Outdoor adventures galore in Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County’s 47 miles of pristine beaches are only the tip of the iceberg when referring to the area’s outdoor activities. Just an hour north of Miami on Florida’s Gold Coast, Palm Beach County is a haven of wildlife and outdoor adventure.

Fishing and wildlife enthusiasts will find Lake Okeechobee, the second largest freshwater lake in the country a natural wonder, and the Florida Everglades bordering Palm Beach County to the south, provide the perfect setting for a fishing or airboat adventure where sightseeing highlights include resident alligators and tropical birds.

Enjoy daylong deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic Ocean, pleasure boating on the blue waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, snorkelling amongst the coastline reefs, and parasailing over sunny beaches. By canoe or kayak, see Florida’s wetlands unfold along the State’s only nationally designated wild and scenic river, the Loxahatchee. Camping, hiking and biking excursions can be found at many of the County’s parks and campgrounds.

After all the fresh-air fun, there are plenty of options for rest and relaxation and an unmatched menu of culinary options, cultural venues and shopping hotspots. Cruising along the historic ocean highway A1A or exploring the County’s scenic byways is a great way to discover the destination’s diversely unique towns featuring numerous cultural and family-fun attractions. Picnics are perfect for enjoying a variety of free public concerts, events and festivals.

A selection of outdoor activities and attractions in Palm Beach County include:

• Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge – The refuge explores the northern region of the Everglades and is the last northernmost portion of the unique Everglades. With over 221 square miles of Everglades’ habitat, the Loxahatchee Refuge is home to the American alligator and the critically endangered Everglade snail kite. In any given year, as many as 257 species of birds may use the Refuge's diverse wetland habitats.

• The Breakers: Reef (45-60 feet) – Located just offshore od the legendary resort, The Breakers. Known as one of the most beautiful spots in Palm Beach, the two miles of reef includes a five to 15-foot ledge packed with fish. Large sea turtles are often seen here, along with many unusual species of fish including batfish, morays, stargazers, puffers, scorpion fish and stingrays.

• The Lake Region – Less than an hour’s drive from the beaches, Lake Okeechobee is the second largest freshwater lake in the United States. Visitors enjoy bass fishing trips, camping, hiking, biking, water sports and acres of unspoiled nature. Endangered bird species, native flowers and animals including alligators, turtles and small reptiles are native residents in this peaceful setting. Belle Glade, South Bay and Pahokee are charming Old Florida towns with warm and gracious hospitality.

•Lion Country Safari – West Palm Beach. The drive-through safari was recently ranked third on a list of the top 10 zoos in America by the USA Travel Guide website. On the grounds, families can encounter hundreds of free-roaming animals.

•Loggerhead Marinelife Center – Marine nature center and sea turtle hospital in oceanfront Loggerhead Park, Juno Beach. Exhibits, scheduled group tours, gift and book shop, evening beach walks in nesting season offer visitors a unique glimpse into the world of turtles.

•MacArthur Beach State Park - Explore the habitats in MacArthur Beach State Park on Singer Island. From snorkelling to kayaking, the park offers a secluded setting for nature lovers. The park’s boardwalk runs through tropical mangroves and is a favourite spot for hiking and picnicking.

•Okeeheelee Park – Located in West Palm Beach. Abundant picnic areas, nature trails, fresh-water fishing, boating, water-skiing, and a BMX track can be found at Okeeheelee Park. Also on site, a 27-hole golf course, playgrounds, tennis courts, ball fields, soccer fields, exercise course, and Dog Park.

•Riverbend Park – At Loxahatchee River in Jupiter. Untouched, visitors can see native plants, trees and observe natural Florida up-close. Animals such as the bald eagle, otter, deer, and alligators call the Loxahatchee River home. Canoes and kayaks provided by Canoe Outfitter of Florida.

•Spanish River Park - Located in Boca Raton, this park offers ninety-five acres of land and 1,850 feet of ocean frontage. Five covered shelters, picnic tables and grills, volleyball, restrooms and two-level, 40-foot observation tower. The park features nature trails, a fitness trail, tennis court and boat dock.

Begin discovering the 2,400 square-miles of natural wonder of Palm Beach County by downloading the Palm Beach County Naturally brochure at palmbeachfl.com/visitors/brochures/.

About the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Tourism is among Palm Beach County’s major industries generating a direct annual economic impact of $2.8 billion in the local economy, producing $23 million dollars in bed tax revenue and lodging sales of approximately $623 million. The Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Palm Beach County, Florida.

Palm Beach County presents “The Best of Everything” – from a multitude of accommodations, including more than 200 hotels, resorts, spas, golf courses, world-class shopping, 47 miles of pristine beaches, distinctive attractions and an assortment of cultural venues to top-notch festivals and edge-of-your-seat sporting activities. All who visit this subtropical paradise will find cities rich in diversity and home to warm, friendly people.

For more information visit palmbeachfl.com.