Everyone needs a vacation, and West Palm Beach has plenty to offer. Ideally located only 46 minutes from Fort Lauderdale, just over an hour’s drive from Miami and a little more than 2 hours from Naples, West Palm Beach is not only a great vacation destination for those visiting from northern Florida or out of state; West Palm Beach is an ideal day trip location for South Florida residents.

Relax on a cruise

You don’t have to go away for several days to enjoy a cruise. Those who want to get out on the water without packing a suitcase will find that there are a number of short cruise options to choose from. Venture out on a sunset cruise West Palm Beach and journey to popular local cruise destinations, such as Jupiter Island and Singer Island. Or, charter a private cruise to take in the sites with friends or family. You will get the chance to relax on the water while professional crews cater to you with food, beverages, and details about the local history.

Other local cruise options include snorkeling cruises that offer an opportunity to get in the water and swim with local sea life, or dinner cruises that take in local sites and stop at a number of different restaurants. Holiday cruises offer opportunities to take in the fireworks on the 4th of July or New Year’s Eve from the water, or view the Christmas lights in December.

Watersports

Scientific research demonstrates that being close to the water is beneficial to a person’s health, and West Palm Beach offers plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. There are places where water sports enthusiasts can go water skiing, wakeboarding or tubing. If speeding across the water isn’t your thing, then you might be interested in a parasailing trip that lets you soar above the ocean. One of the nice things about these options is that you can book a pre-packaged tour and have experienced staff look after all the details and equipment.

If you’ve always dreamed of reeling in a Kingfish or other local fish, such as Grouper or Mahi, then you can take advantage of local fishing charters that give you a chance to catch your own dinner from the ocean.

Those who are more familiar with local waterways and want to be able to set their own pace while out on the water also have options. Whether you want to spend the day kayaking or boating, reputable companies offer quality equipment for rent. In some cases, the equipment can be rented for periods of 1 or 4 hours; other types of equipment can be rented for 1 or 2 hours or half-day blocks. Rental equipment options include paddleboards, boats, flyboards, swim boards, surfboards, and hobie cats. Those who want to get in the water as well can combine a rental of snorkel equipment with a kayak.

Don’t know how to paddleboard or operate a hobie cat and want to learn? You can learn new watersports or brush up on your skills with lessons from reputable local watersports companies.

Local attractions

When you aren’t out on the water, there’s plenty to do in West Palm Beach. Sites include The CityPlace which is an open-air plaza that provides opportunities for shopping and entertainment. Antique Row is also a go-to place for antique shoppers to browse and buy at their leisure. The Norton Museum of Art attracts art fanatics, as it displays works from artists around the globe, while those looking for more experience based attractions head to The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts concerts, plays, and so much more.

In addition to the year-round attractions, West Palm Beach is also known for special events. In May, guests and locals alike can take in SunFest, which is a music and art festival. Since it’s held on the waterfront attendees will get to enjoy the ocean breezes and smell of salt air as they take in the sites and sounds.

Boat enthusiasts may prefer to attend the Palm Beach International Boat Show. Get a chance to check out the latest marine vessels and related boating gear. This is an annual event and typically lasts 4 days.