Palm Beach Area Revisited: What We Loved (and What I Forgot About Florida’s Atlantic Coast)

One of the reasons we spend so much time in Florida is that it is so convenient from the South Shore. Logan is 30 minutes from our house, and in a three-hour plane ride, we are somewhere warm, looking at palm trees.

Growing up, my grandparents owned a home in Boynton Beach, so I spent many vacations along Florida’s Atlantic coast. After they sold the house, we began visiting Florida’s Gulf side for a change of scenery. The last time we visited the Atlantic side was 18 years ago, so going back after that many years was nostalgic.

Atlantic vs. Gulf Coast Beaches

We had a great week, but I had a realization I wanted to share. During our week vacation, we only had two green-flag beach days when the ocean was calm and easy to swim in. The rest of the week, the surf was rough, with double red flags, meaning people should not go in the water.

The weather was beautiful, but at the end of the week, I Googled, "Is the Atlantic side of Florida rougher than the Gulf side? According to Google, yes, it is. Florida’s Atlantic coast is known for rougher surf, stronger winds, and bigger waves than the Gulf side. I feel like I should have known that, it makes sense. Looking back, I do remember the Atlantic water often being rough. I just never compared it because I spent years vacationing on one coast, then years on the other.

So if your ideal vacation means calm, swimmable water every day, it’s something worth knowing. If you like beautiful ocean views, active water, and plenty to do beyond the beach, this area offers a lot.

Things To Do:

Boat Day: Peanut Island + Waterfront Lunch + Palm Beach by Water

Peanut Island

You can only get there by boat. If you do not rent your own boat, there is a ferry to bring you, or you can easily reach the island by kayaking or paddleboarding, which is fun because there are so many small inlets to explore. There is a nice walk around the island, with giant iguanas everywhere.   At first, we were startled when we saw them because they were huge and protecting babies. Then we realized they were everywhere, climbing trees, sunning themselves, and diving off branches straight into the water. It was hilarious.

This is a picture of Peanut Island I took from a bridge the day after we were there during it’s yearly music festival.

Tip: Visit during high tide if possible. The water is bluer and clearer, ideal for snorkeling.

Palm Beach Mansions by Water

After Peanut Island, we cruised past the oceanfront estates along South Ocean Boulevard, often called Billionaires’ Row. From the road, many are hidden behind hedges and gates. From the water, you get the best view.

From Peanut Island, Mar-A-Lago will be on your left; keep going under the bridge to see the Billionaire Row Mansions.

Lunch Sailfish Marina Restaurant

You can pull your boat right up to get lunch. The food was excellent, and the bar area was really cool. Even if you're not arriving by boat, it’s worth eating here.

Munyon Island

Only accessible by kayak, paddleboard, or boat. There’s a nice trail, and people were spotting some of the biggest starfish I’ve ever seen.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

We wanted something shaded one afternoon, and this turned out to be a great stop. While we were there, a staff member noticed we were from Massachusetts and told us that 200 sea turtles from Massachusetts had been brought there this winter because of the cold winter we had.

Here is what happened, and please know I’m definitely not a turtle expert; everything I am sharing here is what I learned during our visit, but I found it fascinating.

My understanding is that young sea turtles hatch in warmer southern waters like Florida, then swim to northern waters during the warmer months, where food can be plentiful. As temperatures drop, they begin moving south again.

But this winter, it got so cold so quickly that the turtles were cold-stunned and couldn’t make it back to the warmer waters. So 200 turtles in Massachusetts were brought to Loggerhead Marinelife Center for rehabilitation before eventually being released.

It was one of those reminders of how connected we are.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Several beach areas had turtle nests roped off.  At one beach we walked, a turtle had just returned to the water after covering its eggs, and we saw the fresh tracks in the sand from the very big turtle going back to the water. I had never seen that.  

I have never seen turtle nests roped off before. There were many on Singer Island.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

There are trails, a boardwalk, and a beautiful beach.

Blowing Rocks Preserve

This was one of the coolest natural spots we visited. Limestone rock formations at Blowing Rocks Preserve are the largest of their kind on the Atlantic coast. Visit during high tide and on a windy day, if possible, to see the biggest sprays of water shooting through the limestone shoreline. If you go during low tide, it’s still worth it because you can explore the caves.

Tip: Once you reach the beach, walk right and keep walking to the end of the formations to see the most dramatic sections.

The trail along the beach if you go left instead of right toward the blowing rocks.

Juno Beach

Beautiful water and a long boardwalk

Palm Beach Zoo

We had gone years ago when the twins were one, so it was fun to return. It’s a manageable, family-friendly zoo and an easy outing.

Palm Beach Shopping + Wandering

CityPlace

a mix of stores and dining options that are much more approachable than some of the ultra-luxury shopping areas nearby. It’s an easy place to spend a few hours and grab a bite to eat.

Worth Avenue

Definitely worth seeing. The street itself is beautiful, but make sure to wander through the Via’s, which offer European-style courtyards that are like secret gardens.

One of the Via’s at Worth Avenue

The kids had the best gelato ever, according to them, at Piccolo Gelato, which is pretty much the only thing we could afford on the street.  

The Royal Poinciana Plaza

A beautifully designed high-end outdoor shopping plaza worth walking through, even if you’re only window shopping.

Mounts Botanical Garden

Before heading to the airport, we stopped here. A perfect final stop if you have extra time or need a break from sun and sand.

Lion Country Safari is a bit of a drive, but worth it. We have done it many times.

The Folger Art Museum and Morikami Gardens are also worth a visit if you have time.

Favorite Restaurants

Our favorite restaurant wasn’t easy to pick because there are so many good ones, but Guanabanas has the funnest vibe.

We also loved:

Our view from our table at U-Tiki of the Juniper lighthouse

• U-Tiki Beach

• Sailfish Marina Restaurant

• Lucky Shuck Oyster Bar & Taphouse

• Pizza Al Fresco

• Have lunch at the Breakers Palm Beach just to see it!

Final Thoughts: This trip reminded me that Florida’s Atlantic coast offers a different experience from the Gulf coast. There’s a certain energy to it, from the over-the-top luxury cars to the people watching, compared to the more laid-back atmosphere of the Gulf side. After 18 years away, I was glad we went back.