Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach is the Monaco of the US, where the water sparkles like sapphires and the sand shimmers like crystal. It's tropical and colorful, decadent and indulgent, with its breezy palms swaying overhead and its rich, plush flora. The residents insist that it's best seen by boat. Palm Beach is separated from West Palm Beach and Lake Worth by the Intracoastal Waterway on the west side. The Atlantic Ocean is to the east, with Miami just 65 miles south.
Because the city of Palm Beach itself is directly on and surrounded by water, it seems as if everyone has a boat, and if you don't then you should! Boating is so popular here that many restaurants have boat parking! The area is chock full of marinas and boat ramps to launch boats, and it seems like everything is connected by the water. You can rent a boat, or sign up with one of the many local companies for a boating trip out into the middle of the ocean. Once there you can snorkel and see the natural treasures living down below, such as corals, marine plant life, and a huge assortment of colorful fish. The diving is great too, as is the fishing.
Palm Beach is also famous for its many pleasure cruises that show visitors its breathtaking views, while engaging them in fun activities. Many of these are family friendly while others and some of them are geared for adults. The Palm Beach Princess has 7 decks and can take 800 passengers at a time. Come aboard for the casino, and try your hand at craps, roulette, poker, blackjack, and the slots. There are restaurants and buffets, plays and concerts, spa treatments, pools and sun decks, and lots of activities for kids. Make sure to reserve a place because it's a popular attraction around here. The company provides a pickup service from spots all around the beach that will take you to the Princess at the Palm Beach Port.
The beaches all have restrooms, showers and picnic areas - but it's best to bring your own lunch. There's metered parking, and all the beaches have lifeguard service from sunrise to sunset.
R. G. Kreusler Beach Park on Ocean Blvd is one of Palm Beach's many small beach areas and takes up almost two acres of beach front. You can also surf here and go salt-water fishing, though not in the swimming areas. There are nets up over the sand for beach volleyball and there's always someone around who's up for a game.
Palm Beach wouldn't have its fancy reputation without its town center, featuring world class shopping on Worth Drive, comparable to Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles. It has historically been the vacation destination for America's elite such as the Kennedy family. The Trumps are also frequent visitors and have built the Mar-a-Lago Spa here, a truly indulgent and delicious spa experience, if you can afford the cost of the indulgence!
Plan on coming for a visit any time between October-April to catch Palm Beach when it's not so hot. If you are craving the sunshine and heat, real summer weather starts in May. Hurricanes can make an appearance in the fall, so be sure to check ahead when planning your visit. Also be sure to reserve in advance because accommodations in this area tend to fill up rather quickly. For an unforgettable experience, be sure to catch one of Palm Beach's beautiful sunsets. The memory will last a lifetime.