Location: West Palm Beach
Top Things to do in West Palm Beach
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do 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. Palm Beach Segway Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,520 reviews
Roll along on your own personal Segway as you enjoy historic beautiful downtown West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Island, Florida. The invigorating warm breeze will blow gently on your face by leisurely cruising along the picturesque Intracoastal Waterway. The scenic backdrop provides for multimillion dollar mansions, enormous yachts, elaborate fountains, decorative statues, plush palm trees, historic museums, occasional sea life and buildings that touch the sky! Explore the local hotspots and extraordinary waterfront in a way so uniquely different than ever before. Prepare yourself for a once in a lifetime experience with Palm Beach Segway Tours! Segway's are self-balancing and very easy to ride. We train you to "roll" within minutes. Our expertly trained guides will keep you entertained, safe and laughing along the way. Rolling 7 days a week! Located on historic Clematis Street in Downtown West Palm Beach.
2. 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.
3. Cycle Party
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 187 reviews
Cycle Party is the coolest way to experience West Palm Beach. You can book a private tour or individual seats on our social mixer tour. Our scavenger hunt is a fun way to explore West Palm Beach. Each tour comes with a knowledgeable guide who can show you all the cool spots in West Palm Beach while driving you around. These party bikes are pedal powered but don't worry it's super easy. Cycle Party is great for special occasions, new visitors, and people looking to have a fun, unique experience. Each of our Cycle Party bikes accommodates a maximum of 15 guests. If you have more than 15 in your group, be sure to give us a call to book additional party bikes. Cycle Party also offers specialty tours such as our Brewery Tour, Scavenger hunts, Foodie Tour, Dinner Tour. You can get additional information about these tours by visiting cycleparty.com.
4. West Palm Beach Food Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 847 reviews
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!
5. 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.
6. West Palm Beach Green Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By 861KellyH
We walked around and sampled a delicious crab cake, purchased some fresh fruit and marinara sauce, and salivated over the scrumptious French pastries at one of the food booths. If you’re in the area on a Saturday morning, you should stop and enjoy this place!
7. Visit Palm Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
The premier provider of water sports and sightseeing excursions in South Florida. Offering Jet skis, Kayaks, Paddleboards, Snorkeling, Catamaran cruises, Sightseeing, Sunset Cruises, Surfing lessons, Fishing Charters, Vans & Buses and more!
8. Norton Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 707 reviews
The Norton Museum of Art was founded in 1941 by Ralph Hubbard Norton (1875-1953) and his wife Elizabeth Calhoun Norton (1881-1947). The Museum’s permanent collection now consists of more than 7,600 works in five curatorial departments: European, American, Chinese, Contemporary and Photography. The Museum’s expansion that opened February 9, 2019 was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of the architectural firm Foster + Partners. It is the most comprehensive in the institution’s 78-year history. Dramatic changes include boldly re-orienting the main entrance to South Dixie Highway , which restores the symmetrical east-west campus axis created in 1941 by original architect Marion Sims Wyeth. The building and accompanying lush sculpture garden, enable the Norton to exhibit more art, present more programs, and provide a growing community an up-to-date center for the public to enjoy art and culture.
Reviewed By margatemensch2016 - Coconut Creek, United States
The Norton Art Museum has been closed,due to the Covid 19 Pandemic.Now,the Norton Art Museum is open again.The Norton Art Museum is diligently following health protocols in these difficult times(wearing of face masks,social distancing,frequent cleaning of restrooms).The other day,I enjoyed its fine sampling of Old Master European paintings.I saw delightful paintings by Jacopo Da Firenze(Gothic Italian),Goswin Vander Weyden(Netherlandish Renaissance),Lucas Cranach the Elder(German Renaissance,"Betrayal of Christ"),Marcantonio Franchesini,Nicolas Largilliere,Peter Paul Rubens(Flemish Baroque),Jacob Biltius(Dutch Master),Dirk Van Delen(Dutch Master,"Church Interior,Christ and Woman Taken in Adultery"),Jan Thomas Yperan (Flemish Baroque,"Perseus and Andromeda"),Anton Van Dyck(Flemish Baroque),Giovanni Paolo Pannini,and Thomas Gainesborough,among others. I saw splendid paintings and works of Art by these 19th and 20th Century European Masters;Eugene Fromentin(quality Oriental theme painting),Claude Monet(French Impressionism,"Bordighera"),Camille Pissarro(the paragon of fine Pointillism),Henri Matisse,Pablo Picasso,Jean Metzinger("Landscape with Sailboats"),Raoul Dufy(French Fauve,"Saint Adresse Beach"),Maurice Utrillo(Post Impressionism,"Rue Du Montmartre"),Max Beckmann(German Expressionism),and Constantin Brancusi(fine 20th Century Sculpture),among others. I relished impressive paintings by these American Painters;Henry Ossawa Tanner,Edmond Tarbell(American Impressionism),C'hilde Hassam(American Impressionism),John Sloan,Robert Henri("Orientale),Marguerite Zorach("Bathers"),Maurice Prendergast("Ramparts,Saint Malo"),John R.Cox(American Regionalism,"Wheatfields"),Rockwell Kent("Holsteinberg,Greenland"),and William Burden("Ridin High"),among others. I also liked its fine Contemporary Art Works that were on display by George Cohen("Loggia"),Jeff Koons,Mickalene Thomas("Naomi Looking Forward"),Nicholas Cave,and Oliver Herring("Cheryl",a very unique creation),among others. It was a privilege being back at the Norton Art Museum and hopefully,things will become normal again in West Palm Beach.
9. 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.
10. Rosemary Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,469 reviews
Destination in West Palm Beach with food & beverage, retail, arts & culture, education and community experiences for all ages.
Reviewed By RossinaR - Arima, Caribbean
Such a picturesque plaza with all the essentials! Great food and drink options (Burgerfi -my FAV!!!!, Panera, Jamba Juice, Cheesecake Factory & many many more (great brunch choices as well), AMC cinema, decent shopping options like H&M, VS & Sephora! Not to mention how wonderfully clean this plaza is! Feels completely safe, no rowdy crowds, WiFi options from some of the stores but not the plaza itself which should make it lose a ⭐️ of the rating but everything else is really so wonderfully done, it makes up for it. Some days I used Uber to get there because there is a hefty parking fee but if you do use the paid parking, it is in a convenient spot. If you’re there for a movie, you do get 3 complimentary hours of parking which is absolutely commendable! There are limited parking spaces along the streets of the plaza but have to be super lucky to get one. Once you’re in West Palm, it is definitely a place worth checking out. It also comes alive in the night!
