Things to Do in Palm Beach Gardens for Adults

Palm Beach Gardens sits in one of the most underrated pockets of South Florida. And while it rightfully gets attention for its world-class golf courses and upscale retail, there is so much more happening here for adults who want something different.

So what are the best things to do in Palm Beach Gardens beyond the usual? Visitors and locals alike can explore a 438-acre barrier island state park, catch live music at an open-air lifestyle center, sip craft beer at a neighborhood taproom, get out on the Intracoastal Waterway, or walk a 172-acre nature preserve without another tourist in sight.

Here are 10 of the best options worth exploring right now.

1. Spend a Morning at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

This is the only state park in Palm Beach County, and honestly, it feels like it shouldn’t exist in such a built-up area. The park features 1.6 miles of pristine beach along a barrier island in North Palm Beach, plus kayak launches, snorkeling, nature trails through subtropical hammocks, and guided estuary tours.

What makes it different from a regular beach day? The mangrove-lined estuary. Paddle through it by kayak and the whole city disappears. Park entry is just $5 per vehicle, and the nature center on-site is worth a stop before or after the beach.

Best for: Couples looking for a low-key day outdoors, nature lovers, kayakers

2. Hike Through Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area

Spanning 172 acres, Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area is an unparalleled slice of Floridian wildlife and terrain. It sits right off Prosperity Farms Road, surprisingly close to the Gardens Mall, but it feels completely wild.

The Saw Palmetto Hiking Trail is the main loop, marked with yellow markers, running 1.3 miles through Florida slash pine, sabal palm, and Virginia live oak. There is also a cypress swamp boardwalk that is quietly stunning at sunrise. Admission is free, and the preserve is open dawn to dusk every day of the year.

Best for: Morning hikers, birdwatchers, photographers

3. Visit Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach

Just a 10-minute drive east of Palm Beach Gardens, Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a nonprofit sea turtle hospital that promotes conservation of ocean ecosystems with a focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles. The campus includes a research lab, rehabilitation hospital, educational exhibits, and aquariums.

It was named the No. 1 “Best Free Attraction” in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards back-to-back for 2024 and 2025. During sea turtle nesting season (May through October), turtle walks to view nesting loggerhead sea turtles run Wednesday through Saturday evenings in June and July.

This is the kind of thing to do in Palm Beach Gardens (well, technically just next door) that most visitors skip because they never hear about it. That is a mistake.

4. Get on the Water with a Boat Day

Here is the thing most people forget about this part of South Florida: the Intracoastal Waterway is right there. And getting out on the water is one of the single best ways to experience the Palm Beach area as an adult.

Whether it is a sunset cruise, a full-day charter, or renting a boat for a self-guided trip down to Peanut Island or through the Jupiter Inlet, it opens up an entirely different side of the coast. Popular options include scenic sunset cruises from West Palm Beach and Intracoastal island cruises.

Visitors staying near Palm Beach Gardens can explore Palm Beach yacht rentals for luxury boats and private charters that cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, sandbars, and Peanut Island.

For those heading south toward Delray Beach or Boca Raton, chartering or renting a boat makes a day trip that combines sightseeing, swimming, and waterfront dining along the way. It is easily one of the most memorable things to do in Palm Beach Gardens for visitors who want something beyond the usual land-based itinerary.

5. Explore the Craft Beer Scene at Twisted Trunk Brewing

Twisted Trunk is a craft beer brewery located in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens, with an inspired name taken from the large banyan trees planted by the city’s founders. The vibe is rustic and relaxed, with rotating taps that range from strawberry-infused ales to mocha stouts.

Twisted Trunk also offers Detox Yoga every Sunday morning, one hour of hot Vinyasa yoga followed by a pint of cold beer. Which is surprisingly effective as a weekend ritual.

6. Dine Waterfront at Lucky Shuck or Seasons 52

Palm Beach Gardens has a quietly impressive restaurant scene, and two standouts sit along PGA Boulevard.

Lucky Shuck offers a lively and relaxed waterfront dining experience where guests can enjoy the raw bar or simply unwind with a drink while taking in the sunset. Seasons 52, also in Palm Beach Gardens, rotates its menu with the seasons and features entirely fresh ingredients cooked through oak-fire grilling and brick oven roasting rather than deep-frying.

The Cooper in Palm Beach Gardens offers sustainable, seasonal dishes with an innovative take on classic American cuisine, alongside signature craft cocktails and an extensive wine list.

Best for: Date nights, visiting foodies, anyone tired of chain restaurants

7. Unwind at The Spa at PGA National Resort

Whether sore from a long day on the links or just in need of some pampering, Palm Beach Gardens is an ideal place to relax and unwind. The Spa at PGA National Resort features innovative beauty and health treatments, along with all-new services, products, and wellness programming.

Spa passes start around $125 and typically include access to relaxation lounges, steam rooms, saunas, and hot tubs. Massages begin at $195. It is the kind of place where half a day disappears, and nobody complains about it.

8. Catch Live Music and Dinner at Downtown Palm Beach Gardens

Downtown at the Gardens (now known as Downtown Palm Beach Gardens) is an outdoor lifestyle center featuring a wide array of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, with live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

The complex features over 50 stores and 11 restaurants, plus the Cobb luxury movie theater. Pistache French Bistro is a local favorite for steak frites and Sunday brunch. And the lit-up lake and fountains at night make for a surprisingly photogenic evening out.

9. Explore Public Art Through GardensArt

Not many people know this exists. The GardensArt program showcases public art installations throughout Palm Beach Gardens, and the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival attracts theater enthusiasts annually.

Through seasonal exhibitions, the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis and Pickleball Center and other public venues host rotating art shows presented by GardensArt, the city’s art in public places program. It is free, it is walkable, and it adds a cultural layer to the city that catches most visitors off guard.

For a deeper art experience nearby, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in West Palm Beach is a tranquil location where art and relaxation come together, open seasonally from October through June.

10. Fish or Stroll the Juno Beach Pier

The Juno Beach Pier stretches 990 feet and serves as a hub for bait, tackle, poles, fishing lessons, and turtle rescue programs. The pier offers both sightseeing and fishing opportunities and is located just minutes from Palm Beach Gardens.

For those looking to combine a pier visit with a full day on the water, Jupiter boat rentals offer captained cruises past the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, the famous Jupiter Sandbar, and waterfront dining spots like Guanabanas.

Even for non-anglers, walking to the end of the pier at sunset is one of those simple pleasures that costs almost nothing but stays with people. And during nesting season, it is not uncommon to spot sea turtles in the water below.

Quick Reference: Things to Do in Palm Beach Gardens at a Glance

FAQs

What are the best things to do in Palm Beach Gardens besides golf?

Beyond golf, Palm Beach Gardens offers nature trails at Frenchman’s Forest, waterfront dining along PGA Boulevard, craft breweries like Twisted Trunk, spa days at PGA National Resort, and easy access to boat trips on the Intracoastal Waterway. Most of these activities are budget-friendly or free.

Is Palm Beach Gardens worth visiting for adults?

Absolutely. The area has a strong dining scene, live entertainment at Downtown Palm Beach Gardens, outdoor adventures at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, and a thriving craft beer culture. It is a solid destination for couples, friend trips, or solo travelers looking for a mix of relaxation and activity.

What free things can adults do in Palm Beach Gardens?

Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area is free and open dawn to dusk every day. Loggerhead Marinelife Center in nearby Juno Beach is also free and ranks among the top free attractions in the U.S. The GardensArt public art installations around the city are free to explore year-round.

How close is Palm Beach Gardens to the beach?

Juno Beach sits directly east of Palm Beach Gardens, roughly a 10-minute drive from most of the city. From there, visitors can access the beach, the Juno Beach Pier, and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Singer Island and John D. MacArthur Beach State Park are also within a short drive.