A date with classic Florida.
- Tori Glynn
- Apr 14, 2016
- 9 min read
Hello explorers, I'm so happy you are back! This blog post is going to be about my favorite go-to places in South Florida. All of these places are within 30 minutes of each other, so I usually go to each place when I'm around here. The three places I'll be talking about are: West Palm Beach, Jupiter & Hobe Sound. Whenever I head this way I usually just say I'm going to West Palm Beach! So let's get right into it, shall we? Quick Background: Most of the places I'm going to mention are free which is awesome. This blog is great for a date day with your loved one or to go with a few friends! It's a very nature type of day, so I hope you enjoy! Oh, and very romantic too!
West Palm Beach: I've been going to west palm beach for some time now. maybe around 3 years. West Palm Beach has this classic Florida vibe. It's not like Miami or Fort-Lauderdale beach. West Palm Beach is what those places used to be. Whenever I go I can just imagine men with their golden tan skin, cigar in their mouth and an expensive tacky Hawaiian shirt. That is what west palm beach is like. That is what I thought it was until I did a little more exploring and found out that it is also so much more. West Palm Beach has some of the most awesome nature parks and centers I have ever been to in Florida, and they are all for free! There is also cute little shops and restaurants scattered all over, you feel like you are on vacation instantly. It's a relaxing getaway. Here are some places I definitely recommend:
Clematis Street: I have been to West Palm Beach many times and I never went to Clematis street until last weekend and it was amazing! I usually go to City Place with my boyfriend for dinner, dessert or just walking around but this was such a nice change of scenery and it's right now the street from City Place. Clematis street is a street that you go to that has individually owned small shops and cool innovative restaurants. I found parking near Centennial Park by the water. It was only 1 dollar for two hours or 5 for all night parking, I'm pretty sure. I only paid the 1 dollar. The street has a beautiful water fountain that sprouts from the ground covered in beautiful flood-lights. This makes for a great atmosphere for the families and couples walking around. Most restaurants there have outdoor seating, which floods the streets with a delicious aroma. I hope you bring your appetite when visiting. Definitely a great place to grab some dinner and walk by the water. Address: Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Centennial Park: Centennial Park is on the water, right next to Clematis Street. I have a couple pictures above of the ocean and the docks that you are allowed to walk on. There is convenient parking at the park that you can leave your car for your short trek to Clematis. When I got there it was around 6 pm and the sun was setting. Watching the boats go by and taking a stroll on the dock before heading to Clematis street is very soothing. I stayed a little longer than I thought I would, but I had to do it for the Instagram pictures. You can hear the music from the near by bustle of Clematis street yet you don't see it. They also have bike rentals there where you just pay a machine around 4 dollars for 2 hours and you ride off into the night. Without a doubt somewhere you should check out. Especially if you are already going to Clematis Street. Address: S Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
City Place: City Place was the first place I had ever went to in West Palm Beach and I was in love! We don't have anything as cute in Hollywood, Florida, where I live. It is very similar to Clematis Street but a little more family oriented. City Place also has a movie theater as well, which is pretty convenient. There is usually a band playing in the center, next to the waterfall with color-changing lights. This is a very pleasant place to window shop and enjoy some desert. There is a really neat ice cream shop named Sloans that I love going to when I'm at City Place. It's usually where I get my caramel apple. Every city I've ever gone to, I make it a tradition to buy a caramel apple. Sloan's is completely pink inside and full of awesome sweets from fudge to melt in your mouth cookies, and of course ice cream! Although, I don't get my ice cream from Sloans, I head across the way to Le Macaroon, who happens to have my favorite ice cream of all time: Lavender. I know that sounds like a weird ice cream flavor but it is incredible. Le Macaroon is a macaroon shoppe, but the gelatos there are splendid! Just park in a near by parking garage, which is only 1 dollar after the first hour and have a sweet time! Address: 700 S Rosemary Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Apoxee Wilderness Trail: Now before you hit up all the night life above, you have to check out Apoxee Trail. Especially if you are a nature-lover like me. I found Apoxee Trail about two years ago and I have been coming back ever since. Apoxee Trail is a great place to do some "hiking" in Florida. If I'm correct the trails are only about 6 miles long but it's very peaceful. Aside from the fact that there are possible alligators, bobcats and deer lurking in every corner! But this is what nature is about! They aren't really in every corner, I have actually only seen a few deer, but I do know that there are gators in the water. The trail is magical. Once you pass the first two miles, you start walking on a wooden path and begin to see the wetlands all around you. It is a beautiful park to take some pictures and to be alone with your thoughts, or your friend's thoughts! By the way, it's completely free. Address: 3125 North Jog Road, West Palm Beach, FL33411
Fright Nights: Now, Fright Nights is only in October for Halloween. I was really hesitant about giving this little secret of mine up, but for you guys, it's totally worth it. Fright Nights is a haunted house/carnival event that happens all of October at the South Florida Fair Grounds in West Palm. This is my ALL-TIME favorite place to go during the Halloween month. Halloween is my thing. I have been obsessed with Halloween since I was a kid. My mom showed me this place and the second I got a car, this is where I am, the first weekend they open, every October! Fright Nights has the scariest haunted houses ever. I have never been to Halloween Horror Nights, but I have brought friends who have been to HHN and they tell me Fright Nights blows it out of the water. The vibe at Fright Nights is really what makes this place a great time. There are 4 haunted houses on one side of the fairgrounds and on the other side is a laughter filled carnival. The lights dancing around in the sky, with an indie band performing and scary movies playing from projectors makes this one of the happiest places on earth, sorry Disney. The tickets are only 25 dollars and they are far more than worth it. Love this place, thank you Fright Nights for existing! Address: 9067 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
Peanut Island: The last place I'm going to talk about for West Palm Beach is Peanut Island. I have only been there once but this place is such an amazing time. Especially with a good group of friends. It's 10 dollars to take the ferry to the island or it's 30 dollars to stay over night! The water there is crystal clear and once you get on the island, you are free to do whatever you want! Bring some burgers to grill, some fishing poles and some awesome music and you will have a great day with friends or family. Amazing deal! Don't forget to bring your goggles, snorkeling is phenomenal. Address: 6500 Peanut Island Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33404
Jupiter: Jupiter and Hobe sound are two really unique places in Florida. You really feel that old Florida mood when you enter Jupiter and Hobe Sound. The places that I recommend here are for the animal and nature lovers in all of us:
Loggerhead Marine Life Center: Loggerhead center is such an beautifully done center. It is only a 6 dollar donation to get in and all the proceeds go to the rehabilitation to the loggerhead turtles! This is the best sea turtle experience in all of South Florida! I learned so much about the sea turtles they have here and I was so surprised on how much I did not know about the beautiful creatures. This is a great place to go before you hit the beach or if you're from out of town and you've never seen these amazing turtles up close and personal. Check this place out! 14200 U.S. Hwy 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408
River Center: I just recently went to the River Center for the first time last weekend with my little sister and it was amazing! I had never been here before and I can not believe it. This place was so awesome! Especially if you're a marine animal lover. The center is totally free to get in. This place looks like an old ship inside, a remodeled old ship, with aquariums everywhere! What was really fun about this place was the touch tank. They have starfish, different types of sea urchins and conch that you can hold in your hand. It was such a pleasure to hang out here for a while, especially since it was raining. There is also a cute garden out back that you can look around! My 9 year old sister had as great a time as me. Address: 805 US-1, Jupiter, FL 33477
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse: The lighthouse in Jupiter is such a beautiful piece of architecture that I actually have never been inside of. However, I have been outside of the lighthouse and that was just enough for me. I went into the backyard of the office/gift shop that they have and there is a lovely view of the water where you can also walk under the bridge and see beautiful West Palm! To get into the lighthouse is 10 dollars and I am sure it is completely worth it, especially if you have not been in a lighthouse before!
Thirsty Turtle: Thirsty Turtle is a super cute bar and grill that has the most amazing food. If you like wings, I would definitely recommend this place for you. The wings are only 75 cents each which ends up being super cheap. I love the chicken Cesar salad there as well. You have the option to sit outside on their deck and eat your lunch or dinner in this beachy environment! They also allow doggys outside. This place is great, I've shown all my friends that have gone to Jupiter with me and they LOVED it! Give this place a try after a long day at the beach! Address: 13981 US-1, Juno Beach, FL 33408
Hobe Sound:
Johnathon Dickinson State Park: My mom showed me Johnathon Dickinson State Park when I was in 7th grade and I had not gone back since high school. I've been back three times since. This park is like the Serengeti mixed with the Florida everglades. What's really cool about this spot is it's actually across the street from the beach but you would not even be able to tell until you climb "Hobe Mountain". You'll see what I'm talking about. The park has canoeing, biking and cabins that are available for you to rent for the day at a dirt cheap price. The cabins are 95 dollars a night which does seem like a lot but I've stayed at the cabins there and they are done up very clean inside. If you decide to rent the cabin, park admission is free and you have a grill and a fire pit of your very own. However, this place is so awesome just to go for the day as well and you just pay the 6 bucks to enter. Address: 16450 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
Hobe Sound Wildlife Refugee: Whenever you're done checking out John Dickinson State Park, just drive a few minutes away and take time to go to this refugee. This place is so awesome. If you love animals you HAVE to go here! There are many different kinds of snakes, one baby alligator and one baby crocodile, a baby skunk and some cute tortoises. The center is free, of course. There is also a short walk to a stunning secluded beach in the back. I took some of my friends here and I loved seeing the smiles on their faces. The staff will take any animal out of their tank to show you, so it's hands on, and who wouldn't love to pet an alligator. Address: 13640 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
I hope you guys enjoyed this blog! The West Palm Beach area is my go-to area and I hope now you can see why. There is so much to do and it is all so beautiful. Take time if you can to explore a few of these places and let me know how you like them in the comment section at the end of this post! I appreciate you reading this blog and would be extremely happy if you subscribed down below with your email so next blog I post, you'll be the first to know! HAVE A HAPPY WEEK EXPLORERS!
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