Enjoying the sights of Palm Beach
Recently, Lenny and I took a trip to West Palm Beach on the Brightline We enjoyed the convenience of not having to drive on Interstate 95, which as you know, can be congested. In our previous blog post we discussed the many advantages of taking the Brightline. Orlando to West Palm Beach was a relaxing two hours and 8 minutes by train.
West Palm Beach Brightline Station
After we left the train station (via Uber) our first stop was the Manatee Center. This attraction, also known as Manatee Lagoon, is a free science museum and offers amazing views of the surrounding water. The hours of operation are listed here on the website.
View of the Manatee Lagoon
The Manatee Science Center
What a gorgeous day to be outside looking into the Manatee Lagoon! The observation deck surrounds the Manatee Science Center with many good viewing locations.
The manatee statue welcomes you to the science center.
As you can see by the statue, manatees are definitely the stars here. After watching a movie about the manatees, we proceeded to wander through the various exhibits. In particular, we enjoyed learning about the sea grasses and how artificial reefs are helpful to the manatees.
The manatees are welcoming you to the Science Center.
Did you know that manatees are primarily vegetarian and that they like to stay warm? The Florida manatee is the largest manatee in the world. Some of these beautiful sea cows weigh in at over 3000 pounds.
Mother and baby manatee skeleltons
Unfortunately, we chose to visit West Palm Beach after manatee season (November 1-March 31) and there were no manatees present while we were visiting. We did however see a large stingray swimming in the Manatee Lagoon.
Our next stop on our visit to the area was the famed Worth Avenue. Worth Avenue is known as the Rodeo Drive of the east coast for the high end designer shops and restaurants located there. It was fun to walk the avenue and explore the various stores.
View of Worth Avenue
Worth Avenue sign
The flowers are absolutely stunning as spring is in the air in South Florida.
One of many courtyards we found on Worth Avenue. Isn’t it beautiful?
Beautiful annual flowers
Shops on Worth Avenue
Lily Pulitzer’s beautiful Worth Avenue store
There were gorgeous flowers everywhere. As I was eating lunch, I looked up and saw this floral display.
Gorgeous purple flowers against the sky
Bice Ristorante, a Worth Avenue classic has been in operation for nearly 100 years.
For lunch Lenny and I enjoyed a flatbread pizza loaded with toppings. The Gamberetti E Fiori Di Zucca Pinsa Romana shown here has mozzarella cheese, shrimp, zucchini, zucchini flower, and lemon zest. Pinsa Romana is made from a different type of dough. Pinsa dough uses wheat, soy and rice flour. It has more water, less salt,fewer calories, and lower fat. This dish was fabulous. Lenny and I rated it a 10/10!
Pinsa Romana
Our next stop was The Flagler Museum. This museum used to be the winter home of Florida railroad and Standard Oil founder, Henry Flagler. Lenny and I spend about two hours exploring with a tour guide. I would recommend 3 hours for this stop. It is definitely worthwhile.
Sign welcoming you to the museum
The front gate of the Flagler Museum
Information about visiting this fantastic Gilded Age mansion, now museum can be found using this link: https://www.flaglermuseum.us
The great hall greets you at the Flagler Museum
Period pieces welcome you to the Flagler museum.
Sea Gull Cottage, Palm Beach’s Oldest House
Next to the Flagler Museum is Sea Gull Cottage, Palm Beach’s Oldest House. It was eventually purchased by Henry Flagler.
Henry Flagler’s Home is also known as Whitehall
We left the Flagler Museum and headed to the famed Breakers resort. The Breakers was also founded by Henry M. Flagler in 1896. Even though fire destroyed much of this property in both 1903 and 1925, the reconstruction turned this resort into an architectural wonder.
The Breakers Hotel
Further information about The Breakers can be obtained through this link: The Breakers (Palm Beach) The Breakers is a beautiful property inside and out. There is tennis and golf as well as shops, restaurants, pools and of course the beach. The beach views are amazing.
Late afternoon beachview from the promenade at The Breakers
We wandered away from The Breakers and stumbled upon this beach. Many people were out and enjoying the beautiful Florida day.
Palm Beach Municipal Beach
All too soon our West Palm Beach day came to an end. Lenny and I recommend spending a day (or a few days) in Palm Beach and checking out the sights!
All the best,
Jennifer
