Palm Beach Paradise: Family Fun in the Sunshine State!

Peanut Island:

Take a water taxi over to Peanut Island for a day of snorkeling and exploration. The best time to go is at high tide when all the fish are in water around the rocks/natural reefs. There is no alcohol allowed on the island, but be sure to pack a lunch, lots of water/beverages, sunblock and towels. We pack our own snorkel gear but the docks usually have gear you can rent. Be prepared to take underwater pictures too with a waterproof case or GoPro.

Fishing Charter:

A great bonding experience for my husband and oldest child was a fishing trip on the Miss Blue Heron. They caught Red Snapper and Yellow Tail Snapper, then brought it home and took advantage of the "Hook and Cook" option at the hotel restaurant (there's a good number of restaurants that offer "hook and cook"). We enjoyed ours for lunch poolside and it was AMAZING!

Shark Tooth Hunting:

Head up to Juno Beach area to find some amazing shark teeth, many of which are millions of years old and fossilized! Most locals say to hit the beaches at low tide and search in the shell beds, but you can also find them at the waterline no matter the tide.

Sightseeing Cruise:

Take a sightseeing cruise of Palm Beach Island's wealthiest and most famous residents and their mega-yachts, while gaining a little history into the architecture and natural beauty of PBI.

Loggerhead Marine Life Center:

Visit the Loggerhead Marine Life Center and see all the amazing work they have done rehabilitating sea turtles in ocean conservation. They offer public and private tours, as well as Sensory Saturdays for visitors who are easily overstimulated and Kid's Night Out for ages 6-14.

Palm Beach Zoo:

Great for kids and adults alike. Plan for admission costs and gift store spending!

Kayaking and SUP:

For an on the water day of adventure rent a couple kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Not recommended for younger kids.

Day Trips:

Spend a day at Juno Beach by the pier looking for shark teeth and sea glass, Peanut Island is a MUST. Take a drive down A1A to see all the insanely gorgeous properties and pass Mar-a-Lago (regardless of how you feel about the current owner, it's definitely a site to see with some great history).

Breakfast:

Sailfish Marina
Located on Singer Island, this is the best breakfast buffet around with an assortment of made-to-order omelets, the BEST bacon, oatmeal, biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit, pastries, waffles and cereals. Non-alcoholic refreshments are also included. After you're done eating, head out to the docks a feed the Jacks that swim around the marina. Fun for kids and adults!

Surf Side Diner
Laid back atmosphere yet still feels a level up from our Jersey diners. This place actually feels more like Stone Harbor (where I grew up). Everything was delicious, fresh and prompt. It can quickly fill up so expect to wait if you arrive at a busy time. Surf Side is also a great place for lunch!

Lunch and Dinner:

Lynora's
With locations in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, Jupiter and Boca Raton, this is the local's place for the best Italian food. There's not one bad thing on the menu and the service is incredible!

Laid back options in Jupiter: Guanabanas and Square Grouper
The Square Grouper doesn't allow anyone under the age of 21, but it is a fun atmosphere with live music, bar food and drinks. Fun fact: It's where Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson filmed their "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere" song. Be sure to ask what a "square grouper" is if you don't already know!

Guanabanas is a fun place to experience with both the kids and as a date night. The food here is decent, but people go for the atmosphere. Tip: They don't take reservations so if you're going with kids, I suggest a late lunch or early dinner, unless you like to wait with hangry kids (not likely!)