Location: West Palm Beach
Top Things to do in West Palm Beach
What to do and see in West Palm Beach, Florida (FL): The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
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. 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.
3. 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.
