— Palm Beach Shores, Florida — Everyone loves to vacation in sunny Florida. If you’re looking for a Florida getaway that requires complete rest and relaxation, the small resort town of Palm Beach Shores is the perfect fit for you. This resort community on the southernmost tip of Singer Island, just north of Palm Beach, has long been a favorite destination for those vacationing in the Palm Beach area.
Did I mention that Palm Beach Shores is a small resort town? It carries that small-town essence with it as well. There are no skyscraper hotels or other buildings. A town ordinance prohibits buildings taller than six stories to preserve the skyline and beachfront property.
Its laid-back, half-square-mile radius makes it very walkable. Park your car when you arrive, and you are within a few minutes walk from all that Palm Beach Shores has to offer.
Just a short drive away are the more famous beaches—Palm Beach and West Palm Beach. Both are unique with tons of activities—museums, high-end shopping, zoos and wild-animal parks, major sporting events, and exotic nightlife. However, there is plenty to do in Palm Beach Shores and on Singer Island for the adventure lover in us all.
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1. Visit Lakeside Marinas
A visit to the marinas on the Lake Worth side of Palm Shores will bring all your senses alive. Stroll along the boardwalk admiring the sailing and fishing vessels. Shop for souvenirs at the Ship Store. Listen to Calypso music while sipping on a refreshing island drink at the Sailfish Marina Tiki Bar. Enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner at Sailfish Restaurant right on the waterfront. After dinner, stay to take in an amazing South Florida sunset.
Join the fun at the Sunset Celebration along the seawall every Thursday evening. Browse dozens of arts and craft vendors, listen to music, and stay for the grand finale – the sunset. Walk or take a complimentary shuttle from most area hotels.
2. Explore Peanut Island
The dredging of the Lake Worth Inlet created the spoils island known as Peanut Island. Accessible by boat only, visitors to Palm Beach Shores can take a water taxi to this unique man-made 80-acre tropical park situated in the Intracoastal Waterway.
Peanut Island Park is a favorite destination for boaters and outdoor recreational enthusiasts. Kayaking, fishing, and snorkeling are popular activities in the clear waters that surround the island. Beautiful beaches provide the perfect setting to enjoy fun in the sun. Paved walking pathways wind around the perimeter of the Island. A truly unique place, Peanut Island has something for everyone.
3. See the Sights from the Water
At Peanut Island, there is a multitude of boating activities to enjoy. One of my favorite ways to see the sights is from the water. Park the car at Sailfish Marina to catch a taxi—a water taxi, that is. Enjoy a narrated 90-minute sightseeing cruise on Lake Worth. See and hear about all the famous buildings, mansions, yachts, and properties in Palm Beach and West Palm Beach.
The Sailfish Marina Water Taxi will also give you a ride over to Peanut Island or West Palm Beach and back. Check tour dates and times, taxi ride times, and make reservations online.
4. Catch a Prized Trophy Fish
Palm Beach Shores is the closest of the beaches to the crystal-clear blue waters of the Gulf Stream teaming with prized game fish just waiting to be caught. Sailfish, Swordfish, Wahoo, Kingfish, and even Sharks are frequently caught here. Sports fishing charters are available at Sailfish Marina, dubbed the “Yankee Stadium” of big game sports fishing. Most charters offer full and half-day trips.
5. Climb Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
If you are a lighthouse junkie, like me, you will love the once fire-engine red, now a subdued red-brick color, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Located at the north end of Singer Island (13.5-mile drive), sitting on a small hill just across the Loxahatchee River from Singer Island. The lighthouse was lit for the first time in 1860. Open for climbing, the 108-foot tower has 105 steps in a spiral staircase with three landings. There is also a lighthouse museum and gift shop.
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6. Meet a Sea Turtle at Loggerhead Marinelife Center
There is nothing more memorable than seeing adorable baby hatchling turtles make their run across the beach to the ocean for their very first swim. Palm Beach Shores is a prime location to witness this event. The hatching season ranges from April to October.
You can always get up close and personal with sea turtles any time of year at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, eight miles north of Palm Beach Shores. There are various tours available, including a behind-the-scenes look at the turtle hospital. You can even name or adopt a sea turtle.
7. Take a Scenic Hike
Hike, or take a leisurely walk around Palm Beach Shores, admiring the bungalow-type homes and flower gardens. Follow the red-brick pathway, past the fountain in the center of town, out to the Lake Worth Inlet seawall. Walk atop of the seawall out the point the farthest point east on the coast.
There are several great natural spaces for hiking just north of Palm Beach Shores. Juno Dunes is one such area. There are two loop-trails within 576-acres between Hwy 1 and the Intracoastal Waterway near the Loggerhead Marine Life Center. Juno Dunes is mainly sand dunes with low shrubbery. There’s not much shade, so hike early or in the off-season. Bring water and wear appropriate shoes.
Another environmental treasure is John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, the only state park in Palm Beach County. There are two self-guiding subtropical forest nature trails within the park.
Note: There are other activities at the state park, including swimming, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
8. Stay and Play on the Beach
Let’s face it, the number one reason people escape to the beach is, well – the beach. Some say the Palm Beach Shores beaches are the best in Florida. They are the closest to the Gulf Stream, making the water temperature four degrees warmer on average than at any other beach.
In Palm Beach Shores’ heart is Riviera Beach (aka Singer Island Beach)—a beautiful white sand beach with loads of seashells and crystal-clear water. The pavilion offers shade, benches, bathrooms, and rinse stations. In the grassy park, you’ll find picnic tables under huge shade trees, barbecues, a playground, plus tennis and volleyball courts.
No matter your taste, there are a variety of places to stay. Vacation rentals, condos, hotels, and motels like the one at Sailfish Marina Resort, are right on the water.
The leading hotels are Palm Beach Shores Resort and Marriott’s Ocean Point. Both are large enough to be a grand hotel but small enough to be intimate. Both have private beaches as well as pools, restaurants, bars, spas, and gyms.
9. Experience the Tastes of Palm Beach Shores
Restaurants in and around Palm Beach Shores are plentiful. I’m all about casual “beachy” eateries and tiki bars when I go to Palm Beach Shores. There are several fun local hot spots, just steps from Riviera Beach and all within walking distance of wherever you choose to stay.
Johnny Longboats is my favorite eatery within walking distance of our hotel and Riviera Beach. Johnny’s offers an eclectic menu, even sushi in a fun, beachy environment. Boats, pirates, a giant shark, and crab adorn the ceiling in every room and spacious patio.
I’ve heard it said that “tiki” is a state of mind. I’d have to agree. The Islander Grill and Tiki Bar is located at the Palm Beach Shores Resort, outside by the pool. It is casual, fun, and friendly. The circular seating around the bar allows for easy conversation and making new friends. The food is more than fantastic. The Mahi Tacos are some of the best I’ve ever had, and the drink specials are exotic and fun.
Next to Johnny Longboats is Two Drunken Goats Cantina and Mulligan’s Beach House Bar and Grill, both with a fun vibe and outdoor patios. A short block away is Guakamole’s Mexican Grille. Open seven days a week, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is Sailfish Marina Restaurant overlooking the marina.
Conclusion:
Looking for a low-key, laid-back Florida getaway? You’ll find the beachy vibes without the rowdy crowds, endless driving around, and craziness at Palm Beach Shores. You will love Palm Beach Shores on Singer Island.
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