Top 15 Attractions and Activities in North Palm Beach, FL

Located at the northern end of the Lake Worth Lagoon, North Palm Beach is an upscale community characterized by its picturesque bay waters, lush mangroves, and pristine ocean beaches. The area evokes a sense of envy for those fortunate enough to reside there.

This picturesque village was established in the 1950s by insurance magnate John D. MacArthur (1897-1978), with the only state park in the Palm Beaches being named in his honor upon its opening in North Palm Beach in 1989.

Visitors can spend their days in North Palm Beach engaged in activities such as paddling on the lagoon, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying a round of golf at one of the state’s premier municipal golf courses.

1. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

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Positioned on a stunning stretch of coastline at the northern end of Singer Island, this park offers visitors an authentic glimpse into a time when the Palm Beaches were less developed.

The park’s main attraction is its lengthy beach along the Atlantic Ocean, yet the lagoon side presents a diverse array of natural environments. Kayaking through these mangrove-lined waters stands out as one of the quintessential experiences in the area.

The two sections of the park are connected by an appealing boardwalk, which features educational signage and provides a close-up view of the mangroves and tropical hammocks.

2. Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park is a charming waterfront area located right in North Palm Beach. This small yet pristine beach offers an appealing refuge shielded by mangroves, providing stunning views, particularly at sunrise. The contrast between the towering condos of Riviera Beach and the untouched nature of the John D. MacArthur Park is truly striking.

In addition to the beach, visitors can enjoy amenities such as a children’s playground, a basketball hoop, and tiki-style picnic shelters, all nestled among mature trees.

3. North Palm Beach Country Club

Source: North Palm Beach Country Club / Facebook

Since its inception in 1963, this public facility has served as a cornerstone of the community for more than six decades. Following a significant renovation to the clubhouse complex in the late 2010s, it stands as the centerpiece of one of Florida’s premier municipal recreation centers.

The highlight of the club is one of only two golf courses personally designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. This par-71 links-style course is designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels, featuring contoured greens and varied elevation changes.

While the rates may be on the higher side, they are to be expected given the quality of the course.

Additional amenities at the North Palm Beach Country Club include ten Har-Tru tennis courts, a 50-meter pool with a splash pad, and the Farmer’s Table community restaurant.

4. Manatee Lagoon Eco-Discovery Center

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During the winter months, Florida’s iconic manatees seek warmer waters, easily found just a few minutes from North Palm Beach at the outflow of the Florida Power and Light generation facility.

If you visit during the right season, the Manatee Lagoon Eco-Discovery Center is an exquisite location for observing these gentle giants.

The center features dedicated viewing areas that offer unobstructed perspectives of the lagoon’s clear waters. Although manatees are more visible during winter, the center remains an enriching destination year-round.

Inside, you’ll discover display tanks showcasing local marine life, and during the summer, various fish including nurse sharks, barracuda, and parrotfish can be observed from the observation areas.

5. Phil Foster Park

The area where Blue Heron Bridge spans the lagoon to Singer Island has long been a cherished destination for snorkeling and diving.

This location boasts an incredible diversity of marine life amidst the seagrass beds and artificial reefs. Entering through Phil Foster Park, visitors can explore a snorkeling trail that includes these reefs, underwater sculptures, and a wreck.

The natural spectacle encountered in these crystal-clear waters is breathtaking. At depths not exceeding ten feet, expect to encounter species such as frogfish, yellow stingrays, and spotted scorpionfish, amongst many others.

6. Stand-Up Paddleboarding

With its tranquil inland waters, sandbars, uninhabited islands, and mangrove tunnels, the Lake Worth Lagoon deserves ample exploration time.

In my opinion, the optimal way to connect with this beautiful environment is via paddleboard. Numerous local companies offer rentals and guided experiences.

One such company, High Point Paddle Adventures, located at MacArthur Beach, provides a variety of experiences. Options range from an SUP and snorkeling combo trip to Peanut Island, to excursions through the mangroves around Singer Island.

Similarly, South Florida Paddle presents another extensive range of both public and private offerings. A standout option is the delightful sunset or sunrise tour of the state park.

7. Peanut Island Park

Situated in the Lake Worth Lagoon, just south of North Palm Beach, lies an uninhabited 80-acre island that is accessible to visitors. The easiest route is via the shuttle ferry from Riviera Beach.

The crossing is brief, and the idyllic nature of the island reveals itself immediately upon arrival. Lapped by gentle, shallow waters, it serves as an ideal beach retreat with a path lined by lush gardens.

Underwater, visibility is exceptional and marine life flourishes around the artificial reefs, making this an excellent spot for snorkeling.

Additionally, the island is historically significant, housing a bomb shelter established during the early 1960s for JFK. A lengthy sandbar extends into the lagoon from the north side, commonly frequented by boats anchored nearby.

8. Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Source: Zoe Esteban / shutterstock

Sea turtles nest along these shores during the summer months. For an informative perspective on these species, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a short drive away in Juno Beach.

Established in 1983, the center is dedicated to the conservation, research, and rehabilitation of marine life, focusing particularly on sea turtles.

The facility encompasses a hospital, research laboratory, and a public space featuring exhibits and aquariums. Pressed for time, I opted for the hour-long public guided tour, during which I witnessed rehabilitation patients and learned about their rescue and recovery processes.

Upon exiting, the gift shop offers a plethora of intriguing items, providing an additional way to support the center.

9. Rapids Waterpark

For over four decades, the largest water park in South Florida has been a major attraction located less than ten minutes from North Palm Beach.

Spanning 30 acres, Rapids Waterpark offers a variety of slides and attractions suited for all ages. For those seeking thrills, the Black Thunder slide featuring a dark vortex or Brain Drain with its impressive 70-foot drop should be at the top of your list.

The park also boasts an array of attractions, including multi-person raft rides, a flowrider surf wave, and the expansive Big Surf wave pool measuring 25,000 square feet. For younger visitors, play areas like Splish Splash Lagoon and Barefootin Bay ensure a fun-filled experience.

10. The Gardens GreenMarket

A weekly farmers’ market is located a few minutes away in Palm Beach Gardens and is the closest one to North Palm Beach. The Gardens GreenMarket takes place on Sunday mornings from October through May.

With over 20 years of history, it serves as a significant platform for local growers, artisans, and producers.

Visitors can browse a diverse array of offerings, including fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, houseplants, pastries, eggs, pickles, spices, teas, jams, handmade soaps, paintings, jewelry, and various handcrafted items.

Moreover, the market frequently features delicious lunch options, ranging from smash burgers to empanadas and Cuban sandwiches.

11. The Gardens Mall

Palm Beach Gardens is home to the nearest large enclosed mall, which is located just five minutes away. Although shopping malls may have seen a decline in popularity, The Gardens Mall stands out as an upscale retail destination.

Spanning two levels, this mall features a thriving collection of high-end retailers, including Gucci, Tiffany & Co, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, and more. Among its anchor stores are Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Sears, and Macy’s, providing diverse shopping options.

The mall’s dining scene is equally vibrant, featuring popular establishments like Shake Shack, Chipotle, and Haagen Dazs.

12. Ocean Reef Park

Accessible from North Palm Beach, numerous public beaches offer enjoyable coastal experiences. A nearby option is Ocean Reef Park, located south of MacArthur Beach in Riviera Beach.

Set against a backdrop of high-rise buildings, this location features 700 feet of guarded sandy shoreline. Notably wide at low tide, the beach typically sees lively surf conditions.

Breaking the monotony of condos and resorts, a dune system traversed by a boardwalk from the parking area enhances the park’s charm. The small overlook by the dunes is a personal favorite, while the park offers a full range of amenities, such as showers, restrooms, picnic areas, and playgrounds.

13. Tulipan Café-Bakery

Source: Tulipan Bakery / Facebook

For visitors searching for a coffee or Cuban-inspired meal, Tulipan Café-Bakery is a highly recommended spot.

With two locations in the Palm Beaches, they are recognized for their rich, flavorful café con leche and delectable pastries.

Indeed, many locals consider their café con leche to be the finest in the area, a notable accolade given the abundance of Cuban dining establishments in the region. Pairing it with a guava pastelito creates a delightful experience.

In addition to pastries, a selection of savory lunch choices—such as empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, and croquettes—is also available.

14. Twisted Trunk Brewing

Source: twistedtrunkbrewing.com

Located nearby in Palm Beach Gardens, this craft brewery was established in 2015. The name Twisted Trunk is derived from the banyan trees lining the streets of the Palm Beaches.

It serves as an ideal venue to unwind with a refreshing beverage after a day at the beach or lagoon.

Twisted Trunk offers a variety of on-site brewed beers, ranging from stouts to IPAs. Personally, I found the West Palm Lager particularly enjoyable.

The taproom itself is a delight, with a view of the fermenting tanks and a bar crafted from century-old elmwood.

15. Book Exchange & Comic Shop

Source: The Book Exchange & Comic Book Shop / Facebook

For those on vacation by the beach, quality reading materials are essential to an enjoyable day under the sun.

While South Florida offers a plethora of national chain bookstores, those seeking a locally-owned experience will find that a visit to Book Exchange and Comic Shop on Northlake Boulevard is time well distributed.

Featuring rows of pre-owned books sorted by genre, this shop offers a treasure-hunt-like experience, showcasing both classic and contemporary literature, as well as children’s books and nonfiction.