West Palm Beach Explore Local With RVshare

Shopping. Dining. And, of course, lying out on the sun-sparkle sand. Life sure is lovely in West Palm Beach, Florida — and with so much to see and do, it’s never boring.

What was once the brainchild of Henry Flagler, the oil magnate who built the Florida East Coast railway, West Palm has expanded from a small residential and commercial suburb in the late 1800s to a part of the sprawling metropolis of greater south Florida today. 

It’s also home to some of the best stretches of Atlantic coastline in the country, as well as numerous bars, restaurants, shopping opportunities, spas, and so much more.

Whether you’ve called West Palm Beach home for a long time already and are hoping to get reacquainted, or if you’re just getting introduced for the very first time, here are some of our favorite things to see and do in this one-of-a-kind beachside city.

*Note: Some of the suggestions may not be doable due to coronavirus closures, but keep this list handy for when things start opening back up more! Be sure to check individual pages for specific operation details.

While West Palm Beach is swimming in fun, urban adventures to take on (no pun intended), there are plenty of resplendent natural areas to meander in, too. From beaches to hiking trails through the sunny Florida canopy, here are some of the best state and national parks and preserves in and around West Palm Beach, FL.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

Given its location on a barrier island, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park offers the unique opportunity to view not one, but two stunning waterfronts, as well as being an ideal place for water sports like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and more. The park also boasts a children’s playground as well as a hiking trail, restroom facilities and more.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Jonathan Dickinson State Park bears the distinction of being the largest state park in southeastern Florida, and is comprised of 16 different natural communities. Along with simply wandering the park on your own, you can also get familiar with the landscape via interpretive boat tours and horse-drawn carriage rides. 

JW Corbett Wildlife Management Area

Taking up a sweeping 60,000+ acres between Gold Coast and Lake Okeechobee, the JW Corbett Wildlife Management Area is a vast and varied retreat for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. Whether you go for straight-up hiking, wildlife viewing or hunting, you’ll be sure to enjoy this unique landscape, which is home to bobcats, indigo snakes, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and sandhill cranes — just to name a few.

Seabranch Preserve State Park

Located about three quarters of an hour from West Palm Beach in its northerly neighboring community of Stuart, Seabranch Preserve State Park is known for its variety of natural habitats, shaped by the ocean and the sunshine over thousands of years. Home to both bald eagles and swallowtail kites, this park offers four miles of hiking trails and doesn’t require a fee to enter. 

Folks from outside of Florida might not think of it as a great destination for hiking… but they are sorely mistaken! Here are just a few of the best hiking trails in West Palm Beach and the surrounding areas.

Hog Hammock and Promontory Trail Loop

Tucked inside nearby Grassy Waters Preserve, the Hog Hammock and Promontory Trail Loop runs a little more than four miles altogether and is particularly prized for its beautiful blooms of wildflowers. As is the case with most Florida trails, there isn’t much elevation gain to speak of, making this a doable adventure even for beginning hikers!

Grassy Waters Preserve Trail

If you’re looking for something longer, which could be cut down into day-trippable chunks or taken on as one, long adventure, the Grassy Waters Preserve Trail might be what you seek. Measuring about 18 miles all told, and with many boardwalked or otherwise finished areas, this trail is also a great option for those pushing strollers or wheelchairs or taking a bike ride.

Dyer Park Trail

The out-and-back Dyer Park Trail will take you a little more than two miles across a flat and wide-open expanse. Good for a workout as well as a leisurely stroll, this area is also known by locals as a great place to experience the sunset. 

Okeeheelee Nature Center

The Okeeheelee Nature Center is a great place to take the whole family when you’re in need of something fun an educational to do on a sunny afternoon. Its onsite nature trail runs about two miles and is a good place to spot local wildlife like deer, rabbits, tortoises and owls — as well as the simple beauty of the landscape. Palm trees, waterways, shrubs and forest canopy all await, and all within an easy drive of the urban center of West Palm Beach.

Winding Waters Natural Area

A loop running a little more than four miles altogether and featuring a beautiful lake, Winding Waters Natural Area is a popular destination for local outdoor recreationists — but not so overcrowded that it becomes annoying. The trail oscillates between pavement and Florida’s soft sand, so be sure you’re prepared for either! We recommend a good pair of hiking boots or trail runners.

If you’re going to enjoy yourself in West Palm Beach, you’re gonna need to fuel up. Here are the very best restaurants in town, no matter what you’re in the mood for. 

Avocado Grill

Widely considered one of the best restaurants in all of West Palm Beach, no matter what you’re looking for, Avocado Grill serves up a plethora of delicious, fresh options: from cold tapas to hot entrees ranging in inspiration from Mexican to Mediterranean, it’s no surprise this place has won multiple awards. (Plus, it’s just steps from the Intracoastal!)

Grato

If you’re looking for the best Italian restaurant in West Palm Beach, you’re going to be met with a lot of options — but Grato is certainly not one to overlook. Dishes like bucatini carbonara, garganelli alla vodka and prosciutto pizza are all made in-house and served in a beautiful, elegant open-air dining room.

Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar

Great Mexican food doesn’t have to be complex, and Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar has mastered the art of serving up something simple but sumptuous. Along with its namesake favorites, you can also order enchiladas, burritos, nachos and more, and choose from a well-curate cocktail list.

Indus Indian and Herbal Cuisine

Yes, it’s tucked into a strip-mall type environment. Yes, the Google listing describes it as “unfussy.” but the fact remains that Indus Indian Herbal Cuisine offers some of the very best Indian food in West Palm, including a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options to satisfy the plant-based eater in your midst. 

Koizi Endless Hibachi & Sushi

At Koizi Endless Hibachi & Sushi, the options are — you guessed it — endless! Okay, maybe not, but the amount certainly is. Popular enough to have opened three restaurants in the greater West Palm area, this place is one of the very best if you’re looking for delicious Asian eats and an extremely full belly.

Once you’ve enjoyed the great outdoors and a great meal or three, the fun’s still only just started. Here are some more of the very best things to see, do, and explore in West Palm Beach.

For Kids and Families

Got the kids with you for the adventure? Good news — there’s plenty of all-ages fun to be had in West Palm! Here are a couple of our tip-top picks.

Rapids Waterpark

South Florida is well-known for its heat, and if you want to beat that summer sun in style, one of the very best ways to do so is with a trip to Rapids Waterpark. The largest attraction of its kind in south Florida, Rapids offers 30 rides and experiences including many steep, slippery drops as well as more relaxing floating adventures. There’s also tons of fun shopping and dining to do there, too! 

Palm Beach Zoo

Priding itself in its conservation and education efforts, Palm Beach Zoo is a great way to spend an afternoon with the kids that’s both fun and informative. Home to more than 500 animals representing 190 species — many of which are endangered — this spot is the perfect place to get wonderfully wild.

At Night

West Palm Beach — and basically all the rest of South Florida, for that matter — is well-known for its nightlife. Now that we’ve covered some of the fun things to do in this town during the daytime, let’s turn our attention to what’s happening after dark.

Purple Lotus Kava Bar

A cocktail bar is one thing… but if you’ve never been to a kava bar, you’re in for a treat. Purple Lotus Kava Bar is the perfect place to introduce you, offering a range of traditional and premium kavas that will make you feel relaxed and revitalized without compromising your mental clarity (or suffering through a hangover the next day).

Cycle Party

Obviously, you should never drink and drive… but drinking and cycling can, in certain cases, be a different story. (Hear us out!) Cycle Party offers a unique opportunity to bar hop on a bike — a bike built for a whole party full of people. The tour guide takes you to some of the most exciting breweries and bars in town, and worries about the steering… so all you have to do is pump those legs and pound those beers!

Cheap Things to Do in West Palm Beach

It’s easy to spend a whole heap while you’re in West Palm Beach — but you don’t have to to have an authentic experience of the area! Here are some of our favorite options for those looking for low-cost ways to see the sights.

Lion Country Safari

The only walk-through park of its kind in South Florida, Lion Country Safari allows visitors to tour its 600 acres of land and visit with 900 animals, including sloths, tortoises, pythons and more. The drive-through portion gets you up close and personal with even more wildlife, like zebras, antelope, water buffalo — and, of course, lions. 

Worth Avenue

Stretching four blocks from Lake Worth to the Atlantic Ocean, Worth Avenue is a trendy shopping and dining district in West Palm Beach and a great place to wander — particularly if you’re trying to see or be seen. Of course, many of the items for sale aren’t exactly inexpensive… but it’s totally free just to walk around! 

Free Things to Do in West Palm Beach

Speaking of free things to see and do, here are a few more of the top things to do in West Palm Beach that won’t cost you even a single cent! 

The Johnson History Museum

Also known as the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, this institution houses exhibits detailing the area’s historical people, places, and ecology — and best of all, it’s totally free to enter. In fact, docent-led tours are also available absolutely free of charge, and even the building itself is beautiful.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

A beloved nonprofit organization devoted to conservation, education and relief, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a great place to discover more depth and detail about the stunning natural world around you. Guests can visit with sea turtle “patients” being rehabilitated for the wild, and can learn more in a variety of interactive exhibits. Guided tours are also available for the low cost of $10 per person, a worthy and affordable upgrade to your experience.

Spas in West Palm Beach

Need some pampering… or just a new style to rock? Here are some of the very best day spas and salons in West Palm Beach to help you relax, rejuvenate and recharge. 

Anushka Spa & Salon

Offering a full slate of spa treatments, such as facials and massage, as well as haircare, makeup, waxing, and even med spa options like Botox, Anusha Spa & Salon is something of a one-stop shop for those in West Palm Beach looking for beautifying. Plus, the services are offered in a beautiful and indulgent locale, turning an excursion into an experience.

Aqua Spa Palm Beach

From mani/pedis to massages and facials and more, Aqua Spa Palm Beach is a popular place to turn for locals who are in need of some TLC. Friendly and affordable, this is a great option when you’re looking for a day spa experience that won’t break the bank.

Best Gyms & Yoga Studios

When you’re in a place as beachy as, well, West Palm Beach, staying in shape is top of mind. But no matter what your body looks like in a bikini, your mind is sure to feel more at ease if you’re sweating regularly. Here are the best gyms and yoga studios in the area. 

Ultima Fitness Performance

If what you’re after is better performance and higher standards, Ultima Fitness Performance is the perfect spot to get in gear. Offering an indoor turf track, free weight area, a full range of machines, punching bags, cardio equipment and more, this gym is located right in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach — and is staffed by empathetic and professional trainers who can help you get where you’re going.

Om Yoga & Wellness Studios

Yoga is so much more than just a physical practice: it’s a way to get in touch with your mind and your soul, a community effort that brings you closer to yourself and others. At Om Yoga & Wellness Studios, diversity and inclusion are championed and everyone is welcome — including you! 

Clearly, there’s no shortage of things to do in West Palm Beach proper. But there are also some very worthwhile day trips to take in the immediate area, too! Here are some of the best places for a getaway, be it a weekend or just an afternoon.

Miami

It’s not called The Magic City for nothing — and as someone coming in from West Palm Beach, the very best thing about taking a trip to Miami is the fact that you get to go back home once you’re finished. :) 

Everglades National Park

If you’ve yet to buzz around in an airboat while deftly dodging alligators, can you even say you’ve been to Florida? Everglades National Park is a sprawling, swampy landscape that every Floridian needs to experience — and at just two hours from West Palm Beach, it’s within easy reach. (Be sure to stick around after the sun goes down to enjoy its epic dark skies — stargazing is so tough in most parts of south Florida!)

The Florida Keys

Dangling like a string of jewels off the tip of Florida, the keys are a popular and worthy destination, whether you hang around Islamorada or make it all the way down to Key West. (By the way, if you do: be sure to stop at the southernmost point for the photo opp by the big, painted buoy, and enjoy your scenic trip along the 7-mile bridge.)

As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in West Palm Beach that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in West Palm Beach? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal.