20 Unique Things to Do in Palm Beach: A Complete Guide

Written by: Segun Akomolafe

Welcome to the Palm Beaches, Florida. Your ultimate getaway on the Atlantic coast. Known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, luxury shopping streets, and incredible food, the Palm Beaches are the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. In this guide, I will take you through the best places and unique things to do in Palm Beach, as well as share some best-kept secrets, history, and insider tips. And no, you don’t have to be wealthy to visit here. There are plenty of incredible free things to do. Are you ready? Let’s get started.

20 Best Places & Unique Things to Do in Palm Beach

1. Juno Beach

For our first location on the list, we are heading to the northern end of the county to visit Juno Beach, which is one of my favorite beaches in the entire state. This place is beyond incredible with some of the prettiest clear blue water in all of Florida. And it isn’t even all that crowded. Juno Beach has free parking and so many entrance points which are all unique and have their own character.

This water literally looks like Gatorade. It is so clear and blue. And I can’t believe this place isn’t more popular. I also recommend visiting the Juno Beach Pier which offers a great viewpoint of the beautiful water below and generally adds to the relaxing vibe. Juno Beach is a total hidden gem and home to some of the best water in Florida. You won’t regret a visit.

2. Worth Avenue

Worth avenue shopping and dining district in Palm Beach

Next up, we have Worth Avenue, which is the heart of Palm Beach and one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. Worth Avenue is home to upscale shopping and dining and has some pretty incredible European inspired architecture. My favorite part of visiting Worth Avenue is exploring the vias, which are little side streets off the main road.

Each one is so unique and you really don’t even feel like you’re in Florida. I also recommend visiting the Worth Avenue Clock Tower, which is a popular photo location with views of the ocean. Finally, don’t forget to pop into the Colony Hotel for some more shopping and some incredible poolside dining.

3. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

Number three is the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, which showcases over 5,000 years of regional history. I love this lighthouse. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Palm Beaches and has guided sailors for over 160 years. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse for breathtaking views of the surrounding area and also explore the beautiful grounds.

4. Blue Heron Bridge

For our next stop, I want to take you to the best shore dive and snorkel site in the USA that many people have never even heard of. Welcome to the Blue Heron Bridge. This place is so cool. Let me show you how to visit. You’re going to want to start by parking at Phil Foster Park, which is 100% free, and then head under the Blue Heron Bridge, where you will find a map of the trail, and then get in the water. Swim out a bit and you will arrive at the snorkel trail full of artificial reefs and even small shipwrecks.

My insider tip is to only try and snorkel here at high tide. So, if the high tide is at 2 p.m., you want to arrive and swim between 1 to 3:00 p.m. This is the only way to see the best and bluest water. Otherwise, it will be murky and not worth it. There is so much to see here, and you don’t need a tour or a dive boat. Just park your car, hop in the water, and explore.

5. Eau Spa

Number five is Eau Spa, which is found inside the Eau Palm Beach Resort located right on the ocean. Now, as soon as you arrive at the spa, you are given a candle where you can make a wish and then your relaxation journey will begin. I absolutely love these swinging lounge chairs with this water.

I feel like the water is so relaxing, especially when it’s hot out. They also allow you to make your own body scrub, which I think is so unique and cool. While you’re here, they have multiple restaurants, including this oceanfront one. I personally went to one called Pulpo. The food here was so good. You can get a day pass to explore this spa and resort, and it makes a great special occasion experience.

6. Flagler Museum

Up next, we have the Flagler Museum, which will make you feel like you’re in Europe. This place is incredible and there are so many rooms to explore around 75 actually and I mean it is 60,000 square feet. You can take a guided tour or pick up an audio guide to learn more about the history of this gilded age mansion.

The rooms here are so opulent and they’re filled with beautiful classical art and rare furnishings. Don’t forget to look up because the ceiling architecture is one of the best parts. While you’re here, make sure to visit the pavilion adjacent to the mansion, which is designed in the style of a 19th century railway palace and houses Henry Flagler’s private rail car. It was so cool to walk around and explore.

7. Buccan

For number seven, I wanted to show you one of my favorite restaurants in the Palm Beaches, the Michelin recommended Buccan. There’s a lot of hype surrounding this place, and I can tell you it 100% lived up to my already high expectations. Their sweet corn agnolotti was some of the best pasta I have ever tasted. If you’re only going to get one dish, get this.

I also tried their ricotta stuffed squash blossoms and the wood grilled half chicken. The parmesan fries are so incredible. I highly recommend them as a side. And I ended the meal with their petite chocolate chip cookies with flaky sea salt. Overall, this meal was a 10 out of 10 and perfect for special occasions in the Palm Beaches.

8. Mounts Botanical Garden

Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach, Florida

Next up is Mounts Botanical Garden, which is the oldest and largest botanical garden in Palm Beach County. This place is huge and there is so much to see and do. There are 25 unique gardens areas that you can stroll through and explore, like this tropical forest garden reminiscent of Easter Island and this garden of tranquility.

I love the centerpiece exhibit here which has all of these little bridges and walkways over the water and the whole area is surrounded by waterfalls. Mounts Botanical Garden is a wonderful way to enjoy nature in the Palm Beaches.

9. Peanut Island

Number nine, we have Peanut Island, which is a super unique island located on the intracoastal where you can snorkel and see beautiful clear blue water. You can get here by a ferry boat, which is what I took, or you can take your own watercraft. You can even paddle board from shore because it’s so close.

Now, as soon as you arrive, you will step into this beautiful tropical oasis filled with great beaches to explore. If you bring your paddle board, you can paddle board all around the island and the water here is crystal clear and blue, making it perfect for snorkeling. My biggest tip, same as the Blue Heron Bridge, is to try and visit Peanut Island around high tide, this is when the water is at its bluest and prettiest.

Now, if you go at low tide, it isn’t quite as striking, but it’s still fun. If you’re trying to beat the crowds, just go away from where the ferry lets you off for tons of space. This is some of the bluest water in all of Florida, and I don’t hear many people talking about this place often. It is a true must visit.

10. Coral Cut

Up next, drive through Coral Cut, a total hidden gem in the Palm Beaches. There is a small portion of the road that takes you through towering coquina rock that will make you feel like you aren’t even in Florida anymore, even if just for a moment.

11. Loggerhead Marine Life Center

Number 11 is the Loggerhead Marine Life Center, which is truly amazing. I had driven past this place multiple times and I had no idea it was free. And when I finally went, I was blown away. This is a turtle rehab and conservation facility, and you can see all of their current resident sea turtles.

Each turtle has a marker on its tank with why it’s there, the planned rehabilitation steps and whether or not the center thinks they may be able to release the turtle back into the wild. Some turtles stay at the center permanently, but many are rehabbed and returned to their ocean homes. There’s even tiny baby turtles that you can see here, and they were so cute. This is a great place for the whole family to enjoy with lots of learning about the conservation efforts.

12. The Square

Next up is to visit the Square, which is an incredible outdoor shopping and dining district. The energy here was amazing, and it’s a beautiful place to walk around and enjoy the Mediterranean architecture. If you’re looking for entertainment and great restaurants, put the Square on your list.

13. DuBois Park

Our next stop is a unique beach area that’s fun for the whole family, welcome to DuBois Park. This park is incredibly cool because it has a protected swimming area, so it’s perfect for all ages. You can swim along the Jupiter Inlet or you can head further down this lagoon and swim more inland. DuBois is at its best at high tide due to the blue water coming in from the Atlantic Ocean. I mean, look how cool this place is. There are also historical buildings to explore and the entire park is free to visit.

14. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Palm Beach

Number 14 is the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. And when I say that you feel the magic of this place from the moment that you arrive, I really am not exaggerating. There are a variety of gardens that you will see during your visit. And these gardens are modeled after different time periods throughout Japanese history.

This park is absolutely massive. I spent over 3 hours here, and it still wasn’t enough to see everything. So, I do recommend budgeting enough time to make your way through the gardens. When you’re done with the gardens, head back and explore the museum itself. There are a variety of exhibits here and even a gift shop where you can buy some Japanese snacks.

15. Guanabanas

Next, I wanted to show you Guanabanas, which is a super unique waterfront restaurant. This place is tiki bar themed, and it’s an experience in and of itself just to visit. Guanabanas is a 100% open air restaurant located right on the intracoastal. It has the best atmosphere and I highly recommend going.

16. Blowing Rocks Preserve

Number 16, we have Blowing Rocks Preserve, which is like sea cliffs or as close as we’re going to get right here in Florida. And yes, they’re actually way bigger than they look in real life. Now, to get out to the beach, you will have to walk through these sea grape tunnels that I like to call hobbit tunnels. They feel so magical. Once you arrive on the beach, you will walk to the cliffs, which are really good to snorkel around on a calm day.

And the rocks here are super sharp, so you will not want to walk on them in bare feet. Something to note is that this park does close relatively early year round compared to other parks in the area, and it’s because they want you to be careful on the sharp rocks as it starts to get dark. This is one of those places that’s even better in real life than it looks online and a total hidden gem in Florida.

17. Society of the Four Arts

Does anyone else love free things to do? Or is it just me? Our next stop takes us to the Society of the Four Arts, which is a free garden in the Palm Beaches. I can’t say enough about this place, and it really rivals some of the gardens that I’ve seen abroad during my travels.

I can’t believe it’s free. There are multiple different parts of this garden with lots of beautiful plants, water features, and secluded corners. There’s even a Japanese garden which is beautiful and a unique sculpture garden. As soon as you step into the Society of the Four Arts, you will forget that the city is right outside.

18. Coral Cove Bridge

What if I told you that some of the clearest water in Florida was found swimming under a bridge? Number 18 is Coral Cove Bridge, which has crystal clear water and is the most incredible place for snorkeling. You’re going to want to park at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse parking area and then walk along the road to the west side of the bridge, which is where you will find the swimming area. You can get in right under the bridge, and the water is crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling.

Remember to never touch starfish or wildlife, and always observe from a distance. As I’ve said before for other stops, make sure to plan your visit during high tide for the water to be as clear and blue as possible. Coral Cove Bridge looks nice, and it is truly one of the most underrated places in the Palm Beaches.

19. Royal Poinciana Plaza

Next, we have the Royal Poinciana Plaza, which was built in the 1950s and is one of Palm Beach’s most treasured architectural works. This plaza is filled with high-end stores and restaurants in a charming setting that really feels like a garden. This place is truly an outdoor oasis for luxury shoppers.

20. Billionaire’s Row

Billionaire's Row in Palm Beach — Billionaire’s Row in Palm Beach

Finally, I highly suggest driving along Billionaire’s Row, which is part of South Ocean Boulevard. This exclusive stretch is home to some of the world’s most expensive and prestigious waterfront mansions. And it really is so interesting to drive down and see all of these luxury homes.

Conclusion

The Palm Beaches are truly one of the most charming and historic areas in the USA. When exploring the unique things to do in Palm Beach, you’ll discover a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and culinary excellence. From the crystal-clear waters of Juno Beach to the architectural marvels of the Flagler Museum, these unique things to do in Palm Beach offer something for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re seeking free attractions like the Loggerhead Marine Life Center or indulging in luxury at Eau Spa, the unique things to do in Palm Beach ensure memorable experiences. The combination of pristine beaches, world-class dining, and hidden gems throughout the area makes exploring the unique things to do in Palm Beach an adventure worth taking. I hope this guide helped you discover some incredible places to explore on your trip.

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