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Palm Beach Gardens is a city of 64,000 people (2023) in Palm Beach County.
Understand
[edit | edit source]Get in
[edit | edit source]There are three interchanges on I-95 serving the city. The city also is served by two interchanges on Florida's Turnpike.
Public transit is available to the rest of Palm Beach County through the regional commuter bus system Palm Tran.
Get around
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See
[edit | edit source]Do
[edit | edit source]There are 12 golf courses within the city limits, including a course owned by the municipality.
The Northeast Everglades Natural Area os an informal grouping of over 160,000 acres (65,000 hectares) of natural areas, city and county parks, and wildlife preserves stretching from West Palm Beach over the county line to Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Those who do venture here are rewarded with the area's finest multi-use trails, and a taste of the diverse biome and wildlife found in the much larger and more remote Everglades National Park. Some of the larger of these areas include:
- 1 Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area, 11855 Bee Line Hwy (Main entrance is on Bee Line Highway about 2 mi (3.2 km) west of the Turnpike; also accessible via small parks along PGA Blvd). Sunrise-sunset daily. Palm Beach County's largest natural area features nine different native Florida ecosystems, ranging from swampy slough marches to dry hammock forests. Trails include short, paved paths and portions of much longer trails like the Ocean to Lake Trail that spans much of northern Palm Beach County. The main entrance also has a fishing pier and observation tower, and a 2 mi (3.2 km) kayaking trail is available in the area's south end. Most trails are open to bikers and equestrians; if approached by a horse, yield and proceed carefully. Free.
- 2 Hungryland Slough Natural Area, 12385 Seminole Pratt Whitney Rd (Parking is available on Seminole Pratt Whitney Rd, 3 mi (4.8 km) north of Northlake Blvd). Sunrise-sunset daily. This small remaining segment of the once-massive Hungryland Slough offers wilderness areas similar to those in the neighboring Loxahatchee Slough and Corbett areas. Multi-use trails include the sandy 4 mi (6.4 km) South Loop Trail and sections of much longer trails. Free.
- 3 J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area, 11835 Seminole Pratt Whitney Rd (West of Bee Line Highway about 20 mi (32 km) northwest of downtown West Palm Beach). This vast wilderness is truly off the beaten path for most South Florida visitors. Hunters make up most of the traffic during the season, although the area is also popular with off-road ATVs. If visiting during hunting season, wear fluorescent colors (like a bright orange vest). Camping is permitted throughout much of the area, but expect the absolute minimum in the way of facilities. Occasionally, the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp is rumored to allow thru-hikers to camp on its premises. $3 day-use permit required; Ocean-to-Lake Trail thru-hikers may enter for free.
- 4 DuPuis Wildlife and Environmental Area, 23500 Southwest Kanner Hwy, Canal Point (about 6 mi (9.7 km) west of the Bee Line Hwy adjacent to Lake Okeechobee). Formerly a working livestock range, this state-owned area provides a similar experience to the adjacent Corbett WMA without the hassle of getting a permit. Activities include 35 mi (56 km) of hiking trails and primitive campsites, along with an equestrian center with horses, paddocks, campsites and 40 mi (64 km) of equestrian trails. Take care during hunting season. Free.
Buy
[edit | edit source]- 1 The Gardens Mall, 3101 PGA Boulevard (Palm Beach Gardens), ☏ +1 561-622-2115. Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun noon-6PM.
- 2 Downtown Palm Beach Gardens, 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave. Has many restaurants, along with other stores selling clothing, like urban outfitters, and other shops. Also includes Cobb movie theaters.
Eat
[edit | edit source]- 1 Whole Foods Market, 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Drive (exit Hwy 95 at 79A, travel east less than one mile, it is in Downtown at the Gardens on the north side of PGA before (west) of the Gardens Mall), ☏ +1 561-691-8550. 8AM-10PM. Full grocery and cafe offering fresh and local produce, fresh and local seafood, grass fed beef as well as a butcher in the house, enticing array of salads and entrees prepared to eat-in or take-out, brick oven pizzas, custom sandwiches, full scale bakery, unique coffees, great wine and beer selections, nutritional supplements and spa products, and cheeses from around the world.
Drink
[edit | edit source]Sleep
[edit | edit source]- 1 Embassy Suites Palm Beach Gardens Hotel, 4350 PGA Blvd, ☏ +1 561-622-1000. All suite hotel. Free cooked to order breakfast daily, free eve reception with free drinks and snacks. [dead link]
- 2 PGA National Resort & Spa, 400 Avenue of the Champions, toll-free: +1-800-633-9150. Resort has spa, bar, grill restaurant, golf courses, and personal trainers.