Boca Raton, Florida is known for its beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches that offer soft golden sand, warm sun, and clear water. It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike – I’m lucky to call this city, my home!
Whether you’re visiting on vacation or are a Palm Beach County local, this beach guide covers all Boca Raton beaches plus what they offer, hours, directions and parking details.
Before heading to the beach, check out our Ultimate Beach Essentials for 2023. If you have little one’s, see the 12 Beach Must Haves for Babies and Toddlers.
Table of Contents
This round-up of the best Boca Raton beaches contains affiliate links, where I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Boca Raton Beaches
All of Boca Raton’s beaches offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and are perfect for a relaxing day by the water. They’re also well-maintained with facilities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Whether you’re looking to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the scenery, the beaches of Boca Raton are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Spanish River Park
The premier park that has it all.
This is our go to beach and its the largest out of all Boca Raton beaches – 95 acres in size. This park has it all, especially for families. Because of its size and amenities its a great place to throw a party.
Three separate tunnels take you under A1A road out to the beach. Spanish River Park has almost a mile of beach front access but also offers more great things to do:
- Intracoastal access for fishing and paddleboard or kayak launch. Check out the 40 foot observation tower.
- 120 picnic tables, 116 BBQ grills, and 10 covered pavilions fitting 35 people up to 200!
- Large playground with a zipline kids love.
- Sand volleyball courts.
- Multiple well shaded nature walking trails with bird viewing areas.
- Parking is $35 if you don’t have a resident beach pass. There’s lots of parking spots available and charging stations.
- Hours: 8am to sunset.
- Location: 3001 N. State Road A1A, Boca Raton, FL 33487
Bark Park Dog Beach
Boca’s only dog beach.
Looking for a dog friendly beaches in Boca Raton? A section of Spanish River Park beach turns into Bark Beach certain hours of each weekend! Bring your pooch to run and play but follow these simple rules:
- Keep your dog leashed until you get the dog friendly Bark Beach section, then they can unleashed.
- Properly dispose of your dogs droppings.
- You have to keep your permit on you at all times. You need one permit per dog, and you can only have two dogs per person.
- Seems silly but dogs can’t dig in the sand.
- Dogs shall not create a nuisance by causing any form of disturbance such as excessive barking, aggressive behavior towards other dogs or people, and/or other undesirable conduct.
Location: 3001 N. State Road A1A, Boca Raton, FL 33487 (Between Towers 18 & 20).
Hours: Open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 7am – 9am and during November – February 3pm – Sunset and during March – October 5pm – sunset.
Red Reef Beach
Snorkelers Paradise.
Red Reef Park is a great spot for snorkeling and diving, as it is home to an artificial reef that attracts a wide variety of marine life. New construction is complete and the reef has been expanded. It’s also known as one of the best snorkeling spots in all of South FLorida.
If the beach conditions are right, expect to see snappers, blue tangs, bar jack, spottail pinfish, parrotfish, sergeant majors and an occasional barracuda!
- Red Reef Park is 49 acres in size and is well shaded.
- Boardwalks talk you down to the beach.
- Park has picnic tables, BBQ grills, and pavilions.
- This one lacks a playground for kids.
- Red Reef Executive Golf Course is a 9-hole course nextdoor with water views on each side.
- Parking: $35 for non residents with a beach pass.
- Hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Location: 1400 N Ocean Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33432
South Beach Park
Great beachfront pavilion with restaurants nearby.
Situated at the southern end of Boca Raton and spanning over 24 acres, South Beach Park boasts a sparkling 600-foot stretch of golden white sand along the Atlantic Ocean. Not to be confused with South Beach Miami, this park can be found on the east end of Palmetto Park Rd close to nearby restaurants.
- Great pavilion overlooking the Atlantic Ocean – See the South Beach SurfCam
- Restrooms, and showers available.
- Kid-friendly, not overcrowded and has a shaded play area for kids.
- No picnic tables or BBQ grills.
- Surf fishing is permitted but not in designated swimming areas.
- Parking: lot is available on the northside of Palmetto or parallel parking is available. Meters run about $3/hour.
- Hours: 8 a.m. – sunset
- Location: 400 N State Road A1A Boca Raton, FL 33432
South Inlet Park
Great fishing & boat viewing.
At the very south end of Boca Raton, South Inlet Park is a relaxed oceanfront park featuring 850 feet of beach. It lines up to the Boca Raton inlet, great for saltwater fishing and boat watching. The jetty or walkable reef allows for calmer waters on windy days. The 11 acre park has several picnic areas, walking paths, and a children’s playground.
- Playground for kids.
- Shaded boardwalks that take you through the lush foliage.
- Picnic tables & BBQ grills (not close to the ocean).
- Fishing & surfing not allowed in guarded swimming areas.
- Parking: Pay at meters – Cars- $3 per hour (weekdays), $4 per hour (weekends & holidays).
- Hours: 7 a.m. – sunset
- Location: 1100 S Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Just a mile south of South Inlet Park, is the more lively and large Deerfield Beach. Packed with restaurants, bars, a fishing pier, sand volleyball courts and more! Check out Whale’s Rib or JBs for a good bite.
Boca Raton Beach Map
Lifeguards
Lifeguards staff the beach 7 days a week, year-round, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time and from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Beach Chair Rentals
Looking for beach chair rentals in Boca Raton? Oceanside Beach Services offers chair, umbrella and tables by hour, daily or annual rentals. See pricing here. They’re located at:
- South Beach Park – South Beach Pavilion and between Lifeguard Towers 2-5
- Red Reef Park – between Lifeguard Towers 7-8
- Spanish River Park – between Lifeguard Towers 16-18 and Tower 20
Webcam
Check Boca Raton beach conditions before heading to the beach. A Boca Raton beach cam is set up at South Beach Park Pavilion (East Palmetto Park Road and A1A). See the current beach conditions including water temperatures, wind speeds, and weather reports.
Accessibility
Beach mats are located at the middle tunnel of Spanish River and the boardwalk at South Beach Pavilion and can be used in a multitude of applications for individuals of all abilities, including pedestrians and wheelchairs.
What months is seaweed in Florida?
You might have seen the giant seaweed blob on the news. Certain times of the year sargassum can invade the beach. Florida’s seaweed season is usually April until October, peaking in June and July.
While it’s not ideal for swimming, our kids love it as its the secret to finding all kinds of sea life at the beach! See how we find fish, crabs, and shrimp in the seaweed.
What are the best beaches for scuba diving?
San Remo Reef is about 3 miles north of the Boca Inlet with depths of 45-65 feet. The caves and overhangs make for great scenery and are home to octopus, squid and tropical fish.
The Aqua Zoo is located 3/4 of mile ESE of Boca Raton inlet in depths of 70 feet. It’s home to a shipwreck of the Sea Emperor. Expect to see southern rays, goliath groupers, nurse sharks and eels.
A second dive site, the United Caribbean wreck, is only 300 feet south of the “Aqua Zoo” and is easily accessible—just follow the coral trail.
Is Boca Raton beach free?
Yes all beaches in Boca Raton are free! However, there’s fees to park. All public beaches are well maintained, have restrooms, showers, and life guards. Most include picnic tables, BBQ grills, and playgrounds for kids.
Where to Stay
Looking at a beach front stay in Boca Raton?
The Boca Raton Beach Club is a luxurious 5 star beachfront resort with 3 pools and a private beach.
VRBO has some great and affordable beachfront rentals.
Overall, all of Boca Raton, FL beaches are beautiful and are great to enjoy a beach day with your family and friends. The scenic views, crystal-clear waters, and numerous amenities make it an ideal spot to create unforgettable memories with loved ones.
Our Beach Essentials 2023
Our list of favorite beach day essentials when hitting the beach especially with kids.
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