Sunshine is the best way to treat the winter blues, and Palm Beach County does it best with its stunning beaches, natural landscapes and seemingly endless list of activities for the entire family. If you’re planning for a white sand winter on the east coast, Gulfstream Boat Club has you covered with the perfect way to spend your getaway. From our favorite dockside dining options to pristine state and local parks, we are sure there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy on the Atlantic side of the state. Check out these family friendly things to do on the east coast Gulfstream Boat Club locations for the perfect boat day!
Get Outside and Enjoy Nature!
Peanut Island
This little island, an exceptional county park, is located in the mouth of the inlet to the Port of Palm Beach. Just a short ride from your Palm Beach County Gulfstream Boat club location, Peanut Island is the perfect spot to anchor up for a day of family fun in the sun. The water is direct from the ocean, flushed thoroughly with each tide, and the clear Caribbean blue color is like nothing else nearby. Don’t forget to pack the snorkel gear! If you keep a keen eye on the water you may see a spotted eagle ray or starfish basking in the sand!
#MemberTIP: Peanut Island is one of the few places you can get pizza delivery BY BOAT! Look for the Romana Pizza Delivery Pontoon!
The Jupiter Sandbar
A unique destination, popular among local boaters, is the Loxahatchee River Sandbar located in Jupiter/Tequesta near the Jupiter Inlet. Capable of accommodating hundreds of people during low tide this spot will have dozens of boaters, swimming, soaking or sunbathing in the warm shallow waters. Check the tides, fill the cooler and grab some Publix subs for a full day of fun!
Beer Can Island – Boynton Beach Inlet
Just North and West of the Boynton Inlet lies a sandbar that locals call Beer Can Island. A nice little sand bar that, on a good day, exposes dry sand the size of a football field. Get there on an incoming tide to enjoy the clearest water of the day. You can expect to see kids, and dogs, and plenty of locals soaking up the sun!
Lake Boca – Boca Raton Intracoastal Waterway
The water in Lake Boca is like a trip the Florida Keys most days. The water is extremely clean and clear and full of fish who are regularly found swimming under the docks. Feeding the fish is encouraged and fun. Manatee, Manta Rays, and many other exotic fish travel in and out of the Boca Inlet so there’s a good chance you’ll see some of this life at some point.
Palm Beach County Dockside Dining
Guanabanas Restaurant – Jupiter
Pull up your boat for a bite to eat and a tropical atmosphere. Located in Jupiter, in Northern Palm Beach county, this eclectic restaurant sets the mood with thatched tiki huts, towering banyan trees and live music. The “Floribbean” cuisine paired with their signature cocktails makes for a wonderful detour for a day on the water.
Clematis Street via Public Docks – West Palm Beach
Located in the middle of downtown West Palm Beach, the public docks are available every day on a first come first serve basis with a capacity for 24 vessels.The historic heart of downtown WPB is lined with sophisticated boutiques, entertainment-packed nightclubs, live music, gourmet restaurants and historical landmarks.
The perfect family friendly thing to do in Palm Beach County, make your way to West Palm on a Saturday morning! Indulge in the “Best Farmers Market” in the U.S., as voted in a USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice poll! Over 110 vendors set up every Saturday along the beautiful West Palm Beach Waterfront. Here you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, cheeses, plants, flowers, honey, teas, coffee, and so much more.
Visit the Green Market market every Saturday October through April from 9am to 1pm.
More family-friendly dockside dining options to consider:
Old Key Lime House
Large tiki bar where you can enjoy fresh seafood, strong cocktails, and beautiful views of the Lake Worth lagoon.
300 East Ocean Avenue, Lantana FL / (561) 582-1889 / oldkeylimehouse.com
Two Georges Waterfront Grill
Lively destination offering seafood classics, cocktails, live music plus waterfront views.
728 Casa Loma Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 / (561) 736-2717 / twogeorgesrestaurant.com
Family Friendly Things To Do in Palm Beach County – Off the Water
Manatee Lagoon –
6000 N Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 / (561) 626-2833 / visitmanateelagoon.com/
Double bonus, this unique location can be enjoyed from boat or land! During the colder winter months, the facility’s observation deck is the ideal spot to view manatees basking in the warm-water outflows from the Next Generation Clean Energy Center. This is a truly one of a kind family experience you can’t miss!
Jupiter Lighthouse Tour
500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter, FL 33469 / (561) 747-8380 / jupiterlighthouse.org/
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse has illuminated the Jupiter skyline and has served as a maritime Atlantic Ocean beacon since the 1860s. Take a guided tour or explore the lighthouse and surrounding Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area.
Sandoway Discovery Center
142 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483 / (561) 274-7263 / sandoway.org
At Sandoway, you will find interactive educational exhibits and programs designed to inspire the minds of young children, future botanists, oceanographers, marine biologists and researchers.
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
1801 N Ocean Blvd Boca Raton, FL 33432 / (561) 544-8605 / myboca.us/2096/Gumbo-Limbo-Nature-Center
This 20-acre coastal preserve is a destination you don’t want to miss! Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is surrounded by a rare remnant of tropical hardwood hammock, located on a barrier island, and also has exhibits showcasing Florida’s natural flora and fauna.
Start Your Palm Beach County Winter Break with Gulfstream Boat Club!
Ready to start planning the winter getaway the entire family will enjoy? Just add water! Gulfstream Boat Club is proud to offer a uniquely premium fleet of boats, each one kept sparkling clean and in peak performing condition. Ask our Member Services team for more ideas on how to spend your boat day, whether you’re planning family-friendly activities or a special day with loved ones. Our larger, premium fleet will get your family there in style and comfort.