15 Best Things to Do in Palm Beach County, FL

Palm Beach County boasts over fifty miles of white sand beaches, making it one of the top destinations in Florida.

Millions of beachgoers and vacationers flock to Palm Beach County to enjoy the year-round tropical climate and limitless outdoor adventure.

Palm County covers a 6,172-square-kilometer area in Florida's southern coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean.

This county has come a long way from being a sugarcane and sweet corn plantation back in the day.

There are plenty of reasons to spend your vacation in Palm Beach County, and one best example is its gorgeous beaches.

In addition, it's home to dozens of watersports, including jet skiing, parasailing, boating, and open-water fishing charters.

Those who don't fancy the beach can still enjoy its vast wildlife safaris, fascinating museums, and flourishing urban centers.

So, what's in store for you in one of Florida's top vacation destinations?

Check out the best things to do in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Roam the Norton Museum of Art

The Norton Museum of Art is a massive place featuring world-class and rare artworks.

You can visit this art museum along S. Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach.

If you're in the mood for some art-related activity, this art museum is your go-to place.

It was opened in 1941 by Ralph Hubbard Norton.

He was a known industrialist passionate about collecting exquisite paintings and sculptures.

As a symbol of his passion for arts, Norton opened Florida's most extensive art gallery of its kind in West Palm Beach.

It houses over 7,000 artworks from China, Europe, and within the nation.

Exploring the Norton Museum of Art is a fascinating experience you mustn't miss, especially if you're an art lover.

Besides its galleries, you can also roam its picturesque courtyard, gift shop, and restaurant to complete your visit.

Enjoy a Splendid Stay at the Boca Raton

The Boca Raton is probably the most elegant and famous hotel and beach resort in Palm Beach County.

You can visit this multi-million hotel and resort along E. Camino Real in Boca Raton.

This place is nestled between the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and a private beachfront, offering guests a taste of elegance and nature.

The hotel and resort span over 200 acres, with world-class amenities, water activities, and deluxe accommodations.

Over a thousand guest rooms await those who want a luxurious vacation in Palm Beach County at this hotel and resort.

So, for excellent accommodation and vacation, head to Boca Raton.

Make a Splash at the Rapids Waterpark

Rapids Waterpark is the biggest water park in South Florida.

You can bring your family to this massive water park along N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach.

The entire water park spans over 14 hectares or 30 acres in space.

Within its area are over 42 water attractions.

These comprise water slides, lazy rivers, pools, splash pads, wave pools, and plenty more water park amenities.

One of its main attractions includes a seven-story jaw-dropping water slide called the "Big Thunder," a must-try experience.

Those scared of heights can enjoy the serene experience of floating on the lazy river.

Bring your family or friends to the Rapids Waterpark for a fun experience.

Meditate at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a great place to discover Japanese culture and arts.

You can visit this place along Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach.

Thousands of visitors flock to this fantastic garden and museum yearly.

Visitors are treated to a unique experience showcasing the century-old connection between South Florida and Japan through arts and culture.

The original museum opened in 1993.

It displays artifacts, heirlooms, and historical items from the Japanese migrants who settled in Palm Beach County.

At the same time, it has a 225-seater theater, museum stores, and an authentic Japanese tea house.

It's also a 16-acre garden home to a collection of world-class bonsai trees.

Ultimately, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens offer a tranquil atmosphere.

It's an excellent place for meditating, reflecting, or learning fascinating Japanese history and culture.

Meet the Big Cats of the Lion Country Safari

The Lion Country Safari is a popular drive-through safari and amusement park in Loxahatchee.

The safari covers over 600 acres and has welcomed millions of visitors since 1967.

It's also considered the nation's first cageless zoo.

While doing the drive-through tour, you'll encounter free-roaming animals like lions.

Over 900 animals are housed in this safari, which you'll see through its four-mile drive-through tour.

Besides lions, it also features herds of giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and plenty more, making it a fabulous place to bring your family or friends.

There's no need to fly to Africa to see these majestic animals since the Lion Country Safari has many of them.

Try Watersports with BlueWater Speedboat

Watersports is probably one of the most exciting and fun-filled activities when visiting Palm Beach County.

Seize the chance to enjoy it by trying various watersports on its pristine beaches.

Speedboating offers a thrilling ride that lets you cut waves while speeding through the waters of Palm Beach County.

You can check out BlueWater Speedboat's jetski rental along 13th Street in Riviera Beach.

Whether you're into speed boating, jet skiing, or parasailing, you won't run out of thrilling watersports activities with BlueWater Speedboat.

Get a Birdseye View of the County at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is a historic site featuring an 1800s lighthouse that faces the Atlantic Ocean.

You can visit this lighthouse along Captain Armours Way in Jupiter.

The lighthouse constructed in 1853 served as a guide for marine vessels passing through the area.

It was designed by Bureau of Topographical Engineers' Lieutenant George G. Meade.

Many tourists love to visit this historic lighthouse for a gorgeous view of Palm Beach County above.

At the same time, you can explore plenty of historical sites besides the lighthouse.

It includes the Tindall Pioneer Homestead and the Lighthouse Keeper's Workshop.

To complete your visit to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, drop by its nautical gift shop for some souvenirs.

Stroll through the Scenic Worth Avenue

Worth Avenue is a charming location in the city of Palm Beach.

It's one of the country's most famous upscale shopping destinations.

It's home to some top luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Brioni, and Dolce & Gabbana, to name a few.

Strolling through this street is a great way to explore luxury brands and charming boutiques.

It has restaurants, art galleries, and cafes for the perfect leisure activity.

Drop by Worth Avenue for one-of-a-kind leisure activity.

Learn Fascinating Stuff at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium

Cox Science Center and Aquarium is an excellent place to bring your kids for a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

This place is situated along Dreher Trail N. in West Palm Beach.

Visiting Palm Beach County isn't just about beaches.

It's also a fascinating place where you and your kids can learn plenty of cool stuff while having fun.

This place is home to a vast central aquarium with hundreds of exotic and native marine life.

In addition, it has a planetarium and observatory where you and your kids can see up close celestial bodies.

You can bring your kids to its splash pad or mini golf course for a fun activity.

With all these activities and attractions, Cox Science Center and Aquarium is the best place for a fun-filled family bonding.

Browse the Boca Raton Museum of Art

The Boca Raton Museum of Art offers you a one-of-a-kind experience to see up close decades of cultural and artistic excellence of Floridian artists.

You can visit this charming art museum along Plaza Real in Boca Raton.

This art museum houses over 4,400 artworks and has welcomed hundreds of thousands of art lovers yearly.

Besides the art museum, it's also home to an art school that caters to over 5,000 aspiring artists through its classes and workshops for free.

With all that in mind, the Boca Raton Museum of Art is a recommended attraction to visit, especially for art lovers.

Meet the Gentle Sea Cows of the Manatee Lagoon

Manatee Lagoon is a famous attraction that mainly features gentle manatees in their natural habitat.

You can visit this attraction along N. Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach.

Also called the FPL Eco-Discovery Center, it offers visitors a free educational tour where you can view the manatees up close.

Most visitors flock to this place during winter to see the manatees huddling in the warmer waters of the adjacent Riviera Beach.

Besides the manatee viewing, it also offers visitors hands-on exhibits.

These exhibits offer an exciting way to learn about these unique creatures, which unfortunately face threats due to their shrinking natural habitat.

So, bring your kids to the Manatee Lagoon to meet these gentle animals.

Interact with Animals at the McCarthys Wildlife Sanctuary

McCarthys Wildlife Sanctuary is a one-of-a-kind place to meet and greet hundreds of animals.

You can visit this sanctuary along 61st Street N. in West Palm Beach.

Compared to zoos, this wildlife sanctuary offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience of seeing and interacting with animals up close.

It houses over 200 native and exotic animals.

It includes black leopards, white tigers, scarlet macaws, and other animals you only see on television.

This sanctuary which opened in 1990, allows visitors to interact with some animals, such as its birds, reptiles, and mammals, for a more personal experience.

Amazingly, most of these animals were rescued from abuse and illegal possession.

Some have been rehabilitated from their injuries which now thrive at this sanctuary.

With all that in mind, McCarthys Wildlife Sanctuary is the best place for an informative and engaging experience with animals.

Explore the Clematis Street Historic Commercial District

Clematis Street Historic Commercial District is one of West Palm Beach's most famous attractions.

The historic district starts on the Intracoastal Waterway on Flagler Drive.

The entire district features a dozen historic buildings dating back to the 1800s.

Strolling through the district lets you experience unique South Floridian culture and flavor.

Experience its boutiques, restaurants, antique shops, art galleries, and bars, which add a colorful atmosphere.

Most of the district's historic buildings have historical landmarks detailing their fascinating backstories.

In addition, Clematis Street Historic Commercial District hosts various community events.

It includes the SunFest, Moonfest, and West Palm Beach Farmers Market.

Revisit the Past at the Flagler Museum

Flagler Museum is a unique museum with rare furnishings and instruments from its owner Henry Flagler.

You can visit this museum along Whitehall Way in Palm Beach.

This museum was initially constructed as an estate built in the gilded age in Palm Beach called "Whitehall."

It boasts European-style palace architecture unique to Florida.

It was listed eventually on the National Historic Landmark to preserve its historical value and now welcomes visitors as a museum.

Explore Flagler Museum's main attractions, which include the 5,000-square-foot marble entrance hall, a 1,249-pipe organ in its music room, and Baccarat crystal chandeliers.

Check Out Rare Vintage Cars at the Ragtops Automobile Museum

Last on your list is the Ragtops Automobile Museum, home to some of the world's rarest vintage cars.

You can visit this one-of-a-kind museum along N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth.

The museum features vintage cars, including rare, intriguing pieces in its 10,000-square-foot facility.

Initially, the museum started as a gas station in the 1980s, where the owner, Ty Houck, started collecting three vintage cars from Maryland.

His collection grew larger and grander, paving the way for a museum opening.

Some of its rare cars include the 1937 Chrysler Imperial, 1939 Pontiac Quality 115 Series, 1939 Pontiac Silver Streak Deluxe, Plymouth Convertible, and the Packard Deluxe Sedan.

Amazingly, most of the cars at this museum are up for sale but come with a hefty price tag.

Overall, the Ragtops Automobile Museum is a haven for car enthusiasts, especially those who have a taste in vintage cars.

Final Thoughts

Palm Beach County has everything to make a vacation memorable, from its pristine beaches to art museums, historical attractions, and colorful streets.

It's entirely up to you where you want to start your Palm Beach County travel adventure.

You're guaranteed to experience fun and excitement with the best things to do in Palm Beach County, Florida.