West Palm Beach offers a range of different travel interests: art collections, seasonal stage performances, and the landscape of Grassy Waters Preserve each provide a distinct focus. There are also attractions centered on animals and science. When planning your trip, it’s worth deciding first which of these themes you want to shape your stay.
Art Collections and History
The Norton Museum of Art was founded in West Palm Beach in 1941. Its permanent collection comprises more than 8,900 works across five curatorial departments: European, American, and Asian art, contemporary art, and photography. This organization gives art enthusiasts several ways to explore the collection, from photography to different artistic traditions. The museum also includes a Sculpture Garden. Its landscaped “garden rooms” extend the traditional gallery spaces, with the sculpture gardens serving as a distinct part of the art experience.
Those interested in the region’s past will find another point of reference in the permanent collection of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. It comprises objects and images related to the more than 12,000-year history of Palm Beach County and Florida. This perspective extends beyond the city’s history: the collection encompasses both the county and the state of Florida.
Wetlands, Animals, and Science
Grassy Waters Preserve is a 23-square-mile wetland ecosystem and an original remnant of the Everglades system. Its landscape includes wetlands, tree islands, and forested hammocks. At the same time, the Preserve serves as a freshwater supply for West Palm Beach, South Palm Beach, and Palm Beach Island. The landscape and its role in the water supply are two important aspects of this area.
At the Palm Beach Zoo, shaded paths wind through a 23-acre site with hundreds of animals from around the world. Visitors can experience wildlife in a different way at the Aquariums of the Atlantic in West Palm Beach, where hands-on encounters with young alligators and invertebrates are available. The two attractions offer different experiences: paths and animals from around the world at the zoo, and up-close encounters with two animal groups at the aquariums.
The Fisher Family Science Trail at the Cox Science Center brings science and exhibits together. The quarter-mile trail passes immersive exhibits and provides a clearly defined route for your visit. Its length is a concrete reference point for planning; the exhibits themselves are the main thematic focus.
Performances and Travel Planning
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is home to Alexander W. Dreyfoos Concert Hall, Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse, and Helen K. Persson Hall. During the season, Dreyfoos Hall hosts performances including concerts, comedy, and dance. This lets you distinguish between different types of performances when planning; the seasonal program is especially relevant if you’re interested in a particular type of show.
The Kravis Center’s location in relation to the West Palm Beach Tri-Rail station is also useful for finding your way during a visit: the Center is approximately three blocks south of the station. This is an approximate indication of location, not an exact travel time. Plan your journey based on your specific connection.
Find the Right Hotel for Your Trip
Choose a hotel to suit your main interests, and compare its exact location with the destinations in your own itinerary.
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