With 47 miles of Atlantic coastline, The Palm Beaches is a diverse area where you can get up-close to exotic wildlife, shop until you drop or enjoy a day with your toes in the sand. Whether you’re looking for a buzzing nightlife scene or want to pamper yourself at a luxurious resort area with golf courses and spas, this area offers a wide range of opportunities to embrace the easy-going coastal atmosphere. A perfect destination for those that love to play in the sun, here are the best things to do in The Palm Beaches.
Explore the beaches
A combination of blue Atlantic Ocean waters and gently swaying palm trees, the beaches that dot The Palm Beaches are some of the best in the state. You have a diverse collection of spots to enjoy, from the lively West Palm Beach, luxury-laden Palm Beach and the pristine snorkeling in Coral Cove Park in Tequesta. Visit Delray Beach with the family, John D. MacArthur State Park for water activities and Juno Beach for saltwater fishing.
Observe exotic wildlife at Lion Country Safari
Just a short drive outside of West Palm Beach is Lion Country Safari, offer unique animal encounters with its drive-through attraction. It boasts more than 900 animals on its property, such as water buck, orucks and rhinos, while lion prides, chimps and giraffes can be found meandering through the grassy expanse. Participate in one of the animal feedings, or take a spin one of the exciting rides, while the kids will love the water sprayground.
Go shopping along Worth Avenue
Often regarded as the “Rodeo Drive of Florida,” Worth Avenue is the perfect place to give your credit card a workout. One of the most sought-after shopping locales in the state, this street is nestled next to the Atlantic Ocean and boasts an impressive collection of designer boutiques and luxury department stores. Treat yourself to jewelry, fragrances and apparel, as this tree-lined avenue is home to the likes of Chanel, Valentino, Jimmy Choo and Neiman Marcus.
See a two-toed sloth at Palm Beach Zoo
The Palm Beach Zoo is a 23-acre park that is home to animals that come from North, Central and South America in addition to Asia, Africa and Australia. It’s lush tropical habitat allows you to get closer to animals that you can at other zoos, where you can sign up for unique animal experiences. Sign up for a “Sleepy Sloth” experience to meet these cuddly creatures, meet giant Aldabra tortoises and see the world’s largest rodents.
Say hello to sea turtles at Loggerhead Marine Life Center
The Loggerhead Marine Life Center in Jupiter is a non-profit organization that is committed to the conservation of ocean ecosystems. The Center focuses on threatened and endangered sea turtles, and you can visit to see marine-themed, interactive exhibits and an on-site campus hospital, along with tropical fish, shells, and artifacts. You can also get a look at some of the sea turtles being rehabilitated from illnesses and injuries.
Beat the heat at Rapids Water Park
Located in Riviera Beach, Rapids Water Park offers 30 acres of thrill-seeking fun. Offering the perfect escape from Florida’s heat, enjoy the parks 35 slides and two seven-story drop slides. Push the boundaries at Big Thunder, as this heart-stopping 45-degree drop slide is set in complete darkness and gives you a moment of complete weightlessness. There is plenty to do for the little ones as well, with a Barefootin’ Bay Area with interactive sprayers.
Appreciate artwork at Norton Museum of Art
Founded in 1941, the Norton Museum of Art boasts a vibrant collection of American, Chinese, Contemporary and European Art. It’s been recognized internationally for its exhibitions of over 7,000 works, including an impressive collection of sculptures. See carved jades and bronze vessels in the Chinese collection, see mythological compositions in the European Art collection, then admire the iconic paintings in the American Art collection.
Explore the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is a significant Florida landmark that was designed by a Civil War hero. It features over 5,000 years of regional history in its waterfront lighthouse, museum and grounds, and is a must-see when exploring The Palm Beaches. Dating back to 1860, you can take a tour of the 108-foot-tall landmark and adjacent pioneer home. You can also browse the collection of historic photographs, documents, maps and books.
Admire the foliage at Morikami Museum & Japanese Garden
One of the most culturally rich attractions in Florida, head to Delray Beach to explore Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens. Its gardens take inspiration from authentic Japanese gardens, where you’ll find a zen-like ambiance with serene landscapes and beautifully manicured spaces. Spend an afternoon exploring the Japanese art displays, join a tea ceremony or take a stroll through past the collection of bonsai trees and hidden waterfall.
Practice your swing at Florida’s Golf Capital
Known as “Florida’s Golf Capital”, The Palm Beaches boasts a beautiful collection of 160 challenging courses that stretch from Jupiter to West Palm Beach and Boca Raton and is home to more courses than any other county in the country. Southwinds and Park Ridge Golf Courses are known for their eco-friendly efforts, while The Breakers is famous for its oceanfront locale and the PGA National Golf Resort is world-renowned.
Marvel at Flagler Museum
A 55-room Beaux-Arts-style “Whitehall” property, the Flagler Museum was originally built by oil tycoon Henry Flagler for his wife back in 1902. Before you step in you can first appreciate its architectural beauty with European styles, then step inside to discover many of the original furnishings in addition to historic exhibits and artwork in its public museum. Admire the Baroque ceiling, hidden staircase and 1,200-pipe organ that make this museum a National Historic Monument.
See the famous Blowing Rocks Preserve
Boasting an otherworldly looking limestone shelf and turquoise waters, Blowing Rocks Preserve is a beautiful barrier island sanctuary. This protected area features 73 acres of native plants, beachfront dunes, tropical hardwood forests and mangrove swamps. It offers a dramatic stretch of rocky shoreline with a popular “blowing rocks” phenomenon that is unlike anywhere else in Florida.
Go on an Interactive Selfie Trail
The Selfie Trail pinpoints a suggested list of popular attractions in the area, while hidden gems that locals might only know about are also highlighted. It’s a source of real-time information and a place to show off and take advantage of South Florida’s natural beauty, where you can find inspiration for exploring some of the most picturesque landscapes and authentic Florida backdrops. There are more than 30 places highlighted on the map. Some of the stops along the trail include places like the iconic Jupiter Lighthouse, exotic animals at Lion Country Safari and one of the most beautiful shopping areas in the country, Worth Avenue.
All you have to do is visit their website to find an interactive map of suggested attractions, then upload your photo to social media and tag @PalmBeachesFL using the hashtag #ThePalmBeaches.
