35 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Boca Raton, Florida

Boca Raton, located in the southern part of Florida, is a city that is known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant arts scene. But there’s much more to this city than meets the eye. Here are 35 things you probably didn’t know about Boca Raton. From the city’s rich history and diverse demographics to its thriving economy and cultural offerings, this list offers a glimpse into the many facets of Boca Raton. From the city’s dog-friendly beaches, the annual Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival to The Boca Raton Christmas Boat Parade, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

1. History
Boca Raton was founded in the 1920s by architect Addison Mizner. The city’s name, Boca Raton, means “rat’s mouth” in Spanish, named after a rocky inlet on the coast. Boca Raton was originally a destination for wealthy Northeasterners looking for a winter getaway.

2. Demographics
As of 2020, Boca Raton has a population of approximately 100,000. The median household income in Boca Raton is $78,000. The city has a high percentage of retirees, with approximately 25% of the population over the age of 65.

3. Climate
Boca Raton has a sub-tropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The city experiences an average of around 23 inches of rainfall per year. Boca Raton is also vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms.

4. Economy
Boca Raton is home to several large corporations, including Office Depot and Tyco International.
The city is also a popular destination for tourists, with an estimated 4 million visitors per year.
The mean salary of Boca Raton is $80,000 per year.

5. Education
Boca Raton is home to Florida Atlantic University, a public research university with over 30,000 students. The city also has a number of highly-ranked public and private schools, including Boca Raton Community High School and Saint Andrew’s School. Boca Raton has a high percentage of residents with college degrees, with nearly 60% of adults over the age of 25 holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

6. Culture and Arts
Boca Raton has a vibrant arts scene, with several museums, performance venues, and galleries. The city is home to the Boca Raton Museum of Art, which features works by American and European artists. The Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center is a popular venue for concerts, plays, and other performances.

7. Outdoor Activities
Boca Raton has several parks and nature preserves, including the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and the Spanish River Park. The city also has a number of golf courses, including the Boca Raton Resort & Club and the Red Reef Park Executive Golf Course. Boca Raton’s beaches, such as South Beach Park and Red Reef Park, are popular spots for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

8. Shopping and Dining
Boca Raton is home to several malls and shopping centers, including Town Center at Boca Raton and Mizner Park. The city also has a wide variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Boca Raton has a high concentration of Italian restaurants, reflecting the city’s large Italian-American population.

9. Sports
Boca Raton is home to several sports teams and venues, including the Florida Atlantic Owls college football team and the Boca Raton Bowl. The city also has a number of recreational sports leagues and clubs, including soccer and little league teams. The Boca Raton Sports Training Center, a $15 million state-of-the-art sports complex, opened in 2016.

10. The Boca Raton, formerly The Boca Raton Resort & Club
The Boca Raton is a luxury hotel and golf resort located in the city. The resort was originally built in 1926 by architect Addison Mizner and has undergone several renovations and expansions since then. The resort features several golf courses, including the Boca Raton Resort & Club Golf Course, which has hosted several professional golf tournaments.

11. Addison Mizner
Addison Mizner was a prominent architect and developer in the early 20th century, known for his Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival style buildings. Mizner was responsible for designing many of Boca Raton’s early landmarks, including the Boca Raton Club and the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Mizner’s legacy lives on in Boca Raton, as many of his buildings have been preserved and are still in use today

12. The Boca Raton Airport
The Boca Raton Airport is a general aviation airport located in the city. The airport was originally built in 1936 and has undergone several expansions and renovations since then. The airport is home to several flight schools and charter companies, and is also a popular destination for private pilots.

13. The Boca Raton Inlet

The Boca Raton Inlet is a rocky inlet on the coast of the city that gave Boca Raton its name.
The inlet is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and water sports. The inlet is home to the Boca Raton Inlet Marina, which offers boat rentals and fishing charters.

14. The Boca Raton Historical Society

The Boca Raton Historical Society was founded in 1971 to preserve and promote the city’s history. The society operates the Boca Raton History Museum, which features exhibits on the city’s history and culture. The society also hosts a number of educational programs and events throughout the year.

15. The Boca Raton Bowl
The Boca Raton Bowl is a college football bowl game played annually in the city. The bowl game was first played in 2014 and features teams from the American Athletic Conference and the Mid-American Conference. The game is played at the FAU Stadium, home of the Florida Atlantic Owls football team.

16. The Boca Raton Children’s Museum
The Boca Raton Children’s Museum is an interactive museum for children and families. The museum features exhibits on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). The museum also offers educational programs and camps for children.

17. The Boca Raton Police Department
The Boca Raton Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for the city. The department was founded in 1925 and has a staff of over 200 officers. The department is accredited by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation.

18. The Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services
The Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services is the primary fire department for the city. The department was founded in 1925 and has a staff of over 200 firefighters. The department is a combination of career and volunteer firefighters.

19. The Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency
The Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency is a government agency responsible for promoting economic development and revitalization in the city. The agency is involved in a number of projects, including the redevelopment of downtown Boca Raton and the creation of new affordable housing.

20. The Boca Raton Beach Club

The Boca Raton Beach Club is a beachfront hotel and resort located in the city that is part of The Boca Raton. The resort features several amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options. The resort also offers beach activities such as water sports and beach cabanas.

21. The Boca Raton Philharmonic Symphonia
The Boca Raton Philharmonic Symphonia (The Symphonia) is a professional orchestra based in the city. The orchestra performs a variety of classical music and pops concerts throughout the year. The orchestra also offers educational programs for students, such as the Young People’s Concerts and the Music Matters Program.

22. The Boca Raton Regional Hospital
The Boca Raton Regional Hospital is a not-for-profit hospital located in the city.
The hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including a cancer center, heart center, and orthopedic center. The hospital is also a teaching hospital, affiliated with Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine.

23. The Boca Raton Museum of Art
The Boca Raton Museum of Art is a museum located in the city. The museum features American and European art, and also offers a variety of education programs and special exhibitions. The museum’s collection includes works by renowned artists such as Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Salvador Dali.

24. The Boca Raton Jewish Community Center
The Boca Raton Jewish Community Center is a community center that serves the city’s Jewish population. The center offers a variety of programs, including fitness classes, cultural events, and educational programs. The center also has a preschool and an after-school program.

25. The Boca Raton GreenMarket
The Boca Raton GreenMarket is a weekly farmers market that takes place in the city. The market features a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. The market also has live music and a variety of food trucks.

26. The Boca Raton Public Library
The Boca Raton Public Library is a public library located in the city. The library offers a variety of services, including books, magazines, newspapers, and e-books. The library also offers educational programs, such as story time and computer classes.

27. The Boca Raton Cemetery
The Boca Raton Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in the city. The cemetery has graves dating back to the early 1900s, including many of the city’s early pioneers and settlers. The cemetery is also the final resting place of architect Addison Mizner.

28. The Boca Raton City Hall
The Boca Raton City Hall is the city’s main government building. The building features a number of government offices, including the city manager’s office and the city council chambers. The city hall also has a public art gallery that features rotating exhibitions.

29. The Boca Raton Bowl Game Parade
The Boca Raton Bowl Game Parade is an annual parade that takes place in the city. The parade features marching bands, floats, and other performances. The parade is held on the day before the Boca Raton Bowl game.

30. The Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum
The Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum is a history museum located in the city. The museum features exhibits on the city’s history and culture, including artifacts and photographs.

31. The Boca Raton Dog Beach
The Boca Raton Dog Beach is a dog-friendly beach located in the city. The beach is a popular spot for dog owners to bring their pets for a swim and playtime. The beach has a designated area for dogs to play and also offers a dog wash station.

32. The Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival
The Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival is an annual event that takes place in the city. The festival features a variety of wine and food vendors, as well as cooking demonstrations and live music. The festival raises funds for local charities.

33. The Boca Raton Bowl Game Half-time Show
The Boca Raton Bowl Game Half-time Show is an annual halftime show that takes place during the Boca Raton Bowl game. The show features a variety of performers, such as marching bands, dance groups, and other acts. The halftime show is a highlight of the Boca Raton Bowl game and has featured renowned performers in the past.

34. The Boca Raton Triathalon
The Boca Raton Triathalon is an annual event that takes place in the city. The triathalon features a 1/4 mile swim, 12-mile bike ride, and a 3.1-mile run. The triathalon attracts a large number of participants from around the country and raises funds for local charities.

35. The Boca Raton Christmas Boca Parade

The Boca Raton Christmas Boat Parade is an annual event that takes place in the city. The boat parade features boats decorated with Christmas lights and other decorations, and also includes music, food and other activities. The boat parade has been a long-standing tradition in Boca Raton and is usually held on the first Saturday of December.

In conclusion, Boca Raton is a city that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From its luxury resorts and world-class golf courses to its museums, art galleries, and cultural events, there’s always something to see and do in Boca Raton. The city’s rich history is reflected in its many landmarks and historical sites, including the Boca Raton Resort & Club and the Boca Raton Cemetery. Boca Raton is also a great place to live, work, and raise a family, with excellent schools, a thriving economy, and a high quality of life. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, Boca Raton has something to offer everyone.

Sources:

City of Boca Raton official website, https://www.myboca.us/
Florida Atlantic University, https://www.fau.edu/
Boca Raton Museum of Art, https://www.bocamuseum.org/
Boca Raton Community High School, https://www.edline.net/pages/Boca_Raton_Community_High_School
Office Depot Corporate website, https://www.officedepot.com/
ADT Corporate website, https://www.adt.com/
Visit Florida, https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/boca-raton.html(