You’ve probably heard people call Palm Beach Gardens the "Golf Capital of the World." It’s a heavy title. Honestly, if you aren’t carrying a set of Titleists, you might wonder if there’s actually anything for you to do here. I get it. Most people think of this slice of Florida as just a series of gated communities and manicured greens. But there is so much more to the things to do palm beach gardens than just chasing a little white ball around 18 holes.
It is a weird, beautiful mix of high-end luxury and rugged Florida swamp. One minute you’re walking through a mall that smells like expensive perfume, and twenty minutes later, you’re looking at an alligator in a marsh. It’s that contrast that makes the area interesting.
The PGA National Reality Check
Look, we have to talk about PGA National Resort. It’s the elephant in the room. If you’re looking for things to do palm beach gardens, this is usually the first result. It’s home to the Cognizant Classic (formerly the Honda Classic), and the "Bear Trap" on the Champion Course is legendary for ruining the scorecards of professional golfers.
But here’s the thing most locals know: you don’t have to play golf to enjoy the space. They recently dumped $100 million into a massive renovation. The lobby bar, aptly named MKT, feels like a mid-century modern dream. It’s a vibe. If you’re staying there, the spa is legitimately one of the best in the state. They have these "Waters of the World" outdoor mineral pools that use salts imported from the Salies-de-Béarn in France and the Dead Sea. Does it actually detox you? Who knows. Does it feel amazing when it’s 90 degrees out? Absolutely.
Getting Lost in the Loxahatchee Slough
If the manicured grass starts to feel a bit too artificial, you need to head to the Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area. It’s huge. Over 12,000 acres. This is the real Florida. It’s part of the historic Everglades headwaters.
You can hike the Sandhill Crane Access Park trail. It’s an easy walk, but the payoff is the silence. You’ll see blue herons, maybe a bald eagle if you're lucky, and definitely some turtles. It’s a sharp pivot from the luxury SUVs on PGA Boulevard. Pro tip: go early. Florida humidity is no joke, and by 11:00 AM, the sun will be trying to melt your soul. Bring water. More than you think you need.
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Shopping is Practically a Sport Here
The Gardens Mall is not your average suburban shopping center. It’s an architectural feat with high-end anchors like Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. Even if you aren't looking to drop a paycheck on a new bag, the people-watching is top-tier.
Right across the street is Downtown Palm Beach Gardens. This is an open-air lifestyle center. They’ve been leaning hard into the "experience" side of retail lately. There’s a giant carousel for kids, plenty of outdoor seating, and a Whole Foods that stays busy enough to be its own ecosystem. It’s where you go when you want to feel like you’re in a movie about upper-middle-class suburban bliss.
Where the Food Is (And Isn't)
Food is a massive part of the things to do palm beach gardens experience. PGA Boulevard is basically a long strip of high-end dining.
- The Cooper: They focus on local, sustainable ingredients. The Max burger is a local favorite.
- Voodoo Bayou: If you want something that feels less "country club," go here. It’s New Orleans-style soul food. The fried chicken is ridiculous, and the bourbon list is deep. It’s dark, moody, and loud—a nice break from the bright Florida sun.
- Coolinary: This is Chef Tim Lipman’s spot. It’s technically in a strip mall, but don’t let that fool you. The kitchen is open, the energy is high, and the waffles with fried chicken or the watermelon salad are staples for a reason.
The Secret Garden: Frenchman’s Forest
Most people overlook Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area. It’s tucked away right near the mall, but it feels a world away. There are four distinct habitats inside this relatively small park. You can walk through mangrove swamps and then suddenly be in an oak hammock. It’s shaded, which is a blessing. It’s one of those spots where you can actually hear your own thoughts.
Why the Water Matters
While Palm Beach Gardens is technically inland, you’re never more than ten minutes from the Intracoastal Waterway or the Atlantic Ocean. A lot of the best things to do palm beach gardens actually involve leaving the city limits for a few hours to head toward the Jupiter Inlet or Juno Beach.
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If you want a low-key afternoon, grab a sandwich from D'Best Sandwich Shop (a local legend) and drive over to the Juno Beach Pier. It’s about a five-to-ten-minute drive. You can walk the pier for a couple of bucks. You’ll see fishermen catching snook and plenty of surfers waiting for a swell that may or may not come.
Beyond the Obvious: Cultural Hits
Don't sleep on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre nearby. It’s one of the most successful regional theaters in the country. They put on Broadway-caliber productions. Because the population in the Gardens and Jupiter is generally older and wealthier, the arts scene here is surprisingly well-funded and high-quality.
The Logistics of Visiting
Traffic is a real thing here. PGA Boulevard can become a parking lot during rush hour, especially during "Season" (January through April). If you’re planning a day of it, try to park your car and stay in one area.
If you’re coming from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, take the Brightline. The high-speed train stops in West Palm Beach. From there, it’s a quick 15-minute Uber to the heart of the Gardens. It beats fighting I-95 traffic any day of the week.
Common Misconceptions
People think the Gardens is only for retirees. That’s changing. You see a lot of young families now, especially around the Alton and Northlake areas. This has brought in better coffee shops, like Subculture Coffee, and more casual, "cool" hangouts. It’s not just early bird specials anymore.
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Another myth? That it’s prohibitively expensive. Sure, you can spend $1,000 on a dinner and a hotel room, but the natural areas are free. The beaches nearby are free (or just the cost of parking). You can do the Gardens on a budget if you’re smart about it.
Making the Most of Your Trip
If you really want to do the things to do palm beach gardens right, you have to embrace the pace. It’s a slower, more deliberate kind of luxury. It’s about a long brunch, a walk through a preserve, and maybe a little window shopping.
Don't try to rush it. Don't try to see everything in four hours. The heat won't let you anyway.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Tide Tables: If you plan on hitting the nearby Juno Beach or Jupiter Inlet, checking the tides is crucial for the best water clarity.
- Book Dining Reservations Early: Places like The Cooper or Voodoo Bayou fill up days in advance, especially on weekends.
- Pack for Transitions: You'll want hiking shoes for the Slough and something "resort casual" for the mall or dinner. The dress code here is basically "expensive athletic wear" by day and "linen everything" by night.
- Download a Birding App: If you head to Frenchman’s Forest or Loxahatchee, apps like Merlin Bird ID make the experience way more engaging when you spot something colorful in the trees.