Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Lantana, Florida

Approximately ten miles south of Palm Beach, this coastal community occupies a section of the shorefront barrier island, Hypoxia Island along with the waterfront of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Lantana features a modest stretch of municipal beach, flanked on the north and south by upscale resorts in South Palm Beach and Manalapan. The ocean views from the brief boardwalk here are particularly captivating.

A range of dining establishments can be found nearby on Ocean Avenue, alongside various local businesses offering fishing charters and opportunities for paddling on the Lake Worth Lagoon.

As the communities are closely interconnected, Lantana feels conveniently accessible. There are impressive public beach parks just minutes away to the north and south, while the vibrant downtown of Lake Worth Beach is in close proximity.

1. Lantana Municipal Beach

Source: Town of Lantana – Government / Facebook

Situated between Manalapan and South Palm Beach, Lantana boasts a 750-foot stretch of public shoreline.

This appealing beach features crushed shell sand, creating a somewhat narrow ribbon of coastline. It is advisable to bring snorkeling equipment, as colorful tropical fish are often found around the rocks approximately 20 feet offshore.

For those wishing to simply enjoy the scenery, a boardwalk situated at the top of the steep incline behind the beach offers several benches and serves as an excellent vantage point at dawn.

The Dune Deck Café, located here, provides breakfast and brunch options to complement the stunning views.

2. Lantana Nature Preserve

Source: YoungSue / Flickr

Nestled among the resorts and condominiums on the barrier island lies a section of pristine mangrove and coastal hammock.

Without the informational signage along the loop, it would be difficult to recognize that this area was once the town dump. Presently, it serves as a serene oasis, featuring a densely shaded path leading into two distinct habitats and a remarkable butterfly garden filled with pollinator-friendly flora.

Numerous benches are positioned along the trail, providing opportunities to observe an abundance of wildlife. During my brief visit, I encountered vibrant songbirds, lizards, and large spiders spinning webs overhead.

3. Eau Spa

Located just south of Lantana Municipal Beach is the luxurious Eau Palm Beach, recognized as one of only eight Forbes Five-Star resorts in Florida.

The award-winning spa is the highlight of this section. This expansive 42,000-square-foot facility is open to non-residents and epitomizes deluxe relaxation.

The Eau Spa is set within tropical gardens, featuring a collection of private treatment villas and cabanas. Additionally, a mixologist’s bar allows guests to create their own scrub blends.

Packages include a day pass providing access to the spa’s facilities—gardens, lounges, sauna, and steam shower.

For an indulgent experience, the “Perfect” package offers six hours of pampering, incorporating a massage, scrub, facial, mani-pedi, and a complimentary bottle of champagne.

4. Ocean Avenue, Lantana

This main thoroughfare connects the municipal beach and nature preserve to Hypoluxo Island and the mainland. Ocean Avenue is lined with upscale hotels, elegant residences, various shops, and most of Lantana’s dining options.

On the barrier island, visitors can find Plaza del Mar, a compact shopping center just over the line in Manalapan, offering boutiques, eateries, and other service-oriented businesses.

Further west, near the Lantana Boat Ramp, a small dining district emerges. A variety of cuisines are available, including sushi, seafood, Cuban, and contemporary American fare.

5. Hypoluxo Scrub Natural Area

Source: EdwinWilke / shutterstock

Not an experimental spa treatment, the Hypoluxo Scrub consists of nearly 100 acres of scrubland and wetlands adjacent to the southern side of Lantana.

Hypoluxo is the Native Seminole term for what is now Lake Worth, and it represents a remnant of the habitats that once characterized Florida’s Atlantic shoreline.

Two themed trails traverse this property. Upon arrival, an observation tower greets visitors, offering panoramic views of the preserve and Lake Worth Lagoon.

This area has a compelling history, as Hypoluxo was at the northern terminus of an early U.S. Mail route stretching south to Miami. Established in the 1880s, the Barefoot route derived its name from mail carriers who traversed the beaches barefoot.

A 14-foot Barefoot Mailman statue by local artist Frank Varga (1943-2014) is located near the parking area and observation tower.

6. Lantana Bicentennial Park

Situated on Ocean Avenue, this well-maintained public park extends into the Lake Worth Lagoon, adjacent to the bridge.

Lantana Bicentennial Park is particularly known for its vistas, offering expansive views of the lagoon to the north.

The lengthy seawall serves as a favored fishing location, while the park’s lawns are shaded by a tree canopy and dotted with picnic tables. With eateries in proximity, it is a delightful spot for an outdoor meal on pleasant days.

A playground is located towards the eastern end, alongside a gazebo that provides a picturesque backdrop against the Intracoastal Waterway.

7. Ocean Inlet Park

Just a few minutes south lies another picturesque beachfront park. Ocean Inlet Park in Boynton Beach features 600 feet of sandy shoreline, a marina, ample grassy areas, and breathtaking views throughout.

The inlet is particularly striking, often populated by anglers casting their lines. At the time of this writing, there was an ongoing multimillion-dollar improvement project concerning the seawall and docks.

This venue offers unique views of both the ocean and Lake Worth Lagoon, making it an ideal spot to experience both sunrise and sunset.

8. Lake Worth Casino Building and Beach Complex

Source: EQRoy / shutterstock

One of Lantana’s major advantages is its close proximity to stunning public beaches. When it comes to amenities, Lake Worth Beach Park stands out as the finest option nearby.

This park is known for its expansive fishing pier and a charming casino building that dates back to the 1920s. In this context, a casino refers to a communal gathering space.

Welcoming the sunrise is a cherished tradition at Lake Worth Beach, and it is recommended to visit Benny’s on the Beach for breakfast. This restaurant, located directly on the pier, has been a fixture since 1986.

Lake Worth Beach also features a lively downtown area filled with character, which will be elaborated on below.

9. Fishing Charters

Despite its small size, Lantana serves as a hub for charter fishing companies. The drift boats stationed here are operated by seasoned professionals with decades of experience and knowledge of the best seasonal fishing spots.

Common catches off the Palm Beach area include snook, jacks, tarpon, and sharks. The optimal times for visiting would be either spring or fall when kingfish are most abundant. This large mackerel species can grow to over five feet in length.

The primary local operator is Bar Jack Fishing, which offers morning and afternoon trips seven days a week, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

10. Copperpoint Brewing Company

Every location mentioned in this article is within a ten-minute drive from Lantana, including Copperpoint Brewing Company. Situated in Boynton Beach, this independent craft brewery was established in 2014.

The taproom features a regularly changing selection of draft beers, ranging from traditional selections like a German Pilsner to creative sours with unique flavors such as cucumber and sea salt.

Among the seven constant offerings, my favorite is B. Rabbit Espresso Cream Stout, as I have a particular fondness for dark ales. For those seeking an insider’s view, tours are available on Saturdays.

11. John Prince Park

Travel west from the town on Lantana Rd, and you will promptly cross the expansive 380-acre Lake Osborne. The largest public park on this beautiful water body is John Prince Park.

Spanning over 700 acres, this park is managed by the county and is exceptionally well-equipped with amenities. If you are seeking a local site for outdoor exercise, this is my top recommendation.

The park features a 1.1-mile exercise path with 20 stations, in addition to a 4.5-mile bicycle pathway. Other amenities include tennis, basketball, golf, camping, pickleball, volleyball, and softball facilities.

Parents with young children will appreciate the splash park, which covers over 3,700 square feet. This area boasts rotating cannons, spray arches, a geyser, and ground-level water jets.

12. Downtown Lake Worth Beach

It may be surprising to many, but there was a time when this business district, located just north of Lantana, was deemed unsafe.

By the turn of the millennium, the less savory establishments had vanished from downtown Lake Worth Beach. Today, this area is a thriving artistic quarter, featuring two main streets filled with various shopping and dining venues.

Elegant architecture lines both Lake and Lucerne avenues, providing an enjoyable experience for visitors. Notable among the structures is the sleek Streamline Moderne building now housing the Palm Beach County Cultural Council.

Visitors are certain to find countless dining and drinking options in downtown Lake Worth Beach, complemented by a lively atmosphere showcased during events such as the annual Street Painting Festival held every February.

13. Paddlesports

In addition to a boat ramp located south of Bicentennial Park, Lantana features a dedicated kayak and canoe launch on the Intracoastal Waterway at Lyman Kayak Park.

For those possessing their own watercraft, this park is the ideal starting point for a paddling adventure on the Lake Worth Lagoon. The park also offers a serene atmosphere and scenic views of the waterway.

Those who do not own equipment can benefit from several local companies that provide kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, as well as guided excursions. Paddle Away Sports, located in Boynton Beach, serves all of Palm Beach County and offers sunset/moonlight ecotours and paddleboard yoga classes.

14. Victoria’s Peruvian Cuisine

Source: Victoria’s Peruvian Cuisine / Facebook

Florida’s culinary, artistic, and cultural landscape is significantly influenced by Cuban, South American, and Latin American elements. Located on South 3rd Street in Lantana, Victoria’s Peruvian Cuisine serves as an excellent venue for guests to unwind and enjoy a meal after an active day.

The restaurant’s menu showcases a variety of traditional Peruvian dishes, featuring seafood and fresh, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Highlights of the menu include grilled sea bass and ceviche, with reasonably priced lunch and dinner specials available. Visitors are often charmed by the exotic ambiance and vibrant flavors.

The establishment serves alcoholic beverages, is accessible to individuals with disabilities, and provides high chairs upon request.

15. John Prince Golf Learning Center

I reserved a section to discuss the state-of-the-art practice facility within John Prince Park. This location features one of the top standalone driving ranges in the nation.

With over 50 hitting stations equipped with grass or mat tees, and various target greens at this illuminated facility, it caters to all skill levels.

The center provides a unique experience with three regulation holes, allowing guests to refine every aspect of their game. Additionally, more than 16,000 square feet are dedicated to putting and chipping greens.