26 Best Things to Do in Palm Beach Florida: Museum Tours, Shopping, Cruises & More

Shops at Worth Avenue Palm Beach Florida

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Are you planning a visit to the sunny shores of Palm Beach, Florida? 

Located along the southeastern coast of the Sunshine State, this town boasts pristine beaches, azure waters, and a vibrant cultural scene. 

It’s a true tropical paradise that offers both relaxation and excitement.

To help plan your visit, we listed some of the best things to do in Palm Beach Florida.

Whether you’re a history buff intrigued by the opulent mansions of the Gilded Age, an art lover exploring nice museums, an outdoor enthusiast looking to soak up the sun, or simply want to discover something new, this place has something special to keep you entertained.

For statewide activities, check out recommendations in our Florida bucket list guide along with things to do for fall and winter.

Best Things to Do in Palm Beach FL

For easier navigation, we’ve organized the following list of places in Palm Beach, starting from the north, passing by some areas in West Palm Beach, and concluding in nearby places south.

William Gray Warden House

If you’re looking for things to do in the Palm Beach area where you can see historic gems, stop by the William Gray Warden House (200 N Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach).

Built in the 1920s by the legendary architect Addison Mizner, this Mediterranean-Revival and Colonial-Spanish-Revival style mansion showcases the region’s magnificent architectural heritage.

The house is known for its intricate detailing, spectacular oceanfront location, and verdant gardens.

More recently, it was actually converted into condos, but the exterior character and beauty were preserved.

The home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and stands as a piece of living history, offering a glimpse into Palm Beach’s past.

Henry Morrison Flagler Museum

The most popular attraction in Palm Beach is the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum.

This opulent Gilded Age estate was built in 1902 when it was claimed to rival the palaces of Europe.

Today, the home is listed as a National Historic Landmark and you can visit to explore the 75-room mansion spanning 100,000 square feet on a self-guided tour; docents lead tours of the first floor at designated times.

Note that the museum is closed on Mondays.

Worth Avenue

It’s not a visit to Palm Beach without a trip to Worth Avenue, the iconic shopping and dining district.

This beautiful street is lined with shady palms, designer stores, and upscale boutiques, so if you enjoy a day of shopping, you will surely love it here.

Some stores include Chanel, Lily Pulitzer, David Yurman, Flowers of Worth Avenue, and Louis Vuitton.

Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, this street is a perfect place to visit in Palm Beach for a sunny stroll spent appreciating the gorgeous Mediterranean-inspired architecture.

Nothing says luxury more than Worth Avenue, which effortlessly combines upscale shopping and an elegant atmosphere.

Shops at Worth Avenue Palm Beach Florida

Sightseeing Cruise

For a different perspective on all the lovely things to see in Palm Beach, get out onto the water! 

Hop on board a catamaran cruise for an educational sightseeing adventure.

Set sail along the Intercoastal Waterway to see local beaches, Peanut Island Park, and the famous Henry Morrison Flagler Museum all from a different vantage point.

During your cruise, you can also enjoy a selection of beverages and snacks available at the onboard bar. 

Aerial coastline view of Palm Beach Florida.

Snorkel Tour

If you’re trying to find exciting Palm Beach excursions, consider embarking on an unforgettable snorkel tour!

Dive into the spectacular underwater world of South Florida with professional guides and look for species like seahorses, stingrays, sea turtles, parrot fish, and starfish.

Taking a snorkel tour in Palm Beach is an immersive and exciting experience that will leave you in complete awe.

This is a fantastic option for beginners because you’ll learn the ropes of snorkeling and will be provided with all the gear you need.

Private Sunset Cruise

Would you like to experience the sunset in Palm Beach in a unique way?

Hop aboard on a private sunset cruise for a chill evening adventure on Palm Beach’s Intracoastal Waterway.  

It’s a great opportunity to relax, unwind, and watch the beautiful sunset while on a boat.

Phipps Ocean Park

Palm Beach consists of miles of gorgeous beaches, and Phipps Ocean Park (2201 S Ocean Blvd) is just one of the many locations to have a day of fun in the sun!

This park does offer a bit more than access to the picturesque beach, as it also features a tennis center, picnic tables, barbecue pits, and restrooms.

The beach is just about as perfect as it gets, with golden sand for relaxing on and bright blue water for taking refreshing dips in.  

A trip to Phipps Ocean Park makes for a splendid thing to do in Palm Beach when you’re yearning to get your toes in the sand!

Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course

The Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course (2345 S Ocean Blvd) overlooks the ocean as well as the Intracoastal, so you know you’re in for a day filled with stunning views when you set out to play this course.

The 39-acre course opened in 1961 and has previously been named by Golf Digest as the best par 3 course in the country.

The 18-hole course is renowned for its challenging yet fun layout, and there is also a full-length driving range, putting green, and a practice bunker.  

Golfing is one of the best things to do in Palm Beach, Florida, and the Palm Beach Par 3 Course is such a premier spot to enjoy it.

Four Seasons Palm Beach

The Four Seasons Palm Beach (2800 S Ocean Blvd) is an extravagant oceanfront resort that invites guests to let all their troubles melt away.

Situated right on the beach, there are many ways to enjoy your time at the Four Seasons, whether you booked a stay here or just plan to visit for the day.

Guests can indulge in world-class spa treatments, lounge by the pool, enjoy fantastic meals at the 2 on-site restaurants, and have a blast partaking in water sports like paddle boarding or kayaking.

This resort is one of the places to go in Palm Beach if you’re seeking unforgettable experiences for relaxation and leisure.

Lake Worth Beach Park

For a lively beach day with friends and family, head over to Lake Worth Beach Park (10 S Ocean Blvd, Lake Worth).

This beach boasts wide sandy shores and turquoise waters, making it a favorite spot amongst locals and visitors for sunbathing and swimming.

The park also has several picnic areas, a fishing pier, restrooms, showers, a scenic walkway, and nearby shops and restaurants.

Lake Worth Beach Park has just about everything you could need for a perfect day at the beach, no matter the time of year.

Benny’s On the Beach

There’s something so special about dining right on the beach, and Benny’s on the Beach (10 S Ocean Blvd, Lake Worth) provides guests with that exact experience.

This beloved eatery is located right on the Lake Worth Beach Pier, offering diners sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Serving guests since 1986, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the menu features tasty dishes such as shrimp and grits, chorizo breakfast tacos, conch fritters, seared tuna tostada, and lobster dip.

The laid-back atmosphere makes Benny’s a perfect spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy a delicious meal right by the water.

Palm Beach Helicopters

If you’re searching for an activity that’s a bit more thrilling than anything you can find on land, book an unforgettable tour with Palm Beach Helicopters (2615 Lantana Rd, Lantana).

Palm Beach sightseeing is taken to a whole new level when you’re able to experience the beauty of the area from an aerial perspective.

Expert pilots provide safe and informative tours that vary in length, allowing you to see the area’s top landmarks and learn interesting facts.  

A tour with Palm Beach Helicopters is a unique way to take in the stunning scenery of the Palm Beaches and make unforgettable memories.

Birds eye view The Breakers Palm Beach Florida.

Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens

Get lost in an enchanting property comprising 9 monumental garden sculptures, 250 species of rare tropical palms, and 100 works of art at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens (253 Barcelona Rd, West Palm Beach).

Wandering through the 2-acre garden, adorned with sculptures created by Ann Weaver Norton, makes for an awe-inspiring activity here in Palm Beach.

The historic 1925 home of the artist was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990 and provides unique insight into Ann’s life and creative process.

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens offer a serene way to explore a fusion of art and nature in a stunning historical setting.

Palm Beach County History Museum

If you’re interested in learning a bit more about Palm Beach’s interesting past, the Palm Beach County History Museum (300 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach) is the place to go.

Housed in a historic 1916 courthouse, the museum features engaging exhibits and many artifacts that tell the story of the Palm Beach County region, which spans about 12,000 years.

Visitors can explore the area’s heritage, from early pioneers to the evolution of the community we know today, and the museum puts on special exhibits throughout the year, as well.

If you love diving into the history of a destination, this museum is a must-visit for anyone that’s curious about the area’s cultural heritage.

Manatee Lagoon

The best place to observe manatees in their natural habitat in South Florida is at Manatee Lagoon (6000 N Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach), a dedicated space for these gentle marine mammals.

Situated on the Lake Worth Lagoon, visitors can view these incredible creatures that gather here due to the warm water outflows from the nearby clean energy plant from observation areas.

The window to see the manatees here is from around mid-November until the end of March.

Manatee Lagoon also has an impressive education center, exhibits about manatees and local marine life, and the center is fully ADA compliant with wheelchairs also available on site for any guest who may require one.

Manatee Lagoon is a remarkable spot to come appreciate and learn a thing or two about this endangered species that is so important to the local ecosystem.

Easternmost Point in Florida

The Easternmost Point in Florida (Palm Beach Shores) is a Palm Beach attraction right off the inlet that marks the state’s furthest eastern boundary along the Atlantic coast.

Visitors can make a pit stop at this geographical landmark and watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean or snap some pictures with the beautiful ocean backdrop.

This point symbolizes Florida’s eastern edge and provides a quiet place to marvel at the ocean and watch the boats drift on by.

Phil Foster Park

Whether you’re more about lounging on the shore and taking in the views or diving in to see all that the spectacular underwater world has to offer, Phil Foster Park (900 Blue Heron Blvd, Riviera Beach) might just be the place for you.

Located under Blue Heron Bridge, visitors have easy shore access for snorkeling among magnificent reefs and man-made shipwrecks.

For land lovers, the park also features picnic areas, playgrounds, and shoreline for relaxing, and walking paths.  

Phil Foster Park is a world-renowned diving spot and a must-visit if you’re looking for the top outdoor things to do in Palm Beach, FL!

Sailfish Marina Resort

The Sailfish Marina Resort (98 Lake Dr, Palm Beach Shores) is the place to go if you want to see magnificent fishing yachts and dine on the Intracoastal Waterway for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

With parts of the marina dating back to the 1940s, the Sailfish Marina Resort is an important aspect of the South Florida fishing community.

The restaurant serves up delectable dishes like shrimp and brie flatbreads, paella, lobster mac-n-cheese, and oysters, and if you are out fishing, they’ll even cook up your fresh catch to your liking.

The Palm Beach Water Taxi also runs out of the marina, which is one of the best ways to see and learn about Palm Beach’s points of interest along the water.

Sailfish Marina Resort offers Old Florida charm that you can’t find just anywhere and fantastic food all day long.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (10900 Jack Nicklaus Dr, North Palm Beach) is 436 breathtaking acres of natural area between the Lake Worth Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean that makes for days filled with fun and education.

This is the only state park in Palm Beach County, and it has a variety of habitats such as maritime hammocks, mangrove forests, and sandy beaches.

Visitors can explore miles of nature trails, spot diverse wildlife like sea turtles, spoonbills, manatees, and blue crabs, go snorkeling and kayaking, and enjoy picnics with scenic ocean views.

A trip to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is easily one of the best things to do near Palm Beach and is bound to deepen your appreciation for this state’s precious ecosystems.

You may also like our list of state parks in Florida.

Juno Dunes Natural Area

At 569 acres, Juno Dunes Natural Area (14501 US Hwy 1, Juno Beach), is a place where visitors can hike among vast mangrove and scrub habitats and then walk right over to the beach to cool off in the water.

There is a network of trails that snake throughout the park, and at the highest point, there is a covered overlook where you can see both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal.

Being part of the Great Florida Bird and Wildlife Trail, there’s a wide assortment of species that call this natural area home, including the osprey, snowy egret, bobcat, and gopher tortoises.

Juno Dunes Natural Area provides a serene escape into the unmatched beauty of Florida’s coastal environments.

Juno Beach Pier

Palm Beach County has 47 miles of pristine coastline, so there are plenty of beaches to choose from.

A favorite spot among locals and visitors, though, is definitely the Juno Beach Pier (14775 US-1, Juno Beach).

The pier itself stretches 990 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, allowing beachgoers to get panoramic views of the ocean as well as fantastic fishing opportunities.

You can cast a line for a chance to catch fish like snook, Spanish mackerel, and blue runners.

This portion of the beach is also highly popular among surfers, so be sure to grab your board and try catching some waves!

The Juno Beach Pier is a cherished spot for anyone who adores all kinds of fun beach activities.

Juno, Florida, USA at the Juno Beach Pier during sunrise

Downtown Palm Beach Gardens

If you’re on the hunt for things to do around Palm Beach, Downtown Palm Beach Gardens (11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave, Palm Beach Gardens) is filled with awesome shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Stroll along charming walkways lined with beautiful plants and shops like REI and Lola Chiq Boutique, restaurants such as Cheesecake Factory and Yard House, and entertainment establishments like a CMX Theater and pottery wheel studio.

Walk around and window shop, grab some fro-yo, and enjoy weekly events all at Downtown Palm Beach Gardens.

Mounts Botanical Garden

Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach) is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden!

This spectacular garden showcases over 6,000 different plant species, ranging from tropical and subtropical plants, fruit trees, herbs, and some rare and endangered species.

Visitors can meander through immaculate gardens, stare in awe at vibrant orchids, and even learn about conservation and sustainable gardening practices.

As one of the most wonderful places to visit in Palm Beach, Mounts Botanical Garden makes for a tranquil getaway into our magnificent natural world.

High Point Paddle Adventures

If you’re wondering what to do in Palm Beach, you can’t miss out on at least one day of exploring the beautiful waterways!

High Point Paddle Adventures (5500 Jack Nicklaus Dr, North Palm Beach) will allow you to do just that with their exciting water experiences for adventurers of all levels.

Take guided paddleboard tours with industry professionals in the waterways and experience breathtaking Florida habitats both above and below the water.

High Point Paddle Adventures is an ideal way to immerse yourself in the great outdoors and bask in the lovely weather down in Palm Beach.

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse

The Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse (907 Hillsboro Mile, Hillsboro Beach) is a historic maritime landmark that’s about an hour’s drive south of Palm Beach.

Situated at the entrance of the Hillsboro Inlet, the lighthouse was officially lit in 1907, after years of requests for a lighthouse in this dark, hazardous area.

Visitors can take guided tours and learn about the fascinating history embedded here, as well as climb the 175 stairs to the top for breathtaking views.

Paying a visit to the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse is a journey back in time and allows guests to deepen their knowledge of intriguing nautical history.

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse Hillsboro Beach Florida

Everglades Airboat Tour

For more things to do near Palm Beach, get ready to venture into the wild side of Florida in a 1.5-hour private airboat tour in the Everglades.

A local guide will be with you to give you information about the area and its ecosystem.

This is a great opportunity to spot those iconic Everglades alligators as well as an array of fascinating birds and all sorts of plants in the area.

Alligator on the shore in the Everglades seen during an Airboat Tour in Florida

Final Thoughts

We hope our list of Palm Beach activities and attractions inspired you to plan your next trip.

Feel free to share your favorite experiences in the comments below. 

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