Active Pursuits in Palm Beach
Beaches in Palm Beach
Public beaches are a rare commodity here in Palm Beach. Most of the island's best beaches are fronted by private estates and inaccessible to the general public. However, there are a few notable exceptions, including Midtown Beach, east of Worth Avenue, on Ocean Boulevard between Royal Palm Way and Gulfstream Road, which boasts more than 100 feet of undeveloped sand. This newly widened coast is now a centerpiece and a natural oasis in a town dominated by commercial glitz. There are no restrooms or concessions here, though a lifeguard is on duty until sundown. A popular hangout for locals lies about 1 1/2 miles north of here, near Dunbar Street; they prefer it to Midtown Beach because of the relaxed atmosphere. Parking is available at meters along Florida A1A. At the south end of Palm Beach, there's a less-popular but better-equipped beach at Phipps Ocean Park. On Ocean Boulevard, between the Southern Boulevard and Lake Avenue causeways, there's a lively public beach encompassing more than 1,300 feet of groomed oceanfront. With picnic and recreation areas and plenty of parking, the area is especially good for families.
Biking in Palm Beach
Palm Beach Bicycle Trail Shop, 50 Cocoanut Row in Royal Poinciana Plaza (tel. 561/659-4583) rents a wide range of bikes, everything from an English single-speed to a full-tilt mountain bike. Rates are $25 per hour, $35 for 90 minutes, and $49 for 24 hours, and include a basket and lock (not that a lock is necessary in this fortress of a town). The most scenic route is called the Lake Trail, running the length of the island along the Intracoastal Waterway. On it, you’ll see wildlife, magnificent mansions, and downtown West Palm Beach in the distance.
Golf in Palm Beach
There’s good golfing in the Palm Beaches, but many private-club courses are maintained exclusively for members’ use. In the off season, some private courses open to visitors staying in Palm Beach County hotels.The best hotel for golf in the area is the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, which features a whopping 99 holes of golf.
The Park West Palm, 7301 Georgia Ave (tel. 561/530-3810;), is a fabulous, family friendly golf park which encourages walking but offers caddie services, putting course, night putting, lessons, two restaurants and a bar, and a course designed by Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, and Dirk Ziff. The Lit 9 is a challenging, par 3 course that has extended hours under lights. Cost for the Lit 9 is $30, and greens fees for the golf course range from $60 to $250.
The Palm Beach Public Golf Course, 2345 S. Ocean Blvd. (tel. 561/547-0598), a popular public 18-hole course, is a par-3 that was redesigned in 2009 by Raymond Floyd and includes a new layout, more holes by the ocean, and, down the road, a state-of-the-art clubhouse. The course opens at 8am on a first-come, first-served basis. Club rentals are available. Greens fees are $35 to $86 per person depending on the time, season, and number of holes played. Cart fees are an extra $14 to $19.
Scuba Diving in Palm Beach
Year-round warm waters, barrier reefs, and plenty of wrecks make South Florida one of the world’s most popular places for diving. One of the best-known artificial reefs in this area is a vintage Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, which was sunk offshore in 1985. Nature has taken its toll, however, and divers can no longer sit in the car, which has been ravaged by time and saltwater. For gear and excursions, call The Kyalami Scuba Club, 200 E. 13th St., Riviera Beach (tel. 561/844-2466).
Tennis & Pickleball in Palm Beach
There are hundreds of tennis courts in Palm Beach County. Wherever you are staying, you’re bound to be within walking distance of one. In addition to the many hotel tennis courts, you can play at Okeeheelee Park, 7715 Forrest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach (tel. 561/966-6600), featuring 6 lighted tennis courts and no fees. First come, first serve, of course. The Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center, 5110 117th Court N., Palm Beach Gardens (tel. 561/630-1180), has 20 Har-Tru courts, 10 permanent and 6 temporary pickleball courts. Fees range from $12 to $15.
Watersports in Palm Beach
Contact the Blue Water Boat Rental, 200 E. 13th St., Riviera Beach (tel. 561/840-7470), to arrange sailboat, jet-ski, bicycle, kayak, water ski, and parasail rentals. At the aforementioned Okeeheelee Park is Shark Wake Park, 1440 Eshelman Trail, West Palm Beach (tel. 561/323-3937), a water park on the lake featuring obstacle courses, ziplining, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, and more. We asked if there were any alligators around since it is a brackish lake, and they told us, “Not today there aren’t.” Oof. Prices range from $28 for one attraction to $70 for all day access. There’s a concession stand and restrooms.
