Boca Raton is a city on the east coast of Florida between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. The name is Spanish for "Mouse Mouth" (although the tries to give less plausible alternative explanations of the meaning), which presumably comes from the shape of an inlet when the town was founded.
Boca, as its known by locals, started growing in earnest in the 1920s, with the help of fanciful nouveau-riche architect Addison Mizner, who also helped design Palm Beach, 30 some miles north. Much of downtown was (and is being) built in "Addison Mizner-style" architecture, using distinctive bright orange and more subdued pinks in its Old Spanish theme with a touch of Venice.
Bocas long history of catering to the well-to do has given it a snobbish reputation, but it has many features that can be enjoyed by visitors even if they are on a much less lavish budget. The city enjoys a much higher standard of living than many of its neighbors, giving it a well manicured appearance with many amenities. Visitors can enjoy the limited nightlife and much more extensive beaches, great at any time of day, any time of year.
