The Lake Worth Lagoon separates West Palm Beach from the city of Palm Beach in Florida. Surrounded by lagoon waters on one side and beautiful views of the Atlantic on the other, West Palm Beach is a great vacation spot for people of all ages. Whether you’re traveling with family or visiting this amazing beach city with a group of friends, there’s something for everyone in regard to activities and local attractions. If you’ve booked your vacation rental in West Palm Beach and you’re ready to have some fun, find out what the area has to offer with this top 15 list of activities.
1. Lion Country Safari – West Palm Beach, Florida
For a fun safari adventure, sign up for a Lion Country Safari Adventure. The park offers walk-through tours as well as drive-through safaris, where visitors can view lions, zebras, and gorillas, to name a few. The preserve is divided up into seven separate sections, each housing different animal species. Be sure to bring your camera to capture some amazing once-in-a-lifetime photos.
2. Peanut Island – West Palm Beach, Florida
Peanut Island sits at the mouth of the Lake Worth Inlet, and it has a swimming beach along the lagoon and plenty of space for outdoor fun. Do some fishing off the dock leading into the lagoon, or pack some beach supplies to enjoy a day in the sand and surf.
3. Ann Norton Sculpture Garden – West Palm Beach, Florida
For a day filled with breathtaking art, pay a visit to the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden. Unique sculptures are strategically placed among the foliage, peeking out behind leaves and trees. The gardens also house coontie plants, which attract Atala caterpillars. The brightly colored caterpillars would be extinct without these rare host plants, and both are a sight to behold.
4. Ocean Reef Park – West Palm Beach, Florida
For a day of snorkeling off the shoreline, head over to Ocean Reef Park. The park houses a guarded beach with rock formations on the west end, where you can take a dip and check out underwater creatures ranging from small schools of fish to sea turtles. The park also offers a picnic pavilion and miles of sand for beach combing.
5. Manatee Lagoon – West Palm Beach, Florida
Manatees are some of the most beautiful and gentle creatures on the planet, and Manatee Lagoon is a great place to get an up-close view of these wonders of the sea. All the manatees in the lagoon are wild and tend to gather when the water is warm. Visit the lagoon and take a peek over the shoreline to spot the manatees in action, or if you’ve got a smartphone, pull up the eco-center’s online manatee cam to check out these wonderful sea animals underwater.
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6. Apoxee Trail – West Palm Beach, Florida
For some outdoor recreation, take a hike along the Apoxee Trail. A 2.5-mile interior trail takes hikers through lush greenery and wetlands, while a 4.5-mile round trip trail forms a loop with another trail named Owahee. Get up early and fill a pack with water and snacks, and then head over to this gorgeous nature area for a refreshing jaunt.
7. Fun Depot – West Palm Beach, Florida
Have a day of old-fashioned fun at Fun Depot. Whether you’re traveling with kids or simply wish to let your inner child run wild for the day, Fun Depot has all the right stuff for a great time. Attractions at the park include laser tag, go-karts, batting cages, and an arcade with a wide selection of current and old-school games.
8. Unbelievable Acres Botanic Gardens – West Palm Beach, Florida
Visit the rain forests in the heart of Florida with a trip to Unbelievable Acres Botanic Gardens. This man-made tropical rainforest houses over 2,000 tropical plants found in natural habitats throughout the world, and it’s been a popular West Palm Beach attraction since the 1970s. Tours are by appointment only, so call before heading over.
9. Currie Park – West Palm Beach, Florida
For a fun day of boating, tennis, or pier fishing, pay a visit to Currie Park. Rent a boat and navigate the Intracoastal Waterway, or hang out at the pier with your fishing gear, and reel in some bass. The park also offers a tennis court and picnic areas for recreation and outdoor dining.
10. Winding Waters Nature Area – West Palm Beach, Florida
Spend the day in the tranquility of nature at Winding Waters Nature Area. Do a little birdwatching, or walk along the marshy areas and keep your eyes peeled for alligators soaking up the sun. If you’re up for a little adventure, rent a canoe or kayak, and float along the 3-mile loop water trail.
11. McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary – West Palm Beach, Florida
Spend some time with hundreds of rescued native animals at McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary. Stroll the grounds and visit with bobcats, owls, hawks, and endangered birds – as well as many more beautiful creatures – and then head over to the reptile room for some interactive time with critters ranging from tiny geckos to a 12-foot albino python.
12. Calypso Bay Waterpark – West Palm Beach, Florida
Cool off and have some fun at Calypso Bay Waterpark. Boasting two four-story water slides, this waterpark is a refreshing treat for folks of all ages. If you feel like relaxing, take advantage of the 897-foot lazy river ride.
13. Norton Museum of Art – West Palm Beach, Florida
For a day of local culture, check out the Norton Museum of Art. Rotating exhibits include works by local artists and famed artists from around the world, and the museum also hosts Art After Dark one night a week with live music performances, happy hours, and artist lectures.
14. Palm Beach Zoo – West Palm Beach, Florida
Have some fun with some of Florida’s most beloved animals at the Palm Beach Zoo. Sign up for a personalized Animal Experience and get up close with adorable sloths, anteaters, and capybaras, or take a self-guided tour of the grounds, and check out the animals as they go about their day. When you’re ready to refuel, stop by the Tropics Cafe for a snack.
15. Flagler Museum – West Palm Beach, Florida
Built in 1902, the Flagler Museum is the former mansion of Henry Flagler, a millionaire who once rubbed elbows with the Rockefellers. The museum offers guided tours, self-guided tours, and audio tours, and it houses personal items, furnishings, papers, and artifacts of the legendary businessman. Don’t forget to pass by the music room for a glimpse of Mr. Flagler’s pipe organ, which features 1,249 pipes.
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