1. It’s A Way Cooler City Than It Sounds
Boca Raton is a lot more appealing than its name—Spanish for “mouth of the rat.”
It actually had a pretty cool origin, from sailors who used the term to describe hidden rocks on the Boca Seashore and inlet. Sounds a lot nicer in Spanish, right?
2. FAU Is The School For You
FAU is the abbreviation for Florida Atlantic University, the beating heart of Boca Raton. FAU has five satellite campuses, and balances out Boca’s age ratio. This will be especially evident on game days. Just wait and see.
3. Although The Mascot Sounds A Lot More Intimidating Nowadays
Burrowing owls are native to South Florida, and were originally chosen as Florida Atlantic University’s mascot. However, the school changed the name to simply the FAU Owls, which is a lot appropriate for a football team. The idea of burrowing underground isn't all that intimidating...
4. Here’s How To Sound Like You Belong Here
It’s "boca-rah-tone,” not “boca-rah-tawn." You’ll probably hear it pronounced wrong a lot, however—a high percentage of Boca Raton residents are snowbirds, and only live here part of the time. So getting it right is a surefire way to sound like you’re a native.
5. Everything Is Named After This Mizner Guy
The guy responsible for developing the city might not have ended his career on a particularly high note, folks in Boca Raton are still proud of Addison Mizner. Mizner Lake Estates, Addison Reserve Country Club, Mizner Park, and Mizner Boulevard all carry the visionary’s name—not to mention the statue.
6. Gumbo Limbo Is Not A Tropical Soup
But it is a recipe for a great time. More than 100,000 people visit the nature center each year. Gumbo Limbo has been promoting environmental education for 30 years, and its aquariums are nothing short of amazing.
7. If You Wanna Iguana, You Gotta Go To Boca
Wild iguanas are pretty comfortable in Boca, and have no problem just wandering around where they please. The big green lizards are basically harmless, but can be a nuisance, so do NOT feed them.
8. Boca and West Boca Are Not The Same
Boca has expanded west over the years, so much so that there are actually two separate parts of the city—Boca Raton and West Boca. The dividing line is generally considered the Florida’s Turnpike, and if you want to avoid the influx of tourists every season, West Boca’s where you want to be.
9. Turtle Hatchlings Are Boca’s Babies
When the little guys begin to hatch along the South Florida beaches, they are supposed to follow the moonlight to the ocean. However, normal streetlights can sometimes confuse the hatchlings, so Boca Raton lined the highway above the beach with dull amber lights.
And beginning at the end of each July, turtle hatchlings are helped along by conservationists on their way back to the ocean.
10. In Boca, The Healthy Way Is The Only Way
Residents of Boca Raton take good health seriously. They watch what they eat and spend plenty of time exercising. On weekends, it's pretty normal to see bicyclists in bright cycle club jerseys pedaling on the road above the beach. Join in an take advantage of that perfect Florida weather.
11. Boca Is In “Love” With Tennis
The weather is pretty much perfect for outdoor activities, and people in Boca take advantage of it by playing A LOT of tennis. Just ask local Andy Roddick. No joke.
12. There’s Only One Place For Perfect Waterfront Dining
The Waterstone Resort & Marina is basically the only place for “on the water” dining in Boca Raton, but one trip here will prove that you don't really need another. Patrons can dine poolside at the Waterstone Bar and Grill, or at Boca Landing for a more swanky outing.
13. Sunset Cove Is Where The Rocking Happens
This is where everyone comes when for a night of great music in Boca. Sunset Cove Amphitheater seats 6,000 people and is perfect for spreading out a picnic and rocking out to bands like Michael Franti, G Love and Slightly Stoopid.
14. Every Year Greece Comes To Boca
For the last 32 years, St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church has treated Boca Raton to its Passport To Greece Festival. It's a pretty big deal, and features everything Greek from food to entertainment. You might just forget you're in Florida.
15. Mizner Park Has Everything You’ll Ever Need
Mizner Park is a great place to spend a day, especially if you're into trendy, upscale shops and restaurants. Just about everything you could possibly need is available in the blocks encasing Mizner Park: Restaurants, an amphitheater, the Boca Raton Museum of Art, and so much more.
16. The Laptop You’re Reading This On Wouldn’t Exist Without Boca Raton
The IBM PC made its historic debut in Boca back in 1981. And the rest, as they say, is history. You’re welcome, universe.
17. Not To Mention The Notebooks Where You Used To Write Your Notes
That, and office supplies. Office Depot is headquartered in Boca.
18. No, The Only Sopranos That Live Here Sing In Church
But, several episodes of the crime drama did take place in Boca Raton. Your eyes weren’t deceiving you.
19. And No, Tyco Is Not A Toy Company
It sounds like it should be part of Mattel Toys’ division by the same name, but that’s a common mistake. It’s actually a Swiss security systems company headquartered in Boca Raton. So don’t hang around looking for toys, they might get suspicious...
20. Sugar Sand Park Is Basically As Good As Christmas
This city park is kid heaven, with the Children’s Science Explorium, an indoor gymnasium and the Willow Theater. Kids can also climb aboard an ornate carousel. The kids won't be the only ones having fun.
21. The Boca Raton Resort Is Where You Go To “Treat Yo’ Self”
This is the place to be royally spoiled. But beware: Once you visit, you'll probably never want to leave. The Boca Raton Resort and Club is contemporary Boca at its finest. You'll know it by the unmistakable pink exterior. It's the ultimate luxurious experience.
22. The Red Reef Park Is Your Ticket To An Underwater World
Youtube user FLmarlins103
Red Reef Park is the perfect place to take advantage of the Florida coastline with a day of snorkeling along the colorful reefs. And you're sure to see tropical fish swimming throughout the rocks and reefs as well.
What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about Boca Raton? Tell us in the comments below!
