Palm Beach County Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink, where to stay, and more in Palm Beach County.


Introduction to Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County, located in Greater Miami, Florida, is known for its beautiful beaches, high-end shopping, and cultural attractions. The county is home to some of the most sought-after destinations in Florida, including West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, and Boca Raton.

List of Places to Visit in Palm Beach County

Whether you want to explore the county’s cultural attractions or enjoy its natural beauty, Palm Beach County has something for everyone.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in history or the arts, Palm Beach County offers a wide range of cultural attractions that showcase the county’s unique history and artistic accomplishments.

  1. Flagler Museum - The former mansion of industrialist Henry Morrison Flagler is now a museum that offers visitors a glimpse of life during America’s Gilded Age.

  2. Norton Museum of Art - This museum houses a collection of over 7,000 works of art from all over the world, including American, European, and Chinese art.

  3. Historical Society of Palm Beach County - The Historical Society of Palm Beach County offers visitors a chance to learn about the county’s rich history, from Native American settlements to the present day.

Natural Attractions of Palm Beach County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Palm Beach County is known for its beautiful beaches and diverse natural landscapes. From kayaking to hiking, there are endless ways to explore the county’s natural beauty.

  1. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park - This park offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of South Florida, including pristine beaches, coastal habitats, and nature trails.

  2. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge - The Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area of the northern Everglades that offers visitors a chance to see Florida’s unique ecosystem up close.

  3. Blowing Rocks Preserve - This 73-acre preserve features a beach, hiking trails, and stunning rock formations that have been formed by centuries of erosion.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County offers a variety of scenic hiking and biking trails for visitors to explore. Here are some of the best options:

  1. Apoxee Wilderness Trail - This 2.5-mile trail winds through the Apoxee Wilderness Preserve and offers views of wetlands, pine flatwoods, and oak hammocks.

  2. Jupiter Ridge Natural Area Trail - This 2.5-mile trail offers visitors views of Florida’s unique ecosystems, including pine rocklands and oak hammocks.

  3. Riverbend Park Trail - This 7-mile trail winds through Riverbend Park and offers visitors views of the Loxahatchee River and the surrounding natural landscape.

Best Things to Do in Palm Beach County: Activities and Tours

In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, Palm Beach County offers a wide range of activities and tours for visitors of all ages and interests.

  1. Palm Beach Segway Tours - This tour takes visitors on a guided tour of Palm Beach Island, showcasing the island’s beautiful architecture and stunning views.

  2. Palm Beach Food Tours - This tour takes visitors on a culinary journey through Palm Beach, with stops at some of the county’s best restaurants and food shops.

  3. Palm Beach Outdoor Adventures - This company offers a range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.

Week-Long Itinerary for Palm Beach County

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for visitors to Palm Beach County:

Day 1: Visit the Flagler Museum and explore the shops and restaurants of Palm Beach Island.

Day 2: Spend the day at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, exploring the park’s beaches and nature trails.

Day 3: Take a guided tour of West Palm Beach, visiting some of the city’s best restaurants and cultural attractions.

Day 4: Explore the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and take a guided kayak tour of the park’s waterways.

Day 5: Spend the day hiking or biking along the Jupiter Ridge Natural Area Trail.

Day 6: Take a Palm Beach Food Tour and enjoy some of the county’s best local cuisine.

Day 7: Explore some of the county’s smaller beach towns, like Delray Beach or Boynton Beach, and relax on the beach.

Food and Drink Scene of Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County boasts a diverse food and drink scene, with a range of unique restaurants and bars to explore.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Key Lime Pie - This classic Florida dessert is a must-try when visiting Palm Beach County.

  2. Fresh Seafood - With its proximity to the ocean, Palm Beach County offers visitors some of the freshest seafood in the state.

  3. Cuban Sandwich - This sandwich is a local favorite, made with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.

Local Beverages

  1. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice - Florida is known for its oranges, and visitors to Palm Beach County should try some of the county’s freshly squeezed orange juice.

  2. Craft Beer - Palm Beach County is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous local breweries to explore.

Where to Stay in Palm Beach County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Palm Beach County offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, from luxury hotels to guesthouses and hostels.

  1. The Breakers Palm Beach - This historic hotel is a local landmark, offering visitors luxurious accommodations and stunning ocean views.

  2. Casa Grandview - This guesthouse offers visitors a more affordable option for their stay in Palm Beach County, while still providing comfortable and stylish accommodations.

What to Buy in Palm Beach County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs or gifts to bring home from your trip to Palm Beach County, there are plenty of options to choose from.

  1. Citrus - As mentioned earlier, Florida is known for its oranges, and visitors to Palm Beach County can bring home some of the county’s freshly grown citrus fruit.

  2. Local Art - Palm Beach County is home to a vibrant art scene, and visitors can bring home a piece of local art as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County is known for its laid-back lifestyle and friendly atmosphere. Visitors should be respectful of the local culture, which values community and a love of the outdoors.

Best Time to Visit Palm Beach County

The best time to visit Palm Beach County depends on your personal interests and preferences. If you’re looking for warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities, the summer months are the best time to visit. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy some cooler weather, the winter months are a great time to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Palm Beach County

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs.

  2. Enjoy the county’s beautiful natural landscapes.

Don’t:

  1. Leave trash on the beaches or in the parks.

  2. Be disrespectful to others.

Safety and Health

Safety in Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors to the county should take basic precautions to ensure their safety.

Health in Palm Beach County

Visitors to Palm Beach County should be aware of the risks associated with sun exposure and take appropriate measures to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays.

Getting to Palm Beach County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Palm Beach County is easily accessible by car, plane, or bus.

Airports Near Palm Beach County

  1. Palm Beach International Airport - Located in West Palm Beach, this airport is the main point of entry for visitors to the county.

  2. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport - This airport is located about an hour south of Palm Beach County and offers a wider range of flight options.

Bus Stations Near Palm Beach County

  1. Greyhound Station - Located in West Palm Beach.

Other Options

  1. Amtrak Station - Located in West Palm Beach, this station is a great option for visitors traveling by train.

How to Get Around in Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County offers a range of transportation options for visitors, including rental cars, taxis, and public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Palm Beach County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Florida, there are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to choose from.

  1. Miami - Located about an hour south of Palm Beach County, Miami is a vibrant and diverse city that offers visitors a chance to explore Florida’s unique culture and nightlife.

  2. The Florida Keys - If you’re looking for a more laid-back and tropical destination, the Florida Keys offer visitors beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Palm Beach County is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers visitors a chance to explore Florida’s unique natural landscape and culture. Whether you’re interested in history and the arts or outdoor adventures and relaxation on the beach, Palm Beach County has something to offer everyone.