WHEN NOT OCCUPIED WITH THE EQUESTRIAN CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, INDULGE IN WORLD-CLASS LEISURE
ACTIVITIES, ART, SHOPPING, AND DINING WHEN TRAVELING PALM BEACH COUNTY
By Mary Murray in partnership with Discover The Palm Beaches
WATER WORKS
EMBARK ON AN AQUATIC ADVENTURE, FROM THE SAND TO THE SURF
BEST PLACES TO…
Kayak and Paddleboard: On a barrier island in North Palm Beach, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park offers 2 miles of beach plus snorkeling and kayaking among the mangroves. Peanut Island Park is another great option. Set out from the Riviera Beach Marina to take a water taxi, or rent a kayak or paddleboard to traverse Riviera Beach’s turquoise waters.
Dive: Explore part of the only living barrier reef in the continental United States, along with fascinating shipwreck reefs. You’ll be greeted by a kaleidoscopic seascape filled with giant Goliath grouper, sea turtles, and brilliant coral. Outfitters like Pura Vida Divers in Riviera Beach and Jupiter Dive Center can hook you up with training, gear, and charters.
Discover Nature: A protected 7.6-mile river, the Wild & Scenic Loxahatchee River runs through Jupiter to Tequesta. It’s home to a variety of endangered species such as manatees, wood stork, and sandhill cranes. Unearth the Loxahatchee River’s cypress-shaded secrets with Jupiter Outdoor Center on a canoe or kayak tour.
Snorkel: Become part of the technicolor world at Phil Foster Park’s Blue Heron Bridge underwater snorkeling trail in Riviera Beach. Enjoy guided tours for all ages with Live Free Diving. Afterward, stop by Manatee Lagoon, an eco-discovery center in West Palm Beach, to watch sea cows lazily graze in thewaters.
Play: Shark Wake Park features a floating obstacle course as well as cable water sports in Okeeheelee Park near Wellington. Put on your bathing suits and get ready to get wet. The experienced staff can help with the cable water sports for all levels. The younger crew will love the new Obstacle Island, complete with monkey bars, climbing towers, and water slides.
BEACH DAY
SELECT A SPOT TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS
Families crave the beach when traveling palm beach from out of town. Below are the go to spots:
Families: Carlin Park, Jupiter This ideal destination for family gatherings offers 3,000 feet of guarded beach, picnic pavilions, and sport courts.
Dog Lovers: Jupiter Beach Bring your four-legged friend to Jupiter beach between marker No. 26 at Marcinski Road
north to marker No. 57, where dogs are free to frolic when accompanied by an owner.
Sightseers: Palm Beach Municipal Beach Set up camp at this midtown beach before renting a bike to explore the island, ending at Green’s Pharmacy for an egg cream.
Party People: Delray Municipal Beach Grab a bite on Atlantic Avenue and then retreat to the sand for an afternoon of swimming, sandcastles, and Frisbee.
Weekend Warriors: Lake Worth Beach Park This public beach is packed on the weekends, so arrive early and put your name in for a brunch table at Benny’s on the Beach.
Sun Worshippers: Red Reef Park, Boca Raton This oceanfront park has everything, from bountiful natural foliage to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and enchanting snorkeling.
BOATING BASICS
ALL THE NEED-TO-KNOW BOATING INFO WHEN TRAVELING PALM BEACH
- Recreational boating is allowed across the county’s 47 miles of shoreline, the Intracoastal Waterway, and numerous lakes.
- Four major inlets connect the Intracoastal to the Atlantic Ocean: Jupiter, Lake Worth/Palm Beach, South Lake Worth/Boynton, and Boca Raton.
- The county operates six saltwater ramps: Bert Winters Park, Juno Beach; Burt Reynolds Park, Jupiter; Jim Barry Light Harbor Park, Riviera Beach; Juno Park, Juno Beach; Phil Foster Park, Riviera Beach; and Waterway Park, Jupiter.
- Freshwater boat ramps are available at John Prince Park, Lake Worth; Lake Ida West Park, Delray Beach; Stub Canal Park, West Palm Beach; and Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park, Boca Raton.
- Public boat slips can be found at DuBois Park, Jupiter; Fullerton Island, Jupiter; Ocean Inlet Park, Ocean Ridge; Peanut Island, Riviera Beach; and Phil Foster Park, Riviera Beach.
- The City of West Palm Beach boasts free docks, located in the downtown district and available first come, first served.
- For those without a boat, there are plenty of rental and charter options, ranging from Gulf Stream fishing outings to private yacht rentals to group tours and excursions.
- While boating, be aware of large sea creatures, such as manatees and sea turtles. Both animals are endangered, so it is important to protect them while exploring the waters of The Palm Beaches.
RETAIL THERAPY
PERUSE 10 OF THE COUNTY’S TOP SHOPPING DESTINATIONS
- Worth Avenue: Palm Beach’s main thoroughfare is dotted with the world’s best luxury brands. Begin at the
clock tower and continue down to the Esplanade at 150 Worth, a charming alcove of exclusive boutiques and
flagship stores like Saks Fifth Avenue. (worth-avenue. com; esplanadepalmbeach.com) - The Royal Poinciana Plaza: Built in the late 1950s and designed by architect John Volk, The Royal Poinciana
Plaza recently underwent a major reinvention and now stands as a beacon for high-end retail, beauty services, fine dining, and special events on Palm Beach. (theroyalpoincianaplaza.com) - Antique Row Art & Design District: This walkable shopping destination in West Palm Beach features more than 40 shops and galleries selling antiques, fine art, furnishings, garden decor, and vintage fashion and jewelry. (westpalmbeachantiques.com)
- The Palm Beach Outlets: This open-air outlet mall houses discounted outposts of top brands, such as
U.S. Polo Assn. and Nike, as well as boutique retailers like Kate Spade New York, Coach, and Stuart Weitzman,
among many others. (palmbeachoutlets.com) - The Square: Merging commerce, dining, culture, and community, The Square is a one-of-a-kind alfresco
gathering place. Make a night of it with a comedy show at Palm Beach Improv and dinner at a range of eateries, including chef-driven favorites like The Regional and City Cellar. (thesquarewestpalm.com) - The Gardens Mall and Downtown Palm Beach Gardens: Order up a one-two punch in Palm Beach Gardens, starting at The Gardens Mall, home to more than 150 specialty shops and luxury retailers. The pedestrian-only Downtown Palm Beach Gardens has it all, from restaurants and entertainment to an array of retail stores. (thegardensmall.com; downtownpbg.com)
- Harbourside Place: Given its waterfront setting in Jupiter, Harbourside Place provides a picture-perfect
backdrop for shopping, dining, live music, and more. Arrive by car or boat to shop a mix of locally owned
businesses and well-established brands. (harbourside place.com) - The Mall at Wellington Green: This two-level, indoor mall is a retail haven in the middle of horse
country. Head here for a fun date night, complete with a movie and dinner at such hip establishments as
Ford’s Garage. (shopwellingtongreen.com) - Mizner Park: An icon of Boca living, Mizner Park boasts all the ingredients for a great time, from lauded
restaurants to luxury retailers and entertainment in the form of iPic Cinema, the Mizner Park Amphitheater,
and the Boca Raton Museum of Art. (miznerpark.com) - Town Center at Boca Raton: As the epicenter for all things retail in Boca Raton, the Town Center offers an ideal mix of luxury shops, department stores, mall mainstays, and locally owned businesses. (simon.com/mall/town-center-at-boca-raton)
THE TACKERIA
For everything equestrian and so much more, head to The Tackeria in Wellington. The store carries an array of saddles for polo, jumping, and dressage, in addition to safety gear such as helmets.
Its inventory also includes apparel for men, women, children, and horses, as well as grooming and stable supplies, books, toys, and dog collars and leashes. The Tackeria also offers engraving services so customers can personalize their gear. (tackeria.com)
READY TO RIDE
Want to try your hand at polo? Reach out to the United States Polo Association for help finding an amazing local instructor who can teach the basics and more. Throughout the Palm Beaches, there are also numerous places that offer horseback riding lessons, including Pink Flamingo Stables in Lake Worth, Dream Believer Stables in Wellington, and the Wellington Equestrian Center.
ABOVE PAR
THESE PUBLIC GOLF COURSES PROMISE GREAT DAYS ON THE GREEN, REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING “FORE”
FOR THE NATURE
Sandhill Crane Golf Club: This Palm Beach Gardens course traverses a natural preserve and wetlands, one of the only courses in Florida to do so. Improve your game by reserving a private lesson. (pbgfl.com)
Southwinds Golf Course: Golfers are all but guaranteed to spot wildlife when teeing up at this Boca Raton course. Southwinds’ environmental commitment is apparent in its status as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, which signifies a promise to enhance its natural areas and animal habitats. (pbcsouthwindsgolf.com)
FOR THE FUN
Drive Shack: Ideal for groups and families, this interactive driving range in West Palm Beach features 96 full-service, all-weather bays, plus golfing games, a full bar, and casual food like sliders and pizzas. (driveshack.com)
FOR THE VIEW
Abacoa Golf Club: To add an aquatic backdrop to your swing, head to this Jupiter gem where 14 of the 18 holes are surrounded by water. The Joe Lee–designed course features real elevation changes, while the driving range boasts all-natural grass. (abacoagolfclub.com)
Lake Worth Beach Golf Club: Feel the salt-kissed breeze from all 18 holes at this course fronting the Intracoastal. Afterward, kick back at The Beach Club to soak in the magnificent vista—cocktail in hand (lakeworthbeachgolfclub.com)
Palm Beach Par 3: Situated at the southernmost point of the Town of Palm Beach, this oceanfront course provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Worth Lagoon. Enjoy a relaxing round on the course and afterward watch the waves roll in from the upper deck of the club house at the al Fresco restaurant. (golfonthe ocean.com)
ARTISTIC ESSENCE
VISIT SOME OF PALM BEACH COUNTY’S MOST ICONIC SPOTS STEEPED IN HISTORY AND CULTURE
VISUAL ART
Boca Raton Museum of Art: Nestled in Mizner Park, this cornerstone of the South County cultural scene presents special exhibits on a range of topics and a permanent collection of primarily twentieth and twenty-first century art. (bocamuseum.org)
Norton Museum of Art: The recently renovated Norton Museum of Art boasts a permanent collection of European, American, Chinese, and contemporary art and photography from some of the world’s most prestigious artists. It organizes an array of special exhibitions and community events such as Art After Dark, held every Friday evening.(norton.org)
HISTORY
Flagler Museum: The former Gilded Age estate of Henry Flagler is now a National Historic Landmark that offers
docent-led and audio tours. (flaglermuseum.us)
National Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame: This not-forprofit educational organization is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the sport and its history, development, and traditions by acquiring, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting collections, as well as honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the sport. (polomuseum.com)
CULTURE AND GARDENS
Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens: The former home of artist Ann Weaver Norton features her monumental sculptures amid a garden of tropical palms and cycads. (ansg.org)
Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County: Highlights of this 14-acre living plant museum include Windows on the Floating World, a tropical wetland that re-creates the feeling of walking on water. (mounts.org)
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens: This historic destination presents Japanese cultural experiences in the form of six distinct gardens, rotating museum exhibitions, and family-friendly events and festivals. (morikami.org)
The Society of the Four Arts: Stroll along the Lake Trail in Palm Beach and find yourself in the Philip Hulitar Sculpture Garden and Four Arts Botanical Gardens. Pick up a free self-guided walking tour pamphlet at the
garden entrance and learn about the 20 sculptures, water fountains, and more. (fourarts.org)
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts: The Kravis Center welcomes nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians, dancers, comedians, and more. It also hosts visiting Broadway tours and acts as a home theater to local arts organizations such as the Palm Beach Opera. (kravis.org)
Maltz Jupiter Theatre: This award-winning professional regional theater fills its season with Broadway classics of yesterday and today, including large-scale musicals that are sure to impress. (jupitertheatre.org)
Palm Beach Dramaworks: Dedicated to presenting “theater to think about,” this professional company is known for its exquisite productions of compelling dramas, comedies, and musicals, as well as new works. (palmbeachdramaworks.org)
ENVIRONMENT, WILDLIFE, AND SCIENCE
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum: Learn about local history through interactive exhibits, attend a special tour, or climb to the top of the landmark lighthouse, nestled amid an Outstanding Natural Area. (jupiterlighthouse.org)
Palm Beach Zoo and Cox Science Center and Aquarium: These neighboring organizations in West Palm Beach offer tons of fun for families. The Palm Beach Zoo encompasses 23 acres and more than 550 animals, while the Cox Science Center and Aquarium aims to make science exciting for visitors of all ages. (palmbeachzoo.org; coxsciencecenter.org)
Lion Country Safari: At this drive-through safari park and walkthrough amusement park in Loxahatchee, you will encounter an array of animals including the largest herd of zebras in America, rhinos, and—of course—lions. After the safari, explore the amusement park and make sure to feed the giraffes. (lioncountrysafari.com)
TIME TO DINE
THESE NEW EATERIES ARE LEADING THE CHARGE IN PALM BEACH COUNTY’S EVOLVING CULINARY SCENE
BLACKBIRD
A new modern Asian restaurant concept has taken flight in Jupiter. Blackbird is the latest venture from Scott Frielich, Angelo Abbenante, and Cleve Mash, the longtime friends behind PapiChulo Tacos. Tim Nickey—who previously worked at David Grutman’s Komodo and Jeffrey Chodorow’s China Grill in Miami—serves as executive chef, whipping up elevated dim sum and Chinese American favorites. The restaurant’s interior is as vibrant as the cuisine. (blackbirdmodernasian.com)
EL CAMINO
With locations in Delray Beach and Fort Lauderdale, El Camino and its addictive Mexican soul food have already garnered a loyal local following. Its ample tequila, mezcal, and margarita offerings don’t hurt either. This summer, El Camino opened its long-awaited West Palm Beach location, bringing its beloved daily happy hour, feel-good vibes, and made-from-scratch tortillas, sauces, and more to the heart of The Square. (elcaminowestpalmbeach.com)
PIG BEACH BBQ
A new neighborhood gathering place has opened on South Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. Pig Beach BBQ is the brainchild of pitmasters Shane McBride and Matt Abdoo. Having previously worked in Michelin starred restaurants, McBride and Abdoo left that world behind to pursue barbecue, opening Pig Beach locations in Brooklyn and Queens. (pigbeachnyc.com)
HONEYBELLE
Few experiences are as quintessentially Floridian as an alfresco feast after a round of golf. Savor that scenario and then some at Honeybelle, a new restaurant by chef Lindsay Autry inside the PGA National Resort. A play on the citrus of the same name, Honeybelle captures all there is to love about Old Florida cuisine, elevated by Autry’s ability to transform locally sourced ingredients into food you’ll want to eat again and again. (pgaresort.com)
POLPO PALM BEACH
Craving Grandma’s Sunday sauce? What about a tried-and-true tiramisu or some bliss-inducing burrata? The flavors of Southern Italy can now be found in Manalapan, at Polpo Palm Beach inside the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa. Menu highlights range from the namesake grilled octopus with cannellini beans and arugula, to pastas such as linguine con vongole and ravioli tartufati, to classics like chicken Milanese. (eaupalmbeach.com)
AKIRA BACK
The Ray hotel in downtown Delray Beach recently unveiled Akira Back, a sleek Japanese-fusion restaurant by Michelinstarred chef Akira Back. Originally from Korea, chef Back infuses that heritage into his cuisine, which also boasts global influences as diverse as French and Peruvian. A sushi bar anchors the intimate restaurant, where curvy booths, hanging greenery, and sculptural elements establish a sexy mood. (akirabackdelray.com)
HIVE BAKERY & CAFÉ
Sara McCann’s Hive Collective design and lifestyle group has grown with the addition of Hive Bakery & Café. The new West Palm Beach eatery features an array of baked goods, pastries, soups, salads, take-home dinners, and more courtesy of the husbandand- wife culinary team of Jay and Amber Felton. Patrons can expect everything from hazelnut and date twice-baked croissants to house-made candies. After lunch, you can shop Hive’s men’s women’s, children’s, and home collections next door. (hivebakeryandcafe.com)
THE BLUE DOG COOKHOUSE & BAR
The Blue Dog Cookhouse & Bar in the Town Center at Boca Raton gives mall dining a new “leash” on life. Fuel up before hitting the shops or refuel after a day of fashion hunting—either way, don’t miss this chef-driven menu (lead by executive chef Chris Barre) and innovative bar program (directed by veteran mixologist Nesha Korak). (bluedogboca.com)
MALLET GRILLE
While taking in a polo match at the USPA National Polo Center – Wellington, dine at the Mallet Grille. Sit on
the patio, in the main dining room, or poolside and savor fresh selections of seafood, steaks, and more.