Boynton Beach, Florida. Gateway To The Gulf Stream

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BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA

By  Mike Miller Updated July 28,  2025

Boynton Beach, Florida Things To Do, Lodging, Dining, & Real Estate At End Of Article

Boynton Beach, Florida is the third largest city in Palm Beach County. It is located on the Intracoastal Waterway between the cities of Lake Worth and Delray Beach and extends westward past Interstate 95.  The population is about 81,673.

Ocean Ave Bridge Across Intracoastal Waterway at Boynton Beach Wikimedia Commons/Forest and Kim Starr

Boynton Beach is enjoyed by its residents and visitors, with beautiful beaches, waterways, and pleasant neighborhoods.

HISTORY OF  BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA

The area around what is now Boynton Beach was first settled in the late 1800s.

Nathan S. Boynton, a former Civil War Major from Port Huron, Michigan, visited the area and was so enchanted with its natural beauty and warm weather that he decided to establish the Boynton Hotel.

Boynton Hotel and CottagesFlorida Memory, State Archives

He and his family would come every year to escape the harsh northern winters.

Some of the workers he brought to the area began to see the appeal of the region and the rich farmland.

Much of the land was perfect for growing a variety of fruits and vegetables and Boynton Beach became the center of a thriving farming community. 

Larger crowds began to flock to the region once the Florida East Coast Railroad came to town.

Byrd Spilman Dewey and Fred Dewey Wikipedia

The town was officially established as the Town of Boynton on September 26, 1898. 

The effort was spearheaded by the efforts of author Byrd Spilman Dewey. 

Boynton Main Street, 1910Florida Memory, State Archives

Ms. Dewey is in the Florida Women's Hall of Fame and was also noted for her work in the Florida Audubon Society.

Over the years, the Town of Boynton became Boynton Beach. It was quickly established as a fantastic beach destination.

The Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park was built in the 1920s to accommodate the influx of visitors.

Boynton Beach Recreation Hall in 1935Florida Memory, State Archives

A casino stood in the park for nearly 40 years providing bathing facilities, a dining hall, and a space to gather for the local residents as tourists.

Postcard from Rainbow Tropical Gardens

A local business named Rainbow's End Nursery on north US-1 specialized in tropical plants.

The nursery evolved into Rainbow Tropical Gardens.  It became one of South Florida's most popular tourist attractions from the 1920s to the 1950s.

BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA TODAY

Boynton Beach is a great place to live and visit and has a diverse population. It’s an increasingly popular place to retire to as well as a safe place to raise a family. 

Palms in Median Near Green Cay Nature Center Flickr/Forest and Kim Starr

Boynton Beach is an ideal location to live and visit if you’re interested in a more laid back life in a setting that isn’t too isolated.  Boynton Beach has a small-town feel.

The City of Boynton Beach is located north of Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.  West Palm Beach and Palm Beach are easy drives to the north.

Boynton Beach has easy access to I-95 and the Florida Turnpike.

It’s an ideal place to live for those who enjoy spending time in the city but aren’t seeking to live in an urban setting.

Boardwalk at Green Cay Wetlands Flickr/Forest and Kim Starr

It’s just east of the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area, which is the third largest park in the continental United States.

This park provides a beautiful setting where you can camp, hike, go bird watching, and more.

Ocean Plaza Shopping Village

There are multiple opportunities for outdoor recreation in other areas in and around Boynton Beach and whether you’re interested in golf, hiking, swimming, or boating, you’ll find something you love. 

Park in Downtown Boynton Beach

There are parks in the downtown area and in many residential neighborhoods for recreation and relaxing.

You can also enjoy the sunshine while visiting the Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park.

Boynton Harbor Marina Redevlopment Project IDA

Despite being a historically popular location with plenty to offer, it’s one of the less crowded beach areas in the region.

Boynton Beach View West From the Ocean Avenue Bridge

The downtown area on Boynton Beach Boulevard near the Intracoastal Waterway has been improved and redeveloped over the years and provides plenty of upscale living, dining, and shopping opportunities.

Powerboat Coming Through Boynton Inlet

Boynton Inlet to the Atlantic Ocean offers opportunities for fishing and boating offshore and in the Intracoastal Waterway.

One of the largest artificial reefs along this coast is about one half mile north of the inlet and is a popular fishing spot.

Boynton Beach Homes on Intracoastal Waterway

The Green Cay Nature Center overlooks 100 acres of wetlands and is a perfect place to take a self guided tour along the boardwalk.

The center has a lecture hall, gift shop, and live animal exhibits.

There are numerous upscale developments, both condos and single family homes, on the beaches and waterway. 

Real estate listings on Realtor.com indicate a median home price of $381,000 in 2024.

THINGS TO DO IN BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA

Boynton Beach Mall 801 N Congress Ave, Boynton Beach, FL 33426 | (561) 736-7900Enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment options at this popular mall.

Oceanfront Beach Park6415 N Ocean Blvd, Ocean Ridge, FL 33435 | (561) 742-6775Soak up the sun on the beach, swim in the ocean, or picnic in the park.

Ocean Inlet Park6990 N Ocean Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 | (561) 966-6600Check out the fishing pier, watch boats come and go, or stroll along the boardwalk. Picnic tables are available. Dogs are allowed.

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge10216 Lee Rd, Boynton Beach, FL 33473 | (561) 734-8303There are many things to do here including birdwatching, hiking scenic trails, and exploring the Everglades' unique ecosystem by canoeing and kayaking. Picnic tables are available. Dogs are allowed.

Schoolhouse Children's Museum & Learning Center129 E Ocean Ave, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 | (561) 742-6780Hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and interactive displays make this museum a great place for families.

Links At Boynton Beach Golf8020 Jog Rd, Boynton Beach, FL 33472 | (561) 742-6500This 18-hole course offers a challenging round of golf for players of all skill levels and also includes a 9 hole par 30 executive course.

Take a scenic drive along State Road A1AState Road A1A, Boynton Beach, FL 33472This coastal highway offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Boynton Beach Historical Society Located in: United States Postal Service, Boynton Beach, FLExplore the city's rich heritage through exhibits and historical sites.

Enjoy a day of fishing Book a deep-sea fishing trip or cast a line from the pier at Oceanfront Park.

Visit the Manatee Lagoon 6000 N Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 | (561) 626-2833This is a FPL Eco-Discovery Center. Learn about Florida's beloved manatees, see live manatee sightings, and participate in educational programs. Enjoy the gift shop for souvenirs.

 ALL ABOUT BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA

BOYNTON BEACH RESTAURANTS

BOYNTON BEACH MOTELS/INNS

BOYNTON BEACH  REAL ESTATE

BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA INTERACTIVE MAP

Florida is the fastest-growing state in the United States and also the fastest-changing.  If you see anything in this article that has changed or is in error, please let me know.  

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By Mike Miller, Copyright 2009-2026 Florida-Back-Roads-Travel.com

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