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You’ve been counting down the days until the weekend and you’re looking to trade in the Swamp for some beaches and sun. So ditch the backpack, grab some sunscreen, that bathing suit you hope still fits, and head to SoFlo. The four hour drive is a relatively easy one- simply follow all the migrating snowbirds. Hit the road at about one- we both know you were just going to to skip that afternoon class anyway. We’ll give you the local intel for a weekend in Boca, (and so that you leave with more than a penny to your name) neighboring Deerfield Beach and Delray Beach. So part with your coveted cheap beer for the weekend and pretend to have just a little bit of class.
Estimated time of arrival: 5pm
Friday Night
You’re finally out of the car and you need a (few) drink(s).
Papa’s Raw Bar in Lighthouse Point
Papa’s Raw Bar is local favorite for fresh seafood and craft beers. In this bustling Key West-style tavern, the sushi is made fresh and delivered overnight. With a motto like “Eat. Drink and be Local,” you can rest assured you’re steering clear of the tourist traps. The menu reads more like a short book- you can pick from sushi and sashimi, hibachi, or anything from their raw bar.
Saturday
Breakfast in Boca: Tanzy
You’ve somehow rolled out of bed and it’s time to indulge. Again.Tanzy in Mizner Park, while a bit heavier on the wallet, is located underneath the luxury movie theatre iPic. They cook up an amazing brunch worth the splurge. Order up some of their bloody Mary’s to get your day started and don’t skip out on their applewood, sugar-crusted bacon. Forewarning, you will likely not leave without migrating to their posh, eclectic bar first, which serves just about any exotic drink you can think up.
Boca Beaches
It’s what you REALLY drove four hours for. Boca is known for its pristine, beautiful beaches. If you’re looking for a beach with some snorkeling, lay out a towel at Red Reef Beach. If a quiet, peaceful beach is more your scene, try South Beach (no, not that South Beach). If you prefer a more teeming beach, try Palmetto Park Beach with neighboring beach shops across the street, or South Inlet Beach, situated so you can watch boats come and go or walk the jetty.
Deerfield Beaches
For a very different, more spring break type of scene, try neighboring Deerfield Beach, which is surrounded by surf shops (Island Water Sports is a local gem worth paying a visit), and restaurants just walking distance from the sand. Deerfield also lays claim to a stretching pier to walk or fish off of.
Delray Beaches
Delray’s beaches are situated on the Avenue, which is the South Florida equivalent of a more classy, beach-front Midtown. And by that, I mean replace the drunk, overdressed sorority girls with their drunk, overdressed aging counterparts, who are just one more botox shot away from Barbie.
Lunch if in Deerfield: The Whale’s Rib
This old-Florida style bar and restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and “whale fries,” which are fried potato chips. Situated just steps from the sand, this little hole in the wall doesn’t abide by “no shirt, no shoes, no service,” which is exactly what you want to hear when your inner sun bum reluctantly gives in to getting up. The Food Network also featured this spot with Guy Fieri reviewing its award-winning eats. Bonus points if you find the picture of Weeman from Jackass visiting on the wall.
Lunch if in Boca: Farmer’s Table
Grab a seat out on the patio or cozy up inside at this rustic eatery for some locally-sourced, refreshing grub. This stop caters to any and all vegetarian and gluten-free needs, offering a lengthy menu of healthy, decadent and creative dishes even if you don’t care what you’re shoveling in your mouth.
Late Night in Deerfield: Charm City
For some late night eats to replenish yourself from all the sun and alcohol you’ve undoubtedly been over-indulging in, hit Charm City in Deerfield Beach. A local favorite for their burgers and milkshakes, Charm City will greet you with open arms and good eats no matter your state of disarray.
Sunday Funday
If the Gainesville shopping scene simply wasn’t doing it for you, Boca and its surrounding towns have no shortage of retail bliss. For some window shopping and lunch, try Mizner Park in Boca Raton or the Avenue in Delray Beach.
Mizner Park
Peppered with restaurants, Mizner is home to one of a handful of luxury movie theatres in the country, called iPic. Recline in a LaZ-Boy chair, curl up in a blanket, and press a button to be served some eats and drink from Tanzy, the restaurant below. However, as with most things in Boca, this activity may require you to take out some additional student loans.
Lunch if in Mizner Park, Boca
Try Kapow! Noodle Bar in Mizner. This Pan-Asian eatery with comic-book-like art adorning the walls has an outdoor/indoor bar that serves creative cocktails and food.
Lunch if on the Ave, Delray
For shopping and fine food galore, frequent the Avenue in Delray Beach. If you find yourself on the Ave for lunch, there’s no shortage of options. If you’re in the mood for a burger, try The Office, where your menu is a decadent sounding itinerary. For craft cocktails, beer, and modern Mexican fare, try the rustic El Camino. Another option, Brule Bistro and Wine House, serves up French influenced American cuisine. Don’t fret- all of which have full bars.
It’s time to reluctantly accept your status as a poor college student once again and head back to the Swamp to show off those tan lines. Next time you want to treat yourself to a weekend of relaxation, Boca Raton and its beautiful beaches always beckon.
For next time: Yakitori Sake House, Yard House, Key Lime House, Crepe Cafe, and Anthony’s Coal Fire Pizza
Not feelin’ Boca? Check out our Weekend Getaway Guides for Tampa, Miami, Tallahassee, St. Petersburg, Jacksonville and St. Augustine.
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