Easy Ways to Enjoy the Waterfront

Water is everywhere in Palm Beach County: the ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, lakes and canals. One of the best parts of living here is how easy it is to spend time near it, even if you do not own a boat. These are a few simple ways I like to enjoy it.

Watch the sunset over the Intracoastal

Sunrise belongs to the ocean, but sunset belongs to the Intracoastal. Finding a public spot along the water on the west side of the barrier island, or on the mainland waterfront, and watching the sky change color is one of the simplest pleasures here.

Walk or bike a waterfront path

There are paths along the water throughout the county. The Lake Trail on Palm Beach and the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront are two easy favorites, and many towns along the coast have their own promenades and parks.

Try paddling

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular ways to get on the water without much commitment. Many parks and outfitters rent equipment, and calm water on the Intracoastal or in a protected lagoon is a good place to start. Going early, before the wind picks up, makes it much easier.

Visit a nature area

The county has a number of parks and natural areas where you can see wading birds, manatees in the cooler months and native plants up close. A boardwalk through a mangrove area is a calm change of pace from the busier beaches.

Eat by the water

Waterfront restaurants are part of the culture here. Lunch or dinner overlooking the water, with boats going by, is an easy way to feel like you are on vacation even on an ordinary weekday.

Go fishing from shore

You do not need a boat to fish here either. Public piers and bridges with designated fishing areas are popular with locals, and spending an early morning there is as much about the people watching and the sunrise as the fish. Licensing rules apply in Florida, so it is worth checking the state wildlife commission’s requirements before you go.

Respect the water

Whatever you do, it is worth checking conditions first, especially for swimming and paddling. Rip currents, weather and boat traffic are real, and wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated is a must.

Living near the water is a big reason people move to this part of Florida. Taking a little time to enjoy it, even for half an hour, never feels wasted.

Views expressed here are my own and do not represent the views of my employer. Content is for general information only and is not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice.