Happy Summer ya'll!!!
This is such a great time of the year to be in Florida...the weather is gorgeous & the amount of people on the road noticeably lessens & there is always some kind of activity going on especially outdoor events. So whether you live here or if you're visiting South Florida, I put together a list of things I think you might enjoy to get a bit of our South Florida lifestyle into your system.
First on your to-do list is you must visit at least one of our beaches...pick any one, you can't go wrong....Palm Beach County probably has the most amount of public access beaches which include cities like Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Juno Beach and Jupiter. I added links to some great websites giving you more information on each of the areas I mentioned. But don't let my suggestions stop you from exploring on your own to some local-yocal-off-the-beaten-path spots. It really depends on what you're looking for in a beach destination & how long you're considering staying.
Something to keep in mind when visiting almost every beach is parking & paying for parking (which is a huge bummer). Some beach parking can be ridiculously expensive, I'm lookin' at you Boca Raton! Red Reef Park is a beautiful beach but daily parking is $35 per car during the weekdays aaaannnd wait for this... $50 per car on the weekends! WTF Boca!?! These beaches are part of the park system so you pay an attendant at the gate which from what I understand the money goes to maintaining the park but it's a steep price for most people. If you're only going for a few hours look into one of our beaches with street parking. It will be considerably less as they charge per hour at a kiosk, like Boynton Beach's Ocean Front Beach Park or just north there's free parking at Ocean Inlet Park.
The second 'must do' here in South Florida is to visit our parks whether it's a state park, county park or city park, we have some great ones. Some are even aquatic parks! Here's a handful of some parks I think are worth the mention but by no means are these a total list.
The second 'must do' here in South Florida is to visit our parks whether it's a state park, county park or city park, we have some great ones. Some are even aquatic parks! Here's a handful of some parks I think are worth the mention but by no means are these a total list.
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton - a 20 acre nature preserve with nature trails, an educational nature center with marine aquariums, butterfly garden, a brand new observation tower & they help rehab injured sea turtles. Gumbo Limbo even host cool events like sea turtle hatchling releases. There's no entry fee but donations are always welcome. Bathrooms & handicap accessible.
Florida Atlantic University also has a marine science laboratory there
Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park in west Boca Raton - this 880 acre park has it all: water park, dog park, amphitheater, pickleball, tennis, racquetball/handball, golf course, nature centers, nature trails, pavilions, boat launch, waterski lessons, playground, walking & biking paths, an all day adventure for sure! Bathrooms & handicap accessible.
Pondhawk Natural Area in Boca Raton - almost 80 acres of preserved & rewilded wetland area that has paved & natural trails for walking & biking. Parking is in the library so you can spend some time reading in nature, how great is that!? Free but no amenities at this park.
Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton - this 132 acre park is quite unique with it's carousel, children's science museum, preforming arts theater, south Florida's fencing club, baseball fields, outdoor hockey rink, nature trails & one of the county's super cool outdoor playgrounds! Trust me it's pretty awesome, so awesome that it can get busy but well worth a visit. Free for the park, though there is a charge for the museum & carousel. Bathrooms & handicap accessible.
Yamato Scrub in Boca Raton - we love this "park" if you can call it that, though it's really a snapshot of what this area would look like if we never developed here. It's a preserved section of our scrub ecosystem with a paved walkway as well as natural trails, truly a hidden gem! Free but no amenities
Hillsboro El Rio Park South in Boca Raton - this cute park is relatively new but literally has it all- a great place to drop in to let the kiddos burn off some of their energy on their playgrounds, they have one for older kids & one for toddlers which are shaded, there are grills, a basketball court, pickle & tennis courts, pavilions, sand volleyball, soft launch for kayaks & canoes into the natural canal, walking & biking paths & exercise equipment and the best part is it's all free! Bathrooms & handicap accessible.
Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Delray Beach - just SW of Green Cay & has about a 3/4 mile loop boardwalk through what is the Southern Region Reclamation Facility which they used as part of a natural filtering system for the county's water treatment, pretty cool right!? It's also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Free park & has bathrooms & handicap accessible.
Green Cay Nature Center & Wetlands in Boynton Beach - a beautiful 1.5 mile loop boardwalk in the wetlands so you can see a firsthand perspective of what is typically inaccessible to most people, a nature center & great bird watching since it's part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Free park & has bathrooms & handicap accessible.
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in west Boynton Beach- one of our favorites, has boardwalks into the wetlands, boat ramp into the Everglades, bike trails & a great birding location since it's part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. There is a small fee you pay through Recreation.gov. Bathrooms & handicap accessible.
Wellington Environmental Preserve in the west area of the county in Wellington - Wellington is considered a horse lover's paradise - this is approx. 410 acres of a preserved wetland area that has a combination of paved, boardwalk & natural walking, biking & horse trails with an observation tower & a wind phone, yes you heard me correct lol. You'll feel like you visited the Everglades. Free park, has bathrooms & handicap accessible.
Peanut Island Park in Riviera Beach - this 80 acre park is actually an island that is a favorite of mine.. as a kid we used to swim from the marina to the island or would inner tube it to the island & pretend we were castaways. My grandparents lived a few blocks from the marina so we spent alot of time in this area, good times indeed. Since then this island became so popular with boaters that the county stepped in to help protect it. They now have a water taxi to bring you there for a day trip. There's beach areas around around the entire island, snorkeling, swimming, camping, canoeing/kayaking & an observation tower. It truly is something very special & glad it's being safeguarded. Bathrooms available.
Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach - this is probably our largest park in the county, coming in at about 1,700 acres! There are two areas, one half on the north side of Forest Hill Blvd & the other half on the south side. It has an equestrian center & trails, lit baseball/softball fields, boat launch ramp, water skiing, canoe/kayak access, disc golf, dog park, bike & walking paths, mountain bike trail, BMX track, pump track, exercise course, fishing areas, nature center, gold course, pavilions & picnic areas, playgrounds, grass volleyball court, tennis/pickle ball courts, a really unique rope course, lakes, nature trails and a unique water park experience with inflatable slides... goodness did I miss anything?! lol This park pretty much has it all like the Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park does. The park is free but some of the amenities will has a cost associated with it. Bathrooms & handicap accessible is most areas of the park.
Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach - love this gem of a botanical garden! It is right behind the West Palm Beach airport so when you land, head straight for the garden to relax. They host monthly events like a free Saturday for West Palm Beach county residents, & a dog day. Plus gardening & horticulture workshops, lectures, health & wellness events like yoga and tai chi, art classes & plant fairs. There is a $20 adult admission with special prices for seniors & kids. Super handicap accessible with bathrooms.
We could go on forever about our amazing parks but let's switch gears & talk about some of our cool attractions. Some are very iconic, some are new, some are indoors while some are outdoors.
Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach - a very unique & beautiful place to visit with six distinct historical gardens, ancient bonsai's, rotating museum exhibits, events throughout the year as well as a cafe. There is an $18 adult admission fee with special pricing for seniors, students & kids but definitely worth the visit!
Lion Country Safari in The Acreage in West Palm Beach - this might be a distance for many people to get to but it truly is a unique experience. First opened in 1967, this 300 acre wildlife park was created to mimic the animals natural habitats while they roam freely about, you drive through their habitat. Talk about up close & personal! They also have one-on-one experiences to feed & interact with certain animals like their giraffe's. There's a cafe & other food/refreshments, pontoon boat cruises, water park, mini golf & nature walks. LCS also does quite a bit of wildlife conservation efforts in the US & other countries to not only help save the habitats but the animals as well.
Rapids Water Park in West Palm Beach - a tried & true water park that's been around as long as I can remember, one of the originals that's held on through financial ups & downs. Though is only open for the six months of the year (June to November). They do offer specials but a one day admission is typically $45 per person.
Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society in West Palm Beach - not only does the Palm Beach Zoo have a wide array of different animals but they also have a botanical garden, water fountain to play in, a carousel, animal experiences, cafe & they help with the conservation of wildlife & their habitats & part of our Florida Panther Project. How awesome is that!? Aaaand kids are free in June & July! Adult admission is $30 with special pricing for seniors & kids.
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter - This wildlife sanctuary not only helps rehab & release Florida's injured wildlife but is also a sanctuary for those animals that can't be release back into the wild. So they turned part of their property into a visitors area so you can see the resident animals, walk along nature trails, be a part of their daily programs, educational experiences & lectures. They also host events throughout the year. It truly is a wonderful place adults & kids will love. Admission is by donation but you can even donate online if you don't get a chance to visit. Every dollar & donation is vital in their hard work & continued efforts to help save our state's wildlife.
A visit The Girl's Strawberry Patch in Delray Beach is sure to be memorable. This is a super unique retro styled fun place where you can enjoy homemade ice cream, smoothies & bowls, pick strawberries when in season, peruse their mega candy shop & they have a petting zoo! Farm & petting zoo adult admission is $9.95 & seniors & kids are $8.95
Their family also owns The Boys Farmers Market & Grandma's Bakery next door.
If shopping is more your style, we have some terrific indoor & outdoor malls...
Town Center in Boca Raton - is a fantastic indoor mall to shop, people watch & believe it or not many people come just to walk the mall for exercise. It's a very pretty mall & very well maintained with high end boutiques, restaurants, a putting green & charging stations.
Mizner Park in Boca Raton - this is one of our family fav's we frequent often. It's a gorgeous outdoor shopping destination that is beautifully landscaped & decoration at holiday time. Full of upscale retailers & delicious restaurants. It also has a cool bowling & sports lounge, movie theater, an amphitheater with a free summer concert series & residences. It really gives off contemporary tropical vibes with a high end twist.
Just south of Mizner Park is the historical Royal Palm Place in Boca Raton - another local fav, this is an outdoor plaza full of eclectic boutiques, galleries, salons, jewelers, retailers & fantastic local restaurants you won't find anywhere else. Beautifully landscaped with sculptures throughout the plaza, so many cool Instagram spots for sure! They also host a green market in the south end by the clock tower every Sunday.
The famous Worth Avenue in Palm Beach where the famous & bougie people shop & promenade just to be seen in the latest fashions. There is even a walking tour in this historic shopping district. Lots to see, shop, dine & experience with a true historical Florida vibe. You'll never know who you might see strolling down Worth Ave. They even host events throughout the year.
The Gardens Mall is in Palm Beach Gardens - is another beautifully maintained two-story indoor shopping mall full of retail, restaurants & local events.
Visit some historical & fabulous hotels like The Breakers in Palm Beach. This stunning hotel has had some major renovations over the years, elevating it to another level. It has all the amenities anyone could ask for when visiting Florida. Even if you're staying elsewhere, you can come to dine, drink and/or visit the estate.
We also have a handful of skating rinks throughout the county whether you prefer ice or roller or like both. It's a great way to cool down in our summer months whether it's on the ice or in the AC lol.
Palm Beach Skate Zone in Wellington is an ice rink.
Astro Skate in Greenacres is a super cool retro roller rink.
Boca Ice in Boca Raton is an ice rink with fun activities on the ice.
Palm Beach County also has some amazing museums to visit; some are of a more traditional style while others are quite unique. These are just a snapshot of some of our more popular ones we have.
Aviation Museum on the Beach in Juno Beach - For those aviation lovers this ones for you, a beautifully crafted museum full of historical items, stories & commercial airplane models to peruse through.
MAC Art Galleries in Jupiter & Delray Beach - a fine art gallery full of art installations from some of the leading contemporary artists of our time. Truly an art lovers location.
Henry Morrison Flagler Museum in Palm Beach - Henry Flagler's historic house of the Gilded Age has not only been preserved but turned his estate into a museum that not only houses the oil tycoon's personal art & antique collections, but also has visiting art exhibitions, lectures, musical & seasonal events. The Flagler Museum is also on the intracoastal waterway with spectacular views of the city & a historic kapok tree as grand as the estate. Admission is $28 adults & $14 for kids bathrooms & handicap accessible.
The Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach - it's in the same neighborhood as the Flagler Museum, so you certainly could visit both in one day if your limited on time in the area. This is one of my personal favorites & love walking their serene tropical gardens. Founded in 1936 there are outdoor sculptures, traveling art exhibitions, lectures, events, a library & auditorium. They offer adult & children's programs as well as annual concert series. While the garden is free with bathrooms & is handicap accessible, some of the events & programs will have a cost associated with them.
Cox Science Center & Aquarium in West Palm Beach - A great place to beat the summer heat while learning & having loads of fun! The science center has a planetarium, aquarium, summer camps & interactive exhibits. Adult admission is $26 with different pricing for kids & seniors.
Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach - another favorite of mine where every Saturday is free for Palm Beach County residents all summer to Sept 5th though admission is $18 for adults with special prices for seniors, students & kids. This is a more traditional fine arts museum with a very contemporary vibe with not only multiple permanent collections but they have rotating exhibits as well so there's always something new to experience. But what makes them even more special is they have a beautiful sculpture garden! Annnd if it couldn't get any better they have a cafe, offer art classes & workshops for adults & kids, host lectures & events, art after dark & live musical entertainment.
So here's some fun places that are for those with alternative interests.
Past Present Future Comics in West Palm Beach - People into gaming & comics will love one of our county's long time favorites, I know I do! Full of unique, one of a kind, vintage, rare & new items like figurines, comics, manga, t-shirts, cards, art, games, Japanese snacks, POPS, you name it they probably have it. Everyone there is super friendly & knowledgeable. Plus they have gaming events too!
Book Exchange & Comics in North Palm Beach - full of vintage, used & new books, comics, dvds & manga. A reader's paradise especially when you find that hidden gem in the stacks!
Retrohouse Comics in Lake Worth Beach - this is a full on comic book store for the diehard comic book heads. It's not a huge space but it's loaded with all genres of comics and manga. They also offer some unique services like resurfacing dvds, bluerays & game discs. As well as inhouse comic pressing to improve grading results. Plus they have CGC certified comic book grading. Right in the heart of Lake Worth with so many other cool boutiques & restaurants to visit.
Realistic Comic Books in Lake Park - another great place for the comic book lover in your life, they too are CGC certified. Plus you can shop & ship directly from their website just incase it's raining outside lol
Famous Faces & Funnies 2 in Boynton Beach - a great place for those who love more than just comics, they have a huge collection of anime, POPS, toys, collectibles, comics, manga & games. Plus they have signing events, Kid's CON & new release events. They have a Melbourne store as well.
How many of you have actually climbed a real lighthouse!?! I've visited the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum back in my college days in Jupiter & it's pretty special but it's definitely for people who are physically fit in order to climb the stairs & kids have to be at least 4ft high. But they do have a sweet museum & other historic houses on the grounds with gardens & nature paths to walk through. Of course the views of the gorgeous inlet can't be beat even if you don't make it to the top. Plus there's loads of delicious restaurants near by. The lighthouse was built in 1860 & they do offer guided tours. Adult admission is $15 with special prices for seniors & kids. Some areas are handicap accessible though limited.
How about visiting the Silverball Retro Arcade in Delray Beach! One of the absolutely best arcades around with all kinds of vintage pinball machines, arcade games, food, drinks & all kinds of combination admission specials. Perfect for adults & kids.
Ok I know most of you have never done this! How about taking a cruise on the water in a tiki hut!? Yes, I said cruising in a tiki! In Riviera Beach, Cruisin' Tiki's will take you on a truly Florida style waterway experience. They offer different cruise events depending on what you & your guests are interested in whether its a sunset cruise, a half day, night time, 4th of July firework event, going to the sandbar or Palm Beach Island. You can book it for your own group up to six people or go with others if it's just a few of you. Either way, fun is the on the itinerary with Cruisin' Tiki's! It is BYOB & remember to tip your captain!
Or have you ever done this?! For those more adventurous souls, visit some of our county's areas not accessible for most people by another truly unique Florida experience via airboat! You'll see some of our most beautiful parts of the state this way. Some companies will have boats to accommodate multiple person groups though it's always standard procedure to book in advance for airboat tours whether your two or ten. And a reminder that all airboat tours are strictly for wildlife viewing & education.
There are many airboat companies out there so by no means is this all of them but to name a few:
Well y'all, thanks so much for sticking around to the end of this journey around our beloved Palm Beach County! I know this was a long one but it's a huge county & hopefully it's inspired you to either get out there & enjoy these treasures in our own backyard. Or if you're visiting from out of town it's helped plan your stay. Let me know if you have any gems you think would be perfect to share here and/or your thoughts if you've visited any of these places. Thank you for being here with me today, you truly mean the world to me!
Until next time, wishing you all the best & happy gardening!
Sheri
XOXO
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