The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in The Palm Beaches, The Palm Beaches

November 24, 2021 Mollie Coke

Discover the best top things to do in The Palm Beaches, United States including Florida Shark Diving, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Wakodahatchee Wetlands, The Society of the Four Arts, McCarthy's Wildlife, South Florida Paddle, West Palm Beach Food Tours, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center.
Restaurants in The Palm Beaches

1. Florida Shark Diving

Excellent
95%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 612 reviews

Florida Shark Diving

Florida Shark Diving is a world class shark diving charter boat that brings people of all experience levels up close and personal with premier shark species. Cage Diving, freediving, and Viewing trips are available. Join us for a day of adventure with the sharks of Florida.

2. Loggerhead Marinelife Center

14200 US Highway 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408-1406 +1 561-627-8280 [email protected] http://www.marinelife.org
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,258 reviews

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

This is a great sea turtle rescue and conservation organization. They have a turtle hospital, viewing tanks, interactive exhibit hall, gift store and more. Public educational programs for guests of all ages are offered daily. During sea turtle nesting season (June & July), you can take a guided walk to watch the nesting turtles up close.

Reviewed By LadyBroderick - Jupiter, United States

Always fun to see the turtles amazing wk and teams here all ages clean great new projects pending great location beach access across the st beautiful beach always calm great walks great breezes locals great

3. Wakodahatchee Wetlands

13270 Jog Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446-3801 +1 561-493-6000 http://discover.pbcgov.org/waterutilities/Pages/Wakodahatchee.aspx
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,697 reviews

Wakodahatchee Wetlands

Situated on 50 acres of previous wastewater utility property, Wakodahatchee is a constructed wetlands that is free to the public. The site features a three-quarter mile boardwalk that crosses between open water pond areas and islands. A part of the South section of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Wakodahatchee is home to an abundance of wildlife as more than 178 bird species have been identified along with turtles, alligators, rabbits, fish, frogs and raccooons.

Reviewed By 24annel

Beautiful wetlands, for birding can see lots of birds any time of day, but morning is best, they open at 6:30am. Nice easy boardwalk that is about a mile long. I took a bird photography class a couple years ago and the class came here for several days. I have been back many times since. We saw dozens of different types of animals, a cottonmouth snake, marsh bunny, gators big and small, great blue herons, tricolor herons, snowy egrets, great egrets, swamp hens, black bellied whistling ducks, little blue herons. In late January and February there are loads of nesting birds including blue herons, cormorants, anhingas, little blue, tricolor, common moore hens, purple gallinules, ospreys, and hundreds of endangered wood storks, it is really a fantastic place to get great photographs! But parking is limited so often wait in line for a few minutes to get a parking place. Also take water with you, it can get hot.

4. The Society of the Four Arts

2 Four Arts Plz, Palm Beach, FL 33480-4102 +1 561-655-7226 http://www.fourarts.org/facilities/the-four-arts-botanical-gardens
Excellent
79%
Good
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5.0 based on 206 reviews

The Society of the Four Arts

The Society of the Four Arts is a nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1936 to meet the cultural needs of the growing resort community. The Four Arts campus is home to beautiful sculpture and botanical gardens, a library and children's library, all which are open to the public year-round. During the winter season, The Four Arts also presents notable speakers, concerts, films, educational programs, and art exhibitions to the public.

Reviewed By AndreaUbok - Florida, United States

There are magical gardens, sculptures & a walking tour behind the library. We walked to the right, picked up a walking tour and wandered into the gardens. This non-profits mission is to promote art, literature, music and drama offering a calendar full of diverse concerts, films, exhibits, speakers, workshops & classes. I've tried to join and am on the waiting list. The Gioconda & Joseph King Library is a grand Mediterranean building with a mural depicting art, literature, music & drama painter by Albert Herter in 1939. The two bronze panthers guard the entrance to the library. The Botanical Garden is lush and tropical with lots of benches, sculptures, water features & plants to admire. The Moonlight, Chinese, Jungle, Palm & Madonna Gardens were impressive; a perfect location for a wedding or outdoor event. We walked through beautiful pergolas, past the two Peacock Monuments on our way into the Pannill Pavillion filled with fountains, lush foliage and the four seasons sculptures by Philip Haas. He painted four large fiberglass head sculptures to represent each season, inspired by Mannerist Giuseppe Arcimboldo. I sat on a bench between life size sculptures of Roosevelt & Churchill in Lawrence Holofcener's The Allies in bronze & wood.

5. McCarthy's Wildlife

12943 61st St N, West Palm Beach, FL 33412-2017 +1 561-790-2116 [email protected] http://www.mccarthyswildlife.com
Excellent
96%
Good
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5.0 based on 3,118 reviews

McCarthy's Wildlife

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! : Eight lush acres of endangered wildlife surrounded by a botanical garden situated in the palmetto and pine forest of West Palm Beach! Over 200 animals from White Tigers to African Lions, Black Leopards, Ligers, Lynx and Amur Leopards seen from just four feet away. You can't get any closer than this by law! Hands on experiences with alligators, snakes, tarantulas, and who knows what else. You will have to come by and experience it for yourself! We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit wildlife rescue facility that take in injured native wildlife, orphaned babies, and unwanted exotic pets! Your experience here helps us with the tremendous expense of caring for our animals. Price is $35.00 for adults and $25.00 for children (ages 5yrs.-15yrs).

Reviewed By ehmegee

This was our second trip to McCarthy but definitely won’t be our last. Here are a few of the things that make McCarthy a must-see (in our humble opinions). STAFF: Our tour guide, Lisa, was superb. She knew the history of the animals, answered all questions asked by our group throughout the tour, and provided detailed information on each of the animals; both in terms of the species and individual creatures’ lives. The tours are well organized and they do an excellent job of keeping everything on track and groups together, without rushing everyone. We had several mobility impaired individuals in our tour group and the presence of many chairs/benches along the way offers respite to those who need it as we stop at each creature. RESPECT: There is a clear culture of mutual respect cultivated at McCarthy’s: the animals are all clearly content and enjoy their lives, and cared for by total professionals. The keepers all clearly care about the animals and speak to them like old friends, but respect their autonomy and power (big cats in particular) and treat them accordingly. There are tons of lovely animals to fall a little bit in love with, and the accompanying talks about them, occasionally delving into what makes them unsuitable as domestic pets, are as timely as they are educational. INTERACTION: We did get to interact with Snowball the boa constrictor and a little baby alligator, which was fun. These interactions were well-structured and for those who opted to participate in the interactive portion, they were given clear instructions for how and when to handle them, always under direct supervision. EXPERIENCE: In my view, the best way to approach this experience is as a privilege: it is an opportunity to come alongside & learn from a great organization. This facility is doing incredible rehabilitation & education work, and there is always something new to learn and see, as well as some long-term residents to check in with. For animal lovers, it is especially exciting to see these wonderful creatures up close and to be certain that they are being well cared for and that their quality of life is excellent (or as good as it can possibly be for some of the rescued/rehabilitated creatures - the one-winged turkey vulture that they nursed back to health after being hit by a truck is living the best life he could, even though he would be unsuitable for the wild with only one wing). My husband and I were here a year and a half ago, again today, and now intend to visit every time we’re in the area. This incredible nonprofit deserves all the support it can get.

6. South Florida Paddle

Excellent
98%
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5.0 based on 214 reviews

South Florida Paddle

Take a paddle boarding adventure with a master naturalist along mangroves, gorgeous waterways, and be on the lookout for exciting marine life encounters. Since 2011, South Florida Paddle’s 5-star paddle boarding Eco Adventures take you through the gorgeous MacArthur State Park mangrove areas (Singer Island) and along the beautiful waterways of Jupiter Florida. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins, a curious manatee, the gorgeous spotted eagle ray, or tiny horseshoe crabs. Our guides are Palm Beach County natives and master naturalist ready to show you the unique ecosystems located here in Palm Beach County. Take advantage of our paddle board rental special 4 hours for 30 dollars or join us on one of our many guided adventure tours. We offer guided Paddle Board Eco Tours, sunrise tours, sunset tours and our Standup & Shine Glow tour. Please make sure to bring your sense of adventure and enjoy the slow paced island time tour

7. West Palm Beach Food Tours

Excellent
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5.0 based on 847 reviews

West Palm Beach Food Tours

Eat, drink and discover delicious West Palm Beach! We'll get you off the beaten path to meet award-winning chefs, taste tropical fruits, admire vibrant murals, see charming historic homes, explore colorful courtyard cafes and hear entertaining stories about our past. Food Tourism is currently a top-trend in travel, so join us for a food tour and find out what all the buzz is about!

8. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

10900 Jack Nicklaus Dr, North Palm Beach, FL 33408-3440 +1 561-624-6952 http://www.macarthurbeach.org
Excellent
76%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 529 reviews

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

Reservations accepted the working day after Memorial Day. Groups limited to 25 people.

Reviewed By daveman71

Bring your Kayak, Bring your snorkel gear, Bring beach shoes, because you can kayak the inlet and snorkel in clear water at the beach and walk the board walk to get to the beach and walk along the beach. Super nice beach and definitely a great family environment.

9. Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens

253 Barcelona Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401-7707 +1 561-832-5328 [email protected] http://www.ansg.org/
Excellent
61%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 187 reviews

Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) operating foundation established in 1977 by the prominent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). The organization is devoted to exhibiting works of other artists, preserving the founder’s studio, historic home and displaying her monumental sculptures in a secluded urban preserve where a notable collection of rare palms is continually being developed.

Reviewed By phelpsusa - Orlando, United States

Whimsical statues in an over 2 acre garden oasis. Architectural important historic estate to provide full Palm Beach experience.

10. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432-1946 +1 561-544-8605 [email protected] http://www.gumbolimbo.org
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 1,885 reviews

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

This 20 acre coastal preserve is a destination you don’t want to miss! Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is surrounded by a rare remnant of tropical hardwood hammock, located on a barrier island in Boca Raton. Take a stroll through the butterfly garden, where many species of wild butterflies can be seen year-round. Walk the Ashley Trail and relax in the authentic Chiki overlooking the Intracoastal. A variety of native fish and other marine animals reside in marine aquariums. Visit the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility to learn about our sea turtle patients. Indoor displays feature wildlife indigenous to South Florida and a series of stained glass windows depicting the coastal island as it may have appeared in the 1500s. Florida Atlantic University has an onsite marine biology laboratory with a gallery for viewing research projects conducted by university scientists. Purchase imaginative and environmentally friendly gifts from our nature-themed gift shop.

Reviewed By VBTRJD - Guilderland, United States

This is a must see.. turtle rehab, FAU grad student with tons of information, well informed and enthusiastic volunteers, lovely gift shop, and nature trails. I loved the butterfly garden and walking in the woods. This is a,”pay as you will” venue. I am so happy to be able to recommend this gem.

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