‘Florida’s secret paradise’ The lesser known US city that’s the perfect Autumn break
OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in your favourite holiday hotspots – as well as lesser known gems.
This week we shine a light on a Florida favourite perfect for an autumn or winter break – Boca Raton.
Close to the bright lights of Miami, it offers a more relaxed experience in a stunning coastal setting.
As the Head of Travel at the Sun, I recently visited Florida’s secret paradise, with with pristine beaches, surprisingly lush parks and Japanese gardens and a laid back vibe.
But with the new Brightline that speeds holidaymakers from Orlando to Miami on Eurostar-style trains stopping off in Boca, it’s easier than ever for us Brits to discover the delights of this upscale city that offers all the best of Miami without the crowds and frenetic city pace.
With jetlag waking me early, I took a stroll on the beachfront near Spanish River Park where the sun breaks over the water painting the sky in vibrant amber and violet tones.
Settling onto the sands, I had the beach almost to myself as pelicans flew low over the gentle surf and watched as the sun rose high.
So here are some of my other tips on exploring the lesser known US city.
MUST SEE / DO
A beloved local institution, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center invites visitors to explore Boca Raton’s coastal ecosystem through nature trails, butterfly gardens and marine conservation exhibits.
It is famous for its sea turtle rehabilitation facility, where visitors can see rescued loggerhead and green sea turtles getting nursed back to health.
Visit during turtle nesting season from March through October, when the centre hosts guided night-time turtle walks and seasonal hatchling releases.
HIDDEN GEM
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens offer a serene escape that feels worlds away from the buzz of the coastline.
Spanning 16 acres, the gardens celebrate centuries of Japanese design through tranquil ponds, bonsai collections and carefully curated pathways.
BEST VIEW
Set between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, the Blue Flag designated Spanish River Park offers spectacular sunrise views over the beach and equally beautiful sunset scenes along its shaded walking trails and waterfront areas.
RATED RESTAURANT
Mizner Park, an open-air shopping and dining complex, is all pink-stucco Mediterranean Revival architecture and towering palm trees.
Here, Tryst blends classic French bistro charm with an inventive American menu under Chef Daniel Dore, featuring dishes from steak frites to a vegan mushroom lasagna topped with oat milk béchamel.
For more relaxed, value dining, Tomasso’s Pizza and Subs is a neighbourhood institution, serving up New York-style slices and massive sandwiches for decades.
A couple of slices or hot sub is from £7.33.
BEST BAR
American Social in Mizner Park is a fun sports bar bringing Modern American cuisine with a twist.
It is the perfect place not only if you want to catch a game, but also for an intimate dinner or a night with friends.
Beer lovers should head to Biergarten Boca Raton.
Tucked into Royal Palm Place, this indoor/outdoor spot stocks more than 24 beers on taps and has dozens of craft bottles as well.
With live music and generous happy hour deals, it’s a relaxed place to kick back.
HOTEL PICK
Fresh from a £5.4million renovation, the Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center is close to Mizner Park in the city centre and an ideal base for discovering the area.
There’s a gorgeous outdoor pool with plenty of shade from towering palms and you can pick up a cocktail or two at the outdoor Drift bar.
End the day at Sonrisa, with its bold Caribbean-American flavours.
Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the views and a calm, neutral palette with splashes of marine blue.
Rooms from £125 a night. See marriott.com.