Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Boca Raton

"This top among Boca Raton parks serves as a local leader for environmental conservation, education and research. Over 200,000 people visit the nature center to see aquariums, butterfly garden, sea turtle rehab center and stroll 20 acres of protected areas. Start with a trip to the nature center, which features interactive exhibits and gardens."

"Founded in 1984, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is dedicated to protecting and preserving natural resources such as plants and animals, some of which are rare or endangered. Its 20 acres on the protected barrier island serves as a light for research, environmental education, and conservation."

"Sure, there are so many amazing state parks and national parks in Florida, but some of the best parks are just in your backyard. Okeeheelee Park isn’t just your average pack. It’s a recreation haven with more activities, setting the bar high for what to expect of your local parks."

"7715 Forest Hill BoulevardWest Palm Beach, FL 33413(561) 966-6600. Named after the native Seminole word for “pretty waters,” Okeeheelee Park covers a sprawling 1,700 acres intended just for recreation and cheap family fun!"

"Going inside the park, you are met with overhanging palm trees that canopy the entrance to the trail. The natural shading from the sun provides hikers and joggers the opportunity to enjoy the trail without unwanted sun. A delightful, little bridge crosses one of the canals, allowing trail goers the opportunity to see them on an open area perfect for a photo-op!"

"Accessible only by boat, Deerfield Island Park is bordered by Intracoastal Waterway and Hillsboro and Royal Palm Canals. The park welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to walk the nature trail, hike, rent kayaks and paddleboards, and picnic. Those who bring their own boat have access to a small marina and Intracoastal dock, both available on a first-come basis."

"The decor is great with a working fireplace, long solid oak bar and steel meat hooks overhanging from the ceiling. The atmosphere is casual, outdoor seating are available and there are plenty of vegetarian options as well. 213 Clematis StWest Palm Beach, FL 33401(561) 651-1075https://www.greasewpb.com/"

"Palm Beach ladies who lunch leave the island for an afternoon at Belle and Maxwell's, while young professionals loosen up after work at the...Read More"

"With interactive kiosks, exhibits with artifacts, giant photos and display cases – the history of Palm Beach County comes to full color life at this museum in a historic courthouse. All of these elements tell the stories behind the colorful characters of the area’s swamp to riches past, including Pre-Columbian inhabitants, the persevering and thriving Seminole Indians, early pioneers, the magnate business and billionaire philanthropic community, and other famous figures. The Museum contains two permanent and some rotating exhibits."

"The Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum is located on North Dixie Highway in nearby West Palm Beach. For lovers of Florida culture and history, it’s one of those places that deserves an hour or two. The museum is operated by the county’s historical society and has been open to the public for more than a decade."

"The Flagler Museum is housed in what was once the home of Henry Morrison Flagler (1830-1913), a hotel and railway multimillionaire who also had a love for fine art. As with the Nortons, Flagler’s personal collection became the basis for the museum. Only Flagler has the pride of being both the founder of Florida’s first museum and the one whose leadership transformed Florida into a vacation paradise with a thriving economic foundation."

"One of the best things to do in West Palm Beach for exploring its fascinating past is to visit Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. Also called Whitehall, Henry Morrison Flagler Museum is a Gilded Age estate featuring 75 rooms. The construction of this palatial building was completed in 1902."

"After a lifetime of unparalleled business success, Henry Flagler is credited with building the Florida East Coast Railway System. Initially imagined to support his various hotel ventures, Flagler had the foresight to invest in Florida’s future as a shining tourist destination. Now, his opulent, Gilded Age 75-room mansion, Whitehall, is open to the public, and is one of the top attractions in Palm Beach County."

"With a collection of over 7,000 pieces, the Norton Museum of Art features masterpieces from the 19th and 20th centuries, with paintings, photography and sculptures from around the world. From Picasso to Monet, the museum halls are stocked to amaze. There are ongoing feature exhibitions and an impressive permanent collection of Chinese jade and bronze artifacts, considered to be one of the most extensive and impressive in the world."

"The Norton, the largest and most prestigious museum in Palm Beach County currently has several rotating exhibit spaces on the ground floor with two upper floors filled with permanent holdings of European and Chinese art. They host film screenings and After Dark events for a young-at-art crowd with live music. There is a smart little café for noshing and a fun gift shop with sculpture, cards and jewelry."

"Contemporary art, photography, and global exhibits abound at the Norton Museum!. The Norton is home to over 7,600 works of art, including some American, Chinese, and European pieces. The museum recently completed its biggest renovation to date on February 9th, 2019."