West Palm Beach is the perfect mix of enchanted wilderness, lovely real estate, a vibrant culture, golden sunrises, and miles of the best sandy beaches. It is home to beautiful resorts, upscale shopping centers, and some of Florida's best picnic and recreation sites. The easiest way to find the most suitable attractions is to find someone who knows their way around the place, and here are a few insights from a West Palm Beach realtor.
1. Discover a shopping paradise in Rosemary Square
Photo courtesy of Visit Florida
Downtown Rosemary Square is the perfect place for a shopping tour. You'll be blown away by the beautiful setting with rows of Spanish-style homes, shopping malls, restaurants, and antique stores. A thriving art scene is represented by larger-than-life murals, pop-up galleries, and yoga studios. There are endless dining experiences, from fancy restaurants to quaint diners and street food carts.
2. Spend a few hours with the Manatees
The Manatee Lagoon offers the perfect spot for the care and protection of previously-endangered species. You and your family will appreciate learning some exciting facts about manatees and seeing them up close in their natural habitat. The facility's observation deck offers a marvelous viewing spot for tourists as the animals bask in the warm water outflows from Riviera Beach during winter. Oh, and we almost forgot to mention that this place has one of the best picnic amenities.
3. A trip to the zoo
The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is a non-profit that sponsors animal conservation efforts in different parts of the globe. Some of the species under their care can be found in the zoo's collection. Some great examples include the feisty tigers of the Asian jungle and the cuddly koalas from the southern islands. The zoo traverses over 150 acres of lush, tropical scenery and holds more than 500 animals of different species.
4. The fairground effect
The South Florida Fairgrounds are a core part of Palm Beach culture. The grounds play host to various trade expos and cultural fairs. The annual South Florida Fair attracts over 500,000 visitors coming to relish the fair rides and classical games. It also offers one of the best agricultural exhibits in the region.
5. Fun on the waterway
The Intracoastal Waterway offers the perfect chance for a sightseeing adventure along the coastal waters. If you're going for a paddling adventure, you can take a canoe or kayak to go on this beautiful trip. There will be no shortage of beautiful scenery, and there will be perfect spots for a stopover if you need to break for a picnic or take a dip in the cool waters.
6. Sun, sand, and lazy fun
Sometimes it's just enough to take lazy strolls along the winding sandy beaches or bask in the sun for a nice tan. West Palm Beach boasts a variety of beaches for a laid-back afternoon as the refreshing breeze from the sea fills the surroundings. Gulfstream Park in Delray Beach is a fantastic spot if you tag the family with you, as the wide-open spaces can serve as barbecue areas or a playground for kids. Other excellent beach attractions include:
7. Enjoy some military history
A short educational tour should be in your books, especially if the kids are tagged along for the trip. The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is the place for a walk down the history lane, where you'll gain inside information about the operations of the Navy Seals. You will discover the secret behind their winning mindset, experience their elite training regimes and have a quick look at some of their previous missions. Topping off the tour is an extricated display of military artifacts dating back to the days of World War II.
8. A sculpture adventure
Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor
The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens are part of Ann Weaver Norton's historic home and studio. The gardens are an artistic marvel devoted to preserving the works of a prominent sculptor, her gigantic sculptures spreading across the expanse. The gallery offers a treasure-trove of year-round activities showcasing the works of different artists.
9. Water ski adventures
The world-class water skiing facility at Okeeheelee Park is a haven for adrenaline seekers of all ages. It features five custom-designed lakes for professional skiing competitions. One of the courses can accommodate nighttime skiing, and four have slalom courses. Countless local and international skiing champions have practiced in these waters, operated by a non-profit of over 100 members and volunteers.
10. Explore the South Florida Science Center
Photo courtesy of PlanetWare
The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is an entertaining, educational facility offering 2-3 hours of scientific exhibits and activities. Their main goal is to open every mind to science, and they do it perfectly with hands-on lessons and discovery sessions geared to interest and engage every curious mind. The center features a digital planetarium, freshwater and saltwater aquariums, and an exhibition of natural history. Combining this trip with a child's upcoming birthday would be a perfect idea.
11. Relish local beauty from the air
Do you fancy a tour hovering above the magnificent coastline? West Palm Beach has dozens of air tours and activities, from paragliding to helicopter rides. The vistas high above ground give you an expansive view of the beautiful West Palm Beach real estate, the golden shorelines, and the tranquil waters. Chopper rides are year-round activities, and they will always launch as long as the weather conditions permit.
12. Visit the Jupiter Lighthouse
Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor
Shining a guiding light since the 1860s, the iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is a mainstay of the region's sailing history. Some relics in the majestic landmark date back to 5,000 years, and visitors can enjoy climbing tours to the top of the lighthouse. There are exciting programs for children, and the beautiful gardens can be used for weddings and picnics. You could also enjoy lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants – and remember to grab a souvenir at the gift shop before you leave.
13. Snap a photo at the Clock Tower
Photo Courtesy of WPB Magazine
The Worth Avenue Clock Tower is an unmistakable landmark worthy of your Instagram collection. Hardly any visitor ever leaves the city without taking a selfie with the iconic clock as the Atlantic rises in the deep shade of aqua blue in the background. Worth Avenue is home to one of the swankiest shopping locations in the country, with top brands like Gucci, Neima Marcus, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier setting up shop along the district.
14. The magnificent Flagler Museum
Photo courtesy of Design & Fashion Magazine
The Flagler Museum sits in Whitehall, a 75-room mansion built in 1902 for Henry Flagler, an American industrialist and a co-founder of Standard Oil. The magnificent structure straddles over 100,000 square feet, is perfectly preserved, and hosts self-guided tours, art exhibitions, and other organized programs. Some of the unmissable occasions at the mansion include the Easter Egg Hunt, the Bluegrass Concert, Founder's Day, Mother's Day, and Christmas festivities.
15. Explore the Norton Museum
The contemporary structure hosting the Norton Museum of Art is home to over 7,600 works of art ranging from sculptures, paintings, photographs, and more. Later expansions from the 1941 art house unveiled by industrialist Ralph Hubbard Norton and his wife, Elizabeth, gave rise to the modern building. And now, it features a state-of-the-art auditorium and event center and a lush, green courtyard sprawling with sculptures.
16. Experience the best performances at the Kravis Center
The Kravis Center redefines architectural excellence around the Southeast as it pays homage to its creator, the globally acclaimed Rafael Viñoly. The imposing complex is the premier performing arts center in this region with three auditoriums: a 2,195-seat, 289-seat, and 170-seat hall. The world-class facility sits on the backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains, and its proximity to Claremont College offers the perfect training grounds for students of performance arts.
17. Speedboats and cruises
The blue waters of the Atlantic always look inviting for boat tours and watersport adventures. Speed boats and jet skis are an excellent choice If you're up for the thrill of the wind blowing through your hair as you glide along the waters. A 2-hour sightseeing cruise is one of the perfect ways to end your day or begin a romantic evening as a glowing sunset hovers over the horizon.
18. Peanut Island
Peanut Island straddles 80 acres of pure bliss along the Intracoastal Waterway, surrounded by cool, clear waters perfect for snorkeling and fishing. It's a splendid location for barbeques, picnics, and afternoon strolls. There are swimming spots along the white sandy beaches and multiple campsites for overnight stays. President John F. Kennedy's secret bunker is a must-visit if you come to this island.
19. Hiking and trail adventures
Many people who travel down south are usually surprised to find hiking trails in this area as it's usually the last thing on their minds. If you love to hit the trail once in a while, don't leave home without your hiking boots for a chance to enjoy the scenic views in the following spots:
- Owahee Trail in the Grassy Waters Preserve
- Hog Hammock and Promontory Trail Loop (one of the kid-friendly trails)
- Dryer Park Trail
- Okeeheelee Park's North and South Loops
- Peanut Island Loop
- Lake Trail at Riverbend Park
- Grassy Waters Eagle Trail
There are more exciting places you could explore on your two feet, including a walking tour of West Palm Beach.
20. Pure play at the Fun Depot
A few hours of playful bliss at the Fun Depot would be the perfect way to wind down a thrilling day's tour. Popular with locals, the main attractions include a go-kart track, a laser tag arena, and a game arcade. The place offers drinks and refreshments in-house and it's open to hosting parties on request.
Are you ready to call Southeast Florida home?
West Palm Beach is an irresistible place, and it's never a surprise when casual visitors decide to move here permanently to continue experiencing the good life. Darlene Streit is your reliable West Palm Beach real estate agent if you're looking for houses for sale in West Palm Beach. Call, text or email her and begin your adventure towards your new Florida lifestyle!
