If you’re looking for the best things to do in Palm Beach Florida, then you’ve come to the right place! For those that don’t know, Palm Beach is a charming Florida beach town in South Florida. It is probably best known for its glitzy and glamorous reputation. In Palm Beach, you’ll find beautiful upscale homes, Gilded-Age mansions, and stunning beaches.
However, you don’t need to stretch your budget to enjoy exploring different attractions in Palm Beach, FL. In fact, many of the best activities in Palm Beach are completely free. If you want to stay for a few days in Palm Beach, there are some beautiful luxury Florida hotels there.
But, they also have plenty of budget-friendly options. No matter how long you choose to explore Palm Beach, you’ll have a good time. On this list, we’ve tried to include attractions in Palm Beach that may interest everyone. You’ll find stunning South Florida beaches, historic sites, galleries, and more.
We’ve also included some unique things to do in Palm Beach as well as one of the best elegant dining restaurants in Florida. One thing is for certain if you’re wondering what to do in Palm Beach, there’s truly something for everyone! So, let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Palm Beach Florida!
15 Best Things To Do In Palm Beach FL You Shouldn’t Miss
Visit The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
Henry Morrison Flagler was an American Industrialist that is best known for being one of the founders of Standard Oil. In Florida, he founded the Florida East Coast Railway as well as the cities of Miami and Palm Beach. So, Flagler is an incredibly important historical figure in Florida, especially in Palm Beach.
In 1902, Flagler’s Gilded-Age mansion, Whitehall, finished construction. Flagler and his wife moved into the home and lived there until Flagler’s death in 1913.
Today, Whitehall has been turned into the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. The mansion is a National Historic Landmark, and you can purchase tickets to tour it.
Within the mansion, you’ll find each room as it would have originally looked in the early 20th century when Flagler lived there. There are also informational areas throughout the mansion. You can choose to explore the mansion with a docent-led tour or go at your own pace with an audio tour.
While you’re there, you can also freely explore the grounds around Whitehall. It’s one of the best places to visit in Palm Beach, and you won’t want to miss it.
Stroll Along Worth Avenue
One of the most popular things to do in Palm Beach is to walk along Worth Avenue. Worth Avenue is four blocks of upscale boutiques and restaurants in Palm Beach. As you walk along the avenue, you’ll see shops like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Lilly Pullitzer.
However, even if these shops are out of your budget, strolling the avenue is still one of the best free things to do in Palm Beach. It’s a fun place to window shop and the shopping district is also just very pretty. The avenue is just a block away from the ocean.
At the end of the avenue, there is a small courtyard with a clock tower that has become a popular symbol of Palm Beach. Along with the upscale boutiques, there are some truly incredible restaurants and cafes. They range from budget-friendly to luxurious, so anyone can enjoy a bite to eat on Worth Avenue.
Spend The Day At The Palm Beach Municipal Beach
The Palm Beach Municipal Beach is one of two public beaches within the city limits of Palm Beach. Municipal Beach is the closest to Worth Avenue and is in fact just a quick walk away.
If you don’t want to walk from Worth Avenue, you can find parking at a downtown lot. A day spent at the beach is easily one of the best things to do in Palm Beach with kids.
Municipal Beach is beautifully maintained by the city. You won’t find any seaweed or trash in the soft sand! The main attraction at Municipal Beach is the actual beach itself and enjoying the ocean waves. So, there aren’t a ton of other amenities there. However, you’re just a quick walk away from tons of things to do in Palm Beach.
Hike The Lake Trail
Along the western side of Palm Beach, you’ll find the Lake Trail. Palm Beach runs along the Lake Worth Lagoon, which separates it from mainland Florida.
Because Palm Beach is a narrow barrier island, you can walk the Lake Trail and see stunning views of both the Lake Worth Lagoon and Palm Beach itself. In fact, the island itself is only a mile wide and 16 miles long!
For over five of those miles, you can walk, hike, or bike along the Lake Trail. The five-and-a-half-mile trail starts at South Lake Drive and ends just north of the popular Sailfish Club. Throughout the trail, there are a variety of stopping-off points.
So you can easily get on and off the Lake Trail in different areas in Palm Beach. It is a well-maintained trail that is relatively easy to walk. If you want to get out and explore, the Lake Trail is a great option. It’s one of the best free things to do in Palm Beach and it comes with some beautiful views of the island!
Take A Paddleboard Lesson With Salty Dog Paddle
One of the best things to do in Palm Beach for adults is taking a paddle board lesson! Salty Dog Paddle is a non-profit charity near Palm Beach that offers lessons. When you take a lesson with Salty Dog or purchase some merch, you’re helping save a shelter dog. That’s the main mission of this non-profit! However, they also do work to save sea turtles and clean up Florida beaches.
They offer a variety of one-on-one lessons as well as equipment rentals. If you want, you can learn how to surf or paddleboard. They also offer private couples sunset paddleboat tours or paddle boat tours with you and your dog. If you already know how to paddleboard, surf, or kayak, you can also rent equipment from them. It’s a ton of fun, plus it helps protect Florida beaches and save shelter dogs!
Admire Bethesda-By-The-Sea
Bethesda-by-the-Sea is a beautiful Gothic Revival Episcopal Church in Palm Beach, FL. This is one of the most popular attractions in Palm Beach, for a few reasons. You don’t have to be religious at all to enjoy a visit to this stunning church. It’s the oldest existing congregation in Palm Beach, and it’s a beautiful historic site within the city.
The original church was built in January 1889. It actually started out as the Little Red Schoolhouse. Because of its location, it was almost impossible to get to the church except by boat.
This also meant it was built using materials that could be found on the beach. This led to a new church and rectory being built on a larger lot in the 1890s.
Bethesda-by-the-Sea’s main church building is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture that draws visitors. It’s actually one of the few examples of this architectural style in all of Palm Beach.
Today, you can visit the church to admire the stunning architecture and walk around the picturesque courtyard near the ocean. A visit to the church is one of the most unique things to do in Palm Beach, FL.
Visit The Norton Museum Of Art
Art lovers will enjoy a visit to the Norton Museum of Art, one of the best things to do near Palm Beach, FL. The Norton Museum of Art is actually in West Palm Beach, but it’s super close by. You won’t need to drive far away from the heart of Palm Beach to get there.
The museum has a collection of over 8,000 artworks. They come from all over the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. In recent years, the museum has also added an extensive collection of photography and contemporary art.
Because of its collection size, the Norton Museum of Art is now considered the largest museum in Florida. So, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore. The museum is open Thursday through Tuesday, and there is an entrance fee. However, if you enjoy admiring art from around the world, it’s worth it!
Go On A Boat Ride
You’re right by the ocean, so why not go for a boat ride? There are several different companies in Palm Beach that offer chartered boat rides. You can choose from catamarans that take you on historic site-seeing cruises, and fishing trips or you can just enjoy a day out on a beautiful private yacht.
If you have your own boating license, there are also companies that let you rent boats for a few hours or the day. This is one of the fun things to do in Palm Beach that has an option available for just about every budget. Not only is it a great way to see Palm Beach, but it’s also one of the best Palm Beach activities on a beautiful sunny day.
Visit The Society Of The Four Arts
One of the best free things to do in Palm Beach Florida is a visit to the Society of the Four Arts. The Society of the Four Arts is a non-profit that has its campus in Palm Beach.
On this massive campus, you’ll find a ton of cool things to do in Palm Beach. The campus has a concert hall, two libraries, the Esther B. O’Keeffe Art Gallery, and stunning gardens.
The botanical gardens at the Society of the Four Arts are often considered the main attraction on the campus. In the 1930s, a group of men and women created the original plans for the garden and the gardens did not change much over the years. However, in 2004, two hurricanes pretty much destroyed the gardens.
After a major reconstruction effort, the gardens have been restored to their original glory. The society also took the opportunity to update a lot of the irrigation systems, and water features, as well as the walkways and seating in the garden.
Strolling through the gardens is very romantic and picturesque. For that reason, we think it’s one of the top things to do in Palm Beach for couples.
Explore The Amici Market
The Amici Market is a family-owned and operated bistro and market in Palm Beach. They have a take-out menu that you can order from that includes items like a lobster roll, a seafood wrap, and ‘beyond’ veggie burgers.
You can also order a gourmet dinner to go. On that menu, they typically have items like beef bourguignon, parmesan-crusted halibut, and prime rib.
Along with their take-out bistro, they also have a full market inside. It’s one of the best places to visit in Palm Beach, especially if you’re looking for specialty goods. Within the market, you’ll find items like specialty pasta, unique and local coffee blends, and specialty condiments.
They also have a large selection of gourmet goods like vinegar, olive oils, smoked salmon, and caviar. If you are wondering what to do in Palm Beach that is truly unique, head to the Amici Market.
Stop By The Sea Gull Cottage
If you’re looking for quick and free things to do in Palm Beach, FL, then this is a great option. The Sea Gull Cottage is a private residence. But what makes it special is that it is the oldest original residence on the island. When you’re visiting the Flagler Museum, it’s just a quick walk away.
The cottage is pretty unassuming, so you might walk right by it. However, if you’re interested in actually stopping to look at it, make sure to look for the historical marker.
Unfortunately, it’s closed to the public. But it is often used as a wedding or party venue. If you’re interested in architecture and the history of the island, this is a great quick stop.
See The Giant Kapok Tree
The Giant Kapok Tree is one of the best hidden gems in South Florida. We mean that literally! To protect the tree from visitors climbing on it and destroying it, it’s actually a bit hidden.
It’s one of those attractions in Palm Beach that you kind of have to know about to be able to find it. You’ll find it along the Lake Trail, just south of the Flagler Museum.
When you do find it, please don’t climb on it or even touch it too much. This tree is over 185 years old and exotic to the area. In order to preserve it and keep it living for another 185 years, it’s important to not physically interact with it too much.
To deter people from messing with it, the city of Palm Beach has recently put a fence around it. You can still enjoy viewing it, but the fence encourages you to keep a distance that is safe for the tree. If you’re looking for cool things to do in Palm Beach, visit the Giant Kapok Tree!
Go On A Ghost Tour
One of our favorite things to do when exploring a new city is to go on a ghost tour! When you explore a city during the day, you’ll see and learn about all the bright spots. However, when you go on a ghost tour of a city, you’ll often learn a completely different history.
This can be a really fun way to experience everything a city has to offer and get a better, whole, view of its history. Plus, it’s just a ton of fun, and easily one of the best things to do in Palm Beach at night!
There are several different companies in Palm Beach that offer ghost tours. So, just pick one that best suits your interests. In Palm Beach, there are stories of famous ghosts walking along Worth Ave, an evil witch, and even a ghost monkey! Going on a ghost tour is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Palm Beach, FL.
Spend The Day At The Phipps Ocean Park
The Phipps Ocean Park is one of the best things to do in Palm Beach with kids. You’ll find the park on South Ocean Boulevard, in Palm Beach. Unlike the Municipal Beach, the Phipps Ocean Park has a rocky shoreline with areas of soft sand. So, you’ll want to wear sturdy beach shoes.
It’s a great place to look for cool shells and beach glass, which the kids will love doing. Along with the rocky shoreline, the park has some other amenities. There are barbecue pits, picnic tables, tennis courts, and cabanas where you can hang out.
The park also has a small boardwalk and public restrooms. If you want to experience a different Florida beach, then head to Phipps Ocean Park.
The Historic Breakers Hotel And HMF Lounge
The Breakers Hotel is a historic luxury hotel in Palm Beach. It was originally built in the late 1890s, around the same time that the Flagler Mansion, Whitehall, was being built. In fact, it was founded by Flagler. Even at the time it was built, it was considered a luxury hotel. It served as a vacation destination for some of the wealthiest members of American high society.
In the early 20th century it suffered from two separate fires, but each time it was renovated with more opulent decor. Today, it is still one of the most stunning historic hotels in the country. You can rent a room, but if that’s not in your budget, you can still visit.
One of the things we suggest doing there is visiting the HMF Lounge. The HMF Lounge is a truly luxurious experience, and it’s a bit pricey. However, you can just sit at the bar and enjoy a cocktail and still get the experience. They also serve dinner nightly. No matter what you do, this is one of the cool things to do in Palm Beach that feels like stepping back in time.
Palm Beach is a beautiful city and island in Florida that is full of history. You’ll find some incredible historic sites, beautiful beaches, and tons of other unique attractions in Palm Beach.
We hope you’ve found this list of the best activities in Palm Beach helpful! It’s a really cool place to visit in Florida and often get’s overlooked. If you’ve ever been to Palm Beach, we’d love to hear about your trip in the comments.
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