On the Atlantic Coast in southeastern Florida, the town of Boca Raton (population 68,800) is a renowned beach resort and polo center. It is midway between Palm Beach in the north and Hollywood in the south. Boca, as it is locally known, is the winter home for many wealthy Americans—it was a wealthy American, architect Addison Mizner, who originally dreamed up the city. The name is Spanish for “rat’s mouth” in reference to jagged rocks at its narrow ocean inlet.

Seasonal tourism and computer and communications manufacturing support the local economy.

Cultural attractions include the Boca Raton Museum of Art, which features nineteenth-century oil paintings and local and international exhibits. Also of interest are the Children’s Museum, the Morikami Museum, and Japanese Gardens in nearby Delray Beach, and the International Museum of Cartoon Art, which features 52,000 square feet filled with prints, frames, books, and memorabilia of the world’s top cartoonists. Florida Atlantic University offers concerts, dance, theater, and an art gallery. Each Sunday, from January to April, the Royal Palm Polo Sports Club hosts polo games.

The Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex is a 20-acre complex protecting a coastal hammock with an elevated boardwalk and a 40-foot observation tower. Children love the snakes, sea turtles, crabs, and scorpions.

Spanish River Park, located 2 miles north of Boca’s Palmetto Park Road, is a huge oceanfront picnic ground with nature trails, volleyball nets, and a 40-foothigh observation tower. Red Reef Park is a 67-acre oceanfront park with plenty of shallow water for swimming and snorkeling.

Boating, scuba diving, golf, and shopping, particularly at Mizner Park and Town Center Mall, are also popular activities. Nearby Delray Beach is a good place to stay and eat if you are on a budget.

Palm Beach International and Hollywood International Airports are closest. Trains also serve the area.