Location: West Palm Beach
Top Things to do in West Palm Beach
Top 10 Hidden Gems 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. 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. Damn Good Beer Bus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
Public and private brewery tours throughout Palm Beach County
3. 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!
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. 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!
6. 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.
7. Bulk Candy Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Take a walk through the sweet aisles of Bulk Candy Store and everyone is kid in a candy store. Stroll down memory lane with all the nostalgic candy you remember from your childhood. See the large assortment of candy by color, perfect for the candy buffet at your next event. If you're lucky enough to be here in January, you can visit us at the South Florida Fair and see the World's Largest Traveling Candy store. No matter where you see us, it will be a sweet experience for you!
Reviewed By Doriel55
We took a tour of the history of candy with the wonderful Ken as our tour guide (who is also a skilled photographer)! He was an amazing guide and made us feel really welcome! The store is a dream for any candy lover and the tour even more with the yummy free samples and loads of sweet information about all the candies I love! I 100% recommend the tour and a visit to the Candy Store as well!
8. Legends of Xscape
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Legends of Xscape is a fun, interactive game. While it looks like any other ordinary room, it's actually a mystery puzzle. Find the hidden objects, figure out the clues and solve the puzzles to earn your freedom and make your escape. You have 60 minutes, so be quick! Come with your friends, family and coworkers and have a great time.
Reviewed By lashonnar2017 - Mannington, United States
Wonderful experience. Everything was done and presented great. Our game master, Jackie, was very friendly and helpful when we got stuck. We did the Friends themed room which made it extra fun! We got out with only four minutes left. I would definitely recommend this to any tourists or residents alike!
9. Manatee Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 468 reviews
Reviewed By 244marissat
This is a fairly quick winter stop to see manatees. They gather around the power plant for warmth in the winter months, so the best time to catch them is when the temperature is chillier than usual. I love watching them swim slowly along and stick their little cow snouts above the water to take a breath. There is a little museum/education center in the building, where you can learn more about these fascinating creatures. There’s also a little gift shop inside.
10. Airboat Rides West Palm Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 504 reviews
