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The climate is classified as subtropical. Cold snaps affect the area in winter briefly, bringing temperatures around freezing, as well as frost. Snow flurries have even been recorded, though the weather is usually warm and muggy.
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By plane
Palm Beach International Airport , 1000 Turnage Boulevard, (561) 471-7420, [url=http://www.pbia.org/].]This is a small, yet highly adequate airport served by Air Canada; American Airlines; Delta; JetBlue; Spirit; AirTran; Southwest Airlines; United; and US Air as well as regional carriers. The airport has restaurants as well as fast food. While both the [[Miami[/url]] and the [wiki=03de63c74ab76e54cfa7d2ab20b8d9c2]Fort Lauderdale[/wiki] airports are busy, PBI is easy to get in and out of, and is about five minutes from downtown West Palm Beach. Travelers flying into [wiki=6e11a53905437828c980c8fb592009fc]South Florida[/wiki] or the [wiki=6dbefdc38954fc54ea0c697d0c6ec0a7]Bahamas[/wiki] should strongly consider PBI. The airport serves both air carriers (airlines) and general aviation aircraft. The airport has a 24 hour control tower and a U.S. Customs & Immigration port of entry facility. The general aviation traffic at PBI has a choice of three fixed base operators. North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport (F45) is located in the north portion of the county and provides easy access to the Florida Research Park, Jupiter, and Palm Beach Gardens.
The #44 bus connects PBI with Downtown Palm Beach, where connections can be made to other areas of Palm Beach County. [http://www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/palmtran/maps_schedules/rt44.htm] Service is every 30 minutes on weekdays, and 60 minutes on weekends.
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By train
Amtrak has a stop in the downtown West Palm Beach, and the Tri-Rail runs between [wiki=0f5de708d2f6808ffb0c3893b2b8964a]Miami[/wiki] and West Palm.
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By car
West Palm Beach is easily accessible by Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike.
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By bus
PalmTran [http://www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/palmtran/] runs throughout Palm Beach County. At the corner of Quadrille and Clematis you will find a popular hub, connecting many different routes.
Greyhound has a bus station right in Downtown WBP, next to the Tri-Rail station. www.greyhound.com/en/locations/terminal.aspx?city=471570/
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By boat
With the development of the West Palm Beach Waterfront, downtown West Palm Beach has become very boat-friendly. There are several downtown docks on the Intracoastal (this part of the Intracoastal Waterway is called Lake Worth) that are open to boaters....but not overnight. Sailboats in the 30'-50' range are moored between the docks, some for weeks or months at a time. There is easy access to the supermarkets and, of course, to entertainment. Because of the new docks, downtown West Palm Beach has become a popular way station for boats heading North from the Keys, South to Miami, or on their way to the Bahamas.
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By car
The easiest way to get around West Palm Beach and South Florida is by car. The city is set up on grid system, and is fairly easy to navigate. Downtown is roughly 2 mi north east of Palm Beach International Airport. Palm Beach County is served by Interstate I-95 and U.S. Highway 1 and US 441. It is also served by Florida's Turnpike.
Florida has "no fault" auto accident laws, which means that you are responsible for up to $10,000 in damage to your car, even if you are not responsible for the accident. Make sure that your rental car comes with collision insurance, or obtain separate insurance. Florida also has a very high rate of auto fatalities, so take extra care on the roads.
Car rental companies include the following:
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Outside-of-Airport car rental companies with Shuttle include:
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By taxi
Taxis are generally expensive, but available at almost any time and place.
* The largest company in the city.
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By bus
Palm Tran runs seven days a week (excluding holidays) serving more than 3,500 bus stops.
* A free trolley serving the Downtown West Palm Beach Clematis Street District. Hours of Operation Sunday-Wednesday 11AM-9PM and Thursday-Saturday 11AM-11PM.
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By train
Commuter train which runs north and south parallel to I-95, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Tri-Rail provides access to South Florida's three major airports, as well as links to Miami's Metrorail.
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Flagler Museum, on the island of Palm Beach, features the restored home of Henry Flagler, co-founder of Standard Oil, and the man who conceived of Florida as a tourist destination. Tour his home ($10 per person) and have high tea ($28 per person).
* Norton Art Museum, in downtown West Palm, has been newly renovated and has become a piece of art itself. Located on Dixie Hwy, about a quarter of a mile from Okeechobee Blvd. Open 6 days. $12 adults; $5 for ages 13 to 21; free for members and kids under 13.
* The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is one of the premier performing arts centers in the Southeast with a growing national and international reputation. True to the spirit in which it was created, the Center is expanding programming by initiating projects on local, national and international levels. The world-class Kravis Center opened fully funded, with a total construction cost of $68 million, of which a remarkable $49 million came from private individuals and corporations.
*The Zoo houses over 1,400 animals within 23-acres of lush tropical habitat. It's also known for its Florida Pioneer Trail, Lizard House, Koala Forest & Wallaby Station, Tiger Falls, Tropics of the Americas, and West End. A great family outing with lots of fun events!
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West Palm Beach is the nightlife hub of Palm Beach County. CityPlace, about 4 blocks West of the Intracoastal Waterfront has dozens of restaurants, a club with a live band every night, two or three outside bars, a dance club, and...about to open (as of July 31, 2013)...a karaoke bar...alongside a brand new country and western bar which is a few feet away from a bar that specializes in beer. There is a 20 screen movie theatre with ballpark seating, a comedy club that features the same comedians who appear in bigger cities, and a giant musical fountain with a stage in front featuring...on weekend nights...a local band. CityPlace tries to be family friendly and there are events on most weekends. There is a free trolley from CityPlace to Clematis Street.
Clematis Street runs East to the Intracoastal past a park with a dancing water fountain for kids to play in (there is even a Life Guard on duty during busy days) and the city's docks (built more for people than for boats). Along the way is an ice cream shop with a bathroom that was featured on TV (Travel Channel-WORLD'S TEN BEST BATHROOMS). Clematis Street has another dozen bars and restaurants (a Wine Bar, beers from around the world, a hookah bar, a Mexican Restaurant/Bar, dance clubs, Cuban restaurants, a rooftop bar, Asian restaurants, etc). It tends to draw a younger crowd than CityPlace....especially at 2:00AM.
About one mile East of downtown WPB....across a short bridge with a protected pedestrian walkway, are the beaches of Palm Beach, along Route A1A (the route closest to the Atlantic Ocean). Public beaches (county and city) are interspersed all along A1A....next to beach front mansions and hotels....and all the way South to Miami Beach. On both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway are pedestrian walkways and bike paths.
There are over 40 miles of beautiful beaches in Palm Beach County. The proximity of the Gulf Stream keeps the waters warm year-round. A nearby public beach in the city of [wiki=0a3db7638f639bb0a357748b594cb8c3]Palm Beach[/wiki] has lifeguards during the day, and is easily accessible. Flags by the lifeguard announce hazardous conditions (red for dangerous surf conditions, and purple for dangerous sea life).
For snorkeling, two places might satisfy. One is John D. MacArthur Beach State Park [http://www.macarthurbeach.org/], located on the north end of Singer Island. The beach contains a shallow reef full of fish. Be careful, shark and barracuda are seen occasionally. This park also has kayaking, music on Sundays, and some short hiking trails. Kayaking is popular in a calm inlet located in the park, which is surrounded by mangrove swamps.
Another snorkeling spot is the Breaker's reef. Located on Palm Beach, the reef is nestled right behind the Breakers hotel. This reef is one long stretch that juts out into the ocean. You can park on the side roads near the Breakers, although it is technically illegal and police often tow out of town cars from this wealthy neighborhood.
A beach activity unique to Florida is watching rocket launches out over the ocean. Rockets lifting off from Cape Canaveral are visible during both daylight and night hours, although night and early morning launches are significantly more impressive. From most beaches, looking directly north up the coast will orient you correctly. Launches are visible from anywhere in Florida, but the ocean guarantees a clear view and night launches often reflect in the water.
There are bicycle paths throughout the area. One of the nicest is on the West (Intracoastal) side of Palm Beach. It runs from the middle bridge to the inlet that separates Palm Beach from Singer Island. This path is also suitable for roller blading.
*At this non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center, you can see over 90 animals and have a close encounter with over 22 large cats lions, tiger, panther, snakes and more. Money raised goes towards the care of the animals. Bring your camera. A fun and educational experience.
* lies just west of the city. Originally, there were several of these Safari Parks, but this is the only to remain. Includes rides for children; makes a great family fun day!
*Rents motor scooters and bicycles for self-guided tours along the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.....Palm Beach's scenic highway. Miles of waterside bicycle paths are two blocks from the front door. Motor Scooter riding lessons available (18 or over).
*Panther Ridge Conservation Center provides permanent homes for endangered exotic cats. Tours of the facility are available for a small donation of $25 for adults and $10 for children. All tax deductible. On tour you will see Cheetahs, Ocelots, Panthers, Clouded Leopards, Jaguars and more. Fun for kids and families. Top rated attraction on Trip Advisor.
* This is a step-by-step painting studio located just downtown West Palm Beach. You are able to bring your favorite drinks and food to enjoy while learning to paint. Great time for all ages! Reservations are highly recommended at www.UptownArt.com. Prices range from $20 and up and includes all materials. Just BYOB!
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Shopping is a popular activity in West Palm, not least because the weather is so mild year-round. There are a number of places to shop, including:
* CityPlace, two recently-renovated blocks in downtown West Palm that now features dozens of high-end shops, including Brookstone; Pottery Barn; White House, Black Market; Macy's; and more.
* Clematis Street, runs perpendicular to CityPlace, and is the older, trendy shopping district, featuring Ann Taylor and several unique, eclectic shops.
* South Dixie Highway provides several blocks of second-hand shops, from thrift stores to high-end antiques.
* Worth Avenue on Palm Beach Island is home to many luxury boutiques.
* Downtown at the Gardens in Palm Beach Gardens has many restaurants, along with other stores selling clothing, like urban outfitters, and other shops. Also includes Cobb movie theaters.
*Rents motor scooters and bicycles for self-guided tours on A1A, along the Atlantic Ocean, and, for bicycles, on miles of bike paths in West Palm Beach and across the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach.
*Sun Spray Tanning & Boutique, is the Palm Beach's Premier Spray Tan Destination. Featuring top of the line equipment, The VersaPro and The Evolv, you are sure to receive a spray tan like never before. A calm and inviting space with a boutique in the lobby - full of beach ready dresses, blouses, and accessories. Complementary beverages and all the amenities you need for your spray session are included. The products and solution have active anti aging ingredients, ginger, lemon grass, avocado oil, caffeine, vitamin D & E just to name a few.. You actually nourish your skin during your treatment. For the days when its not so sunny out, this is a great alternative! Not to mention it's healthy. Healthy & Luxurious! Sun Spray also travels up to 20 miles to accommodate you in your hotel or home. The perfect Florida tan in minutes.
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Wine Bar and fine dining restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens. Farm to table cuisine that features local products. Over 250 wines available.
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Budget
Full grocery and cafe offering fresh and local produce, fresh and local seafood, grass fed beef as well as a butcher in the house, enticing array of salads and entrees prepared to eat-in or take-out, brick oven pizzas, custom sandwiches, full scale bakery, unique coffees, great wine and beer selections, nutritional supplements and spa products, and cheeses from around the world.
* Pizza Girls 114 S Clematis St, Tel: +1 561 833-4004-- a great place to grab a quick, expensive bite; offers gourmet pies, or pizza by the slice.
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Mid-range
Sushi Jo 319 Belvedere Road #12, Tel: +1 561 868-7893 [url=http://www.sushijo.com]]-- Best sushi around; always ask for market price!
* Rhythm Cafe 3800 S Dixie Hwy # A, Tel: +1 561 833-3406 -- outstanding food -- the menu changes regularly -- in an eclectic setting.
* ER Bradley's Saloon 104 S Clematis St, Tel: +1 561 833-3520 -- decent bar food in sight of the Intracoastal.
* The India Palace 4778 Okeechobee Blvd, Tel: +1 561 478-5606 -- great Indian food, at a moderate price.
* Brewzzi 700 S Rosemary Ave # 212, Tel: +1 561 366-9753 [http://www.brewzzi.com[/url] -- local microbrewery cooks up excellent meals.
* Havana 6803 S Dixie Hwy, Tel: +1 561 547-9799 -- authentic Cuban cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner, with an all-night take-out window.
* Longboard's 519 N Clematis St, Tel: +1 561 833-4660 -- great seafood and a fun atmosphere. large appetizer selection and happy hour
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Clematis by Night, sponsored by the City of West Palm, is a lively event each Thursday on Clematis Street. There's live music, and the audience can purchase beer and wine -- poured by a (rotating) area non-profit, who gets to keep the profits. Imagine: drinking and doing good!
* O'Shea's Pub 531 Clematis St, Tel" +1 561 833-3865-- a traditional Irish pub with a great beer garden on Clematis.
* Blue Martini 550 S Rosemary Ave # 244, Tel: +1 561 835-8601 -- an upscale martini bar (martinis run about $15 apiece), featuring well-made drinks, doormen who are in love with themselves, and live music on the weekends.
* Brewzzi, 700 S Rosemary Ave # 212, Tel: +1 561 366-9753 [http://www.brewzzi.com]. Restaurant, Brewery and Bar at CityPlace. Winning both gold and silver medals at the Great American Beer Fest 2000-2003, Brewzzi is the most honored brewery in Florida. Brewzzi's Patio Bar overlooks the CityPlace fountains and there is a 2 for 1 Happy Hour, M-Th 3PM-6:30PM.
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All suite hotel. Free cooked to order breakfast daily, free eve reception with free drinks and snacks.
*Resort has The Spa, iBar, iRONWOOD Grill, Golf courses, and personal trainers.
*The Courtyard West Palm Beach features all the comforts, conveniences and hospitality you expect from a hotel in West Palm Beach, Florida. Just minutes from Singer Island and a short walk to AT&T, Thermo Fisher and Lockheed Martin
*Less than a mile from the airport. Stay with free cooked-to-order breakfast and nightly manager's reception.
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Budget
Very much a budget hotel; don't expect luxury or even much in the way of comfort, but if you're on a tight budget it's a private place to sleep.
*Clean, comfortable rooms and bathrooms with free wireless internet.
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Mid-range
A funky, sea-foam-colored hotel with colorful, ultra-modern decor. Located about 3 miles south of Clematis Street, Hotel Biba bills itself as "a 43-room historic landmark boutique hotel." The hotel features Biba Bar, a hip nightclub featuring live music on the weekends.
*Suites with full kitchens, free internet, flat screen TV. Guests have access to free parking, free hot breakfast, pool and fitness center.
*Extended stay hotel. Suites include free Internet, microwave, mini-fridge, and flat screen TV. Also available to guests are free hot breakfast buffet, free parking, pool, and fitness center.
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Splurge
Located across the street from the Palm Beach Airport and minutes from the Palm Beach Convention Center, the Kravis Center and many of Palm Beach's famous golf courses. The property holds 219 rooms and 104 suites, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a fitness center and shuttle buses which go downtown and to the airport.
* Three-star hotel with all the usual amenities.
* Upscale resort and spa right on the beach.
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Despite a dropping crime rate, the crime is very high for a city its size. It was recently rated as the 14th most dangerous city in the United States, but the worst areas are not the ones usually frequented by tourists. (Although the area along North Tamarind Avenue isn't far from the more touristic downtown section, so beware of walking in the wrong direction).
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The Tiki Bar is a casual bar on the Intracoastal about 2 miles north of West Palm, in [wiki=a64ec0cf568249c3161be3ac1fccca51]Riviera Beach[/wiki] just off US 1. They feature live music 7 days a week. If you go, try the Grouper Tacos, an unforgettable taste treat. One plate serves 2 people.
Heading north about 5 more miles takes you to Blue Heron Blvd. Turn right, and cross the bridge. You will find yourself on [wiki=87810ae62edfae47f90397429c792029]Singer Island[/wiki], a small beach community that wants to be the next [wiki=7cedcf822d6f3c0396fb573a2f73bb16]Cocoa Beach[/wiki]. Featuring clean, wide, white sandy beaches, several open-aired beachside restaurants, and a few large surf shops, this is a very relaxing place to get away from the trendy shopping and nightlife of West Palm.
There are a lot of other interesting cities surrounding West Palm, including [wiki=89c5c30498c2989611f9044be006197c]Jupiter[/wiki] and [wiki=dac15c33eb9d6d9de66610698a829090]Palm Beach Gardens[/wiki] to the north, Royal Palm Beach to West, Atlantic Ocean to East and [wiki=25971860e7bc0e42afa5e09bfc50c8f1]Delray Beach[/wiki], [wiki=702e989bf025becf325e0bb91eb2586b]Boca Raton[/wiki], and [wiki=2290e0a264fc9e22b5e930968339c68d]Boynton Beach[/wiki] to the south.
[wiki=77be48071571e2b0e84a4c29d62aebd7]de:West Palm Beach[/wiki]
[wiki=557649cae96a9022d50b8afc60d9217e]pt:West Palm Beach[/wiki]
[wiki=ad2fb703d96bf16d17d6da4badaa5f9d]wts:Category:West Palm Beach[/wiki]
[[Wikipedia:West_Palm_Beach,_Florida]]
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