West Palm Beach Guide And Information

While most of the best-known beaches in the United States have become more than just beaches, but thriving metropolitan cities with all manner of tourist attractions, most of what draws people to West Palm Beach are features related to the beaches themselves.  There are various water-related attractions in which visitors are invited to participate.

This doesn't mean that West Palm Beach ends at the coat-line.  In fact, it has become a thriving metropolis in the center of South Florida.  It's considered part of the overall Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Palm Beach metro area, with more than 5.5 million residents total.  But the visitors mostly have one thing on their minds:  the ocean.

West Palm Beach has more than 40 miles of beach.  The Gulf Steam's closeness to the area keeps the waters at a nice, warm temperature throughout the year.  One of the nearby public beaches at the city of Palm Beach has lifeguards for families who feel the need for one.  this beach is also readily accessible by vehicle traffic.

For those who want to do more than just splash around, but who would like to go snorkeling, West Palm Beach offers two alternatives.  The first is Macarthur Beach State Park, which is found at Singer Island's north end.  This beach features a shallow reef teeming with fish.  This makes for spectacular viewing as you dive.  Be careful, though, because shark and barracuda are not uncommon in the area.  The park also features short hiking trails, Sunday music, and kayaking within a calm inlet in the park.  This inlet is quite secluded, as magrove swamps almost completely surround it.

The other popular snorkeling spot is Breaker's Reef, located behind Breakers Hotel.  The reef is a long stretch jutting into the ocean, and also has an abundance of sea-life.

For those who prefer to just enjoy the beach scenery, bicycling is a healthy alternative to just sitting.  Fortunately there are bike paths all through the area that make this possible and enjoyable.  One particularly nice one is on the west side of Palm Beach.  This particular path is also ideal for roller blading.

Even though the beach and ocean are the main attraction at West Palm Beach, there are several interesting things to occupy your time when you want to take a break from swimming and sunbathing.  For instance, Flagler Museum features Henry Flagler's home, completely restored.  Flagler was one of the founders of Standard Oil, and the first man to have the vision of turning Florida into a tourist attraction.  Another interesting museum is Norton Art Museum, in found in downtown West Palm Beach.  It's found on Dixie Highway and features hundreds of art exhibits. And finally, the Raymond F. Kravis Center is a performing arts center with a growing international reputation for outstanding musical and dramatic performances.