Top 15 Things to Do in West Palm Beach
Wondering what to do in West Palm Beach?
Blessed with enticing waterways, swaying palm trees and the endless Florida
sunshine, West Palm Beach provides the perfect backdrop for any beach getaway.
The vibrant community boasts a thriving art scene, craft beer culture,
bustling restaurants, and lush botanical gardens.
Take a look at our ultimate bucket list of things to do in West Palm Beach,
Florida.
1. Flagler Museum
Experience the glamour of the Gilded Age with a tour through Flagler Museum,
an extravagant mansion built in 1902 by Henry Flagler as a gift for his bride,
Mary Lily Kenan. Discover the story of Mr. Flagler from sales assistant to the
“Father of Palm Beach” as you venture through the Beaux-Art style mansion,
which was described as “more wonderful than any palace in Europe” by the
New York Herald. Visit during the
autumn and winter months, and you can also enjoy temporary exhibits related to
Florida’s history and America’s Gilded Age.
2. Rosemary Square, City Place
Carve out some time for shopping and cafe-hopping at
Rosemary Square, West Palm
Beach’s premier outdoor dining, shopping and entertainment precinct. With lush
landscaping, water fountains and colonial architecture, Rosemary Square buzzes
with the life of a European piazza. Dine alfresco at Bellagio Italian, clink
glasses at Cellar Wine Bar & Grill or catch a comedy show or theatre
performance.
3. Manatee Lagoon
Learn about Florida’s legendary “sea cow” at the free Manatee Lagoon
eco-discovery center, where you can see fascinating marine creatures
across two levels of interactive exhibits. Set on the edge of Lake Worth
Lagoon, you can see manatees in their natural habitat. The best time to visit
is from November to March when the waters are cooler, and the manatees tend to
huddle together for warmth.
4. Norton Museum of Art
Housed in a striking Art Deco building with expansive gardens, the Norton
Museum of Art was purpose-built in 1940 to display the personal art collection
of industrialist Ralph Hubbard Norton. Over 7,600 works of art from Europe,
America, and China are showcased across five permanent galleries, including
Modern masterpieces by Matisse, Warhol, and O’Keeffe. The museum is also near
the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, which features monumental sculptures, rare
tropical plants and regularly hosts jazz concerts.
5. Rapids Waterpark
Looking for family fun in Florida? Get wet and wild at Rapids Water Park! With
over 40 of the coolest, biggest and wettest rides around, there’s something
for everyone from thrill-seekers to tiny tots. Brave the giant funnel and dark
tunnels of the “Big Thunder” water slide, float down the “Lazy River” that
meanders for a quarter mile or catch a wave in the “Big Surf” wave pool.
6. Surfing Florida Museum
If you’ve ever chased the big swells along Florida’s coastline or admired the
daring surfers who do, this museum is a must for you. Situated in South West
Beach’s Warehouse District, the
Surfing Florida Museum traces
the evolution of surf culture along the East Coast through permanent galleries
and temporary exhibitions. Highlights of the museum include 5,000 photos of
Florida’s beach scene in the 1960s and collection of over 50 vintage
surfboards.
7. Lion Country Safari
Experience your own African adventure at Lion Country Safari, America’s first
drive-through, and walk-through, wildlife reserve. Be immersed in the sights,
sounds and smells of the savannah as you travel across five landscapes from
Serengeti Plains of Africa to the Ger Forests of India. Spot chimpanzees and
gibbons gliding through the treetops and watch zebras, giraffes, antelopes,
rhinos, and lions grazing on the grass.
8. Mounts Botanical Garden
Take some time out to smell the roses (literally) at Mounts Botanical Garden,
the oldest and largest botanical garden in Palm Beach County. Spanning
14-acres, this hidden gem features 25 themed gardens containing over 2,000
species of tropical and subtropical plants, including native and exotic
varieties. Highlights include the wetland Floating World, magical Children’s
Maze, and the tranquil Rain Garden, which showcases flood tolerant Florida
natives.
9. Peanut Island
Don’t miss a snorkelling trip to Peanut Island, which boasts as an artificial
reef with colorful fish, sea turtles, and vibrant corals. Resting in the mouth
of Lake Worth Inlet, just a 10-minute boat ride away, the island is one of the
best places to discover Florida’s marine life. You can see green leatherback
and loggerhead turtles nesting from May through to October.
10. Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society</strong >
Encounter exotic animals from Malayan tigers to Mexican spider monkeys at Palm
Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. Set within a lush tropical habitat on 23
acres in the Florida Wetlands, this unique zoo offers daily shows, keeper
talks, and one-of-a-kind animal experiences. You can cuddle a koala, mingle
with flamingos, or come face-to-face with a giant tortoise. Families will love
the interactive Natural Play Pavilion and the refreshing Play Fountain.
11. Clematis Street
No trip to West Palm Beach is complete without visiting Clematis Street, the
vibrant epicenter of downtown West Palm Beach. You’ll discover a string of
dining, drinking and dancing options stretching from West Palm Beach Station
to the stunning waterfront of Lake Worth Lagoon. Treat yourself to a Mexican
fiesta at Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, before winding down with cocktails in
Lynora’s speakeasy. Clematis Street is, without doubt, one of the best things
to do in West Palm Beach at night!
12. West Palm Beach Brewery Tour
The Palm Beaches are known for their, well beaches, but did you know the
seaside region is garnering a reputation for its burgeoning craft beer
culture? The coastline is dotted with 20-plus fiercely creative craft
breweries all putting their own spin on what makes Florida beer great. Take a
tour to taste everything from refreshing lagers and mocha stouts to
strawberry-infused ales!
13. McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary
Get up close to local wildlife at McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary, the city’s
top-rated attraction. Set on eight lush acres, the sanctuary plays a major
role in the rescue and rehabilitation of local wildlife. Pre-register for a
tour to meet the sanctuary’s 200 permanent residents. Don’t miss the reptile
enclosure where you can encounter all kinds of creepy crawlies, including
giant tarantulas, rattlesnakes, and a 12-foot-long albino python.
14. Okeeheelee Park
Do you like to keep active outdoors? Okeeheelee Park is the perfect place to
work up a sweat, whether you want to hike through wooded trails, practice your
golf swing, or play a match of competitive tennis. Covering over 1,700 acres
on the boundary of Forest Hill Boulevard, the park is home to two expansive
lakes, an equestrian center, and a championship 27-hole golf course.
15. Grandview Public Market
Foodies will appreciate the myriad of chef-inspired vendors at Grandview
Public Market, the freshest culinary and cultural destination in West Palm
Beach. Located in the Warehouse District, this is an epicurean’s playground!
Sample glutinous handmade dumplings at Ramen Lab Eatery, savor the flavor of
LA’s award-winning Cubano sandwich at El Cochinito and taste local tap beers
at Bar at Clare’s.
