Why take day trips
West Palm Beach sits in the middle of Florida's southeast coast, within easy reach of larger cities to the south and small, quiet towns to the north and west. Because the Brightline train stops downtown, it is easy to reach Fort Lauderdale and Miami without a car, and because the county is large, there are many places to explore by road. This guide covers the best options, from the easiest to the more adventurous.
By train to Fort Lauderdale and Miami
Brightline connects West Palm Beach with Fort Lauderdale in roughly half an hour and with Miami in roughly an hour. The station is in downtown West Palm Beach, so if you stay nearby you can walk to it. A day in Fort Lauderdale might include its canals and water taxi, while Miami offers museums, Wynwood and South Beach. Both cities have their own sections on this site, so use them to plan your visit. Tri-Rail is a slower, cheaper alternative for the same route. Check schedules in advance, and consider leaving early to make the most of the day.
North to Jupiter and the Treasure Coast
Jupiter is the closest day trip to the north, with the lighthouse, the river and a lively inlet. Continue farther north and you reach the Treasure Coast, a stretch of quieter towns with long beaches, fishing piers and nature preserves. Stuart and Hobe Sound are known for their charm, and the area has a slower pace than the southern coast. It is a good choice if you want to see a different side of Florida without a long drive. Start early and plan for traffic on the main roads.
West to the lake and the wetlands
Inland from the coast, the landscape opens into sugar-cane fields, ranchland and the vast, shallow Lake Okeechobee. The lake is famous for bass fishing, and charters depart from several towns around its shore. Closer to the coast, the wetlands of western Palm Beach County offer airboat rides and wildlife viewing, and Lion Country Safari is a short drive from the city. These trips show how different the interior is from the glossy coast and are rewarding if you enjoy nature.
South to Delray Beach and Boca Raton
Southern Palm Beach County has two well-known towns. Delray Beach is known for Atlantic Avenue, a lively street of restaurants, bars and shops that leads to the beach, plus a Japanese garden and museum that make a quiet change from the shore. Boca Raton has its own beaches, shops and Mediterranean Revival architecture, and it borders the Fort Lauderdale area. Both are about thirty to forty minutes by car and make a pleasant full day with a beach stop.
On the water
Some of the best day trips never leave the county. Peanut Island is a short boat ride from the mainland, with a clear sandbar and a Cold War bunker. The Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach offers tide-timed snorkeling. A river tour on the Loxahatchee shows the backcountry. Combined with a sunset cruise, these give the sense of a different trip each day without the need for a long drive.
Longer excursions
If you have more time, the train now reaches Orlando, which makes a theme-park or city trip possible, though it is a long day. The Florida Keys are a long drive south, best done as an overnight. The Everglades are reachable by car from the southern part of the county, and airboat operators in the area provide shorter alternatives. Weigh the travel time against the time you have; in most cases, a few slow days in the Palm Beaches beat a rushed longer trip.
Planning tips
Check train schedules and book tickets in advance for busy periods. Take a light bag, water and sun protection. If you drive, avoid the major roads at rush hour and holiday weekends, and keep an eye on afternoon storms. Combine a day trip with a good meal, since each destination has its own specialties. And remember that the best excursion is often the one that suits the weather: a river tour on a clear morning, a museum on a stormy afternoon.
Choosing your excursion
If you like cities and culture, take the train south. If you like nature and quiet, go north to Jupiter and the Treasure Coast. If you like animals and adventure, go west to the wetlands and the safari. If you want a beach town atmosphere with good food, head south to Delray Beach. And if you just want to be outdoors without a long journey, stay local and take a boat. Each choice shows a different side of the region.