students playing volleyball on the beach

Local Area FAQ

How far is the Wilkes Honors College from the main Boca Raton campus?

The Wilkes Honors College is located on the John D. MacArthur campus in Jupiter, FL, about 45 minutes north of the Boca Raton campus.

A Florida Atlantic intercampus shuttle bus provides free transportation between the Wilkes Honors College Jupiter campus and the main Boca Raton campus, so Wilkes Honors College students can join the rest of our Owls for football games and other main-campus events.

What are the closest airports to Florida Atlantic?
Three major airports are located within driving distance of our South Florida campuses:
Additionally, a few hours north of our campuses, the Orlando International Airport (MCO) houses a Brightline station, which connects a high speed train to stations in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.
What are the students’ favorite beaches?
South Florida’s many tropical beaches are the perfect destination for fun and relaxation, all year round! Students from our Boca Raton campus set up their beach chairs at Spanish River Beach, Red Reef Park, South Beach Pavilion, and South Inlet Park.  

Wilkes Honors College students enjoy Jupiter Inlet, Juno Beach, and Coral Cove Park, all located in close proximity to the school's Jupiter campus.
How do I use public transportation?
FAU Transportation Services offers an on-campus shuttle bus, as well as a bus to the nearby Tri-Rail station.  

Tri-Rail is a commuter train that runs from Miami-Dade County to Palm Beach County. Brightline is another train service connecting students to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando.
What is there to do off campus?

Our Boca Raton campus is located just 1.8 miles from the ocean, so you’ll have tropical beaches at your fingertips! Students can also find trendy restaurants at Mizner Park in downtown Boca Raton, enjoy exciting nightlife on The Ave in downtown Delray Beach, or visit the Boca Raton Town Center Mall – all located just minutes from campus.

Sports lovers can catch a thrilling game with South Florida’s four professional sports teams: the Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, Miami Marlins, and Florida Panthers.

At the Wilkes Honors College, conveniently located on our Jupiter campus, students enjoy a lively small-town feel and beautiful coastline. Just across the street from campus, you’ll find live music and incredible food in downtown Abacoa, as well as beautiful parks, waterways, and year-round sunny weather. Explore the gorgeous Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens or visit rescued sea turtles at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center by the beach!

Do students receive any local discounts?
Yes! Florida Atlantic students enjoy discounts and perks at local restaurants, museums, golf courses, hotels, theme parks and South Florida professional sports games.

In addition, students enjoy a 50% discount on the Tri-Rail, a commuter train that runs from Miami-Dade County to Palm Beach County, and a 25% discount on the Brightline, another train service connecting students to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando.