Day Trips From West Palm Beach

From palm-lined beaches to historic lighthouses and wild, subtropical wetlands, the areas surrounding West Palm Beach are rich with adventure, beauty, and cultural charm. Whether you're a longtime local or a curious visitor, taking a day trip from this vibrant city opens the door to some of South Florida’s most unforgettable destinations. From coastal towns with a laid-back vibe to lush natural preserves teeming with wildlife, this guide unveils the best day trips from West Palm Beach. Discover how easy it is to escape the everyday and uncover something new, just beyond the city limits.

Only a 30-minute drive south of West Palm Beach, Delray Beach delivers a dynamic combination of art, dining, and sandy coastline. Known as “Florida’s Village by the Sea,” it features a walkable downtown along Atlantic Avenue filled with galleries, boutiques, and sidewalk cafés. Visitors can explore the Pineapple Grove Arts District or unwind at the pristine Delray Municipal Beach. Delray’s welcoming atmosphere and variety of activities make it one of the most popular and convenient day trips in Palm Beach County.

To the north lies Jupiter, a coastal gem just 30 minutes from West Palm Beach. Famous for its historic lighthouse, Jupiter offers scenic beauty and a relaxed vibe. Climb the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse for panoramic views, or kayak along the Loxahatchee River through Riverbend Park. Jupiter is also home to waterfront restaurants, like U-Tiki Beach and Guanabanas, where visitors can dine under swaying palms with views of the Intracoastal. This laid-back town blends natural charm with accessible adventure.

For those seeking wild beauty and ecological wonder, the northern edge of the Everglades is just over an hour west. A drive to the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge reveals a window into one of the planet’s most unique ecosystems. Visitors can walk the boardwalk through a cypress swamp, take an airboat tour, or spot alligators, otters, and wading birds. The Everglades offer a powerful contrast to coastal Florida, showcasing the raw, untamed side of the state’s landscape.

A short 40-minute drive south, Boca Raton offers a refined day of coastal luxury and culture. The city’s Mizner Park is a hub for upscale shopping, dining, and live music, while the Boca Raton Museum of Art features an impressive range of contemporary and modern works. For beach lovers, Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling among shallow reefs just offshore. Boca Raton blends relaxation and sophistication, making it an easy yet elegant excursion.

Palm Beach Gardens lies just 20 minutes north of downtown West Palm Beach and is ideal for a laid-back day of leisure. Known for its abundance of golf courses and lush landscaping, the city also offers top-tier shopping at The Gardens Mall and outdoor retail at Downtown at the Gardens. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy a stroll through the serene Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area. With its calm pace and leafy environment, it provides a refreshing break from the urban buzz.

Roughly an hour’s drive south along I-95, Fort Lauderdale opens up an entirely different coastal experience. Known for its extensive canal system and vibrant arts scene, visitors can explore Las Olas Boulevard, tour the historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, or hop aboard a Water Taxi. The city’s beaches are wide and inviting, and the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District showcases galleries and performing arts venues. Fort Lauderdale combines urban energy with coastal relaxation in a way few places can.

A trip to Lake Okeechobee—the largest freshwater lake in Florida—is about an hour and a half drive inland and provides an experience rooted in the natural and rural side of the state. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike or bike the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, which encircles the lake atop the Herbert Hoover Dike. Towns like Pahokee and Belle Glade offer quiet views of the water and glimpses into Florida’s agricultural backbone. It’s a peaceful, panoramic setting ideal for disconnecting from the coast’s bustle.

Just over an hour and a half to the south, Miami is an exhilarating option for a full-day outing. From world-class art museums like Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) to iconic neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood. South Beach offers iconic architecture and vibrant oceanfront energy, while Coconut Grove provides a more bohemian feel. Miami’s electric personality and nonstop variety make it a powerful contrast to West Palm Beach’s more relaxed rhythm.

About 50 minutes south, Coral Springs offers a special treat for nature lovers: Butterfly World in nearby Coconut Creek. This botanical garden and butterfly sanctuary is home to thousands of butterflies, hummingbirds, and tropical plants. It’s the largest butterfly park in the world and a particularly good destination for families or anyone with a love for natural beauty. The surrounding area also features shaded parks and casual cafés for a relaxed afternoon.

If you’re inspired by the incredible day trips and vibrant communities surrounding West Palm Beach, now is the perfect time to find your ideal home in this dynamic region. Whether you’re seeking a coastal retreat, a charming small town, or a spot close to nature, contact The Costello-Deitz Group today to start your journey toward owning a home that puts all these exciting destinations within easy reach.