Palm Beach County is one of Florida's most beautiful and diverse regions. If you're arriving a day early or staying after your cruise from the Port of Palm Beach, here's what to explore!
🏝️ Peanut Island
📍 Just a short boat ride from the cruise terminal
A 79-acre tropical park with calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling, swimming, and picnicking. A shuttle boat operates nearby — one of the most unique and accessible natural attractions in all of South Florida. History buffs will also love the JFK Bunker on the island, built during the Cuban Missile Crisis for use by President Kennedy.
🌊 Palm Beach Beaches
The beaches along the Palm Beach barrier island are some of the best in Florida — calm, clean, and far less crowded than Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Worth Avenue beach access points offer easy parking and beautiful scenery. Phipps Ocean Park and Midtown Beach are local favourites well worth seeking out.
🏰 The Breakers Palm Beach
Even if you're not staying at this legendary resort, The Breakers is worth a visit to admire the breathtaking Italian Renaissance architecture and stroll the immaculate grounds. Dating to 1896, it remains one of the most iconic hotels in America. Stop in for afternoon tea or a drink at the HMF bar — a memorable experience even without an overnight stay.
🖼️ Norton Museum of Art
📍 1450 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
West Palm Beach's premier art museum houses an impressive collection of American, European, Chinese, and contemporary art. Regularly rotating exhibitions make it worth visiting more than once — and the recently renovated building itself is an architectural showpiece.
🦁 Lion Country Safari
📍 Approx. 20 minutes west of the port — 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL
One of the largest drive-through safari parks in the United States, with over 900 animals roaming free across 320 acres. Lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and chimpanzees are just a few of the residents you might encounter. After the drive-through, explore SaFari World — an amusement park, waterpark, and petting zoo all in one.
🎶 Clematis Street & Waterfront
West Palm Beach's main entertainment strip runs along the waterfront and is packed with restaurants, bars, and live music venues. The waterfront park regularly hosts events and offers beautiful views across the Intracoastal Waterway. A great spot to spend a lively evening before or after your cruise.
🌿 Mounts Botanical Garden
📍 531 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
Palm Beach County's oldest and largest botanical garden, with over 14 acres of tropical and subtropical plants. Beautifully maintained themed gardens include a butterfly garden, rose garden, and native Florida habitat. Admission is free — an underrated gem that most tourists miss entirely.
🎨 Worth Avenue
📍 Worth Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480
Often called the "Rodeo Drive of the East," Worth Avenue is Palm Beach's legendary luxury shopping street — lined with world-class boutiques, art galleries, and some of the finest restaurants in Florida. Even if you're not shopping, a stroll through the charming Mediterranean-style vias (hidden courtyards connecting the storefronts) is a delightful way to spend an afternoon.
🚤 Intracoastal Waterway Boat Tours
Several companies offer narrated boat tours of the Palm Beach Intracoastal Waterway, gliding past mega-mansions, celebrity estates, and superyachts. A unique perspective on one of Florida's most exclusive stretches of real estate — and a relaxing way to spend a few hours on the water.
🌤️ Weather in Palm Beach
Warm and humid with highs around 90°F (32°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common — plan outdoor activities for the morning.
Sunny and mild at 70–80°F (21–27°C) — peak season for a reason. The best time to visit Palm Beach.