Top 10 Things to Do in Palm Beach This Weekend (Plus a Special Bonus, Must See Site to See)
Visit the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is a popular attraction in Palm Beach County that offers visitors the opportunity to see over 550 animals from around the world. The zoo is located on 23 acres of tropical habitat and features interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and shows.
One of the highlights of the Palm Beach Zoo is the interactive experiences that allow visitors to get up close with the animals. Guests can feed the giraffes, pet the sloths, and even have a personal encounter with a capybara, a large rodent native to South America.
In addition to the animal exhibits, the Palm Beach Zoo also features educational programs and conservation initiatives. The zoo is committed to preserving wildlife and habitats both locally and globally, and offers a variety of programs and events to promote conservation awareness.
Visitors can also enjoy dining options at the zoo, including a café and snack stands. And for those looking for a unique venue for events, the Palm Beach Zoo offers rentals for private parties and corporate events.
Overall, the Palm Beach Zoo is a fun and educational destination for families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in learning more about wildlife conservation.
Explore the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a cultural gem located in Palm Beach County that offers visitors a unique and tranquil experience. The museum and gardens are dedicated to showcasing Japanese culture and art, and feature beautiful gardens, exhibits, and a traditional tea ceremony.
The gardens are one of the main attractions of the Morikami Museum, and cover 16 acres of lush landscapes and architectural elements. Visitors can stroll through several different garden styles, including a bonsai garden, a bamboo grove, and a koi pond. Each garden is designed to create a peaceful and meditative atmosphere, and offers a different perspective on Japanese culture and aesthetics.
Inside the museum, visitors can explore a variety of exhibits that showcase Japanese art and artifacts. The permanent exhibit, “The Yamato Colony: Pioneering Japanese in Florida,” tells the story of a group of Japanese immigrants who settled in Florida in the early 20th century. Other exhibits feature traditional Japanese clothing, ceramics, and paintings.
One of the highlights of a visit to the Morikami Museum is the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. This ancient ritual involves the preparation and serving of matcha tea in a serene and tranquil setting. The tea ceremony is offered on select days and requires advance reservations.
The Morikami Museum also hosts a variety of events and cultural programs throughout the year, including festivals, workshops, and performances. And for those looking for a unique venue for a special event or wedding, the museum offers rentals of its gardens and facilities.
Overall, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a must-visit destination in Palm Beach County for anyone interested in Japanese culture, art, and gardens.
Spend a day at the beach, with options like Jupiter Beach, Delray Beach, and Palm Beach.
Palm Beach County is known for its beautiful beaches, and there are several to choose from for visitors looking to spend a day in the sun and surf.
One popular beach in Palm Beach County is Jupiter Beach, located in the town of Jupiter. This dog-friendly beach features over two miles of white sand and is known for its clear blue water and great waves for surfing. Visitors can also enjoy amenities such as picnic areas, showers, and restrooms.
Another popular beach in Palm Beach County is Delray Beach, located in the city of Delray Beach. This lively beach offers a bustling boardwalk, restaurants, and shops, as well as a wide expanse of sand for sunbathing and swimming. Visitors can also rent umbrellas, chairs, and watersports equipment.
Palm Beach is another must-visit beach in Palm Beach County, known for its upscale atmosphere and celebrity sightings. This exclusive beach offers soft sand and crystal clear water, as well as amenities such as beachside cabanas, loungers, and towels. Visitors can also enjoy nearby restaurants and shopping on Worth Avenue.
Other popular beaches in Palm Beach County include Lake Worth Beach, known for its historic pier and colorful beachfront shops and restaurants; Boynton Beach, which offers family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds and picnic areas; and Singer Island Beach, which features natural dunes and a peaceful atmosphere.
Overall, Palm Beach County offers a variety of beaches for visitors to enjoy, each with its own unique features and attractions. Whether you’re looking for a quiet day in the sun or an energetic beach experience, there’s a beach in Palm Beach County that’s perfect for you.
Take a tour of the Flagler Museum
The Flagler Museum, also known as Whitehall, is a historic mansion located in Palm Beach, Florida. The mansion was built in 1902 as a wedding present from railroad magnate Henry Flagler to his wife Mary Lily Kenan Flagler, and is now a museum dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Gilded Age.
The Flagler Museum is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture, featuring 75 rooms filled with original furnishings, artwork, and decorative objects from the turn of the 20th century. Visitors can explore the grandeur of the mansion’s public spaces, including the grand hall, the music room, the library, and the dining room, all of which have been meticulously restored to their original splendor.
One of the highlights of the Flagler Museum is its collection of artwork and decorative objects, which includes pieces by some of the most prominent artists and craftsmen of the Gilded Age. Visitors can admire exquisite Tiffany glass lamps, ornate silver tea sets, and paintings by American artists such as Frederic Remington and Albert Bierstadt.
The Flagler Museum also offers a variety of tours and programs for visitors of all ages, including guided tours, audio tours, and educational programs. The museum’s staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture of the Gilded Age, and are happy to share their expertise with visitors.
The Flagler Museum is also a popular venue for events, such as weddings, galas, and corporate events. The museum’s stunning architecture and historic charm provide a unique and memorable setting for any special occasion.
Overall, the Flagler Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Gilded Age, as well as anyone who appreciates stunning architecture and exquisite artwork.
Enjoy shopping and dining at CityPlace
CityPlace is a large outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex located in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida. The complex covers over 72 acres and features over 80 shops and restaurants, as well as a variety of entertainment venues and attractions.
CityPlace offers a diverse selection of shopping options, ranging from national retailers such as Anthropologie and H&M to locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, offering a range of cuisines from around the world.
In addition to shopping and dining, CityPlace offers a variety of entertainment options for visitors of all ages. The complex features a 20-screen movie theater, a bowling alley, and an escape room experience, as well as live music and other performances throughout the year.
CityPlace also hosts a variety of community events and festivals throughout the year, such as the popular Clematis by Night concert series, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, and the Palm Beach International Film Festival.
The complex is designed with a Mediterranean-inspired architecture, featuring cobblestone streets, fountains, and courtyards, providing visitors with a unique and charming atmosphere to enjoy their shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences.
Overall, CityPlace is a vibrant and bustling destination in West Palm Beach, offering visitors a variety of experiences in one convenient location. With its diverse offerings and lively atmosphere, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Palm Beach County.
Attend a show at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a world-class performing arts venue located in West Palm Beach, Florida. The center is dedicated to providing high-quality performing arts experiences to the local community, as well as to visitors from around the world.
The Kravis Center hosts a wide range of performances throughout the year, including Broadway shows, concerts, ballets, operas, and more. The center features three venues, including the 2,193-seat Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. Concert Hall, the 300-seat Rinker Playhouse, and the 1,400-seat Marshall E. Rinker Sr. Playhouse, providing a range of options for performances of all sizes.
One of the highlights of the Kravis Center is its Broadway season, which features national touring productions of popular shows such as Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and Wicked. The center also hosts a variety of concerts, including performances by world-renowned musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Diana Ross, and Tony Bennett.
In addition to its performances, the Kravis Center also offers a variety of educational programs and community outreach initiatives. The center’s education programs provide opportunities for students of all ages to learn about the performing arts, including workshops, masterclasses, and performances specifically designed for schools and youth organizations.
The Kravis Center is also home to the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the center’s mission and ensuring that the performing arts remain accessible to all members of the community.
Overall, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing high-quality performing arts in Palm Beach County. With its world-class facilities, diverse programming, and commitment to education and community outreach, the center is a cultural hub for the local community and visitors from around the world.
Explore the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, which is dedicated to protecting sea turtles and other marine life and features interactive exhibits and educational programs.
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a nonprofit organization located in Juno Beach, Florida, dedicated to the conservation and protection of sea turtles and their ocean habitats. The center provides education, research, and rehabilitation services for sea turtles and other marine animals, as well as promoting ocean conservation and sustainability through outreach and advocacy efforts.
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is situated on a beautiful beachfront property that serves as a nesting site for loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles. Visitors to the center can take a guided tour of the facility, which includes a sea turtle hospital, research laboratory, and educational exhibits. The center also hosts a variety of interactive and educational programs, such as guided beach walks, children’s camps, and workshops.
The center’s sea turtle hospital is one of the largest in the state of Florida, and provides medical care and rehabilitation services for sick and injured sea turtles. The hospital is staffed by a team of veterinary professionals and volunteers, and includes a variety of state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
In addition to its rehabilitation efforts, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center is involved in a variety of research projects aimed at better understanding sea turtle biology and behavior, as well as identifying and addressing threats to their survival.
The center also has a strong focus on education and outreach, providing a variety of resources and programs for schools, community groups, and individuals interested in learning more about sea turtles and ocean conservation. Through its advocacy efforts, the center works to promote policies and practices that protect marine habitats and the species that rely on them.
Overall, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center is an important and inspiring destination in Palm Beach County for anyone interested in marine conservation and sustainability. With its focus on education, research, and rehabilitation, the center is making a significant contribution to the protection and preservation of sea turtles and their ocean habitats.
The Norton Museum of Art is a world-class art museum located in West Palm Beach, Florida. The museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting works of art from around the world, with a focus on European, American, and Chinese art.
The Norton Museum of Art features a diverse collection of over 7,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations. Visitors can explore galleries dedicated to different time periods and artistic movements, from the Renaissance to contemporary art.
One of the highlights of the Norton Museum of Art is its impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, which includes works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Other notable works in the collection include pieces by Jackson Pollock, Edward Hopper, and Pablo Picasso.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Norton Museum of Art hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions feature works of art from around the world and cover a wide range of artistic styles and themes.
The Norton Museum of Art also offers a variety of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages, including lectures, workshops, and tours. And for those looking for a unique venue for events, the museum offers rentals of its galleries and gardens.
Overall, the Norton Museum of Art is a must-visit destination for art lovers and anyone interested in exploring the world of art and culture. With its impressive collection, stunning exhibitions, and educational programs, the Norton Museum of Art is sure to provide a memorable and enriching experience for all visitors.
Go on a food tour of West Palm Beach, which offers a variety of culinary experiences and cuisines to sample in the downtown area.
West Palm Beach offers a diverse and exciting culinary scene, and there are several food tours available to help visitors and locals alike experience the best the city has to offer. Here’s a sample food tour of West Palm Beach:
- Start your food tour with breakfast or brunch at the Avocado Grill. This popular restaurant offers a creative menu featuring fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Try the avocado toast, served with eggs and bacon, or the breakfast tacos, filled with scrambled eggs and chorizo.
- Next, head to Clematis Street to explore the city’s vibrant downtown area. Along the way, stop at Subculture Coffee for a pick-me-up. This local favorite serves up a variety of coffee drinks, including cold brew and espresso-based beverages, as well as pastries and sandwiches.
- For lunch, head to Hullabaloo. This trendy gastropub serves up a variety of creative dishes inspired by Italian cuisine, including house-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, and small plates like meatballs and arancini. Don’t miss their craft cocktails, which are just as creative and delicious as their food.
- After lunch, take a stroll down Rosemary Avenue to explore the area’s shops and boutiques. Along the way, stop at Ganache Bakery for a sweet treat. This French-inspired bakery offers a variety of pastries, including croissants, macarons, and tarts.
- For dinner, head to Buccan. This award-winning restaurant offers a menu featuring small plates and sharing dishes inspired by global cuisine. Try the crispy pork belly or the wagyu beef sliders, and be sure to save room for the famous Buccan dessert: a warm chocolate chip cookie served with vanilla ice cream.
- Finish your food tour with a nightcap at The Blind Monk. This cozy wine bar offers a variety of wines by the glass or bottle, as well as craft beers and cocktails. Pair your drink with a cheese plate or charcuterie board for a perfect end to your culinary adventure in West Palm Beach.
Overall, West Palm Beach offers a wide range of culinary experiences, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, and a food tour is a great way to explore the city’s diverse and delicious offerings.
BONUS, Must-See Thing to Do in Palm Beach: Visit the Jupiter Lighthouse!
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Jupiter, Florida, in Palm Beach County. It was first built in 1860, but the current tower was constructed in 1868 and is made of brick and iron.
The lighthouse is 108 feet tall and has 105 steps to the top. It is located on a hill overlooking the Jupiter Inlet and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding area. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and take in the panoramic views from the observation deck.
In addition to the lighthouse, there is a museum on the site that features exhibits on local history, maritime history, and the history of the lighthouse itself. There are also exhibits on the native Seminole tribe and the history of the Jupiter Inlet.
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is open to the public for tours, and visitors can also attend special events and educational programs. The site is a popular destination for families, history buffs, and anyone interested in the natural beauty and history of the Palm Beach County area.
Resources:
Here are the links to the six restaurants listed in the food tour of West Palm Beach:
- Avocado Grill: https://www.avocadogrillwpb.com/
- Subculture Coffee: https://subculturecoffee.com/
- Hullabaloo: https://sub-culture.org/hullabaloo/
- Ganache Bakery: https://ganachebakerycafe.com/
- Buccan: https://www.buccanpalmbeach.com/
- The Blind Monk: https://www.theblindmonk.com/
FAQ
Some of the most popular beaches in Palm Beach County include Jupiter Beach, Delray Beach, and Palm Beach.
The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is home to over 500 animals from around the world, including tigers, koalas, and meerkats.
The Norton Museum of Art features a wide range of art, including American, European, and Chinese art, as well as photography and contemporary art.
The Flagler Museum was once the home of Henry Flagler, a wealthy businessman and founder of Standard Oil. The museum now showcases the Gilded Age in Palm Beach.
CityPlace is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, including national chains and local boutiques.
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts hosts a wide range of performances, including Broadway shows, opera, ballet, and concerts.
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is home to several species of sea turtles, including loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles.
Okeeheelee Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.
A food tour of West Palm Beach offers a variety of cuisines, including seafood, Cuban food, and craft beer.
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse was first built in 1860 and rebuilt in 1868. It has served as a beacon for sailors for over 150 years and is now open to the public for tours.
