West Palm Beach, Florida, is a vibrant destination known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and variety of fun activities for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for family-friendly activities, West Palm Beach and its surrounding areas have something to offer everyone. From exploring nature preserves to indulging in thrilling water activities, and even swimming with dolphins in nearby Miami, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best fun activities near West Palm Beach, including how you can embark on a once-in-a-lifetime dolphin swim adventure in Miami.
No trip to West Palm Beach is complete without spending some time on the beautiful, sun-soaked beaches. The area is home to several pristine beaches that offer a range of activities, from swimming and sunbathing to paddleboarding and beach volleyball.
Palm Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the area, known for its soft sand, clear waters, and the iconic Palm Beach Island, where you can stroll along the picturesque coastline. Families love Ocean Reef Park, which offers a great combination of beach access and shaded picnic areas, perfect for a full day of fun in the sun.
For a quieter, more relaxing beach experience, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a hidden gem. This park offers two miles of unspoiled beach, nature trails, and a wide range of activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The park is also home to beautiful mangroves and coastal habitats, making it ideal for nature lovers.
For families and wildlife enthusiasts, the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is a must-visit. This 23-acre zoo is home to more than 500 animals, including jaguars, tigers, and exotic birds, offering educational and interactive exhibits that highlight wildlife conservation efforts.
The zoo provides an immersive experience with up-close animal encounters, including the opportunity to feed some of the animals. Kids will especially love the interactive fountain play area, where they can cool off during hot days. The zoo also hosts special events, such as wildlife shows and zookeeper talks, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the animals and their habitats.
The Palm Beach Zoo is a fantastic destination for families, offering a perfect mix of fun and education while promoting the importance of wildlife conservation.
If you’re looking for a day of thrilling water fun, **Rapids Water Park** is just a short drive from West Palm Beach and offers 30 acres of waterslides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. With over 40 water attractions, the park is perfect for visitors of all ages, from adrenaline junkies to those looking to relax and float down the lazy river.
Some of the park’s most popular attractions include Big Thunder, a four-person raft ride that takes you through a giant funnel at high speeds, and the Brain Drain, a thrilling vertical drop water slide. For younger kids, Barefootin’ Bay and Splish Splash Lagoon offer shallow water play areas with slides and water features designed for the little ones.
Rapids Water Park provides an exciting way to cool off and enjoy a day of family-friendly fun near West Palm Beach.
West Palm Beach is located along the Intracoastal Waterway, making it the perfect spot for scenic boat tours. Whether you’re interested in wildlife watching, sightseeing, or learning about the area’s history, there are several options for boat tours that showcase the natural beauty and luxury waterfront homes of the area.
Palm Beach Water Taxi offers guided tours along the waterway, where you can spot local wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and a variety of bird species. You’ll also get a chance to see some of the stunning mansions that line the shores of Palm Beach Island.
For a more adventurous experience, consider booking a Jet Ski tour or renting a boat to explore the waterways at your own pace. No matter which option you choose, spending time on the water is a must-do activity when visiting West Palm Beach.
If you’re looking for a fun mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, head to Rosemary Square (formerly known as CityPlace), located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. This vibrant area offers a lively atmosphere with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
You can spend the afternoon browsing boutique shops, enjoying live music, or catching a movie at the nearby theater. When it’s time to eat, Rosemary Square offers everything from casual eateries to upscale dining. Some popular spots include The Cheesecake Factory, True Food Kitchen, and Il Bellagio for authentic Italian cuisine.
The beautifully landscaped plaza also hosts a range of events throughout the year, from live music performances to holiday celebrations, making it a perfect spot for families or couples looking to relax and enjoy the evening.
One of the most exciting experiences you can have while visiting this area is taking a short drive to Miami for a Swim with Dolphins near West Palm Beach. Miami is just over an hour’s drive (maybe 2 hours with traffic) from West Palm Beach and offers some incredible opportunities to swim with dolphins in a safe and educational environment.
Dolphin Harbor at the Miami Seaquarium is one of the top places to swim with dolphins. The program allows visitors to interact with these intelligent and playful creatures in a controlled setting, offering the chance to touch, swim, and even ride alongside dolphins. The experience is both fun and educational, as trainers provide insight into dolphin behavior, communication, and conservation efforts.
This unique activity is perfect for families and animal lovers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Dolphin Harbor program is suitable for both children and adults, making it an ideal day trip from West Palm Beach.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities and nature, Okeeheelee Park is a fantastic destination. Located just outside of West Palm Beach, this expansive park offers a variety of recreational activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The park features miles of hiking and biking trails, a nature center, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Okeeheelee is also home to several lakes, where visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and paddleboarding. The park’s equestrian center offers horseback riding lessons and trails for those who want to experience the outdoors in a unique way.
Okeeheelee Park is also a great spot for wildlife watching, with the Okeeheelee Nature Center offering educational exhibits and trails where visitors can observe local birds, reptiles, and other animals in their natural habitats.
Located just west of West Palm Beach, Lion Country Safari is a drive-through wildlife park where visitors can see more than 1,000 animals from the comfort of their car. It’s like going on a mini-safari right in Florida! The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos, all roaming freely in large enclosures that mimic their natural habitats.
After the drive-through safari, visitors can explore the park’s walking area, which includes attractions like a petting zoo, water play areas, and interactive animal exhibits. Lion Country Safari is perfect for families looking for an educational and fun adventure.
Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing day at the beach, exploring the area’s nature parks, or taking a short trip to swim with dolphins in Miami, West Palm Beach offers endless fun for families, couples, and adventurers alike. From the bustling energy of Rosemary Square to the peaceful serenity of Okeeheelee Park, this part of Florida has something for everyone. So, pack your sunscreen and get ready to enjoy the best activities West Palm Beach has to offer.
