There Is More To West Palm Beach Than Just Golfing!
When people think of West Palm Beach, one of the things they usually and mostly associate it with is golf. Just a few minutes away from Palm Beach, people drive there to enjoy its palm tree-lined avenues, waterfront sceneries and of course, their golf courses. Those three are enough to summarize the Florida experience. West Palm Beach is all about sunny skies and the vast green-grassed courses found it here and there. No wonder it’s the home of the Professional Golfers Association! However, more tourists should realize that there’s more to West Palm Beach than golfing.
Outdoor Recreation
West Palm Beach is in sunny Florida so of course there are so many outdoor recreations to try, explore, and enjoy. With good weather and scenic views, this side of Palm Beach has a lot to offer for the adventurous and sporty souls.
McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary
McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary is known and praised for its mission to rehabilitate both injured and abandoned wild animals. Currently the home of over 170 animals like lions, tigers, panthers, and lemurs, this sanctuary is the best place for animal and outdoor lovers. Not only are visitors given the chance to get a nice close-up view of these animals, but multiple activities include interacting with the place’s smaller species, including baby alligators and pythons. What makes McCarthy’s more of a must-visit attraction is their well-maintained environment, along with their trained tour guides; who were described to be polite, engaging, and very informative.
Lion Country Safari
Another popular place for animal lovers is the Lion Country Safari. Just 21 miles from downtown West Palm Beach, this safari is famous for being the very first cageless drive-thru zoo in America. Imagine seeing over 900 amazing animals walking around freely— from rhinos, ostriches, zebras, to lions, this zoo will be a great experience. Apart from a drive-thru, Lion Country Safari also has Safari world; a walk-thru portion that allows visitors to interact with the animals by feeding them, and enjoying recreational activities like miniature golf and paddle boating.
Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
Known as Palm Beach County’s only highly-rated Zoological experience, this zoo is the current home and sanctuary of over 550 animals, where many of the species are considered to be endangered. The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is the best place for animal lovers and people to understand the current state of wildlife and the natural world— hopefully inspiring them to act on it. Not only does the zoo showcase an impressive range in their animal collection, which includes koalas, tigers, flamingos and more, but visitors also get to enjoy interactive activities to get the ultimate close-up, behind-the-scenes zoo experience with the animals.
Parasailing Rides by Parasailing Palm Beach
A must-do for anyone who wants to go through a thrilling and extremely worth-it experience is parasailing rides by Parasailing West Palm Beach! Especially with the usual beautiful weather of Florida, overlooking the beautiful beaches and clear waters from up above is definitely a fun thing to add to the personal bucket list. Not only are the staff well-trained and professional, but their easy-going and fun personalities definitely up the experience by a couple of notches.
Museums & Art Galleries
Trips are more memorable when there are lessons that come with it. Museums and art galleries are the best places to get to know the world around you; to maximize your knowledge about where you are. It’s always worth it to take the time to indulge in a place’s story— it makes the experience even more meaningful and unforgettable.
Norton Museum of Art
The Norton Museum of Art was built by businessman Ralph H. Norton after he retired from the steel industry. This museum opened in 1941 to hold his extensive art collection. Through the years, its been through multiple expansions and renovations and now is impressively the home of over 7,000 art pieces. The variety of art is very extensive. The museum includes features in European, American, and Chinese art, photography, contemporary art, and much more. Here, tourists will also find famous art pieces that include paintings made by Picasso and Monet; as well as sculptures cultivated by Theodore Roszak and William Zorach. This is perfect for any art lovers visiting West Palm Beach who’d like to appreciate the amazing works of different artists represented in the museum.
Mounts Botanical Gardens
Mounts Botanical Garden is known as the oldest and largest public garden in all of Palm Beach County; serving as the home to more than 2000 tropical and subtropical plant species from all over the world. Not only is this another good place in West Palm Beach to enjoy the beautiful scenery, but this is also one of the best places to get inspired and educated by the nature around you. Each garden is an exhibit, containing information for visitors to learn as they stroll. Some exhibits and classes happen all-year round where guests can participate in if they’d like for an even more fruitful experience.
South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
Formerly known as the South Florida Science Museum, the now known South Florida Science Center and Aquarium brings people of all ages to an amazing educational journey about science and technology. Featuring more than 50 interactive exhibits, a planetarium, natural history exhibitions, as well as both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, this center has definitely become a fun space for everyone to learn in and explore. Following their mission in dedicating themselves to “open every mind to science”, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium find the middle ground of playing and learning; using that to make science and technology a fun experience for all.
The Armory Art Center
Locals consider the Armory Art Center a hidden little gem in West Palm Beach. They regularly set up exhibits that showcase the works of local artists, as well as represent the art of their students. Apart from exhibiting beautiful quality art to the public, they also offer many classes and workshops available in many different mediums that can be enjoyed by locals and tourists.
Arthouse 429
Another art gallery to add to the list is the relatively new Arthouse 429. Home of interesting and well-curated shows, art lovers say that this gallery is a whole new experience. A good amount of the exhibited art is contemporary, with several pieces done by budding photographers. Very worth it for those interested in art— especially those who’d like to see it in a modern, fresh perspective.
The Gallery at Center for Creative Education
A 1500-square foot gallery that usually displays monthly exhibitions of student artworks and other established artists of the nation. Another perfect place in West Palm Beach where people can appreciate the art and hard work of different creators, as well as educate them about art and artists.
The Society of the Four Arts
A perfect place for anyone who just wants to relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Featuring impressive sculptures, beautiful plants, lush vegetation, and a wonderful art collection to enjoy, this serene atmosphere is the best place to meditate in. Aside from its beautiful gardens and breathtaking architecture, The Society of Four Arts also holds programs for visitors to enjoy, such as classical concerts and art exhibitions.
Tours
Tours are usually designed to be interactive and entertaining, which is why so many people take the time to book their tours beforehand! Not only are they unique in their ways, but they are also made to make every experience extremely memorable for each guest by providing substantial fun in the best ways possible.
Diva Duck Amphibious Tours
Diva Duck is a 75-minute narrated musical tour of both Palm Beach and West Palm Beach. With local actors as tour guides, the experience will certainly be fun— especially with their interesting stories all about Palm Beach; from its history to its people. In this tour, tourists will be taken to the most iconic spots that line the waterway, and get a close up look at the different homes and mega yachts of celebrities, billionaires, and Royals.
Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour
In this 3-hour small-group food tour, an entertaining and knowledgeable foodie guide takes visitors to witness and experience the amazing and diverse culture and the good of the ever-busy West Palm Beach area. The best part about Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour is the samples given at some of the best and most popular restaurants featured. From an ahi tuna tostada to award-winning pizza, this tour is the best experience for any visiting foodie.
Airboat Rides West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is also the home of one of the world’s largest wetlands, known as the Florida Everglades. These airboat rides give you private tours of the everglades available all-year-round; customized to visitors’ preference. They also have the convenience of multiple packages offers that range from an hour-long tour to three hours. In Airboat Rides West Palm Beach, tourists get a good glimpse at the wide and extensive ecosystem of the Florida everglades, as well as the different aquatic plants and birdlife found living in the area. Perfect for those who want to learn more about nature while also being assured of safety and comfort.
Cycle Party
This is the coolest way to enjoy and explore the different scenic spots of West Palm Beach. Available to book as a private tour or by individual seats on their social mixer tour, the Cycle Party has a special scavenger hunt to help tourists experience West Palm Beach in the funniest way possible. With their well-trained knowledge tour guides to show all the cool spots around, a pedal-powered party bike and many specialty tours to choose from, Cycle Party is best for visitors looking to see West Palm Beach in a unique, fun, and memorable perspective
Candy Tour
Bulk Candy Store is probably one of the most unique candy stores to exist. Luckily enough, they have tours for customers and tourists alike, to see and learn about the history and production of their candy. With the help of an entertaining tour guide and informative video presentations, visitors will learn about how their favorite candy is created, packaged, and shipped— in a candy-decorated room, nonetheless. The best part about this tour is that visitors get that chance to shop in the store’s extensive collection of candy and gourmet popcorn at the end of the tour with a discount!
Shopping
Now, what’s a trip without a little shopping, right? Maybe for some souvenirs, food, new outfits— it always feels good to go to a shopping district that has many shops to choose from or to find something vintage or rare to call your own. West Palm Beach has many places to shop in, from avenues lined with shops to small rare gems found here and there. Shopping is definitely a fun experience here.
Clematis Street & Downtown West Palm Beach
Clematis Street is a must-visit place for both locals and tourists. It’s the ultimate hangout spot with all its excellent and popular places to dine, drink, and have fun. With multiple places to shop in and a lot of open space and public parks, visitors won’t run out of things to do here! There are many things to choose from and definitely a go-to place for everyone of all ages.
Raptis Rare Books
Another rare gem of West Palm Beach is Raptis Rare Books— where past customers say it is already impressive the moment you walk in the door. This is the perfect place for book lovers, especially those hunting down books to start a collection or adding to it. All the books are well taken care of; from their extensive variety in rarity and friendly price points, this place easily has something prepared for everyone.
Rosemary Square
Rosemary Square is the premier place for shopping, dining, and entertainment in West Palm Beach. A free trolley ride away from Clematis Street, this is known to be an upscale destination for people who want to enjoy leisure activities while basking in the beautiful architecture of the area— reminiscent of the atmosphere of a European Town Center.
Antique Row Art & Design District
A great place for those who love to collect and shop for vintage items. The Antique Row Art & Design District is the home to over 40 antique shops that sell very extensive and impressive pieces that date from the 17th to 20th centuries. Every store is just walking distance from the next one, with each one containing impressive collections of antique pieces to show. Considered the “antique design center” of Florida, this is the go-to place of the best interior designers for over 30 years.
West Palm Beach Green Market
The best Saturday morning farmers’ market where shoppers can gather the best fresh food and local produce. West Palm Beach Green Market is the largest market in the area that includes a wide variety of locally grown goods— from produce, plants, and herbs to baked goods, gourmet foods, and drinks. There are many things to choose and discover here, and what’s better is the wholesome atmosphere in a wide green space that features live music, unlimited mimosas, kiddie activities, and many more activities.
