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

One reason we spend so much time in Florida is that it's so convenient from the South Shore. Logan Airport is only 30 minutes from our house, and in just a three-hour plane ride, we can be somewhere warm, enjoying the sight of 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 April vacation week, but of the seven days, only two were green-flag beach days, meaning the ocean was calm for swimming. The ocean was rough the rest of the week, with double red flags, meaning people should not go in the water. The weather was beautiful, but out of curiosity, 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 never compared the two coasts because I spent years vacationing on one Atlantic coast, then years on the Gulf side.

Therefore, if your ideal vacation means calm, swimmable water, you should consider the Gulf Coast. If you like beautiful ocean views, active water, and plenty to do beyond the beach, you should consider the Atlantic side.

Things To Do:

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

Peanut Island

We rented a boat for the day and went to Peanut Island. If you don’t want to rent a 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 1.2-mile walking trail 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 all over, climbing trees, sunning themselves, and diving off branches straight into the water.

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

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

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.

Tip: 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 the Sailfish Marina and 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

If you need a break from the sun or are looking for something to do on a rainy day, visit the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. While we were there, a staff member told us that they rescued 200 sea turtles from Massachusetts because the weather turned very cold so quickly.

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, such as Florida, and then migrate to northern waters during the warmer months, when food is abundant. As temperatures drop, they start migrating south again. However, winter 2025 in Massachusetts cooled down so quickly that the turtles became cold-stunned, making them unable to swim and return to warmer waters. Consequently, 200 turtles were rescued and taken to Loggerhead Marinelife Center for rehabilitation before being released back into the ocean.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Several beach areas had turtle nests roped off.  One morning, walking on the beach, we saw fresh turtle tracks, and the nest had already been roped off. 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

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park has trails, a boardwalk, and a beautiful beach.

Blowing Rocks Preserve

Blowing Rocks Preserve 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 is a manageable, family-friendly zoo and an easy outing.

Palm Beach Shopping + Wandering

CityPlace is a mix of stores and dining options that are much more approachable than those in some nearby ultra-luxury shopping areas. 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 is a beautifully designed high-end outdoor shopping plaza worth walking through, even if you’re only window shopping.

Coral Cut Road is down the street from The Royal Poinciana Plaza and is worth driving to; it also takes you to some pretty homes.

Mounts Botanical Garden

Before heading to the airport, we stopped at Mounts Botanical Garden. 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 Flagler Museum, The Society of the Four Arts, 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 a fun 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

• Seafood Bar at the Breakers Palm Beach, the bar is a built-in aquarium

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.