Boca Beach Spotlight: Welcome to Red Reef Park!
There’s no shortage of things to do in Boca Raton. In fact there’s so many things to do that it can often be hard to choose!
To help you decide, we’re starting a new spotlight series to provide insights into many of South Florida’s top local attractions. And since we’re talking about South Florida here (a destination famous for its sandy white coasts and year-round welcoming waters), we’re kicking off our first installment with one of our absolute favorite beaches in Boca Raton: Red Reef Park!
What to Know Before You Go
If you’re looking for a super clean, easily accessible, and family-friendly Boca beach, the 67-acre Red Reef Park is the perfect pick. While the park itself is free to enter, there is a $16 vehicle-entry fee on week nights (it increases to $18 on weekends). Still, that’s not at all bad for a full day of fun, if you ask us!
As far as hours, Red Reed park is open from 8AM to 10PM every single day (including Sundays!) and can be found at 14000 N Ocean Blvd, roughly a 15-minute walk from our amenity-filled suites located right across the street from the Mizner Park lifestyle center.
Now, let’s dive in a little deeper with an overview of the many things to do at this scenic and popular Boca beach!
Red Reef Park Snorkeling
Red Reef Park is especially popular for its snorkeling. With various Ocean Rescue staff members and lifeguards keeping an eye out seven days a week and every day of the year, there’s plenty of security, meaning you can enjoy your day knowing you and your family are well watched and protected in case of emergency.
As far as the undersea exploration goes, Reef Reef Park is a popular snorkeling destination for several reasons. For starters, the Park features an elaborate man-made reef located right off the beach, making it an easy destination to reach for swimmers of all experience levels.
Along the way, you’re guaranteed to run into some sort of sea critters, including eels, snooks, barracudas, and literally hundreds of other types of fish. You’ll also find a colorful display of undersea animals and vegetation surrounding the reef itself, including sponges, coral, and countless sea plants.
In truth, the only downside about the entire Red Reef Park snorkeling experience is that there’s no place to rent equipment on site. However, a quick stop at a nearby Walgreen’s or any number of on-the-street tourist stops will ensure you’re properly prepared!
Red Reef Park Golf
The Red Reef Park Executive Golf Course, located at 1221 N. Ocean Blvd, is a 9-hole, 1357-yard executive-style public course minutes away from Red Reef Park beach.
Featuring a timelessly elegant design, this elaborate course provides all the amenities you could ever need, including electric and pull cart rentals, vending machines, on-course bathrooms, advance tee times, a practice putting green, and more.
Not only does the Red Reef Park Executive Golf Course provide some fun and casual courses for golfers of all experience levels, its scenery is also quite breathtaking. A magnificent stretch of Intracoastal Waterway serves as a primary backdrop for the course, and most games will lead you all the way to the spectacular dunes of Red Reef. All throughout, you’ll find plenty of trees and other greenery that’s sure to be well maintained by the helpful staff.
Just keep in mind that this Red Reef Park golf course was designed with beginning to intermediate players in mind, so those looking for a more challenging experience might want to consider some of the many other golf courses Boca has to offer!
Red Reef Park Fishing
As far as Red Reef Park fishing goes, surf fishing is one of the destination’s biggest draws. With comprehensive intracoastal access to a no-wake boating area, park visitors can come and fish comfortably from many parts of the beach. However, there are some designated swimming areas where surf fishing isn’t allowed – but these spots can be easily avoided by following signs or simply asking any of the on-duty staff.
The clear waters are yet another reason why Red Reef Park fishing is such a popular pastime for tourists and locals alike, as is the diversity of marine life in those waters. Barracuda, snooks, marlins, bonefish, blue runners, and countless other varieties of saltwater game fish are bountiful year-round in the waters of South Florida, and many of these species find their way into Red Reef. Just don’t forget to bring the bait!
Looking for a Place to Stay for Your Boca Beach Getaway?
When it comes to finding things to do in Boca Raton, there’s never any shortage. Hopefully, this first installment in our new spotlight series will give you some ideas on where to go if you’re looking for some excellent Boca beach snorkeling, golfing, or fishing – and it’s all just minutes away from our comfy bed and breakfast on Ocean Blvd!