With its year-round warm weather and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, life in Boynton Beach is practically a vacation. The 78,000 people who call the city home get to enjoy the perks of Palm Beach County without having to live in a giant city like Miami. In addition to its true locals, Boynton Beach is a popular winter home spot for New England snowbirds. Boynton Beach is very close to the Atlantic Gulf Stream, earning it the nickname "The Gateway to the Gulf Stream."

A Civil War major named Nathan Boynton first settled the area in 1894. Visiting from Michigan, he was so impressed with South Florida's weather and natural scenery that he built the Boynton Hotel. He spent winters with his family there and brought a gaggle of settlers from Michigan along with him. They jumpstarted the area's successful citrus fruit industry. In 1898, Byrd Spilman Dewey and her husband founded the town of Boynton Beach. Through the 20th century, the city continued to grow and develop as a place to live and as a tourist destination.

Today, Boynton Beach is still chock-full of beautiful natural attractions. Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands has a mile-long boardwalk that winds through forests and over water. It's a great place to spot local birds and other fauna. In a similar vein, the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge gives visitors the opportunity to explore the northern Everglades. This nature preserve features walking trails and kayaking through the swamp. Keen observers can see local wildlife such as alligators, bobcats, and otters in their natural habitats. Of course, the city's name would be a lie if Boyton Beach didn't have a beach. The Palm Beach Post voted the city's Oceanfront Park Beach as the most family-friendly beach in the whole county.

Besides beautiful nature, Boynton Beach is also a hub for breweries. At Due South Brewing Co., patrons can watch the latest batch brewed before their very eyes while they enjoy a cold pint in the taproom. Devour Brewing Co. offers a more casual atmosphere and bizarre flavors such as "ghost pepper coffee and cream." Copperpoint Brewing Company is another trendy taphouse with local brews and chill vibes.

Boynton Beach locals have to eat, too, and the city has some great food options. At Chris' Taverna, you can try exotic Mediterranean dishes like octopus and souvlaki. Copenhagen Restaurant offers an upscale dining experience with classic American and international dishes. The city is also home to plenty of fresh-caught seafood joints, including Prime Catch and Bonefish Grill. For the breakfast and brunch crowd, Dune Deck's Mimosa Cafe is the perfect destination. They serve classics like French toast and eggs benedict, with several vegan and vegetarian options.

Living in a place that's known for its natural beauty puts a lot of pressure on local homeowners. You want your landscape to meet your city's high expectations. For an amateur, though, creating a beautiful landscape is easier said than done. That's why LawnStarter is here to match you with the best landscaping pros in Boynton Beach. Whether you want a custom water feature, a flower garden, or an entire outdoor living space, LawnStarter can find the perfect pros for you. All you have to do is download the app, enter your ZIP code, and describe what you're looking for. In minutes, LawnStarter will give you a list of high-quality landscapers near you. That way, you can enjoy your city while the professionals take care of your yard.