South Palm Beach County Vacation Sites: Boca Raton and Delray Beach

Are you are planning to run away to south Florida by yourself, spend a romantic weekend with someone special or a simply just want some quality family vacation time? Although popular places such a Key West, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are great vacation spots, you may be wanting something a little less crowded. Located between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach you will find Boca Raton and Delray Beach. Boca Raton and the surrounding areas are filled with many interesting and fun things to do. Heres a list of places to go and things to see during your stay in Boca Raton or Delray Beach, Florida.

Morukami Museum and Japanese Gardens:
This beautifully landscaped indoor and outdoor park in located in Delray Beach. It is considered to be the center for Japanese Arts and culture in south Florida. The Japanese Gardens located here are ranked 8th among the 300 Japanese Gardens outside of Japan by the Journal of Japanese Gardens. There are many exhibits on display for you to see. Envision a museum dedicated solely to the Japanese arts and cultures. Stop off at the Cornell Cafe for a wonderful dining experience. The Cornell Cafe was rated one of the top three museum dining experiences by the Food Network. Admission for adults is only $10, Senior is $9 and children admission is $6. For more information visit their Web site: http://www.morikami.org/index.php?src=

Gumbo Limbo Nature Park:
Located in Boca Raton, Florida, at the Red Reef Park on the barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The park is made up of 20 acres of reserve land dedicated as a nature center. The nature center includes aquariums, a beautiful butterfly garden and a 40 foot high observation tower. There are many tours scheduled throughout the day. The park suggests a donation of $3.00 per person to get into this beautiful nature park. Visit their website for more information:
http://gumbolimbo.org/

Loxahatchee Everglades Tours:
Jump aboard an air boat ride touring through the everglades wildlife refuge. Take your camera along to snap a quick picture of the beautiful wildlife along the way. Guided tours are available seven days a week from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For pricing and location information visit their Web site:
http://www.evergladesairboattours.com/fishing.html

Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge:
If you enjoy nature this is a great place to visit. This beautiful scenic park is located in West Boynton Beach, just north of Delray Beach. This park is located on the northern edge of the everglades. This wildlife refuge is home to wet prairies, sawgrass marshes and swamps. The park features walking trails, fishing platforms, bike trails, a boat ramp, observation platforms and canoe trails. A large functions of the refuge is to help preserve and shelter the natural wildlife. Admission is $5.00 per vehicle. For details and information visit their website at: http://www.fws.gov/loxahatchee/home/default.asp

Delray Intracoastal Cruise:
Set Sail on the Lady Atlantic. This two hour long cruise throughout the intracoastal waterways of Delray Beach south to Boca Raton. The small yacht style cruise features a galley and a bar if you feel the need to sip on your favorite beverages while cruising through the beautiful waterways. Expect to see the areas beautiful marine life in its natural habitat. Holiday light cruises are offered during the month of December. Sunset cruises are also scheduled on select evening throughout the season. The cruise season normally starts in September and goes through the month of May. The cruise ship sets sail from the boat dock at Veterans Park located on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. Reservations are strongly suggested. For complete information visit their website at:
http://www.delraybeachcruises.com/

Coconut Cove Waterpark:
Slip on your bathing suit and be ready to enjoy some fun in the sun. The five acre Coconut Cove waterpark in located in south Boca Raton. Slide down the water slides or float along the lazy river. Great fun for the kids. For up to date information and park schedule contact Coconut Cove Waterpark and Recreation Center at (561)274-1140. Check them out on the web at:
http://www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/parks/aquatics/waterparks/coconutcove/

Deer Creek Golf Course:
If you like to golf, Deer Creek Golf Course is open to the public, no membership necessary. Deer Creek is located in Deerfield Beach, just south of Boca Raton. Deer Creek is noted for its exceptional course conditions and country club amenities. Deer Creek offers a great driving range, chipping and putting greens, a wonderful clubhouse, and a fully stocked pro shop. For tee times and pricing call: 954-429-0006. For more details visit their website:
http://www.deercreekflorida.com/index.php

Boomers Amusement park:
The entire family can have fun at this amusement park. Boomers is located in Boca Raton right next to the municipal airport. This fun filled amusement park features batting cages, go carts, bumper boats, miniature golf, laser tag, rock climbing wall and a large game room. The admission and game pricing is reasonable. Great place to spend the afternoon with the kids. For all the details visit their website at:
www.boomersparks.com/park/bocaraton/directions.html

Spa Eleven:
Spend your day being pampered at Spa Eleven located in Delray Beach, Florida. Appointments are preferred. This luxury spa offers a large variety of services including facials, manicures, pedicures, hair styling, spray tanning, sauna rooms, and skin therapy treatments. Spa Eleven also offers special services for expecting moms. For pricing information and further details contact Spa Eleven at:
561-278-1100 or visit their Web site at: http://www.spa11.com/

Butterfly World:
Ten acres of botanical gardens and aviaries. Located in Coconut Creek just south of Boca Raton. This beautiful park is home to hundreds of species of birds and over 5,000 species of butterflies. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon venturing down the pathways leading to the caves and waterfalls. Stroll along the banks of the beautiful lake and feed the fish. Adult admission is $21.95 and children's admission is $15.95, kids under three is free. For more information visit their website:
http://www.butterflyworld.com/start.html

Downtown Delray Beach:
Park in the public parking lots located a block off the Atlantic Avenue. Stroll though the town streets. Atlantic Avenue and the downtown area offers a large variety of shops, cafes and restaurants. Bring your beach wear. After you are through walking through the town head all the way down to the public beach located at the east end of Atlantic Avenue.

Take a ride up the beautiful east coast. Smell the salt water and feel the sun on your face as you drive north towards Palm Beach. Passing though many small towns and enjoying the scenic route of A1A. As you enter Palm Beach you can also drive by the mansion of the legendary Donald Trump. This huge mansion is located in Palm Beach on route A1A. It's a must see site if you are visiting the beautiful beaches of Palm Beach county.

The sites listed above are just a few of the adventures you can find around Boca Raton and Delray Beach. The Southeast Florida coastal area is a beautiful place to visit.