West Palm Beach is a great Florida destination – you have the ocean, the zoo, excellent shopping, golfing and other recreational activities but not too many crowds. It is good for a family vacation (Florida overall is VERY child-friendly), and it′s a fun trip for singles. You can even think of it as an alternative destination for spring break. Most airlines have frequent flights into West Palm Beach (PBI airport), and once there just rent a car. The town is fairly small but there are plenty of things to do in Palm Beach and the neighboring areas. Here are a few of our favorites.
CLEMATIS STREET
Clematis Street is at the center of CityPlace – a giant shopping, entertainment and residential complex in downtown West Palm Beach. There are 4 fountains, which, along with the beautifully restored 1926 church and a big open plaza, create a sense of peace and make you feel like in a small Italian town.
Yet, there is a huge 20-screen Muvico cinema complex, thousands of square feet of retail and 20 different restaurants. Nothing quaint about it. Shopping is a whole afternoon event and is popular with both locals and tourists alike. Stroll around the cobble-stone area with many upscale shops and your traditional favorites, like Macy’s, The Gap, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Pottery Barn and Barnes & Noble.
Fans and shady palm trees will keep you cool. You can stop for a little ice-cream at an old-fashioned ice-cream parlor. There are also plenty of excellent restaurants in the area – from local favorites – Brewzzi, City Cellar, Field of Greens – to national chains such as Legal Seafood and The Cheesecake Factory.
Cityplace is the heart of the area, with the old theater and fountain being an easy meeting spot. Blue Martini is a trendy place for live music and entertainment and offers 25 different kinds of martinis and a tapas menu. The club has three very different sections – casual one outdoors, stage room, and the VIP room. Throughout the year, Clematis by Night is a weekly Thursday night experience with concerts by the fountain.
Clematis Street is a popular destination for many festivals. One such festival, SunFest, happens every spring on the first week of May – this year it takes place April 30-May 4. SunFest is Florida’s largest music, art and waterfront festival with over 50 concerts by both national and local artists. There is also a juried Fine Art & Craft show featuring over 160 artists, plenty of children’s activities including interactive games and activities (children under 5 are admitted free for the festival). Gorgeous fireworks on the last day of the Fest end this week of fun.
THE PALM BEACH ZOO
The Palm Beach Zoo is a huge family attraction in the Palm Beach country. It is situated on over 23 acres of lush tropical habitats and is host to over 1500 animals from around the world. Right at the entrance is a large interactive play fountain – a great way to blow off some steam for kids and cool off on a hot day. The fountain is also a central point of the zoo. There are several forks you can take from there leading to one of a few major animal habitats (complete with the continent’s landscape and even architecture) – Florida Wetlands, Tropics of the Americas, Australia and Asia.
This is a zoo where you can get really close to the animals. Peacocks and iguanas freely stroll the grounds and the little pink birds act like your guides – they will follow you everywhere. The zoo staff is extremely friendly and they will let you watch the animal feedings – a fun and educational experience.
Florida wetlands are host to beautiful pink flamingos, Florida panthers, reptiles, otters and the ever-so-timid alligator. This area is where you will find the Carousel – a fun ride for kids and adults. Australia and Asia feature kangaroos, emus, loud (in voice and color) parrots, monkeys, emus, tigers and more. They are also the location of a beautiful Butterfly Garden and Asian Aviary.
Finally, Tropics of the Americas are not only home to animals such as the jaguar, tapir, bush dog and primates, but also a rare Mayan exhibit complete with the Mayan pyramids and huts.
Nearby, at Baker Lake, you can witness a unique Wings over Water bird show several times a day or have lunch at the Tropics Café and watch the swans gliding on the water.
The zoo is open every day 9-5 (only closing Christmas and Thanksgiving Day). Adult tickets cost $13, children’s (3-12) ticket is $9 and babies and toddlers under 3 get in free.
LION COUNTRY SAFARI
This world-famous African adventure in West Palm Beach has been voted Best local attraction year after year. You can experience this adventure going on a 4-mile drive through the safari or a 55-acre walk-through amusement park. There are over 900 animals roaming around on 350 acres. The park celebrated 40 years last year – when it opened in 1967, it was the first drive-through safari park in the country. The idea was originally to bring the experience of an African park home instead of having to go across the ocean on an expensive safari trip. Some of the animals you will encounter on this unique experience are lions, rhinoceroses, chimpanzees, zebras and giraffes. In addition to seeing the animals, you can watch giraffe feedings, find exotic birds or go on an overnight camp stay (there are over 200 campsites). The amusement park includes a Ferris wheel, water spray ground, petting zoo, merry-go-round, boat rides and more. Admission is $23 plus $5 for parking; children under 2 get in free.
SINGER ISLAND
A long bridge sprinkled with local fishermen takes you to the island. Aside from a few hotels, (Hilton is a stand-out with excellent entertainment), it’s largely beaches, parks and condos. There are many walking trails and it is a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of any city.
Florida beaches are exceptional, but the ones on Singer Island are especially pristine. They are a perfect destination for a beach wedding or a leisurely vacation. Singer Island is home to some of the best West Palm surfing areas.
A unique mix of lush tropical forest, long wooden boardwalks, sandy beaches and clear blue water, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a jewel in the heart of Singer Island. This barrier island is home to many rare and endangered native tropical and coastal bird and plant species, such as herons, brown pelicans, ibis, white fiddler crabs, sea lavender. And, since it is a natural barrier island, the park also protects the mainland from harsh ocean storms. The park is completing a new 1000-gallon turtle tank and will soon feature resident sea turtles. Many different kinds of turtles nest in the area from May through August. There are activities for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can swim, picnic, and surf at the beach.
Spectacular natural features, easily accessible from shore, make scuba-diving and snorkeling a popular activity in the shallow waters. There is fishing in the lagoon, kayaking, and canoeing. A long trail winds through coastal and subtropical trees, including cabbage palms, mastic trees, gumbo limbos and strangler figs. To keep the area as natural as possible, roads and structures were designed around rare trees and other plants. The park encompasses 317 acres of uplands and another 120 acres of submerged lands. You will also be amused to find a playground in the middle of this tropical lush paradise. The William T. Kirby Nature Center features displays depicting the park’s natural communities and live animal exhibits. Visitors may also view a 15-minute Nature Show video about the park. The Nature Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Located in northern Palm Beach County, 2.8 miles south of the intersection of U.S. 1 and PGA Boulevard on A1A.
