Boca Raton day trip from Pompano Beach

How far is Boca Raton?

Boca Raton is the first city across the line into Palm Beach County. From central Pompano Beach it is about 10 miles by road to Mizner Park downtown and about 9 miles to Red Reef Park on the beach. That makes it an easy day trip, with time to come home for a swim before dinner.

Getting there

A1A

A1A north takes you over Hillsboro Inlet, along Hillsboro Beach and through Deerfield Beach into Boca. It is slow and scenic, and it delivers you straight to the beach parks.

Federal Highway or I-95

For Mizner Park and downtown, Federal Highway (US-1) is direct. I-95 is faster outside rush hour, with exits for Hillsboro Boulevard, Palmetto Park Road and Glades Road.

Traffic and beach parking in Boca vary by season and day of the week. Check a live map and parking rules before you go.

Red Reef Park

Red Reef Park on A1A is one of the easiest places in the area to snorkel from the beach. The city describes a snorkel trail with a jetty running from the beach into the water and 20 artificial reefs just offshore. On a calm, clear day you can swim out from the sand and see tropical fish without a boat. The reef is shallow, so a higher tide makes for a better swim.

Bring your own mask and fins, swim with a buddy and check the flags before you go in. For more snorkeling closer to home, see our snorkeling and diving guide.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Next to Red Reef Park, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is a favorite with families. There is a boardwalk trail through coastal hammock, an observation tower above the treetops, outdoor marine aquariums, a butterfly garden and resident sea turtles. It is run with Florida Atlantic University, and it is a good shaded stop in the middle of a hot day.

Programs, hours and any admission at Gumbo Limbo change through the year, especially during sea turtle season. Check the nature center’s site before you go.

Mizner Park

Mizner Park is Boca’s open-air downtown, with shops, restaurants and a movie theater around a long, landscaped green. The Mizner Park Amphitheater hosts concerts and events. It is a pleasant place to walk in the evening, and a good place to end the day before driving home.

The streets around Mizner Park are good for a stroll after dinner, with palm-lined sidewalks and plenty of benches. Parking is mostly in garages around the park, so note where you left the car. On concert nights the area gets busy, so check the amphitheater’s calendar if you would rather avoid the crowds or join them.

A simple Boca day

• Morning: drive A1A north past the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse.
• Late morning: snorkel at Red Reef Park while the water is calm.
• Midday: walk the boardwalk and see the turtles at Gumbo Limbo.
• Afternoon: back to the courtyard pool, or stay on for dinner at Mizner Park.

Why stay in Pompano for a Boca trip

Boca is a lovely day out. Pompano gives you the same coastline at your door, a 2-minute walk to the sand, free parking and a kitchen, with Boca a short drive up the road. On the way, stop in Deerfield Beach for its pier, or look across the inlet at the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse. For the other direction, see our Fort Lauderdale day trip.

More beaches in Boca

Boca Raton has several city beach parks along A1A, including Red Reef Park and Spanish River Park to the north. They are calm, well kept and popular with locals, and they make a good change of scene for a day. Parking at Boca’s beach parks is usually paid for non-residents and can be expensive, so check the rates before you go. With the beach a 2-minute walk from your door in Pompano, you may decide one Boca beach day is enough.

Sea turtles in season

Sea turtles nest on beaches all along this coast, from Boca Raton down through Pompano Beach. Nesting season runs roughly from March through October. Gumbo Limbo is one of the best places to learn about the turtles, and some of its programs run only in season. Back home, our sea turtle season guide covers how to watch respectfully on Pompano’s beach.

Boca with kids

For families, Gumbo Limbo and a short beach stop are plenty for one day. Pack lunch from your kitchen, keep the drive short and save Mizner Park for an evening without the kids, or for older children who want to shop.

Where to stay

Pompano Breeze is one boutique building of studios and suites around a private courtyard pool at 3217 NE 9th St. Suites sleep 4 to 5 with a kitchen and living room. Check availability and book direct with no platform fees.