Tis the Season for Sightseeing

Florida Coast Magazine – Holiday 2019 – Believe it or not, the holiday season is here again already! Luckily for us, South Florida offers a wide variety of experiences and adventures to enjoy year-round. Whether you are entertaining guests or visiting the area for the season, there are plenty of great attractions around to spend your time with loved ones. Listed here are some of our favorites.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum (JUPITER) Since 1973, locals and visitors have been able to enjoy learning about the history of this incredibly beautiful area and the settlers who helped make it what it is today. After checking out the museum, take the 105-step journey to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the best vantage point in the area. Once you’ve had your fill of the scenery, check out some local restaurants just across the river! Open daily 10AM-5PM. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Worth Avenue (Palm Beach) Whether you are looking for shopping, dining, or spending an enjoyable time out on the town, you’ve hit the jackpot! Hands down the best place for some retail therapy and a quick bite in the sunny, south Florida weather. Unwind for the day and treat yourself to a little slice of paradise.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Hobe Sound) Named after a quaker merchant shipwrecked off the coast in 1696, Jonathan Dickinson is the largest state park in southeast Florida. With over 11,000 acres of land and river to traverse with family and friends, this is an ideal location for camping, kayaking, hiking, and horseback riding. JD State Park has the last Atlantic-coast state campground (135 campsites) before reaching the Florida Keys. Hours of operation vary throughout the week and the park is closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Antique Row Art & Design District (West Palm Beach) Boasting over 40 antique stores, art galleries, and award-winning restaurants to explore, you may happily lose track of time here. Considered the “antique design center” of Florida, you will most likely have to come back more than once so you don’t miss out on anything. The perfect place to take care of your holiday shopping!

Lion Country Safari (Loxahatchee) A local family-favorite for decades that will provide lifelong memories as you pass by exotic animals just outside your vehicle! Florida’s only drive-thru safari includes over 1000 animals across 600 acres of wild land. Plenty of other attractions and rides await, so grab the kids and enjoy a day that none of you will forget! Open every day of the year (hours vary and are available on their website).

Loggerhead Marinelife Center (Juno Beach) Where can you go that is family-friendly, educational, and offers a fun, hands-on experience? Look no further! Come learn about South Florida’s ecosystem and its aquatic inhabitants. There are a number of programs for youths and adults available that will leave you coming back for more! Open daily 10AM-5PM. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. »

Palm Beach Zoo (West Palm Beach) Gators and Tigers and Bears, oh my! Gather up the family for a fun day of observing animals and enjoying some fresh air. Make it a learning experience and enjoy a number of educational lessons the zoo has to offer. Annual passes are available for those who can’t get enough out of one trip! Open daily from 9AM-5PM. Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.  

Coral Sky Amphitheatre (West Palm Beach) Located at the South Florida Fairgrounds, this venue is home to many of Florida’s best musical attractions. Whether you’re sitting under the cover of the pavilion or kicking it in the lawn, there isn’t a bad seat in the house! Get ready to plan a night out with your loved ones, you won’t want to miss out on the great acts that grace this stage!

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (Jupiter) Rescue, Rehab, Release, & Educate! This is the mission for Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, a local favorite for families in the Jupiter/Tequesta area. The Sanctuary is a hospital for native animals that have been injured in the wild. Busch Wildlife returns all the animals they can back to their natural habitats and those that wouldn’t have a chance of survival, live at the Sanctuary as educational ambassadors. Busch Wildlife is a non-profit that runs on donations because they do not charge an admission fee. The Sanctuary provides free medical and rehabilitative care to about 5,000 wild animals each year!  

Flagler Museum (Palm Beach) One of the most prominent sites in South Florida, get ready to take a step back in time and marvel in old Florida history. Not only is the museum itself a beautiful site to be seen, but you can enjoy a lovely day admiring the exhibits with a guided tour or at your own leisure. Closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day.