7 Adventures You Didn’t Know Were Possible in The Palm Beaches, Florida
WELCOME TO THE PALM BEACHES — aka, Palm Beach County, the largest county east of the Mississippi, including 47 miles of coastline stretching from Boca Raton to Jupiter and Tequesta on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. It’s a place best known, appropriately, for its beaches. But you’d be missing out if you came here just to lie in the sun. The area is rife with historical landmarks, nature preserves, and
The best part about Palm Beach County isn’t necessarily throwing your towel on the sand or going for a dip in the ocean — sometimes relaxation is only fun when you’ve earned it. Beyond the famous beaches, you’ll find no shortage of ways to get your adrenaline flowing. Here are seven unique, under-the-radar experiences you don’t want to miss (between relaxation sessions on the beach, of course).
1. Snorkeling an artificial barrier reef at Phil Foster Park
Photo: Mike Scott Photography, used courtesy of
Ideal for beginners, an artificial reef simulating a barrier reef can be found a mere 200 feet from the beach at
Roughly 300 species have been counted onsite, making the reef one of the most biologically interesting spots in The Palm Beaches. When conditions are ideal, underwater visibility can reach up to 80 feet.
Snorkel tours are offered by nearby
Tip: Bring a mask, snorkel, and fins. Check weather conditions and tide tables before your visit — and go during high tide, as low tide creates conditions for a difficult dive and poor visibility.
2. Paddling through Jupiter’s waterways under the glow of the full moon
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While on the tour (or kayaking/SUPing by yourself), you’ll follow the path of the setting sun towards the west, paddling past seabirds getting ready to settle in for the evening. Once the sun has dropped below the horizon and the moon is casting light on your surroundings, take notice of the Jupiter Lighthouse, the Jupiter Inlet, and the nearby bridges. If rough tides make the trip too difficult, the experienced guides will adjust routes accordingly. Either way, paddling at sunset? Get ready, Instagram.
Tip: Check a moon phase calendar and Jupiter Outdoor Center’s online calendar to view a schedule of events — and don’t forget to bring your camera.
3. Touring the M/V Ana Cecilia 85 feet below the ocean’s surface
Photo: Wall Sterns for
Palm Beach County’s 151st (and newest) artificial reef, the
Today, goliath grouper — which can grow to more than eight feet in length — and sea turtles frequently swim in and around the M/V Ana Cecilia. Though the bottom of the vessel sits 85 feet below the surface, its tallest compartments rise to within 45 feet. The boat is open to certified scuba divers and is located near several other great dive sites, including the Mizpah, the PC-1174, and the Amaryllis, allowing for a lengthy drift dive.
Tip: If you’re short on time, make plans to get your scuba diving certification prior to visiting. The certification course requires several open-water dives, and you definitely need to be certified to go the 85 feet to the bottom.
4. Tearing up the track at Palm Beach International Raceway
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Opened in 1964,
Less daunting to some, there’s also a .8-mile asphalt go-kart track with 11 turns. Karts, with capacities ranging from 45 to 100mph (dependent on your experience), are available to rent. There’s also the mud bog, which is exactly what it sounds like: a 300ft mud pit waiting for jeeps, SUVS, and mud trucks to take it on. If you like getting your hands (or your jeep) dirty, this is the way to do it.
Tip: Check local weather conditions and the facility’s calendar prior to visiting.
5. Kayaking through the mangrove forests of Munyon Island
Found on a barrier island off the coast of North Palm Beach,
If you’re looking for a water-based adventure, make your way towards the undeveloped 45-acre Munyon Island, accessible only by boat. Rent a kayak from the park and paddle your way to the entrance on the island’s north side. As you navigate the mangrove-lined waterways, keep quiet — there are, without a doubt, dozens of birds nearby. The waters themselves are equally saturated with wildlife.
The island has grills and covered picnic areas, so pack a lunch and make a day of it. Bring a fishing pole if you’re trying to catch your own.
Tip: Visit Munyon Island during high tide. The estuary becomes a mudflat when tides are low, making the island inaccessible.
6. Visiting a wetland restoration project at Pine Glades Natural Area
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Palm Beach County’s
Pine Glades is pretty pristine — thanks, at least in part, to recent restoration activities that have removed 576 acres of invasive melaleuca trees, treated 1,280 acres of invasive non-native vegetation, installed seepage barriers to restore the natural hydrologic cycle, and returned water flow to 340 acres of wetlands. Here, you can literally watch nature getting back into its groove.
Tip: Explore the area just before sunset. Half a mile southeast of the parking lot, you’ll come across Quail Trail. Hike through and you’ll likely see hundreds of wading birds fly in to roost as the sun descends.
7. Going on a safari at America’s first drive-through wildlife preserve
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Spanning roughly 260 acres,
Afterwards (the driving experience typically takes around 90 minutes), be sure to roam around Safari World, the walk-through area of the park. Feed the giraffes, spot birds in the aviary, and drop by the petting zoo. If you’re looking for additional entertainment, a 4,000-square-foot water “sprayground,” pontoon boat tour, paddleboat lake, and mini-golf course can also be found onsite. For what it’s worth, Jane Goodall, considered the world’s go-to expert when it comes to chimpanzees, has visited the park roughly 20 times over the years (she generally skips the mini-golfing).
Tip: Visit when it’s raining — the animals are typically more active in the cool, wet weather. Otherwise, arrive early in the morning and you’ll catch the animals roaming before temperatures start to climb (and what better setting to watch the sunrise than alongside giraffes and wildebeests?).
