West Palm Beach Hotels

The main draw in West Palm Beach in Florida is the 40 miles of beach to which spring-breakers flock every spring. Of course, there are many other things to do in West Palm Beach besides lay around in the sun. There are a number of wildlife areas such as the John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, which is located on Singer Island. Activities such as snorkelling, kayaking and hiking are popular there, and it is a popular venue for music concerts. It was also a good viewing point for shuttle launches from Cape Kennedy. If you enjoy wildlife, you should head over to McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a rehabilitation centre for large cats like panthers and lions as well as larger reptiles. The Lion Country Safari is a treat for the whole family, with rides and animal demonstrations. West Palm Beachhas many cultural venues like the Norton Museum of Art, which has exhibits from Monet, Picasso and Matisse. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a stellar venue and landmark building in West Palm Beach where you can see orchestras, ballets, operas and many other fantastic performances.

When To Go

West Palm Beach has a hot and humid climate with two seasons: Wet and dry. The rainiest months are June through September, which is also the official hurricane season. The typical rainfall is 23-30 cm (9.1-11.8 inches) during this time. These are hot months as well, with highs of 33-34°C (91-93°F). It never gets very cool in West Palm Beach, which is why winter is a popular time to go. The lowest temperatures from December to February are 12-14°C (54-57°F), and the constant high humidity makes it feel even warmer. October and November are pleasant months to visit, as they are not nearly as hot and rainy as the summertime. Sudden violent storms and lightning are a frequent hazard in West Palm Beach, so be aware of this whilst driving.

· Rainy/hurricane season runs June-September

· Summer highs 33-34°C (91-93°F); winter lows 12-14°C (54-57°F)

· Humidity is 85-95 per cent in summer and 58-60 per cent in winter

Getting There

Air travellers will arrive at the Palm Beach International Airport, which is a five-minute drive from the downtown area. This airport is very efficient and not as crowded as other major terminals in Florida. You can also take an Amtrak train right into West Palm Beach or use the local Tri-Rail service from Miami. Not only does the national bus carrier Greyhound provide service to this city, but the local PalmTran bus line also services West Palm Beach. If you are driving, you can access the city via Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike. Public transit is also available via PalmTran, and there is a free trolley that runs downtown. Taxis are pretty expensive, but they are available.

· By air: Palm Beach International Airport

· By train/bus: Amtrak and Greyhound services

. By car: I-95 and Florida Turnpike