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Palm Beach County 25 Places to Go
By Charles Passy
Who says history can’t be fun? That’s the question we asked ourselves as we put together this year’s annual “Go” publication, spotlighting the 25 most important places to visit in Palm Beach County. Given that the county is marking its 100th anniversary in November, we thought we’d put a historical spin on the list.
So, you’ll find historic hotels, historic places to shop and historic attractions among our favorites. Of course, Palm Beach County continues to make history, so you’ll also find some newer spots to check out, from a great Cuban restaurant in Lake Worth to a cool new hotel in Palm Beach.
Either way, there’s fun to be had. Go and enjoy!
The List 1. Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
2. Worth Avenue
3. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
4. The Breakers
5. Boca Raton Resort
6. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
7. Lake Okeechobee
8. Norton Museum of Art
9. Café L’Europe
10. Kravis Center
11. CityPlace
12. PGA National Resort
13. Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
14. Downtown Delray Beach
15. The Gardens Mall
16. Lion Country Safari
17. Loxahatchee Everglades Tours
18. Dolce de Palma
19. Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
20. Ben’s Deli
21. The Royal Room Cabaret at The Colony
22. Peanut Island Park
23. Havana Hideout
24. The Omphoy
25. Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum
Check out the flip book!
See the map.
1. Henry Morrison Flagler Museum Video: Bike along the Lake Trail in Palm Beach Begin with the premise that the story of modern-day Palm Beach County begins with Henry Morrison Flagler, the oilman and tourism entrepreneur who realized that ours was a paradise waiting to be found. And so, he helped the world discover it, building railroads and hotels that put Palm Beach on the tourist map. The best way to understand and appreciate the Flagler legacy is to visit this 55-room Gilded Age mansion, completed in 1902, that served as his winter residence. Not only is the house itself a work of art, but it also plays host to a variety of art and historical exhibits, first-rate chamber music and lecture series, even an annual bluegrass concert. Holiday events include a tree-lighting ceremony and visit by Santa. And if you’re in the mood for a spot of a tea, the museum’s café offer a Gilded Age-inspired lunch/afternoon tea from late November to early April. Plus, if it’s been years since your last visit to the museum, here’s another reason to visit: the new pavilion that houses Flagler’s private railcar.
Info: 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach; (561) 655-2833; flaglermuseum.us.
2. Worth Avenue
Video: Bike along Worth Avenue in Palm Beach
The name says it all: Palm Beach’s signature street is for those of significant worth – or those who simply want to fanaticize about how the other half lives. Walk the street and you can take your pick of just about every designer name there is: Gucci, Chanel, Tiffany, Hermes, Cartier, et al. But Worth Avenue, which is slated to undergo a $14 million beautification project in the coming year, also welcomes the student of history: Monthly walking tours are led by local legend James Ponce, the man once dubbed a “two-legged historical landmark” by the Palm Beach Town Council. And don’t forget that the street is something of a dining destination, too: If you want to experience the essence of the Palm Beach social scene, stop in Ta-boo for a light lunch (the warm grilled chicken and pears salad is a must). Parking is never much of a problem, whether on the street or in lots and garages. And don’t feel shy about getting a parking validation stamp, if you’ve made a purchase from one of the merchants along the street: You’ve earned the privilege.
Info: Worth Avenue Association, P.O. Box 2126, Palm Beach; (561) 659-6909; worth-avenue.com.
3. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
Video: Take a sunset tour of Jupiter Lighthouse
Want to take a real trip through history? Climb the 105 steps leading to the top of this 1860 lighthouse. You might feel a little winded, but the view will serve as a potent reminder of the area’s inherent seaside beauty. But a visit to the lighthouse, which is run by the Loxahatchee River Historical Society, is about far more than taking in a pretty picture. It’s also a lesson in Palm Beach County’s growth and development: A museum connected to the lighthouse, situated in a newly restored World War II building, offers exhibits about Florida history, lectures and summer camp programs. And the historical society also oversees two other important properties in the area, the DuBois Pioneer Home and the George Washington Tindall House. Plus, look for events leading up to the 150th anniversary celebration of the lighthouse on July 10, 2010.
Info: 500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter; (561) 747-8380; jupiterlighthouse.org
4. The Breakers
Sure, The Breakers is historic – in fact, the 540-room resort is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And it’s plenty opulent as well: Originally built by Henry Morrison Flagler in 1896, the oceanfront retreat has always been synonymous with the Palm Beach lifestyle. Just step inside the Italian Renaissance-inspired main building, whose lobby inspires visions of a gilded palazzo. Or visit for Sunday brunch at The Circle room, where the seemingly endless buffet is almost as breathtaking as the 30-foot frescoed ceilings. But what’s just as noteworthy is the fact that The Breakers is a work in progress: In the last two decades, the resort has undergone a $250 million transformation and its long list of amenities includes a golf course, a 20,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor spa, even a high-end shopping concourse. Now, you can also enjoy The Breakers’ experience on the other side of the Intracoastal: In the past year, the resort unveiled a new restaurant, Top of the Point (at the top of one of the Phillips Point buildings), offering some of the best views of downtown West Palm Beach.
Info: 1 S. County Rd., Palm Beach; (561) 655-6611 or (800) BREAKERS; thebreakers.com.
5. Boca Raton Resort
Video: Take a yoga class on Boca’s beach
Architect Addison Mizner (1872-1933) may be known for his work throughout Palm Beach. But his real crowning achievement is arguably the Boca Resort, built in 1926. Reflecting Spanish-Mediterranean, Moorish and Gothic influences, the hotel is a place both showy and secretive, featuring everything from detailed mosaics and tucked-away gardens. But like The Breakers, the Boca Resort is also an ongoing project: Today, 1,043-room resort encompasses several buildings beyond Mizner’s original “Cloister,” including a newly renovated Boca Beach Club with three pools, an oceanfront bar and private cabanas. To top it off are several select dining options, including a restaurant by famed Iron Chef Masahuru Morimoto (simply called Morimoto) and another by rising culinary star (and Gordon Ramsay protégé) Angela Hartnett (Cielo). And if you feel like working off those extra calories, keep in mind the resort’s numerous activities and amenities, including golf (two courses), tennis and a half-mile private beach.
Info: 900 S. Ocean Boulevard, Boca Raton; (888) 564-1312; bocaresort.com
6. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Arguably the most important figure in local history after Flagler, John D. MacArthur made sure to preserve what was most precious about Palm Beach County – namely, the beach. The insurance magnate who developed Palm Beach Gardens and so much else in the northern portion of the county bequeathed the land for this 325-acre park, which is now named in his honor. Call it the real Florida — a subtropical paradise of beaches and estuaries and all the creatures who call such habitats home. But the truly great thing about the park is that it makes it so easy to explore this untouched realm, whether by kayaking or taking a nighttime turtle walk or simply hopping aboard the tram that connects the parking lot to the beach. Children can visit an informative nature center — or even attend one of several camp programs. And with an admission price of $5 per carload, the park may be the best recreational deal in Palm Beach County.
Info: 10900 Jack Nicklaus Dr., North Palm Beach; (561) 624-6950; macarthurbeach.org.
7. Lake Okeechobee
Video: Go airboating and gator searching on Lake O
In the Native American Hitchiti tribe’s tongue, “Okeechobee” means “big water.” And that’s certainly what Lake Okeechobee is – a 730 square-mile body of water that’s played almost as significant role in Palm Beach County’s growth and development as that other “coast” (meaning the Atlantic). The lake has served as a source of sustenance (it still yields some of the tastiest freshwater fish to be found in the country) and a tourist Mecca. In the past few years, the lake has also seen some noteworthy development, including the new Loggerhead Club & Marina in Pahokee (190 North Lake Way, 561-924-7832, loggerheadlakeokeechobee.com), which offers a fishing pier, boat launch, cabins, camping sites and such amenities as a pool and upscale lounge. Of course, there’s a dark side to the lake’s history, too – especially the 1928 hurricane that swept through the area, claiming thousands of lives. But that resulted in the construction of the dike that now protects lake communities from flooding, ensuring this treasure will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
8. Norton Museum of Art
Video: Checking out Art After Dark at the Norton
Palm Beach County’s most distinguished museum offers art as history, with a collection of 5,000-plus works that span all ages and regions, from ancient Chinese to contemporary American. Founded by industrialist Ralph Norton almost seven decades ago, the Norton Museum has undergone significant expansion in recent years: In 2003, the new 14-gallery Nessel Wing opened, bringing the museum’s total exhibit space to an impressive 122,500 square feet. At the same time, the Norton retains an emphasis on quality programming: This season alone will see exhibitions of works by the fashion photographer Richard Avedon (Feb. 9-May 9, 2010) and of artists who emerged after 1960, including Andy Warhol (starting Feb. 13, 2010). But a visit to the Norton isn’t just about seeing art: The museums offers a variety of educational, family and outreach programs, plus a once-a-month evening social event called Art After Dark.
Info: 1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach; (561) 832-5196; norton.org
9. Café L’Europe
From the moment you step inside Café L’Europe, you know you’ve truly arrived in Palm Beach. Perhaps it’s the pianist playing a tune or two from the good ol’ days that sends the message. Or maybe it’s the book-size wine list, full of treasures from Europe and California alike. Then, there’s the food: Chef Norbert Goldner’s menu balances Continental classics (Wiener schnitzel, spaghetti Bolognese) with contemporary offerings (a quartet of chilled soups, a salad with grilled nectarines). The result is that for a 29-year-old restaurant, Café L’Europe feels surprisingly young. And though it can be a pricey place to dine, lunch offerings can be had for under $20 and a glass of wine for under $10. As for the ambience, that’s priceless. But thankfully, it comes at no extra charge.
Info: 331 S. County Road, Palm Beach; (561) 655-4020; cafeleurope.com
10. Kravis Center
What did we do to entertain ourselves before the Kravis Center came along? Even though the West Palm Beach performing arts center is less than two decades old, it’s become a community fixture, known for its eclectic array of offerings, from Bach to ballet to Broadway. Named after oilman and Palm Beach philanthropist Raymond F. Kravis, the $100 million center consists of three performance spaces (the 2,200-seat main hall, the 300-capacity Rinker Playhouse and 1,400-capacity Gosman Amphitheater) and an extensive catering and education facility (the Cohen Pavilion). It’s also home to many of the major cultural groups in our area, including the Palm Beach Opera, Miami City Ballet and the Palm Beach Pops. If you’re looking to see the stars, this season alone the center will present Bob Newhart, Bill Cosby, Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight, Johnny Mathis and Tommy Tune, plus the touring Broadway production of “Jersey Boys.” And, yes, you can pay triple-digits for a prime seat in the orchestra, but balcony tix often go for as low as $15.
Info: 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; (561) 832-SHOW or (800) KRAVIS1; kravis.org
11. CityPlace
Video: Hanging out in CityPlace
What do you call a suburban-style mall set in the heart of the city? Call it CityPlace. This nine-year-old downtown West Palm Beach shopping and dining destination continues to draw steady crowds. Perhaps that’s because it’s always adding new things to its mix, such as the Parisian-inspired Carousel Can Can Café and the soon-to-open B.B. King’s Blues Club.
Info: 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach; (561) 366-1000; cityplace.com
12. PGA National Resort
They don’t call Palm Beach Gardens the golf capital of the world for nothing. Not only is the city home to the Professional Golfers’ Assocation, it’s also home to this golf-centric world-class resort, which features five courses and has played host to countless tournaments (including the Honda Classic, which returns in March 2010). Needless to say, room packages come with plenty of opportunities to play a round or two.
Info: 400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens; (800) 863-2819; pgaresort.com
13. Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
Video: Take in the garden stroll at Morikami
Billing itself as “the essence of Japan in Florida,” the Morikami is a museum of Japanese culture and a place of contemplation all in one. It’s also a piece of history: The museum sits on land once owned by George Morikami, one of a pioneering group of Japanese settlers in South Florida known as the Yamato Colony.
Info: 4000 Morikami Park Rd., Delray Beach; (561) 495-0233;
14. Downtown Delray Beach
Video: Fun in downtown Delray
Here’s a downtown that’s been thriving for the better part of eight decades and has seen a real resurgence in the past one. Check out any of the popular restaurants, from the eclectic 32 East to the Brazilian-themed Gol! to the Italian wine bar Vic & Angelo’s. Or come for any of the popular events, including the annual Delray Affair (April 9-11, 2010).
Info: Delray Beach Downtown Marketing Cooperative, 64A S.E. Fifth Ave., Delray Beach; (561) 279-1380; downtowndelraybeach.com
15. The Gardens mall
Perhaps the best upscale indoor mall in South Florida, if not the entire country. Anchored by such high-end but none-too-stuffy retailers as Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, The Gardens is still going strong after 21 years in business. Feeling hungry? Consider a visit to the mall’s hot new restaurant: Figs by Todd English, connected to Macy’s.
Info: 3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens; (561) 622-2115; thegardensmall.com
16. Lion Country Safari
Video: Take a safari in your car
Even after 42 years, this cage-less zoo still rakes in the honors: It was recently named the third best zoo in the country by a prominent travel Web site. Though Lion Country Safari is best known for its drive-through adventures, it also features rides, an interactive fountain and a giraffe feeding station.
Info: 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd., Loxahatchee; (561) 793-1084; lioncountrysafari.com
17. Loxahatchee Everglades Tours
The Everglades are South Florida’s most timeless treasure. But finding a way to experience this one-of-a-kind ecosystem can be a challenge. This longtime airboat operator, located on the western fringe of Boca Raton, makes it easy with its fun and informative 55-minute tours. Prices begin at $44 for adults.
Info: 15490 Loxahatchee Road, Parkland; (800) 683.5873 or (561) 482.6107; evergladesairboattours.com
18. Dolce de Palma
Video: Dolce’s chef makes porcini bolognese
Don’t be put off by the industrial-area location of this relatively new restaurant: It actually fits the funky vibe of chef Anthony de Palma’s contemporary-meets-rustic approach to Italian cooking. And the eatery is quickly gaining a national reputation, too: Celeb chef Bobby Flay dropped by when he was last in town.
Info: 1000 Old Okeechobee Rd., West Palm Beach; (561) 833-6460; dolcedepalma.com
19. Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
This is where the elite of the equestrian world have come to play for years. Winter competitions turn into mini festivals, replete with celebrity riders (be on the lookout for Bruce Springsteen’s daughter) and boutique-style vendors.
Info: 14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington; (561) 793-5867; equestriansport.com.
20. Ben’s Deli
A taste of true New York deli in Boca Raton. This popular kosher chain not only offers great food, from corned beef to chicken in the pot, it also serves it up with a Borscht Belt-style bit of Jewish humor. Witness the sign in the restaurant that says, “For five thousand years, we were a wandering people. Then we found Boca Raton.” Info: 9942 Clint Moore Road, Boca Raton; (561) 470-9963; bensdeli.net.
21. The Royal Room Cabaret at The Colony
At this intimate supper club, the Great American Songbook lives on. All of cabaret royalty, from Steve Ross to Margaret Whiting, has played the Royal Room. Among the artists slated for this season: Patti Wicks, Jeff Harnar and the Four Freshmen.
Info: 155 Hammon Ave., Palm Beach; (561) 655-5430; thecolonypalmbeach.com.
22. Peanut Island Park
If you’re a boater, chances are you already know this place – it’s a popular weekend gathering spot (water taxi service is also available to the island). But if you’re a history buff, you should become familiar with Peanut Island for an altogether different reason: It’s home to the Palm Beach Maritime Museum and the famous John F. Kennedy Bunker (built for the former president as an emergency hideaway).
Info: 6500 Peanut Island Road, Riviera Beach; (561) 845-4445 or (866) 383-5730; pbcgov.com/parks/peanutisland
23. Havana Hideout
Video: Havana Hideout’s chef makes pionono, or Cuban lasagna
Call it Cuban gone wild. This popular Lake Worth restaurant offers a fun-loving Florida twist on Cuban food and has a lively bar scene, too. Little wonder that it’s one of just a handful of South Florida places that Food Network chef Guy Fieri has featured on his “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” show.
Info: 509 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth; (561) 585-8444; havanahideout.com
24. The Omphoy
Here’s proof that Palm Beach remains as hot as ever – a new, boldly designed and nearly $100 million resort that’s both a Zen-like retreat for the one-with-nature crowd and South Beach-style playpen for the rich and famous. If you don’t want to bunk for the night in one of the 134 rooms, you might still consider visiting The Omphoy’s restaurant, headed by acclaimed South Florida chef Michelle Bernstein.
Info: 842 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach; (561) 540-6440;
25. Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum
This new attraction is historic on two counts. First, it’s housed in the county’s restored 1916 courthouse, a jewel of downtown West Palm Beach. Second, its two permanent exhibits chronicle the people and places of Palm Beach County’s past 100 years.
Info: 300 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach; (561) 832-4164; historicalsocietypbc.org
