10 Things to Do in Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Quick answer: The best things to do in Palm Beach Gardens include exploring John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, dining at PGA Commons, visiting the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, hiking Frenchman's Forest, browsing the Sunday GreenMarket, and cruising the Intracoastal Waterway by boat.

Palm Beach Gardens gets boxed in as a golf town. And sure, the PGA headquarters is right there. Five championship courses sit within a few miles of each other. But here's the thing. There is a whole world of experiences hiding behind those fairways.

This city sits minutes from pristine Atlantic beaches. It is surrounded by nature preserves, art districts, and waterfront dining. Whether visiting for a weekend or planning a day trip, the options go way beyond 18 holes.

Here are 10 things to do in Palm Beach Gardens that have nothing to do with golf.

At a Glance: 10 Things to Do in Palm Beach Gardens

1. Hit the Sand at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

This is the only state park in all of Palm Beach County. That alone makes it worth a visit. Located on a barrier island near Singer Island, the park covers nearly 438 acres.

Visitors get access to 1.6 miles of undeveloped beach. No high-rises. No blaring music. Just sand, surf, and sea oats swaying in the breeze.

Beyond the beach, nature trails wind through tropical hardwood hammocks. The Dune Hammock Trail is a quick 0.3-mile walk through canopied forest. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available for exploring the mangrove-lined estuary. The William T. Kirby Nature Center features live sea turtle exhibits year-round.

What to know before you go:

• Entry fee is $4 to $5 per vehicle
• Open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset
• Kayak rentals available on site through Beach Outfitters

Singer Island has plenty more going on beyond the state park. Check out this full guide to things to do in Singer Island, Florida, for more water activities nearby.

2. Explore PGA Commons Art & Dining District

This one surprises people. PGA Commons is not a mall. It is an open-air district stretching half a mile along PGA Boulevard. Think Mediterranean-style architecture, brick walkways, and outdoor art scattered everywhere.

Three distinct art galleries call this district home. Onessimo Fine Art, Studio E Gallery, and Native Visions Galleries each offer something different. There are even life-size chessboards tucked between the buildings. Which is kind of delightful.

The restaurant lineup is solid too. The Cooper, Rocco's Tacos, Spoto's Oyster Bar, and Prosecco Café all operate here. Outdoor patio seating is the norm, which feels right for South Florida.

3. Stroll Through Downtown Palm Beach Gardens

Downtown Palm Beach Gardens is an open-air lifestyle center built around a scenic lake. It pulls together shopping, dining, and live entertainment into one walkable space.

The lakeside carousel has been a community favorite since 2010. Kids love the pop jet fountains on warm afternoons. Weekend evenings often bring free live music concerts right by the water.

Anchor tenants include Whole Foods Market, REI, and Lifetime Fitness. Newer additions like Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and Muse Paintbar keep things fresh. CMX Cinemas offers a premium movie experience with recliner seating and 16 screens.

4. Meet Sea Turtles at Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Just a short drive north in Juno Beach sits one of Florida's best free attractions. The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a nonprofit sea turtle hospital and research facility. USA Today readers voted it the No. 1 Best Free Attraction back-to-back in 2024 and 2025.

Visitors can observe recovering sea turtles up close. Interactive exhibits explain coastal ecosystems and conservation efforts. The center sits adjacent to one of the most active loggerhead nesting beaches in the world. Surprisingly powerful stuff, especially for families with kids.

Quick details:

• Admission is free (donations accepted)
• Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: 14200 US Highway 1, Juno Beach

Singer Island has plenty more going on beyond the state park. Check out this full guide to things to do in Singer Island Florida, for more water activities nearby.

5. Hike Through Frenchman's Forest Natural Area

A 158-acre nature preserve right inside the city. That is Frenchman's Forest. Four trails wind through seven different habitats. Pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, oak hammocks, and mangrove zones all sit within one property.

The Blazing Star Nature Trail offers a paved, accessible path under a shady hardwood canopy. The Saw Palmetto Hiking Trail is the main loop at 1.3 miles. Look for gopher tortoises, red-shouldered hawks, and wading birds along the boardwalks.

A 500-foot elevated boardwalk crosses through the cypress swamp section. It is one of the most peaceful spots in all of Palm Beach Gardens. And it is completely free.

6. Shop at The Gardens Mall

For a luxury retail fix, The Gardens Mall delivers. This 1.4 million square foot center features over 160 specialty shops and restaurants. Anchor stores include Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy's.

It is not just high-end either. There is a good mix of mid-range brands and dining options. The atmosphere stays clean, spacious, and surprisingly relaxed even on weekends.

7. Browse The Gardens GreenMarket

From October through May, every Sunday morning brings the GreenMarket to life. It is held at the City Hall Municipal Campus on North Military Trail. This weekly event runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Local farmers, bakers, and artisans fill the market with fresh produce, honey, cheeses, prepared foods, flowers, and handmade crafts. Live music plays throughout the morning. It is the kind of slow, feel good Sunday tradition that locals swear by.

2026 season note: The next GreenMarket season kicks off October 4, 2026.

8. Catch a Game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium

Technically in neighboring Jupiter, but only about 10 minutes away. Roger Dean Stadium is the spring training home for both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins.

Outside of spring training, it hosts minor league games all summer long. The Palm Beach Cardinals and Jupiter Hammerheads play a full schedule from April through September. Tickets are affordable, and the vibe is relaxed. Cold beer, warm evening, crack of the bat. That is hard to beat.

9. See a Show at Maltz Jupiter Theatre

Another Jupiter gem sitting just outside the Palm Beach Gardens border. The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is the largest regional theater in the southern half of the United States. The 659-seat venue hosts professional productions year-round.

The 2026/27 season is titled "Stories Reawakened." Past seasons have featured shows like Hairspray, Jersey Boys, and Man of La Mancha. Quality rivals what most people expect only from much bigger cities.

10. Get on the Water Along the Intracoastal

Here is what most travel guides skip. Palm Beach Gardens sits just minutes from the Intracoastal Waterway. That opens up a completely different way to experience South Florida.

Boat rentals from nearby providers make it easy to explore waterfront mansions, barrier islands, and hidden sandbars. Half-day and full-day charters cover everything from sunset cruises to deep-sea fishing.

For visitors coming from Boca Raton or Delray Beach, Boca Raton Boat Rental offers luxury yacht charters along the Palm Beach coastline. It is one of the most memorable ways to see the area. A perspective most tourists simply never get.

FAQs

What are the best free things to do in Palm Beach Gardens?

The Loggerhead Marinelife Center in nearby Juno Beach is completely free. So is hiking at Frenchman's Forest Natural Area. The Gardens GreenMarket runs free every Sunday morning from October through May. Browsing PGA Commons and Downtown Palm Beach Gardens costs nothing either.

Is Palm Beach Gardens worth visiting if you don't play golf?

Absolutely. The city offers state parks, nature trails, art galleries, dining districts, and waterfront experiences. Nearby attractions like the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Maltz Jupiter Theatre add even more variety. Golf is just one small piece of a much bigger picture here.

How far is Palm Beach Gardens from the beach?

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is roughly a 15-minute drive from central Palm Beach Gardens. Juno Beach is also nearby and offers excellent surfing, fishing, and sea turtle nesting viewing during summer months.

Can you go boating near Palm Beach Gardens?

Yes. The Intracoastal Waterway runs just east of the city. Boat and yacht rentals are available from marinas in Jupiter, West Palm Beach, and Boca Raton. Half-day charters, sunset cruises, and deep-sea fishing trips are all popular options along the Palm Beach coastline.