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West Palm Beach

Attractions Cities of Florida Travel West Palm Beach

A Splashing Good Time

For more than 35 years, Rapids Water Park has been one of the best places to go in Florida for exciting water slides. It’s an ideal spot for family fun just outside West Palm Beach. Fort Rapids uses a western theme throughout the complex. The water park has displays and attractions that highlight the wild west.

The enormous park is known for its many water slides – there are 35 in all, from those best suited to adrenaline junkies to some more family-friendly slides and rides. The park calls its most thrilling rides its “Biggest” attractions, including rafting through a Tornado slide in complete darkness and six slide lane`s, excellent for racing.

The water slides start indoors and then twist and turn outside of the side of the building before coming back inside. This makes for more room in the facility and a great advertisement as you drive by the hotel.

Other attractions are designed for all ages, including several that are specifically meant to be kid-friendly. There is a large wave pool, a lazy river, kid-sized slides, and obstacle courses in which guests need to walk on floating objects to cross pools. Also, they have an “Activity pool” which is an area for swimming and water basketball for older kids and the “Rascal Roundup” is a nearby play water structure with water cannons, dumping buckets and water slides for kids as well.

Overall, getting away and spending quality time together as a family is what this place is all about. When you are staying at the hotel, you can swim before your check in time and also enjoy the water park after you check out. It is highly recommended that you bring a hairdryer if you plan on using the pool after you check out. Oh, and there are also lockers available for rent.

Photo Credit: https://www.makeamomsmile.com

Attractions Cities of Florida Restaurants West Palm Beach

Life is Here in Clematis Street

Established as a commercial district for Palm Beach County in the 1890s, Clematis Street is now the cultural heart of Downtown West Palm Beach. Filled with restaurants, bars, boutiques and bookstores, not to forget the art galleries and antique shops, the street stretches all the way from Rosemary Street to South Flagler Street, encompassing the West Palm Beach Waterfront and three public docks on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Frequently cited as the historic heart of downtown West Palm, Clematis Street epitomizes the fun-loving atmosphere of the city. Beginning at the street’s intersection with Flagler Drive near the Intracoastal Waterway, all sorts of bars, shops and restaurants await visitors. And on Thursday nights, the street’s Centennial Square comes alive for Clematis By Night, which offers free live music from 6 to 9 p.m.

This historical part of town has been revitalized with shops, restaurants, bars, and a beautiful waterfront view. So regardless if you just want to shop and eat, or maybe take some nice pictures, you should make sure to stop in. It’s also a great spot for some nightlife – especially with the live music at the waterfront.

Travelers praise Clematis Street’s abundance of dining and shopping options, plus its waterfront views near Flagler. The Flagler end of Clematis Street also hosts the seasonal West Palm Beach Green Market, which features more than 70 food and plant vendors on select Saturdays and comes highly recommended by previous visitors.

Clematis Street is a joy to browse during the day, bumping in and out of places like the independent and specialty Liberty Bookstore, fine glass and sculpture center, Habatat Galleries and furniture and design store Authentic Provence. Take the free Molly’s Trolleys Yellow Line route or the 75-minute Diva Duck Amphibious Tours from City Centre down Clematis Street first, to get the lay of the land.

The latter starts on land before motoring up and down the Intracoastal for a historic tour of the region. You’ll also pass Centennial Square and Fountain Park, where the interactive fountain beckons children (and the young at heart) to play.

Photo Credit: https://clematisstreet.org

Cities of Florida Florida Restaurants West Palm Beach

Italian Cuisine at Its Finest

Living in paradise can be tough. With so much sunshine and beauty all around – there are so many decisions to make about things to do. For instance: ‘Will we spend the day shopping or going to a local festival?’; ‘If we decide to go shopping, will it be at an indoor mall or outdoor mall?’; ‘Do we go boating or relax on the beach?’.

I took an unexpected trip to southern Italy the other night without a passport or luggage. In fact, I wandered the Amalfi Coast and took in its flavors without leaving Palm Beach Gardens. La Masseria, the 4-month-old restaurant on the PGA dining corridor, has this effect on an unassuming diner. It brings a sliver of an Italian vacation, a glimpse of the authentic, to the table.

La Masseria got its start in New York and Rhode Island before heading south to Palm Beach Gardens. To find nuanced flavors that remain true (to Italy, not New York) is a lovely thing. During the years, clientele who lived up north and vacationed in South Florida requested a La Masseria near their summer homes; and to their relief, it has arrived.

The restaurant offers upmarket style without fussiness, from the crisply suited hosts to the rustic bread basket and the welcome saucer of lentils in olive oil (for spooning atop the bread). The place is stylish yet understatedly set. It’s a good spot for a dressy lunch or a special-occasion dinner. But should you amble up to the door, casually dressed for a weeknight bite, you’ll be welcome just the same.

South Florida is filled with some of the best places to eat in the world. From seafood restaurants on the water to the best steakhouses inland – the Palm Beaches have got you covered.

Photo Credit: www.jupitermag.com

Attractions Cities of Florida Miami West Palm Beach

The Sanctuary for Manatees

If you are looking for a fun activity to do with the kids, your significant other or just by yourself, you have to stop by the Manatee Lagoon in Riviera Beach. Manatee Lagoon is an FPL Eco-Discovery Center and Palm Beach’s latest educational center, providing residents and tourists alike with the perfect vantage point to see these magnificent creatures.

Once a casual spot next to the local electric plant’s discharge waters, this center celebrating the manatee opened in 2016 at a spot where the peaceful creatures naturally congregate. The airy, two-story facility is surrounded by wraparound decks to accommodate sea-cow spotters from fall to spring. Educational, interactive displays tell the story of this once-endangered species. More than 150 giant manatees visit because of the warm waters put out by the nearby power plant.

Florida Power & Light, the main electric company for Palm Beach County, made this all possible as the warm waters that flow from the power plant have been a sanctuary for hundreds of manatees since the 1940’s. The power plant has worked with agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to ensure the manatees safety.

The marine science center includes interactive touch screen displays, galleries, a pavilion and picnic area, meeting and classroom spaces, a café and gift shop. A great benefit of this project, besides the entertainment aspect, is that raising awareness about these animals will help ensure their survival for the long term.

Manatee Lagoon offers visitors engaging opportunities to learn about the endangered and unique Florida manatee and the Lake Worth Lagoon ecosystem it inhabits. Visitors can also understand the role power plants play in sustaining the species. The warm water outflows from the adjacent FPL Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center attract hundreds of manatees each year, particularly during these cold winter months.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/ManateeLagoon/

Attractions Cities of Florida Miami West Palm Beach

A Major Performing Arts Facility

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts works to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international performing artists and companies of the highest quality. The Kravis Center also fosters arts education by offering comprehensive educational and community outreach programs.

As a community leader and major economic catalyst, the Center showcases regional performing arts organizations and supports efforts to increase travel and tourism to West Palm Beach. Set on 10.6 acres of property at the highest point in the city, the Kravis Center includes three venues — the 2,193-seat Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall, the flexible 300-seat Rinker Playhouse and the outdoor Michael and Andrew Gosman Amphitheatre with a capacity for 1,400 patrons.

The Center’s Cohen Pavilion houses the Weiner Banquet Center, The Picower Foundation Arts Education Center and The Elmore Family Business Center for the Arts, along with a five-level parking garage.

After celebrating its 22nd season the number of events hosted annually has grown to more than 800, with attendance of more than 500,000 patrons. Many regionally based arts organizations call the Kravis Center their home including Miami City Ballet, Palm Beach Opera, and the Palm Beach Pops.

During the 2013-2014 season, the Kravis Center itself will present more than 350 performances featuring acclaimed artists from every discipline. Established as a leading force in the social fabric of the community, its many outreach programs are as broad and varied as the community itself.

To date, the Center has opened the door to the performing arts for more than 1.7 million school children as well as thousands of economically disadvantaged senior citizens, minorities and community groups.

Photo Credit: https://www.visitwpb.com

Attractions Cities of Florida Miami West Palm Beach

All in One Park in West Palm Beach

Dog Parks are rapidly appearing across the nation and The Palm Beaches are home to many beautiful grounds through Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation. This four-acre grassland is equipped with five fenced-in enclosures with three separate sections for small, medium and large dogs, five covered gazebos, multiple dog wash stations, and several water fountains. Along with Lake Woof Dog Park, The Palm Beaches are home to many other dog parks. Jupiter is also in the process of building a park that pups and owners are guaranteed to enjoy.

The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department is recognized as the best in Florida and tops in the nation, operates more than 110 parks and recreational facilities and provides organized recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities.

Your playtime is our business. And we take it seriously. Professional staff are always planning for your next visit. New facilities accommodate the latest in leisure trends, as well as the always-popular, timeless needs of our growing community. Exciting, educational, and rewarding recreation programs will stimulate your imagination and provide the challenges you’re looking for.

Palm Beach County’s award-winning park system offers the widest possible range of leisure opportunities. Over 8,000 acres of parkland are available to discover. Sports, fitness, environmental, and cultural opportunities abound, as well as restful places for solitude.

When it comes to safety, we don’t play games with your safety. High quality construction followed by rigorous inspections and maintenance schedules ensure your visit will be a safe one. Park rangers are nearby to greet and assist you, answer questions, and watch out for your well-being.

Say good-bye to boredom and the often-hectic routine of everyday life. Looking for a getaway? You’ll find it here!

Photo Credit: https://twitter.com/pbcparks

Cities of Florida Miami Restaurants West Palm Beach

A Mediterranean Cuisine Fit for The Gods

From hearty vegetarian fare to authentic Mediterranean favorites, Agora offers options for everyone in your family. Dig into a Greek salad or dive into the Cevabi while taking in a view of the water. Roasted eggplant, homemade hummus, and the lamb are amongst the favorite dishes of the locals. With superb meals and friendly owners, Agora proudly and deservingly proclaims itself as one of West Palm Beach’s favorite Mediterranean digs.

The place just re-opened after 6 months of huge remodeling, they now are on full blast and they are ready to serve their dearest Mediterranean Food Lovers. You will surely be addicted to their new atmosphere and watch the chef-owners unique food creations come to life; you will feel comfortable as you are at home with their smiling servers- managers and relaxing music.

The Mediterranean Kitchen serves a variety of specialties with a focus on Turkish preparations. One can enjoy a delicious meal and drink in a gallery-style restaurant with a view into the workings of the kitchen or outside on their patio. At the Agora Mediterranean Kitchen, they do their best to create a lively and fun atmosphere while enjoying your meal.

Also, the owner Semith Arif Ozdemir focuses on bringing the best out of their fresh ingredients and transforming them into a delightful Mediterranean dish, full of flavor. They promote locally sourced ingredients and cater to a variety of dietary options by including a wide array of vegan dishes.

The Mediterranean Kitchen has a cozy and inviting setting with very attentive Hostess, staff and servers. The menu selections are many but the Octopus is the main star of the restaurant.

Photo Credit: http://foodio54.com

Cities of Florida Miami Restaurants West Palm Beach

Nothing Beats A Classic Steak

A lot of restaurants claim to put their city or town on the map. But when Okeechobee Steakhouse opened in West Palm Beach, Florida, on an October day in 1947, there wasn’t an atlas or road that could even find the place. Just like everything else at the restaurant, stories from those early days are passed down through generations. Current proprietor Ralph Lewis, the grandson of the original owner, also Ralph, recounts the tale.

“It was so far out of town, they couldn’t even get deliveries,” he says. “They told my grandfather the restaurant would never make it this far out in the boondocks. But first night they opened they were on a two-hour wait, and the place has been busy like that ever since, for 70 years.”

Okeechobee Steakhouse holds the title as Florida’s oldest steakhouse, celebrated seven decades in business the most fitting way possible: by dry-aging some 38-ounce cuts for 70 days. They used the same process Lewis’ grandfather invented in the 1930s, and the same one the restaurant deploys today

In a restaurant industry rife with trends that flit in and out of conscious by the hour, delivery-only models, robot-flipping burgers, and countless other innovations, Okeechobee Steakhouse really hasn’t turned a 180 since Ralph and Norma Lewis brought it to life. The restaurant has, of course, adjusted over the years, but the heart of the experience remains in line with its original vision.

Expect no foodie lingo here, no “artisan” this or “hand-crafted” that, no menus tripped up in adjectives. Expect no calculated stabs at branding or ambiance. You won’t find proclamations of culinary hipdom here. But you will find a mighty fine steak. They have developed their own exclusive aging process for beef- it’s a decade old guarded family SECRET… creating a succulent flavor that will leave your taste buds begging for one more bite.

Photo Credit: www.foodnewsfeed.com

Attractions Cities of Florida Florida West Palm Beach

Enjoy Nature at Its Best

When scheduling a trip to Florida, you’re going to need a great place to bring the whole clan together for a day of fun on and off the water. Okeeheelee Park, one of many spectacular Florida spots, is a perfect destination to take your West Palm Beach boat rental for a day of family-friendly fun. When you make it to Okeeheelee Park, you’ll see why it’s such a popular destination for Florida visitors and residents alike.

At 900 acres, the sprawling Palm Beach County regional park on the north side of Forest Hill Boulevard, east of Florida’s Turnpike, is bigger than the 850-acre Florida Atlantic University campus in Boca Raton. Like many places in South Florida, it gets its name from the Seminoles. Reports at the time said county commissioners named it the Seminole word for “pretty waters.” The county now says the word means “quiet waters.” The Seminole tribe says that because Miccosukee is an unwritten language, exact translations are hard, but the closest might be “okee-hee-thee,” which means “good water.”

The park should have been named “big delays.” Bought in 1973, it didn’t open its first phase for eight years and $6 million in work and wasn’t officially completed until 1996.

For eight years, only junk cars and squatters used the tract while the county planned and eventually completed landscaping, waterways, athletic fields and buildings. Its first phase was dedicated in 1982. The nature center opened in 1992 and the golf course in 1995. The park was officially completed with the opening of the racquet center in 1996.

Today, the park offers fishing, water skiing, boating, 14 athletic fields, six volleyball courts, five children’s play areas, eight tennis courts, a nature center and trails, a golf course and 40 picnic shelters.

The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Lighted basketball and tennis court facilities are open until 10 p.m., and lighted athletic fields are open until 11 p.m. So why not take your West Palm Beach boat rental to Okeeheelee Park for a day of exhilarating fun on and off the water?

Photo Credit: http://discover.pbcgov.org

Attractions Cities of Florida Florida West Palm Beach

The Four Pillars of Art

The Society of the Four Arts, a non-profit cultural organization, is located at the base of the Royal Park Bridge on Palm Beach. They welcome members and arts and entertainment enthusiasts throughout South Florida to the island. Sculptures, architecture, and manicured gardens are just the first of countless noble arts displayed on the grounds of the Society.

The Society of the Four Arts was founded in 1936, and the main goal was to offer quality cultural programming to the growing resort community of Palm Beach. Each year, the Four Arts features a lineup of culture programs, art exhibitions, films, concerts, notable speakers, and more for you to enjoy.

Society of the Four Arts is located in Palm Beach on Royal Palm Way, with beautiful sculptures, a botanical garden, two libraries, a state of the art educational facility, and a list of calendar events throughout the four buildings on the property.

The Esther B. O’Keeffe Gallery Building, designed by the famous architect Addison Mizner, is home to the art exhibits and a top of the line auditorium with sounds and lighting for concerts, broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera, and lectures.

The newest Four Arts’ facility is the Dixon Education Building, and is home to the cultural education programs. The building was landmarked and originally built in the 1920’s as Palm Beach’s public-school building, but in 2013 the building was renovated by the Four Arts, modernizing the interior for 21st century style learning. The education building has classrooms, an art studio, and even an apartment for visiting artists when in town.

The final building on the campus, is the Four Arts Botanical Gardens, showcasing 7 demonstration gardens to show the different styles of landscaping and plants, and also providing information on plants that can survive the heat.

Located next to the gardens, is the Phillip Hulitar Sculpture Garden. The garden features an outdoor-museum feel showcasing elegant sculptures, pavilions, and has become a top destination for visitors to South Florida. The garden is open 7 days a week and the admission is free.

Photo Credit: https://stargroupinternational.com