Forget what you’ve heard about Boca being a sleepy retirement town. Sure, the early bird crowd heads home by 6, but that’s when this ritzy slice of South Florida actually wakes up. The palm trees light up, ocean breezes roll in, and Mizner Park transforms into a playground for anyone who knows where to look.
I’ll show you the best things to do in Boca Raton at night, from swanky rooftop lounges to secret beach spots where locals gather after dark. Let the tourists have their daytime shopping – nighttime is when you’ll discover what makes Boca really shine!
- 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this dinner and drinks tour in Delray Beach, just minutes from Boca Raton! They guide you along Atlantic Avenue to sample local dishes and craft cocktails, plus you’ll explore hidden gems in the Pineapple Arts District. Meet the chefs and bartenders who make this food scene special. This food tour is absolutely a must-do on a Boca Raton itinerary in my opinion!
Best Things to Do in Boca Raton at Night (Updated 2025)
Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in Boca Raton in the nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in Boca Raton after dark. Keep reading to find where to go in this beautiful Southeast US spot!
1. Listen to live jazz at Jazziz Nightlife
Jazziz Nightlife in Mizner Park has been Boca’s go-to jazz spot for years, though it’s had some ups and downs lately. When they’re running shows, it’s actually pretty solid – intimate setting with decent acoustics and a full dinner menu. I’ve seen some great acts here, especially during their tribute nights and blues evenings.
The venue covers about 12,000 square feet with different areas including a cigar bar and champagne lounge, so you’re not stuck in one tiny room all night. They do require a $35 minimum food purchase per person if you get VIP seating, which honestly isn’t terrible considering the portions are decent sized. Regular admission gets you bar access where you can grab drinks and move closer to the stage once the show starts.
Fair warning – service can be hit or miss, and some recent reviews mention management issues. But when everything’s working right, it’s one of the few places in Boca where you can actually hear quality live jazz. Check their website before going since their schedule isn’t always consistent, and don’t expect perfect service. The music is usually worth it though.
- Read next: Romantic East Coast Getaways
2. Walk the beach at Red Reef Park after dark
Red Reef Park becomes something completely different once the sun goes down. The park stays open until 10 PM daily, and nighttime is when it gets really peaceful. No crowds, just the sound of waves and maybe some nocturnal wildlife if you’re lucky.
Parking costs $16 on weekdays and $18 on weekends, but there’s also metered parking across the street that’s cheaper if you’re not staying long ($2-3 per hour). I actually prefer the metered spots since you can easily pop over for a quick evening walk without committing to the full day rate.
The best part about coming after dark? Sea turtle nesting season (May through October) when you might spot loggerheads making their way to shore. Even without the turtles, the boardwalk offers killer ocean views, and the whole place has this really calm vibe that’s perfect for clearing your head. Just bring a flashlight if you plan to explore the nature areas – it gets pretty dark once you’re away from the main beach area.
3. Play night golf at Boca Raton Resort & Club
Night golf at The Boca Raton is definitely a splurge, but it’s actually way cooler than I expected. They use glow-in-the-dark balls and markers that make the whole course look like something out of a sci-fi movie. The 18-hole championship course normally runs $210-265 depending on season, though night golf rates are typically different.
Here’s the catch – you need to be a resort guest or club member to play, so this isn’t exactly a casual drop-in activity. But if you’re staying at the resort or know someone who’s a member, it’s worth doing at least once. The course sits on an Audubon Sanctuary, so even in the dark you’re surrounded by pretty amazing natural scenery.
I played here during a wedding weekend, and the glow equipment actually makes the game more fun, not harder. Plus, there’s something really relaxing about being on a golf course under the stars without the usual daytime heat. They’ve got a snack cart that comes around with complimentary bites and drinks, which makes the whole experience feel pretty luxurious. Just don’t expect budget-friendly pricing – this is definitely a special occasion kind of activity.
4. Stargaze at Boca Raton Observatory
The Boca Raton Observatory at FAU is hands down one of the coolest free things you can do in Boca after dark. They host public viewing nights where you can actually look through their telescopes and see planets, galaxies, and whatever else is happening in the sky that night.
The staff here are total astronomy nerds in the best way possible – they’ll explain exactly what you’re looking at and answer all your random questions about space. I brought my kids here once and we spent like two hours just moving between different telescopes checking out Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons. It’s the kind of experience that makes you feel like you’re actually learning something while having fun.
They often schedule special events around meteor showers, eclipses, and planetary alignments, so check their website before going. Sometimes they’ll have photography workshops too if you want to try capturing what you’re seeing. The whole thing is free, which is pretty rare for quality entertainment in Boca. Just dress warm since you’ll be outside for a while, and don’t bother trying to find it without GPS – the campus can be confusing at night.
5. Eat dinner at Mizner Park restaurants
Mizner Park transforms into a pretty solid food scene once the sun goes down. You’ve got everything from Max’s Grille (the only original restaurant left from 1991) serving American classics, to Kapow Noodle Bar with their expanded space and karaoke rooms, to Eddie V’s for high-end seafood with killer happy hour deals.
I really like American Social for the laid-back vibe – they’ve got social hour Monday through Friday from 4-7 PM with $6 margaritas and house wines. Calaveras Cantina does solid Mexican with tableside guacamole, while Serena Pastificio handles the Italian side with handmade pasta and coastal seafood dishes.
The best part about dining here is the outdoor seating situation – most restaurants have patios where you can people-watch while you eat. Parking is free in the garages, which is honestly refreshing after dealing with beach parking fees all day. I usually start with drinks at one place, then move to dinner somewhere else. The whole area stays pretty lively until around 10 PM, so you’re not rushing through your meal. Just know that popular spots can get busy on weekends, so reservations aren’t a bad idea.
6. Watch indie films at Living Room Theaters
Living Room Theaters is exactly what it sounds like – movie theater seating that’s actually comfortable, plus they serve real food and drinks right to your seat. They focus on indie films and documentaries you won’t find at regular theaters, which is refreshing if you’re tired of superhero movies.
The audio and visual quality is really solid – better than most mainstream theaters I’ve been to. You can order everything from gourmet appetizers to full dinners, plus they have a decent wine and cocktail selection. I saw a documentary here about food culture and ordered tapas during the film, which felt pretty perfect.
Tickets aren’t cheap (this is Boca after all), but the experience is way more relaxed than typical movie theaters. You’re not sneaking in snacks or dealing with sticky floors. The crowd tends to be older and quieter, so you can actually hear the dialogue without someone behind you crunching popcorn. Check their schedule online since they don’t always have shows every night, and buy tickets in advance for popular films since the theaters are smaller than mainstream multiplexes.
7. Hang out at The Boca Beach Club
The Boca Beach Club is part of The Boca Raton resort, so access is limited to guests and members, but if you can get in, the nighttime beach scene is pretty special. They’ve got a beachside bar where you can grab tropical drinks and just chill with your toes in the sand.
The crowd here is definitely more upscale – think resort guests and locals with money rather than college spring breakers. Some nights they have live bands or DJs playing everything from chill beach vibes to danceable hits. I’ve been to a few events here and the music is usually on point without being obnoxiously loud.
They also do beach games and occasional bonfires, which creates this really nice social atmosphere where you end up talking to people you wouldn’t normally meet. The whole setup feels exclusive without being stuffy, if that makes sense. Just know you’ll need resort access or a member invitation to get in – this isn’t a public beach club. But if you’re staying at The Boca Raton or know someone who is, it’s definitely worth checking out for at least one evening.
8. Play arcade games at Boomers Boca Raton
Boomers stays open late (until 11 PM on Saturdays, 9-10 PM other nights) and honestly, it’s way more fun at night when the place gets less crowded with little kids. The go-kart track under the lights is actually pretty thrilling, and their laser tag arena gets more competitive once the teenage crowd shows up.
They’ve got indoor and outdoor go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf, batting cages, and a massive arcade with both classic and new games. The unlimited day pass covers most activities (arcade and batting cages cost extra), and there’s a full bar if you need a beer between rounds of laser tag. I’m not gonna lie – I had way more fun here than I expected.
The food situation is typical amusement park fare – burgers, pizza, chicken tenders – but it’s decent quality and they have outdoor seating areas where you can eat between activities. Parking is free, which is nice, and they offer private cabana rentals if you’re planning a group outing. It’s definitely geared toward families, but after 7 PM the vibe shifts to more teens and adults. Perfect if you want to do something active that doesn’t involve drinking or sitting still.
9. See live shows at Boca Black Box
Boca Black Box is this small, intimate venue that hosts everything from stand-up comedy to jazz concerts to theatrical performances. The space only holds about 50-60 people, so every seat feels like you’re part of the show. I’ve seen some surprisingly good acts here – both local performers and touring artists who prefer smaller venues.
One night it might be a comedy show, the next could be a folk singer or jazz trio. They keep the schedule pretty varied, which means you never know exactly what you’re gonna get. The venue serves drinks and light snacks, though it’s more about the performance than the food. Ticket prices are reasonable considering the intimate setting.
The downside is that shows don’t happen every night, and popular acts can sell out fast since the capacity is so small. But when they have something good, it’s really worth going. The acoustics are solid and the atmosphere feels more like someone’s living room than a traditional theater. Check their website regularly since they don’t always advertise shows far in advance, and buy tickets early if something catches your eye.
10. Relax at Spanish River Park at night
Spanish River Park after dark is basically Boca’s best-kept secret for anyone who wants to escape the scene and just decompress. The park has these great picnic areas that are perfect for a late-night snack or casual date, plus walking paths that lead to some really peaceful spots along the water.
Like Red Reef, you might spot some nocturnal wildlife – especially sea turtles during nesting season. The fishing here is actually pretty good at night too, and way more relaxing than trying to fish during busy daytime hours. I’ve had some of my best conversations sitting on these benches just watching the waves roll in.
The star-gazing here is incredible since you’re away from most of the city lights. On clear nights you can actually see the Milky Way, which is pretty rare this close to developed areas. The whole place has this really calming energy that’s perfect if you’ve had a long day or just need to reset. Just bring bug spray during summer months and maybe a small flashlight for the walking paths. It’s free, peaceful, and exactly the kind of low-key activity that makes you remember why you like living in Florida.
11. Visit Boca Raton Museum of Art evening events
The Boca Raton Museum of Art does special evening events that are way more interesting than your typical museum visit. They host artist talks, exhibit openings, and after-hours tours where the galleries are softly lit and you can actually look at the art without crowds of people walking around.
The museum building itself is pretty cool architecture-wise, and seeing it lit up at night gives the whole experience a different vibe. I went to an opening reception here once and ended up talking to the artist about her work, which definitely made me see the pieces differently. These events usually include wine and light appetizers, so it’s more social than educational.
They rotate exhibitions regularly, mixing modern art with classic pieces, so there’s usually something new to see even if you’ve been before. The evening events aren’t every night – check their website for the schedule – but when they do have something, it’s a nice alternative to the usual bar or restaurant scene. Tickets for special events cost more than regular admission, but the experience is more like a party than a museum visit.
12. Drink wine at Vino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas
Vino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas is one of those places that looks intimidating from the outside but is actually pretty relaxed once you get settled. They have this huge wine list with bottles from all over, and the staff actually knows their stuff without being pretentious about it. I’ve learned more about wine here than anywhere else just by asking questions.
The Italian tapas are perfect for sharing – think bruschetta, charcuterie boards, and small plates that pair really well with whatever wine you’re drinking. It’s not cheap, but the portions are decent and the quality is solid. The atmosphere is cozy enough for a date but not so intimate that you can’t bring friends.
I usually start with a glass of something I’ve never tried and let them recommend food pairings. The staff is really good at matching wines to your taste preferences, even if you don’t know much about wine. It gets busy on weekend nights, so reservations are smart, but weeknight happy hour is usually more relaxed. Perfect spot if you want to feel a little sophisticated without the pressure of fine dining.
