{"id":308,"date":"2012-09-21T07:41:42","date_gmt":"2012-09-21T11:41:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/~travelwriting\/?page_id=308"},"modified":"2012-10-05T16:04:08","modified_gmt":"2012-10-05T20:04:08","slug":"boca-ratons-weather-outdoor-activities-welcomes-visitors-year-round","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/?page_id=308","title":{"rendered":"Boca Raton’s weather, outdoor activities welcomes visitors seeking fun in sun"},"content":{"rendered":"

Posted Sept. 21, 2012<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

By VANESSA RAMOS<\/p>\n

BOCA RATON, Fl\u00ada. \u2013 Among the palm-lined avenues and slew of luxury cars, one will find a laid back place that most South Floridians simply call \u201cBoca.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, it did not always look like this. In the 1920s, Boca, as it is known to residents, was a small agricultural village that sold its vegetable crops to buyers in the northern states. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Boca expanded rapidly, including the opening of Florida Atlantic University in 1962.<\/p>\n

Today, Boca is home to 80,000 residents and welcomes tourists year-round looking to enjoy the warm weather and outdoor activities\u00ad.<\/p>\n

The best way to get around town is by car. Visitors flying in to Palm Beach International Airport can rent a vehicle from a selection of car rental companies at the airport and drive 20 miles south to Boca Raton. Once visitors have their transportation sorted, the only thing left to worry about is what bathing suit to wear to the beach.<\/p>\n

Beaches <\/strong><\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s splashing in the water, soaking up the sun or just enjoying a breezy afternoon on the sand, the beaches in Boca Raton will not disappoint. Here are some local must-sees:<\/p>\n

Spanish River Park<\/span><\/p>\n

Spanish River Park offers beach access as well as a picnic area with tables, benches and grills. It also makes a great place for bird watching.<\/p>\n

Red Reef Park<\/span><\/p>\n

Like Spanish River Park, Red Reef Park has beach access and a picnic area for beach goers to enjoy. Visitors can soak in the relaxing atmosphere of this beach without worrying about crowds or their safety, since lifeguards are stationed year-round from 9 a.m. until\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5 p.m. on all city beaches. Snorkeling is a popular activity offshore towards the south end of the park.
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Family Friendly<\/strong><\/p>\n

Families visiting Boca Raton, especially those with young children, will find that there are dozens of outdoor activities to take advantage of. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and Sugar Sand Park are two must-sees for those visiting for the first time.<\/p>\n

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center<\/span><\/p>\n

The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is a destination for those interested in education and conservation. The center covers 20 acres of protected barrier island and has various programs and events for families and children to enjoy. From July-mid September visitors can experience the sea turtle release and watch handlers maneuver turtle hatchlings from their nests into the ocean.<\/p>\n

According to Dr. Kirt Rusenko, marine conservationist at the Center, about 15,000 K-12 students visit Gumbo Limbo each year.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe children love seeing the fish, turtles, snakes and butterflies.\u00a0 It is common to hear squeals of delight when they see something, especially if they did not expect it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Rusenko adds that the center also features a marine science laboratory where guests can view ongoing research and interact with students and faculty.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe variety offered generally peaks at least some interest from a large variety of people. Approximately half of the visitors are from out-of-state or international,\u201d Rusekno said.<\/p>\n

Sugar Sand Park<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

At this 132-acre park visitors will find playgrounds, the Children’s Science Explorium<\/a>, and the Willow Theatre<\/a>. The Children’s Science Explorium<\/a> brings physical science into the hands of 5-12 year-olds. The Willow Theatre features musical performances, plays and cultural events. The theater is also available to rent for $100 for a three-hour minimum.<\/p>\n

Boomers<\/span><\/p>\n

Here visitors will find go-karts, laser tag, bowling and more. Boomers is a great place for families to let loose and have some fun.<\/p>\n

New Jersey native Brett Woltz used to visit his grandparents in Boca Raton when he was growing up and recalls the attractions at Boomers.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother, sister, and I would go with my mom and grandma and ride the bumper boats, go-karts and play in the arcade. Even though I\u2019m 24 now, I\u2019d still love to go back and do all that stuff. It was a lot of fun,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

A Super Pass of $34.99 provides guests with unlimited attractions for the day, but visitors should make sure to call ahead and ask about seasonal promotions.<\/p>\n

Shopping, Food, and Entertainment<\/strong><\/p>\n

Boca Raton is known for its upscale shopping and dining experiences. Here are two of the must-sees for first time visitors looking for all that and more.<\/p>\n

<\/strong>Boca Town Center<\/span><\/p>\n

This shopping center features more than 200 stores, including Bloomingdale’s, Macy\u2019s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom’s. Visitors can also find a variety of places to eat such as Stir Crazy and Grand Lux Caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Brittany Bowen, an Express store employee at the Center, notes the types of shoppers that enjoy the selection of high end shopping.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see a good mix of foreigners and locals,\u201d Bowen said.\u00a0 \u201cThe luxury shopping experience that Boca Town Center has draws people from all over.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mizner Park\/Downtown Boca<\/span><\/p>\n

Mizner Park is a must-see for first time visitors because of the variety of attractions it offers. Here visitors can enjoy r<\/strong>estaurants, bars, movie theaters and art galleries, including the Boca Raton Museum of Art which houses national and international work.<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the north end of the park is the Mizner Park Amphitheater that holds up to 4,200 people. Past events and concerts have included The Boca Ballet, Selena Gomez, and Train.<\/p>\n

IF YOU GO<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n