It’s officially Snowbird season, so you know what that means: Quite literally everyone and their mother from the Tri-state area is posting up in South Florida every chance they get. And while you could def argue that Boca Raton in particular is like Long Island but with palm trees, it’s definitely not a bad place to pretend to be a retiree for the next few days (or ideally, months).
Where To Stay In Boca Raton
Assuming you’re not holing up with your grandparents or more recently-retired parents in Boca West, consider splurging on a stay at one of these hotels:
The Boca Raton
This uber-luxe resort and beach club is *the* place to see and be seen in Boca. Expect to run into everyone from Real Housewives to actual A-listers (looking at you, Adam Sandler), to your mom’s $$$ childhood friends. When you’re not sipping cocktails by the pool, lounging on the beach, pretending to play golf, or trying your hand at tennis and pickleball, hit up the on-site Sadelle’s (that you can literally only get into if you’re staying here) and order up their namesake tower—just be sure to take a picture for your Instagram Story so everyone knows you took a three-hour flight to get the exact same food you could get in New York City.
Waterstone Resort & Marina
Overlooking the Atlantic and the Intracoastal, Waterstone Resort & Marina is a top spot for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and, obvi, boating. The 139 rooms and suites feature water views, contemporary interiors, and, as a bonus, private balconies for you to sip coffee (or champagne) al fresco. SeaSpray, the hotel’s trendy outdoor eatery, offers a ‘gram-worthy setting (complete with a colorful mural backdrop) and refreshing cocktails. Need I say more?
The Ray
While The Ray isn’t technically in Boca, it is close enough (about a 15-min drive). This chic boutique property is best known for its modern art-filled interiors and buzzy rooftop pool and adjacent bar and lounge area—the vibes here are unmatched. The breezy-chic rooms and suites are just as impressive, too; it literally feels like you’re staying at your rich friend’s family’s beach pad. Although the hotel isn’t located directly along the sand, guests do have free beach access, along with the use of beach loungers and bikes.
Where To Eat & Drink In Boca Raton
Matteo’s
IYKYK. The family-style Italian restaurant—a Long Island classic—has a Boca outpost that’s just as incredible. If you can, book an outdoor res, order up the baked clams and spicy rigatoni (which, TBH, rivals Carbone’s) and sip on some cocktails (the Aperol Spritz is 10/10).
BagelWorks
Come to BagelWorks for the closest thing you’ll get to a NY bagel in FL. I mean, it’s not exactly the same, but desperate times, people. Nurse your hangover with a classic bagel and lox, or, if you’re feeling healthy AF, make your own salad—extra chopped, obviously. Be sure to arrive as early as you can to avoid running into your ex-best friend from camp and your college roommate’s best friend from high school.
Vinny’s Cafe
Would this guide really be complete without a mention of Vinny’s? I have yet to find a chopped salad or wrap place that has a fandom like Vinny’s. The chicken Caesar wrap is especially *chef’s kiss.* Bonus points if you top it off with a smoothie or juice from another fan-favorite, Raw Juce.
Max’s Grille
No trip to Mizner Park is complete without a meal at Max’s Grille. The beloved local haunt—which dates back to ‘91, well before your parents made the move down—is popular for good reason. We recommend coming for weekend brunch (crème brulée French toast, anyone?) or happy hour (read: $7 margs and $9 tinis).
Fries to Caviar
This tiny eatery is still a hidden gem—for now, at least (sorry!). Nab a table on the outdoor patio and feast on fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and, of course, fries and caviar. Is there a more perfect combo? I think not. The intimate atmosphere here is perfect for your next Hinge/JSwipe/Bumble/Lox Club date, too. We know your Bubbie would approve.
Latitudes
Latitudes is a short drive away in Highland Beach, but dining here is well worth the traffic you’re bound to experience on I-95. Located within the Delray Sands Resort, this all-day eatery offers waterfront dining and seafood-forward fare served in a swanky ambiance. Splurge on the shellfish tower and thank me later.
Abe & Louie’s
You can never go wrong with a steakhouse, and Abe & Louie’s consistently hits the spot (especially the martinis). Even the pickiest and fussiest of grandparents like it here—need I say more?
What To See & Do In Boca Raton
Hit The Beach (Duh)
It goes without saying, but no trip to Boca is complete without a beach day or two. Here, you’ll find two miles of pristine, palm tree-lined beaches where you can get your zen on in between dips in the ocean.
Shopping At Town Center Mall Or Mizner Park
Max out your credit card and treat yourself to a well-deserved shopping spree. The Town Center Mall offers a mix of big-name stores like Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue and smaller boutiques such as Pookie & Sebastian. Meanwhile, Mizner Park is home to local favs like Anna Zuckerman and Sugarboo & Co.
Spa Day
Need a break from the beach? Enjoy some pampering and hit up one (or more) of the local spas for some self-care. The Studio Salon & Day Spa offers top-notch pedis and massages, while Spa Palmera at The Boca Raton has bougier treatments like diamond facials and OTT ritual baths. Finish off with a blowout at Peter’s Place. You deserve it.
Featured image courtesy of TripAdvisor.
