Shop Local: Town Center at Boca Raton offers shoppers the latest fashions in a luxury setting

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At Town Center at Boca Raton, shoppers come into a luxury setting that can make even the most casual browsing a pleasant escape. One of only a handful of luxury malls in Florida, Town Center has survived, and mostly thrived, by constantly updating its tenant mix with the latest offerings in fashion, food and even home furnishings.

Department stores, including luxury brands such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, are mixed in with a variety of stores to create a wide-ranging shopping experience featuring some 200 retailers. In fact, Town Center stands out from other malls in South Florida as home to a variety of first-to-market brands, including Versace and Montblanc boutiques.

Best hours to shop, and on what days 

Town Center, owned by the Simon Property Group, is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. The mall will also be offering extended holiday shopping hours beginning Friday, November 24.

Afternoons can be busy, so early in the day is best for parking spots close to entrances and a less-crowded shopping experience. In the evening, the mall is even more elegant, with many fashion-forward shoppers.

Parking options in and around the area. Best way to get there?

The mall, at 6000 Glades Road, is between two major thoroughfares. You can get there from Interstate 95 by taking the Glades Road exit and then heading west one mile. The mall also can be reached from Florida’s Turnpike. Take the Glades Road entrance then head east for two miles.

The mall has plenty of parking, including several surface lots and three parking garages with direct access to Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s and Nordstrom. In addition to handicapped spots, the mall offers valet service at its main entrance by True Food Kitchen. Valet parking also is available at The Capital Grille.

Electric-car owners can use the Tesla charging stations on the first floor of the Macy’s parking garage, and on the second floor of the Nordstrom parking garage.

Parking tip: During the holidays, especially at peak hours, there tends to be more “premium” parking spots on the Nordstrom side.

Best food and dining spot?

There are a lot of places to dine, chow down or just snack at Town Center’s restaurants and food court offerings. 

Some notable restaurants include the Blue Dog Cookhouse & Grille, a high-end restaurant and bar with chic vibes. Other sit-down restaurants include The Capital Grille, which offers steaks and seafood in a fine dining setting, and True Food Kitchen, which serves health-driven fare with seasonal offerings.

On the casual side, check out the mall’s food court, dubbed Cafes at Boca. Here you’ll find New York’s Shake Shack, where you can grab a burger, hot dog, frozen custard and shake. If healthy eating is a thing for you, visit Pressed, a juicery and plant-based snack place. There’s also everyone’s favorite (and longest customer line), Chick-fil-A.

Amenities for shoppers, kids, seniors?

Town Center features special events as well as permanent perks for everyone.

Through the end of the year, there’s an exhibit of unique Boca Birdhouses hanging from two trees outside the Macy’s department store. Meanwhile, shoppers who need a break can test their putting skills at the center’s indoor On Par Putting Green.

Year-round, Town Center has an excellent indoor children’s play area near Nordstrom. There is also a complimentary shuttle service to help them to their cars. 

Best Instagram/TikTok photo/video spot?

There are fountains, chandeliers and glittering store backdrops throughout the property. But a few spots are especially worthy of a social media post.

Holiday-themed events

A hanging art installation of 1,000 gold, rose gold and silver butterflies adorns an indoor section of the mall from Bloomingdales to Saks Fifth Avenue.And outside the entrance to Neiman Marcus, check out a recently completed mural curated by local art school students from Lynn University and Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Santa Claus will be at Town Center from Nov. 16 to Christmas Eve.

And on one special day, Dec. 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m, pet photos with Santa will be offered, too.

Children with special needs also will get an exclusive experience to sit on Santa’s lap and smile for the camera on Dec. 3. “Caring Santa” will be available from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Reservations are required.

The Town Center at Boca Raton is located at 6000 Glades Rd. in Boca Raton; for more information please call 561-368-6000.