Beaches in Boca Raton, Florida

Boca Raton South Beach

South Florida is a popular destination during the "winter" months for people trying to escape the cold north. If you're planning to be in the Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, or Miami area the next few months, we have many unique venues, events, and parks to visit in your leisure time.

Don't forget to check out the beaches. Our beaches are some of the most popular around. If cold (cold to me, maybe not to you!) water doesn't deter you, then throw on a swimsuit and sunblock, then head on over to one of the beaches below!

Boca Raton Beaches

This set of beaches is found in east Boca and consist of three parks:

Spanish River

Located just south of Spanish River Blvd on A1A, Spanish River Park is a very long stretch of sand. You'll find parking on the west side of A1A in Spanish River Park or along Spanish River Blvd. One negative to parking inside of the park is that it's only open from 8 to sunset. The other is the fee: $16 during the week and $18 on the weekends/holidays—for most vehicles except trucks, buses, and other larger vehicles. These vehicles will cost $33/$61. However, the fee covers the entire day, so there's that. If you choose to park at a meter between 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., then you'll pay $2/hour during the week, $3/hour on the weekends. There's a 4-hour maximum limit.

Spanish River Beach

Other than that, it's a lovely place to spend the day visiting both the beach and the park. To cross over onto the beach, they have two convenient tunnels that take you under A1A. You can picnic at the large picnic tables, host parties, and grill food in the park. They have bathrooms and a playground. There are hiking trails within the park under the shade of lots of trees.

It's a beautiful place to watch the sun rise over the horizon or go running/biking. If you hike north on this beach, you will find a cluster of rock formations called Yamato "Jap" Rock. It's a popular fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming spot for the locals. It's also great for a shore dive. You can see a variety of marine life in this region. Before heading out, always check the water conditions since this spot is known for its rip currents. I wouldn't worry about it getting too crowded. I've never seen it crowded here—ever.

South Beach

Boca Raton's South Beach is a nice, relatively clean beach with an oversized shaded pavilion overlooking the ocean. It's very popular for its remarkable sunrises. I come here often for sunrise more than anything else. It's quiet, littered with many people there to see the sunrise also. Lots of people come for yoga at sunrise or some other form of exercise. There's another smaller pavilion located near the bathrooms and showers. It has a playground and picnic tables. If you want to rent chairs, umbrellas, surfboards, or other beach accessories, Oceanside Beach Services has you covered. If you're feeling hungry, there are several restaurants along Palmetto Park Rd.

Boca Raton South Beach "Romantic Sunrise"

Speaking of, it's easy to find. Off of I95, head east off on Palmetto Park Road until you cross the bridge over the Intracoastal and come up to A1A. You'll find limited parking along the road and right at the beach at the pavilion. If you get lucky with a spot at the pavilion, it's $2/hour during the week and $3/hour on the weekend.

Unfortunately, there is a one-hour time limit when you've parked in that section. It's better to find parking elsewhere, like at Red Reef Park. It's approximately a 15-minute walk from there, plus there's plenty of parking.

Red Reef

Red Reef Park is within walking distance of the above beaches. It's a 67-acre park that is situated on both sides of A1A. Feel free to swim, snorkel, picknick, fish, or spread out for a lazy day on the sand. Other popular activities, like bird watching, kayaking, and paddleboarding are done from here as well. You'll find a huge assortment of fish and other marine animals located near the reef. Prices for parking are the same as Spanish River's parking fees. It opens daily at 8, closing at 10 at night.

While the beaches listed below are not in Boca Raton, they're still worth a visit:

Ocean Reef Park
This stretch of beach is 700 feet long. A lifeguard is on duty during open hours, which are from sunrise to sunset. Frolick in the water or take a shallow dive to explore the reef that can be seen even at low tide. 

Palm Beach - Easy access and lots of parking! Of course, you have to pay to park but you'll find a lot of places charge for parking in South Florida. There's a lifeguard on duty. Enjoy plenty of beautiful scenery, making it an ideal spot for nature photography.

Pompano Beach & Pompano Beach Pier - This place is a great spot for grilling out with friends or enjoy sunning on the beach, plus everything is within walking distance! You'll also find plenty of metered parking. 

Fort Lauderdale Beach & Anglin's Fishing Pier - Restaurants, small shops, and fishing right off of the beach! Parking is slightly tight at Anglin's and limited valet services are available. However, parking is plentiful off of Ft. Lauderdale Beach. You'll find yoga classes, volleyball games, and lots more going on at all different times of the day. This beach is a must-see when you visit Florida.

Here's a shot I captured of Anglin's Fishing Pier a few years ago:

Hollywood North Beach Park - Secluded, calm, and has lots of wildlife! Plus, this is a gorgeous beach. You have to go and see it for yourself because pictures don't do it justice.

The Dog Beach of Hollywood - Yes! If you're looking for a place to take your beloved pooch, look no further. This is a great beach for your little four-legged child! There is an entrance fee and parking is metered.

South Beach - You didn't think I would leave out the infamous South Beach, now did you?? This is a really nice beach with beautiful views. Some areas are more crowded than others but it's definitely worth a visit.

Is there a beach not listed that you would like to share? Leave your comments and questions below!