always well kept, holding endless opportunities for blissful photo opportunities including several creatively painted walls of beautiful coral reef wildlife.
The Boca Raton Beach Club
Elevate any beach day with a trip to this Waldorf Astoria property, a great place for your visiting guests to stay. Endure a day of R&R on a daybed along the Beach Club’s private golden beach or turn a beach day into a vacation with an overnight stay. Recently opened, the resort’s Mirasol restaurant’s Mediterranean menu has quickly become a local favorite. Question is, what cocktail will you choose to go with your day in the sun?
South Inlet Park
There is no shortness of crystal-clear water and powdered sand at this oceanside spot. Neighboring The Boca Raton, this picturesque park offers an escape to stroll along the beach or watch boats drive by. Take advantage of the park’s grills for the ultimate beach barbeque or grab your camera and hit the park at sunrise along the Boca Inlet for impressive shots of all the action.
St. Andrews Aquatic Center
Boca Raton may flourish with pristine private beaches; however, the South Florida weather can often best be enjoyed right at home. Trade the sand and salt water for lounge chairs and three reimagined pools at the St. Andrews Recreation & Aquatic Center. Whether you need “me time” and a cocktail or a family environment for the kids, The Aquatic Center offers a lighter, casual fare and specialty drink menu featured at Café Blue, complemented by superior poolside service. This is where you find families of all ages enjoying either the brimming edge Junior Olympic pool, the Activity Pool, or the Adult Plunge Pool.
The Recreation & Aquatic Center comes alive on weekends as well with arts & craft activities for kids and special events. Kids will love the Splash Club, an outdoor, air-conditioned game room, and a covered playground with 11 elevated play surfaces, play equipment, tube slide, spiral slide, deluxe grip climber, gyro capsule spinner, angled lunar climber and centipede climber.
It’s no secret that Caribbean-blue water and blooming reefs are in abundance in Boca Raton, but these gems are also some of the bests for quaint, intimate experiences with friends and family as well. St. Andrews Country Club offers a vibrant, top-quality lifestyle and has done so for more than 30 years, and with these beach gems close by and Recreation & Aquatic Center at hand, members have access to it all.
St. Andrews’ distinctions include a “Distinguished Club of the World” and a “Top Ten Healthiest Clubs in America,” and its world-class amenities make life a permanent vacation. With superior amenities, including two 18-hole championship golf courses and virtually no tee times. It is home to LPGA touring professional and resident Morgan Pressel. Aaron Krickstein, formerly ranked No. 6 in the world, oversees the tennis program and 14 clay courts. The Club offers a full service, award-winning spa & salon, fitness center, four restaurants, three pools, Kids Club, playground, air-conditioned game rooms, and catering space for up to 350. Their location within Boca Raton puts them near some of the city’s highlights, ranging from Florida Atlantic University, the Wick Theatre, and some of Florida’s best beaches.
For more information about the enviable lifestyle at St. Andrews Country Club, sign up here for a complimentary copy of our digital brochure, showcasing the premier lifestyle available at St. Andrews.
