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West Palm Beach is a lively city with a ton of cultural spots, outdoor things to do, waterfront views, and plenty for families to enjoy. When summer hits in Florida, the days get longer, and suddenly there’s even more happening all over town. Whether this is your first visit or you already know the area, there’s never a shortage of reasons to visit West Palm Beach.
Explore the Waterfront and Clematis Street
You really can’t visit West Palm Beach without taking a walk along Clematis Street – it’s where the city’s history and energy come together. The street is lined with tall palms, plenty of restaurants, local shops, and relaxed cafés, making it a favorite for both visitors and locals. In summer, things pick up even more. Thursday nights mean Clematis by Night: free outdoor concerts with live music and food trucks.
If you head a few blocks over, you’ll find the West Palm Beach Waterfront. The area’s beautifully kept, stretching along the Intracoastal Waterway with a string of parks and open spaces. In the summer, you’ll spot things like pop-up events, art installations, and opportunities to hit the water – paddleboarding and kayaking are both popular. And don’t miss the boat docks! From here, sightseeing cruises head out, letting you unwind in the sea breeze and catch some incredible sunsets over the water. Take meal preps from Ideal Nutrition store with you, these ready-to-eat nutritious meals will keep you fueled through the whole adventure.
Visit Museums and Cultural Institutions
When the summer heat kicks in, it’s a perfect excuse to take things inside and check out the cultural side of West Palm Beach. The Norton Museum of Art probably tops the list. It’s one of the area’s most respected spots. Inside, you’ll find everything from American and European masterpieces to fascinating Chinese art and contemporary exhibits. There’s always something new, too, thanks to rotating installations. In summer, they tend to roll out special programs and guided tours, which makes it even more worth a visit.
Spend a Day at the Beach
Summer in West Palm Beach really isn’t complete without hitting the beach at least once. If you cross the bridge over to Palm Beach Island, you’ll land at Palm Beach Municipal Beach. The sand’s soft, the water’s clear, and whether you want to swim or just kick back under an umbrella with a book, it’s a solid spot to do it.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more active, head north up the coast to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. This place is a bit of a hidden gem, with protected natural areas you can kayak through, spots for snorkeling, and nice hiking trails. The park also has an education center and hosts guided nature walks, so it’s great for anyone interested in learning about Florida’s coastal environment. Just make sure you bring some water, sunscreen, and a little curiosity – it’ll take you far.
Enjoy Local Markets and Seasonal Events
Summers in West Palm Beach are all about hitting the markets, and The Square (what used to be CityPlace) is right in the mix. It’s way more than an open-air shopping spot-think artisan stalls, local produce, food trucks parked nearby, plus a steady lineup of live entertainment. On the weekends, there’s usually something extra happening: maybe a themed event, a cooking demo, or even a yoga class out on the lawn.
If you’re looking for another crowd favorite, check out the GreenMarket by the waterfront. It’s mostly a fall and winter thing, but when summer rolls around, you’ll still catch occasional pop-ups and a few special markets. You’ll find everything from fresh-picked produce and handmade crafts to icy tropical smoothies. It’s a solid way to meet peers and give local makers a little support.
Discover Wildlife and Nature Adventures
If you’re looking to get outside and soak up some nature, West Palm Beach has a lot going on. The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society has over 550 animals, plus shady paths to stroll, a splash pad for kids, and hands-on animal experiences that are actually pretty fun. When summer rolls around, the zoo stays open later for “Safari Nights” – think live music and themed events for families or anyone who just wants to be out after dark.
You’ll also want to check out Mounts Botanical Garden. It’s a true escape, with more than 2,000 types of tropical and subtropical plants. This place feels worlds away from everything – wander through butterfly gardens, edible plant areas, and even a little rainforest trail. They also offer seasonal classes and wellness activities like tai chi or guided meditation, if you’re looking for a slower pace.
Take a Day Trip or Boat Ride
West Palm Beach is a great spot if you’re looking to squeeze in a quick adventure or two. You might want to book a boat for some snorkeling or reef fishing just offshore – easy and fun. If you’re into underwater sightseeing, check out Phil Foster Park under the Blue Heron Bridge. Locals love snorkeling there, especially at high tide, when the water’s clearer and the sea life really pops.
Or, just hop aboard the Peanut Island Shuttle Boat and spend a few hours exploring Peanut Island. It’s not huge – about 80 acres – but you’ll find plenty of picnic spots, nice snorkeling lagoons, and even the old JFK bunker. Honestly, summer’s the best for this: pack a cooler, grab your gear, and head out for a laid-back day along peaceful blue water, with native wildlife all around.
Savor the Local Cuisine
West Palm Beach has really stepped up its food game, and summer’s the perfect time to check out what’s on offer. You’ll find everything here – from upscale restaurants to laid-back spots right on the water. Places like Hullabaloo, The Regional, and RH Rooftop Restaurant are always buzzing, thanks to their cool atmosphere and great food.
If seafood’s your thing, you’re in luck. This is the place for super fresh Florida lobster, grouper, and – if it’s in season – stone crab. If you’re after somewhere more low-key, try Old Key Lime House over in Lantana, or grab some bites (and awesome views) at Benny’s on the Beach in Lake Worth.
Lots of restaurants roll out summer deals, and there’s Flavor Palm Beach, too – a late summer event where top spots offer prix fixe menus. Great excuse to try somewhere new without breaking the bank.
Experience the Nightlife and Entertainment
West Palm Beach keeps the energy going long after dark. Downtown is packed with nightlife options – think everything from rooftop lounges and Latin dance clubs to live music joints. Locals know Respectable Street for its alternative and indie sets, while Roxy’s Pub draws a crowd up to its lively rooftop, with great skyline views.
If you’re in the mood for a show, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts puts on summer concerts, comedy acts, and big stage productions pretty much year-round. But if you’d rather keep things low-key, the SunFest Summer Sessions offer a string of smaller concerts – the folks behind Florida’s biggest waterfront music fest are the ones who run it.
Conclusion
Once you pick West Palm Beach for a summer trip, you won’t regret it. The city’s got that beautiful waterfront, an arts scene that’s always buzzing, and plenty of ways to get outside and soak it all in. Just don’t forget your sunscreen and a bottle of water – summer here is all about making the most of that sunshine.