Location: West Palm Beach
Top Things to do in West Palm Beach
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in West Palm Beach, Florida (FL)
With sunny skies, nearly perfect year-round weather and a range of outdoor and cultural attractions, West Palm Beach presents the ideal setting for a weekend escape. Enjoy a game of golf at a number of pristine local courses or hit the beach for a day of tanning and catching up on your reading. See African chimps and endangered species like the Southern White rhinoceros wander free in a natural habitat at the Lion Country Safari. You could spend an entire day on Peanut Island, a popular tourist attraction that houses a bunker built for President John F. Kennedy during the Cold War. The island includes the bunker, a museum and plenty of picnic areas, plus biking and walking paths. The ferry ride to the island cruises past the opulent mansions of the city's wealthy residents. For those who prefer indoor endeavors, the Norton Museum boasts an exceptional collection of American, Chinese and European art. Famous performers appear at "The Harriet" and at the Kravis Center. Of course there's always shopping, the city's other favorite pastime. From designer boutiques to big name department stores, West Palm has it all.
Restaurants in West Palm Beach
1. McCarthy's Wildlife
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,118 reviews
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.
2. Launch Trampoline Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Trampoline Park and Family Entertainment Center. Trampolines, Rock Climbing, Laser Tag, Ninja Course, Dodgeball, Arcade, Indoor playground, Restaurant, Birthday Parties, Field Trips, Group Events, Fundraisers, Private Facility Rental.
Reviewed By 148briannef - Fort Lauderdale, United States
Launch is the perfect place for a day of fun! From the welcoming and helpful staff, to the clean facilities, and thrilling obstacles, it's everything you and your kids will love. It can be so hard to find an easy activity to keep children entertained, but Launch delivers on both excitement and variety. It's a one-stop-shop where they can have a blast for hours on end. Each station is staffed with employees to advise on safety and help visitors with their experience. It's one of those places you can keep coming back to and it never gets boring. And in this Florida heat and frequent rain, I'm happy to have found an awesome place for indoor fun!
3. Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,110 reviews
FREE PARKING DAILY! As Palm Beach County’s only top-rated Zoological experience, we are home to over 550 animals, many of them endangered. Our mission is to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. Our unique tropical zoo showcases an animal collection (Malayan tigers, jaguars, Mexican spider monkeys, panther) from around the world, living in natural habitats. Enjoy shady paths, a colorful carousel, an interactive water play fountain, Nature Play Pavilion, a full-service restaurant, and 11 daily shows and keeper talks where you can watch animal trainings, feedings and meet zookeepers. Book a behind-the-scenes animal experience and get up close and personal with a sloth, koalas, capybaras, anteaters, Aldabra tortoises or mingle with flamingos.
Reviewed By rcwbw - Buffalo, United States
My husband and I visited there because I wanted to do the koala experience. Very few zoos in the US have koalas because they belong to Australia. Part of me would have loved to hold them. (FYI - In Australia only a few select territories allow contact with koalas. If you go there, check the experiences because some only allow you to hold them for a few seconds for a photo op as if they are a toy. I would hold a koala only if the experience is right for and respectful of the koala.) Grayson led the koala experience and was very informative about Oz and Katherine. As we meandered through the zoo, volunteers and zoo employees loved sharing information about the animals who seemed happy and healthy. My husband can't walk far nor for long so he was able to enjoy seeing the animals The gift shops were a bit lacking in selection of swag outside of stuffed animals (but no koalas). We hope to go back next year to see if Oz and Katherine had a little joey. Overall, we liked the size of Palm Beach zoo.
4. Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
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.
5. Okeeheelee Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 358 reviews
HOURS: Sunrise - Sunset lighted court facilities open until 9:00 pm lighted athletic fields (permit required) open until 10:00 pm AMENITIES baseball fields, lighted (5) bicycle paths (8 miles) BMX track boat launching area (freshwater fishing lake, non-motorized) boat launching ramp (water ski lake) (2) boat slips, day use only (19) disc golf (18 holes) dog park, Pooch Pines equestrian center, Jim Brandon Equestrian Center 111-acre, world-class equestrian showplace covered arena open riding area training rings equestrian trail (8.11 miles) exercise course (20 stations, 1 mile) fishing (freshwater-stocked) golf course, Okeeheelee Public Golf Course 27 holes (3 nine-hole courses) chipping area driving range practice putting green pro shop snack bar lake frontage mountain biking (located on the east side of Pinehurst Drive, south of Forest Hill Boulevard) multipurpose fields, lighted (4) nature center, Okeeheelee Nature Center (hours vary) exhibit hall with live animals meeting rooms outdoor classroom rental facilities nature trail, interpretive (0.75 mile) nature trails (1.2 miles) parking boat/trailer parking (water ski lake/freshwater fishing lake) regular parking picnic areas with grills, single table picnic pavilions (Alligator, Micanopy, Osceola, Tuskeegee), reserved group (4) picnic shelters, family picnic shelters, single table pier (fishing) playground, including playground safety play structure (ages 2-5 years) play structure (ages 5-12 years) rental concession (call for hours) canoe/kayak/pedal boat rentals 561/304-1344 bicycle rentals 561/304-1344 restroom facilities softball fields, lighted (4) tennis courts, lighted (8) volleyball, grass courts (1) walking paths (8 miles) water skiing courses (permit and fee required) (5)
Reviewed By NoPassportRequiredFL - Lake Worth, United States
My wife and I live around the corner and take our dogs there on a regular basis to walk - the parks has a place for water skiing, boating, a public golf course, nature center, and now (recently) shark wake park. Its really a great park.
6. Mounts Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 429 reviews
With a mission to "inspire and educate through nature" and a history spanning more than 40 years, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Located behind Palm Beach International Airport, the Garden is a hidden gem. Visitors to this 14-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 5,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Other highlights include the award-winning Windows on the Floating World: Blume Tropical Wetland and Lake Orth, where an island overlook gives visitors a view of the koi, plecos and turtles that are in abundance. Mounts Botanical is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden.
Reviewed By AD12343 - Boynton Beach, United States
I have been to the Mounts numerous times and never tire of it. With hundreds of varieties of plants from all over the world, it's a site to behold. You meander along paths and see majestic palms, beautiful lakes, and an array of colorful blooms, you become relaxed and tune into the beauty that only Mother Nature can provide. Many of the plants are identified so if you're searching for some unusual plants for your home, you will know what to look for. Their herb garden is lovely, as is the butterfly garden that will astound you with the gorgeous fluttering creatures circling around you! Currently they have an exhibit of adorable metal frog sculptures that are interspersed within the lovely gardens. I'm sure you will want to take your photo standing next to them, as I did. These gardens are a MUST see!
7. Grassy Waters Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By romazzino - West Palm Beach, United States
Easy to find, plenty of parking spaces and wonderful boardwalks with many areas to sit. Loved the rocking chairs in so many places to relax and observe nature. Not many birds or wildlife in view during our visit though you can hear it. Still a great place to enjoy nature.
8. Apoxee Wilderness Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By Arielfl - Coconut Creek, United States
The Apoxee Wilderness Trail is part of the Grassy Waters Preserve, a 23 square mile wetlands ecosystem that supplies the fresh water to Palm Beach and it's municipalities. There are two port a potties next to the parking lot and no water. The trail is made up of a natural earth trail, boardwalks, and sometimes prairie ponds you might have to wade through. Along the way you can expect to see wading birds, deer, and alligators. After looking at the map I see that instead of the Apoxee Wilderness Trail you can take the Owahee Trail which runs around the perimeter of the preserve. It connects to the Apoxee trail in two places. As it is a long distance this would be a good trail for biking. The first time I cam the trail was closed due to flooding. I came back and finally got to hike the full Apoxee trail, 2.5 miles with one more mile back to the parking lot. I saw woodstorks, a snake, a roseate spoonbill, great blue heron, egret, limpkin, anhinga, and an alligator. I had a great time hiking my daughter. I absolutely loved this trail.
