5 Fun West Palm Beach Attractions That Don’t Involve Food
Here in West Palm Beach, we’re known for our miles of sandy coast, year-round sunny days and diverse culture. You can spend the day on the beach soaking up the sun and sipping fresh coconut water. At night, visitors and locals head out to fabulous restaurants. While we’re a little biased toward food-based activities here at West Palm Beach Food Tours, we understand that you might need a break from eating from time to time. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 5 fun West Palm Beach attractions that’ll show you the other side of our culture.
And when you’ve ticked off all the items off this list? We’ll be here to help you get back to the super important stuff: the food.
1. Norton Art Museum
The Norton Art Museum officially reopens Feb. 9, 2019! After a major expansion and renovation, it’s officially the largest art museum in Florida.
Norton specializes American, Chinese and European art, with both American and European art dominating the main building. Here, you’ll find pieces by Kara Walker, Cindy Sherman and Damien Hirst, just to name a few.
The museum’s expansion was designed by architectural firm Foster + Partners, who won the Pritzker Prize. You’ll notice the changes immediately. The new entrance can be found on the South Dixie Highway, creating a more symmetrical experience. In addition to the new expansion, visitors can also explore the sculpture garden and plaza — featuring a reflecting pool.
Don’t forget to check the website for upcoming events. The museum hosts a series of rotating exhibits as well as seasonal events, such as a Lunar New Year celebration.
2. Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
When we want to pretend we’re filthy rich, we head to the Flagler Museum. A great example of Gilded Age architecture and design, the Flagler Museum is a testament to the old money of Florida’s history. This National Historic Landmark draws in visitors from all over the world — and has even been lauded as more beautiful than the palaces of Europe.
Visitors can take guided tours and enjoy seasonal exhibitions here. Built by railroad tycoon and luxury hotelier Henry Flagler, the Flagler Estate shows the excess money of the Gilded Age while inviting visitors to step back into time and see how the other half lived.
The museum also offers seasonal programs during the Christmas holiday, Mother’s Day, Grandparents Day, Easter and Valentine’s Day. It’s probably not a surprise that plenty of couples would want to get hitched at such a spot, so you might even spot some nuptials if you’re there on a weekend.
3. Society of the Four Arts Sculpture and Botanical Garden
Founded in 1936, the Society of the Four Arts is a nonprofit organization that ensures Palm Beach’s residents and visitors receive a holistic cultural experience.
Comprised of several buildings and surrounded by professionally landscaped grounds, the Society of the Four Arts features rotating art exhibits, a 700-seat auditorium, a library containing 70,000 publications, a children’s library, classrooms, botanical gardens and sculpture gardens. The gardens are the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic, and The Buccan Sandwich Shop happens to be nearby! Oops, this wasn’t supposed to be about food.
You might want to plan on spending the whole day here. We’re exhausted just talking about it.
The best part? The center is free to visit!
4. Loggerhead Marinelife Center
One of the biggest attractions in Florida is the sea turtles. At the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Loggerhead Park, you can learn all about the local marine life — including the turtles. Public guided tours are offered seven days a week from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. or stop by anytime to explore. Visit the sea turtle hospital and the fish tank exhibit hall to learn all about the center’s conservation efforts. Many visitors even head here to see the turtles released back into the wild.
$5 donation is requested to visit.
5. The Beach!
It’s our main attraction and likely the reason you planned your vacation here. You’ll experience miles of soft sand and some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen. Once you’re here, you can choose from a variety of activities, like snorkeling, paddle boarding or kayaking. Or, take a dip in the ocean before sinking into a blanket on the warm sand.
There’s so much to do in West Palm Beach that you’ll inevitably work up an appetite. Luckily, we have so many amazing restaurants here that represent the rich culture and history. Can’t decide where to go? Come with us to some of our favorite restaurants in West Palm Beach that tell the stories of the of our city’s residents. We can’t wait to see you in sunny Florida!
P.S. – It’s delicious here!