Palm Beach/West Palm Beach Travel Information
The opulence of Palm Beach dates back to the introduction of the
railroad to south Florida by Henry Flagler. The wealthy tycoon was
charmed by the village and decided to re-create it as a passport
community for the rich and famous. A flurry of monied families
followed, and soon Flagler’s vision of a playground for the wealthy
materialized. Palm Beach maintains the reputation of exclusivity to
this day with a show of flamboyance that is unrivaled in the Sunshine
State. West Palm Beach, in contrast, was conceived as a residence for
servants of the Palm Beach estates. Set apart from its parent across
Lake Worth, West Palm Beach was created without the glamour of its
mother. It was charmed with a friendly and fun attitude.
Driving along South Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach exposes
several wealthy estates — Donald Trump’s 117-room nest;
President Kennedy’s "Winter White House"; and the mansion of French
businessman Robert de Balkany and his Princess-wife Maria Gabriella of
Savoy. The only public attraction in Palm Beach is the Flagler Museum,
a.k.a. the "Taj Mahal of North America", winter residence of Henry
Flagler. Few homes can boast such flaunting prowess. Several
points of interest exist in West Palm Beach. Rapids Water Park is a
real splash and Dreher Park Zoo on Summit Boulevard and Lion Park
Safari can put a smile on children of all ages. Dreher Park is also
host to the South Florida Science Museum, Planetarium and Aquarium, as
well as a nature trail. Yachting and polo sports are a favorite
in Palm Beach but the average Joe is not invited. However, Okeeheelee
Park in West Palm Beach offers some great water skiing, fishing,
canoeing, kayaking, biking, tennis, golf, and a 1.2-mile nature trail.
The Grassy Water Preserve, which is actually the beginnings of the
Florida Everglades, is a wonderful place to visit for canoeing,
kayaking and hiking through beautiful nature trails. West Palm
Beach is about 65 miles north of Miami on I-95.
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