Highland Beach FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Highland Beach, Florida.
1. Highland Beach
QUIET LOCAL BEACHFRONT
Highland Beach presents a serene, uncrowded coastline perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and leisurely ocean swims. Its laid-back ambiance distinguishes it from the busier neighboring beaches, making it an ideal spot for relaxation in South Florida. The beach is pet-friendly in certain designated areas, but visitors are encouraged to keep pets leashed.
2. North Ocean Boulevard
SCENIC COASTAL DRIVE
North Ocean Boulevard is a picturesque coastal road that runs through Highland Beach, offering iconic South Florida views and access to several beach walkways. Popular with cyclists and walkers, the boulevard provides a relaxing way to take in the area's natural beauty. Along the route, visitors can enjoy glimpses of pristine oceanfront, luxury resorts, and palm-lined streets.
3. Spanish River Park
NATURE TRAILS AND BEACHES
Spanish River Park, just north of Highland Beach, is a full-service recreational park featuring miles of nature trails, pristine Atlantic beaches, and extensive picnic facilities. Birdwatchers and nature lovers appreciate its observation areas and dune walks, while families enjoy grills, playgrounds, and clean restrooms. The park's shaded pavilions make it a popular spot for gatherings and outdoor sports.
4. Delray Municipal Beach
VIBRANT OCEANFRONT RECREATION
Delray Municipal Beach offers a lively stretch of sand with lifeguard stations, water sports rentals, and volleyball courts, attracting both locals and tourists. The beach is known for its cleanliness and walkability, complemented by nearby shops and eateries. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or simply strolling along the bustling promenade.
5. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
JAPANESE ART AND GARDENS
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens showcases authentic Japanese culture through rotating exhibits, serene garden landscapes, and immersive educational events. Visitors explore six unique gardens, each inspired by a different historical period, and enjoy the tranquil ambiance, bonsai displays, and traditional tea ceremonies. The museum also features a Pan-Asian café and a gift shop with curated items.
6. Sandoway Discovery Center
COASTAL NATURE EDUCATION
Sandoway Discovery Center offers hands-on exhibits and interactive encounters with South Florida's coastal wildlife, including live sharks, stingrays, and rescued reptiles. Visitors can view Southeast Florida's largest private shell collection and participate in daily animal feedings, fossil digs, and informative nature walks. The center focuses on marine conservation and provides engaging activities for families and children.
7. Atlantic Avenue
SHOPPING AND NIGHTLIFE HUB
Atlantic Avenue is Delray Beach's vibrant main street, lined with art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and lively bars. The district comes alive at night with music venues and events, making it a favorite spot for evening strolls and people-watching. Day or night, the avenue offers visitors a mixture of culture, dining, and entertainment close to the ocean.
8. Pineapple Grove Arts District
ART AND CULTURE DISTRICT
Pineapple Grove Arts District is a colorful neighborhood celebrated for its eclectic art galleries, street murals, and vibrant public sculptures. The area regularly hosts art walks, workshops, and cultural festivals that highlight local creativity. Trendy cafes and artisan shops add to its charm, making it a popular destination for both art aficionados and casual explorers.
9. Seagate Beach
RELAXED PUBLIC ACCESS SHORE
Seagate Beach offers a quieter alternative to the main Delray Municipal Beach, with a small parking lot and easy access to soft sands and clear waters. This beach is favored by locals for morning swims and tranquil sunset views. The lack of crowds and facilities makes it ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
10. Bark Park Dog Beach
DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHFRONT
Bark Park Dog Beach in Boca Raton is a designated stretch of sand and surf where dogs can run and play off-leash in a safe, oceanfront environment. The park is equipped with waste stations and is monitored by lifeguards during open hours. It's a favorite gathering place for dog owners looking to socialize their pets and enjoy the sea.
11. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
TROPICAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center features outdoor aquariums, a butterfly garden, and scenic boardwalk trails weaving through a coastal hammock and mangroves. Educational exhibits focus on sea turtle conservation, local biodiversity, and coastal ecology. The center is family-friendly and offers hands-on learning opportunities, nature hikes, and seasonal turtle releases.
12. Spanish River Athletic Park
SPORTS AND RECREATION FIELDS
Spanish River Athletic Park provides expansive fields and facilities for soccer, baseball, and other team sports, attracting athletes of all ages. The park includes shaded playgrounds, picnic tables, and paved walking paths for families looking to relax or exercise. Modern amenities and well-maintained grounds make it a hub for local sporting events and weekend outings.
13. Silver Palm Park
INTRACOASTAL PICNIC OASIS
Silver Palm Park is a scenic waterfront park situated along the Intracoastal Waterway, offering picnic pavilions, boat ramps, and fishing areas. Boaters and anglers appreciate the easy water access, while families enjoy shaded grassy spaces for gatherings. The park is a favorite spot for relaxing with views of passing yachts and the city skyline.
14. Wakodahatchee Wetlands
WILDLIFE OBSERVATION BOARDWALK
Wakodahatchee Wetlands is an award-winning natural preserve with elevated boardwalks weaving through wetlands teeming with native birds, turtles, and alligators. Photographers and nature lovers flock here to spot over 150 species of wildlife in their natural habitat. Informational signs and viewing platforms enhance the educational experience for all ages.
15. Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
EVERGLADES WILDERNESS PRESERVE
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge protects a vast stretch of the northern Everglades, offering hiking trails, canoeing routes, and exceptional birdwatching. The visitor center features interactive exhibits about the ecosystem and conservation efforts. Boardwalks and observation towers allow visitors to experience Florida's unique wetlands up close.