Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Royal Palm Beach, FL

Located at the periphery of the Miami Metropolitan Area, Royal Palm Beach is a charming village with numerous attractions merely minutes away.

Here, urban landscapes intertwine with the vastness of the Everglades, and should you desire the beach, the Atlantic is accessible within twenty minutes.

Even closer are notable rural attractions such as Lion Country Safari and the Panther Ridge Conservation Center.

Within a ten-minute drive, one can find golf courses, waterparks, a renowned equestrian facility, a high-end shopping center, excellent public parks, and the expansive grounds of the South Florida Fair.

One particularly special location is the Royal Palm Beach Pines Natural Area, where one can explore the habitats that existed prior to the development of South Florida.

1. Royal Palm Beach Commons Park

The village’s primary public park is situated along a winding 19-acre lake and is replete with amenities.

Predominantly on the park’s northern side is a disc golf course and a golf training center, featuring a driving range, an 18-hole putting green, and a chipping area.

To the south, I spent approximately an hour walking along the paved trails. Scenic footbridges traverse the water at various locations, along with a canoe/kayak launch, and a playful splash pad designed for younger children.

A bike-sharing program was also operational during my visit, with around six bicycles available. Commons Park serves as the primary venue for public events in the village, which include 4th of July celebrations and regular concerts featuring various food trucks.

2. Calypso Bay Waterpark

Another remarkable public facility in Royal Palm Beach is the city’s waterpark. I believe it is not an exaggeration to say that Calypso Bay Waterpark resembles a resort.

The highlight for me was the lazy river, which measures approximately 900 feet and meanders through tropical vegetation. Additionally, two waterslides tower from a four-story structure.

The water playground also impresses with slides, fountains, and climbing features, all set within a zero-depth pool.

Moreover, a lap pool is available for serious exercise, along with a full range of concessions offering pizza, hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders, and ICEEs.

3. Panther Ridge Conservation Center

A short drive from Royal Palm Beach offers the opportunity to encounter an incredible variety of big cats.

Managed by a non-profit organization, the Panther Ridge Conservation Center functions less as a zoo and more as a care facility dedicated to fulfilling the needs of endangered and threatened cat species.

Access to the center is exclusively through guided tours, offering a range of experiences. I participated in the comprehensive Head Keeper Tour, which provided extensive insight into the daily lives of the cats and their keepers.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of observing magnificent residents such as jaguars, clouded leopards, cheetahs, ocelots, and servals.

4. Lion Country Safari

The largest drive-through safari in Florida is situated approximately ten minutes west of Royal Palm Beach. Spanning over 600 acres of stunning South Florida wildlife, it is home to more than 900 animals living in semi-freedom.

The drive-through trail extends for over four miles. Some of the free-roaming species at Lion Country Safari include blackbucks, impalas, zebras, ostriches, and giraffes, moving freely in their environment. I witnessed several of them crossing the road.

Less overt species, such as African lions and chimpanzees, are safely housed behind barriers, although they can still be viewed quite well.

The attraction also features a 55-acre adventure park, complete with amusement rides, a waterpark, and additional animal exhibits. Visitors can observe a beautiful array of tropical birds, reptiles, and domestic breeds here.

5. Royal Palm Beach Pines Natural Area

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Encompassing nearly 800 acres, the Royal Palm Beach Pines Natural Area harbors diverse, undisturbed natural habitats waiting to be explored.

Within the area, one can find wet prairie, hydric hammock, dome swamp, mesic flatwoods, and several other habitats, bordered by the extensive metropolitan region.

Featuring four distinct trails, this area represents an excellent local destination for a hike. Furthermore, if permitted, one can also navigate the two-mile equestrian trail.

What thrilled me the most was the avian diversity, as blue herons, sandhill cranes, and various raptors, including bald eagles, were visible from the boardwalk and observation platform.

The main entrance to the facility is located just behind the Saratoga Pines neighborhood, with an additional, less frequented entrance on 40th Street nearby.

6. Palm Beach and West Palm Beach

The Atlantic coastline is situated roughly 15 miles away and is easily accessible via a direct drive east along State Road 704. This short trip offers numerous compelling reasons to visit.

Guests can savor exquisite sandy beaches, sophisticated cultural offerings, premier shopping on Worth Avenue, and an impressive selection of international cuisine.

A particular highlight in West Palm Beach is Northwood Village, a compact and pedestrian-friendly enclave filled with galleries, coffee shops, and eateries ranging from Caribbean to Peruvian fusion.

The grandeur of the Gilded Age is palpable at the 75-room mansion of oil industrialist Henry Flagler. Now a museum, Whitehall is a Beaux-Arts jewel adorned with paintings, decorative arts, and exquisite architectural details.

Similarly, the Norton Museum of Art is a distinguished contemporary art museum housing a remarkable permanent collection featuring artists such as Sigmar Polke, Damien Hirst, Anselm Kiefer, and Lorna Simpson.

7. Wellington International

On the southern edge of Royal Palm Beach lies the city of Wellington, recognized as an international hub for winter equestrian sports.

The state-of-the-art, 111-acre Wellington International complex plays host to the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

This event spans 13 weeks from January to March and is officially acknowledged as the largest horse show globally.

The festival showcases more than 70 divisions, with participants from various age groups hailing from 35 different countries, competing for over $13 million in prizes.

Wellington International is an outstanding facility, featuring nearly 20 competition arenas, more than 400 permanent horse stalls, and close to 60 miles of equestrian trails throughout the premises.

8. The Mall at Wellington Green

In keeping with its surroundings, an upscale shopping mall is located just minutes away from Royal Palm Beach in Wellington.

Alongside a variety of mid-range stores, The Mall at Wellington Green boasts numerous premium brands.

The offerings include well-known names such as Guess, Apple, Nordstrom, Anthropologie, and Abercrombie & Fitch, complemented by stores like H&M, Torrid, Macy’s, Forever 21, Claire’s, American Eagle, and Foot Locker.

The food court was notably bustling during my visit, featuring several counter-service options including Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, Tokyo San, and Kelly’s Cajun Grill.

9. Regal Royal Palm Beach

This 18-screen movie theater provides all the amenities one would expect in contemporary theaters.

Features include comfortable power recliners, convenient TV trays, and stadium seating offering clear sightlines for all attendees.

For an enhanced experience, I recommend attending a film in one of the RPX screens, which feature extra-large displays, state-of-the-art sound systems, and cutting-edge digital projectors.

In addition to the latest Hollywood releases, Regal Royal Palm Beach showcases performances from the Met Opera and classic films on their anniversary dates.

10. Mounts Botanical Garden

Source: Jillian Cain Photography / shutterstock

Florida’s climate is ideal for tropical botanical gardens, and Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach serves as a fine example.

Located just 20 minutes from Royal Palm Beach, it is the largest and oldest botanical garden in the county. Over 6,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, trees, and flowers flourish in this space.

I was particularly taken with the giant cypresses in the O’Keeffe Rain Garden and the Butterfly Garden, which was alive with zebra longwings, monarchs, cloudless sulphurs, and more.

If visiting with young children, I recommend acquiring a bag of feed for the koi and turtles, as the grounds featured charming LEGO creations during my visit.

11. Veterans Park

This public park, which is easily overlooked, is situated near the village’s municipal departments, including Village Hall and the Royal Palm Beach Library.

Designed for passive recreation, Veterans Park is a tranquil oasis amidst oaks, palms, and pines. It features a lovely formal garden adorned with extensive pergolas, quaint wooden pavilions, hedges, and immaculate lawns.

My favorite feature was the ornamental waterfall, complemented by a splash pad for children. At the northern end of the park, visitors can explore The Green Market & Bazaar on Saturday mornings from mid-October through April.

12. South Florida Fair

Held each January, the South Florida Fair has been a longstanding tradition in West Palm Beach since 1912. Royal Palm Beach is conveniently located adjacent to the fairgrounds, situated to the east.

The fair runs for over two weeks and is renowned for its impressive agriculture and livestock programs, featuring over 1,000 exhibitors from all over South Florida.

Additonally, visitors can enjoy a plethora of vendors, amusement rides, and major live entertainment. No fair experience is complete without indulgent food, with my personal favorites being the turkey legs and deep-fried Oreos.

The 20,000-seat iThink Financial Amphitheatre is also located here, serving as a year-round live music venue for the region. Major acts such as the Dave Matthews Band, Lana Del Rey, Phish, The Cure, and Santana have performed at this venue over the years.

13. Yesteryear Village

Another component of the South Florida Fairgrounds that remains open year-round is an outdoor historical museum. Featuring a collection of original and replica buildings, Yesteryear Village illustrates the essence of Old Florida.

Visitors will encounter residences from multiple eras, as well as a functioning general store, blacksmith shop, farm, and schoolhouse.

Each structure provides insights into various aspects of life in Palm Beach County. The schoolhouse features original desks, the blacksmith shop houses preserved tools, while the residences showcase beautiful vintage furniture and period attire.

During Halloween, the village hosts trick-or-treating events, and I appreciate how costumed interpreters become part of the atmosphere during the fair.

14. Okeeheelee Park

Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach is another fantastic public park located just a few miles from Royal Palm Beach.

It’s an understatement to say that the 1,700 acres of this park offers a multitude of activities. In summary, visitors can engage in a golf course, an equestrian center, a 90-acre nature center, a disc golf course, a dog park, numerous trails, and a BMX track.

Additionally, the park’s northern section features something uniquely special. Shark Wake Park 561 provides facilities for wakeboarding, water skiing, kneeboarding, and more.

Moreover, Obstacle Island, a considerable inflatable floating obstacle course, offers slides, climbing towers, monkey bars, and various other challenges.

15. The Village Golf Club

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Located on Country Club Drive in Royal Palm Beach, The Village Golf Club is a public course featuring 18 holes and a par of 72.

A favorite among locals and visitors alike, the course stretches approximately 6,900 yards from the championship tees and has previously hosted several PGA events.

The open layout of this parkland-style course is appealing, with a balanced mix of sand and water hazards alongside wooded and open areas that I found both aesthetically pleasing and challenging.

For individuals in need of a pre-round warm-up, a full-size driving range is available. Advance planning is advisable for tee times, particularly during peak hours.