Established in 1894 by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, West Palm
Beach is at the northern end of Florida's "Gold Coast" which
also includes Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach. To the east
lies Palm Beach and the Atlantic Ocean; to the west Loxahatchee
Wildlife Preserve and Everglades National Park.
West Palm Beach is the largest municipality in one of the fastest
growing areas in the United States. The Port of Palm Beach, Palm Beach
International Airport, The Florida Turnpike, US Highway 1, and I-95
are the sea, air and highway ports of entry to this city of blue skies
and sunshine.
Over the past decade, the city of West Palm Beach has succeeded in
restoring and revitalizing its downtown area, and has recently opened
an amazing 55 acre shopping, living, and entertainment center known as
CityPlace. CityPlace does not replace downtown, but is a natural
extension of downtown. Free parking for 3200 cars, and replicas of
vintage trolleys make transportation a "no problem"
situation.
CityPlace adjoins the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, a 2200
seat glass, marble, and copper showcase which has additional parking
to accommodate its guests. The 250 seat Rinker Playhouse on premises
includes a space for children's programming, family productions and
other special events. The Palm Beach Opera stages four performances at
the Kravis Center each winter. There are performances by the Palm
Beach Philharmonic Orchestra as well.
Along beautifully landscaped Clematis Street are boutiques and
restaurants in authentically restored buildings, a very popular
fountain, and the center of area nightlife. There is a free downtown
shuttle by day and free on-street parking at night and on weekends.
For those who wish to enjoy a night or afternoon of gaming, there are
daily casino cruises departing from the Port of Palm Beach for nearby
international waters. On land , there is the Greyhound track and Club.
Golf, polo, and the full spectrum of water sports including
snorkeling, diving, swimming, surfing, boating and fishing are all
available year round. Museums and galleries provide exceptional
collections, and there are many activities of interest to families
with children. Among these are the 22 acre Dreher Park Zoo with its
creature friendly natural habitats, the South Florida Science Museum,
Aquarium and Planetarium, and Lion Country Safari. The latter is a 500
acre preserve which contains species - appropriate habitats in which
1300 wild animals roam and are protected. Residents of the preserve
include lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, chimpanzees,
ostriches, and water buffalo. Visitors drive through on 8 miles of
paved roads accompanied by an excellent self guided tour on cassette
tape.
Across the Flagler Bridge is the exclusive island community of Palm
Beach. Its world renowned trademark is Worth Avenue with countless
designer boutiques. A few short blocks from downtown, along County
Road and Ocean Boulevard (the shore road, also designated as Route
A1A), are Palm Beach's mansions and the well tended beaches leading
down to the glorious expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.
South of Palm Beach, along Route A1A, are Boynton Beach, Boca
Raton, and Delray Beach, which offer more shopping, dining, and
recreation options. North of West Palm Beach are Singer Island, Juno
and Jupiter with their miles of inviting beaches and parks. The
phenomenon of the migration, nest building, and hatching of sea
turtles takes place annually in that area, and outshines any human -
engineered attraction. The 221 square mile Loxahatchee Wildlife
Refuge, a part of the incomparable Everglades, is located in the
surrounding area. Beyond are sugar cane fields and the road to Lake
Okeechobee.
Whether you are seeking relaxation, entertainment, shopping, or a
variety of land and water sports, you will find that your vacation
dreams are sure to come true in this popular vacation destination.