West Palm Beach isn’t just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle you don’t want to miss out on! After spending weeks exploring every corner of West Palm Beach, I’ve narrowed down the 10 best things to do in 2024. I’m going to talk about some great activities tourists miss when they visit, some local restaurants and attractions, and so much more. I’m Gino Santarossa, and I’m a certified REALTOR® helping people move to Florida.
Let’s get started with our West Palm Beach adventure! At number 10, go kayaking at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is located in North Palm Beach; however, it’s about a 15 to 20-minute drive north of West Palm Beach, so it’s close enough to be a great outdoor activity option for anyone living in the West Palm Beach area. When you go kayaking here, you can paddle around the calm estuary or head under Burnt Bridge into the Lake Worth Lagoon to explore Munyon Island. Depending on the season, you might spot manatees, dolphins, rays, and lots of birds. The park offers kayak rentals, with single kayaks starting at $15 per hour and doubles at $20 per hour. High tide is the best time to kayak since it’s easier to paddle, but low tide is great for seeing wildlife. Always wear a life jacket, and remember rentals depend on the weather—if it’s too windy, you might have to wait. Be sure to check out Munyon Island, as it’s a cool spot to visit with picnic pavilions and trails to explore.
Next, at number nine, is a haven for sculpture lovers: Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. If you haven’t visited the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, you’re missing out on one of Florida’s most hidden treasures. The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a peaceful place where art and nature come together. You’ll find amazing sculptures by Ann Weaver Norton, who worked with brick, granite, and bronze at the time. Her studio is still set up like it was when she created her pieces. The gardens are filled with over 250 types of tropical plants, making it a beautiful spot to walk around and relax. You can also visit her historic home, which gives a peek into her life. Tickets are affordable, and it’s easy to visit with wheelchair-friendly paths.
For my number eight, I invite you to cool off by hitting Rapids Water Park. Ever wonder what it’s like to conquer one of the wildest water parks in Florida? Rapids Water Park in West Palm Beach, Florida, is the perfect place for family fun with over 40 exciting water slides, including the Mega Mayhem water coaster, which I personally love. There’s plenty of thrills for everyone! If you want to relax, you can float along the lazy river or enjoy the wave pool that feels like you’re actually in the ocean. For younger kids, there are special play areas here with splash zones and water activities. The park has food stands, cafes, and even cabanas for rent. Open during summer and on weekends in the fall, it’s a must-visit spot for all ages.
My number seven pick helps us escape the city buzz at Peanut Island. Peanut Island sees thousands of visitors every year, but its history is still a mystery to most people. It is a fun place for outdoor activities where you can go snorkeling in the clear waters—especially at the lagoon and rocky areas where you’ll see cool sea creatures like crabs and colorful fish. There are also nice picnic spots with tables under shady huts, perfect for enjoying a meal surrounded by nature. One interesting spot on the island is the Kennedy Bunker, built for President John F. Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. While it’s not open to the public right away, there are plans to renovate it. You can only get to Peanut Island by ferry or private boat, and it’s open daily from morning until evening.
At number six, I’m bringing a taste of shopping at The Square. Did you know The Square is home to over 100 stores, ranging from top brands to local boutiques? The Square in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a lively place to shop, eat, and have fun. You can find many stores there, from popular brands like H&M to special boutiques like Gray and Cloves where you can discover unique items. There are also lots of restaurants offering everything from fancy meals at Il Bellagio to dining by the marina at Spruzzo. For dessert, don’t forget to stop by Angie’s Epicurean for ice cream that’s the best! The Square also has the Harriet Himmel Theater where you can catch concerts and shows. They often have fun events like fitness classes and parades, too. It’s easy to get there by car or train, and most places are open from noon until midnight. With its beautiful setting and variety of activities, The Square is a great spot for a day out.
My number five spot is Mounts Botanical Garden. Ever wonder where you can find a peaceful oasis filled with rare and beautiful plants? Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a peaceful place filled with beautiful plants. It has over 7,000 different species from all over the world, including Florida native plants, tropical fruits, and colorful flowers. You can explore 25 unique gardens here, each with its own theme, which are perfect for learning about the importance of plants. They also offer fun classes and programs for kids and adults who want to learn more about gardening and nature. Admission prices are pretty reasonable here as well, and the garden is open from Tuesday to Sunday. The paths are paved, making it pretty easy for everyone to enjoy, so no need to worry. With its lively surroundings and educational opportunities, Mounts Botanical Garden is a great spot for families and nature lovers.
Sitting at the number four spot, I suggest you enjoy the Waterfront in Downtown West Palm Beach. From festivals to quiet walks by the water, the Downtown West Palm Beach Waterfront offers something for everyone. You can take a nice walk along the waterfront promenade and see amazing views of the city and the Intracoastal Waterway. Families will love the fun interactive fountain at Waterfront Commons, where kids can splash around and play. Just in case you want to come in with your fancy yacht, there are docks for boats if you want to arrive by water. Every Saturday, you can check out the downtown GreenMarket, which has fresh fruits, flowers, and baked goods. The area is also great for biking and has places to rent kayaks and jet skis. Here, you’ll find nice restaurants and cafes with lovely views, especially at sunset. Whether you want to relax, eat, or have fun at events, the downtown Waterfront is a must-visit spot.
Coming in at number three is the Palm Beach Zoo. Who doesn’t love the zoo, right? The last time I visited the Palm Beach Zoo, I got up close with a sloth, and it was a highlight of my trip! The Palm Beach Zoo in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a great place for animal lovers and families alike. It has over 500 animals, including cool creatures like jaguars, tigers, and koalas, all living in a lush tropical setting. You can learn more about the animals through fun keeper talks with zookeepers or ride the wildlife carousel for a fun experience. The zoo cares about animals and helps with conservation projects around the world. Tickets are affordable here, and kids under three can enter for free. The zoo is open every day from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. There’s free parking, places to eat, and picnic areas all right here. With all the exciting animals and activities, the Palm Beach Zoo is a perfect spot for a fun day out.
At number two, that position belongs to Clematis Street. I remember the first time I walked down Clematis Street—the mix of history, culture, and modern charm left me wanting more. Clematis Street in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a fun and lively place to explore. You can enjoy delicious meals at places like Hullabaloo, a cool gastro pub with tasty Italian dishes, or O'Shea's Irish Pub, where you can simply relax with a pint of Guinness and listen to live Irish music. If you’re looking for something special, you can also check out Sourbon Kitchen & Bar for a nice dinner. There are also lots of shops here, from trendy boutiques to unique specialty stores—perfect for finding something special. The street is filled with life, featuring live music at many spots and exciting events like art shows and food festivals happening throughout the year. Whether you want to grab a coffee at Subculture Coffee, enjoy a great meal, or just soak up the atmosphere, Clematis Street has something for everyone.
Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for—my number one spot in West Palm Beach: the Norton Museum of Art. When I saw the Monet painting up close at the Norton Museum of Art, I realized how powerful art can be. As an art enthusiast, it had to be my number one spot! The Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a fantastic place for art lovers alike. It has a wide variety of collections, including American art with famous pieces by artists like Georgia O'Keeffe and Jackson Pollock. You can also see beautiful European artworks from artists like Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso. One of the coolest parts is the Chinese art collection here, which has over 700 items that are over 5,000 years old, including ancient jade and bronze pieces. Admission prices are reasonable, with free entry for kids under 12. The museum is open most days with special hours on Friday, so make sure you call ahead of time. It’s fully accessible as well, so everyone can enjoy it. With its amazing collections and exhibitions, the Norton Museum of Art is a great place to visit and learn about different cultures through art.
As promised, I have a bonus tip for you! The West Palm Beach GreenMarket is a fun farmers market that happens every Saturday from October to April. With over 130 local vendors, you can find fresh fruits, veggies, baked goods, flowers, and even honey and coffee here. It’s a great place to get healthy and find locally sourced food. You’ll also discover unique handmade crafts and gourmet foods, perfect for finding special gifts. The market is lively with live music and entertainment, making it a fun way to kick off your weekend. It’s located at 100 North Clematis Street right by the beautiful waterfront, so you can enjoy amazing views while you shop. The market runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and free parking is available nearby. Visiting the GreenMarket is also a wonderful way to connect with the community, enjoy fresh produce, and support local businesses while you’re at it.
