While perfectly-manicured Boca Raton isn’t hiding much in the way of unusual, “non-touristy” attractions, you should be sure to check out a few things that visitors to the area often (surprisingly) miss near Boca. 

If you’re not going to be traveling around Florida much, be sure to go visit the Everglades while staying in or near Boca Raton. This beautiful national park is the only subtropical preserve in all of North America, and is home to a great variety of plant and wildlife. If you are a bird-watcher you will be blown away by the great blue heron and others – the bird life is an impressive and varied presence here. Among other amazing traits, the park is the only one in the world where you can see crocodiles and alligators living in the same place!
Visitor Information: 305-242-7700   

Also be sure to wander around Delray Beach, nearby to Boca. You can get a break from the massive, suburban feel of Boca and wander up Atlantic Ave., enjoying galleries, shops, and a slightly less up-tight, exclusive feel than in Boca.

TripAdvisor member "Styro" also gives the following advice (see the Boca Raton forum!):

" Spanish River Park not only has a beach but also has a pretty good nature trail with a lagoon (boat docking), and an observation tower (unless Wilma knocked it down). Scouts used to camp in the park on occasion. Also, the James A Rutherford Park (next to Lake Wyman park - E & S of 5th Avenue shops) has a boardwalk and canoe rentals.

Out west of Boca there is the South County Regional Park that has some sort of water park (most likely for the kiddies). There are plans to eventually expand the park to include sports fields and a golf course (like we need yet another one). One thing I like on the plans are 5km and 10km multipurpose tracks around the park (as trying to bike in the city depends on keen observation, survival skills, and the personal phone number of a good lawyer)" -- (see " Getting Around"!)