Accessible Guide to The Palm Beaches, Florida

The Palm Beaches stretch across Florida’s southeast coast, a mix of white sand beaches, walkable downtowns, and towns that each bring something different. From Jupiter’s relaxed vibe to Boca Raton’s polished feel, the area balances laid-back coastal life with enough to see and do for a full vacation.

You can catch sunrise over the ocean, explore art museums or gardens in the afternoon, and find live music or outdoor dining by night. It’s an easy place to slow down and enjoy the warmth — both from the weather and from the people.

For travelers with disabilities, this region stands out. Many hotels, attractions, and beach parks have verified accessibility details through Wheel the World, making it simple to plan without guesswork.

“The staff were very accommodating and willing to communicate by writing with pen and paper or using an app.” - Renca, deaf traveler to Palm Beaches

This guide walks through what to expect in The Palm Beaches — from access and transportation to where to stay and the best places to explore along the coast.

Is The Palm Beaches Accessible?

Yes it is! Accessibility is something you’ll notice right away, from airports and train stations to beach walkways and hotels. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) has accessible routes throughout the terminal, visual paging for Deaf travelers, and curbside assistance if you request it in advance.

Public transportation is accessible, too. Both Brightline stations in West Palm Beach and Boca Raton are accessible with ramps, elevators, and clear signage. Onboard, you’ll find wide aisles and visual stop displays, making it comfortable for wheelchair users, Deaf travelers, and anyone who prefers extra space to move around. They also connect directly to Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Most beach parks include ramps or mats that reach the sand, with accessible restrooms and parking close by. Wheelchair-accessible beach chairs are available to borrow at several locations, including Lake Worth Beach, Jupiter Beach Park, and Ocean Reef Park.

Best Time to Visit

The Palm Beaches really do live up to their sunny reputation as the weather stays warm all year. Winter and spring are the most popular times to visit, with comfortable temperatures and less humidity. From December through April, you’ll find blue skies, calm ocean water, and plenty of outdoor events. So if you want to escape cold weather where you're from, Palm Beaches is a great option.

If you visit in summer, it’s hotter and more humid, but that also means smaller crowds and lower prices on hotels. The beach breeze helps keep things comfortable, however.

Fall tends to be quiet, and locals say it’s one of the best times to experience the area without the winter rush. Just check the weather forecast if you’re visiting during hurricane season (June through November), since storms can occasionally affect the coast.

Overall, there’s no bad time to go, it just depends on what kind of trip you want.

Top Things to Do in The Palm Beaches

The Palm Beaches cover a wide stretch of Florida’s Atlantic coast, so you’ll find everything from peaceful gardens and ocean piers to art museums and marine rescues. Whether you want a quiet morning outdoors or something more active, here are a few highlights that show off the area’s variety.

Take in the Accessible Beaches

The beaches are what make The Palm Beaches famous. It has 47 miles of coastline stretching from Boca Raton to Jupiter, lined with soft sand, turquoise water, and a laid-back feel that’s hard to find elsewhere in South Florida. The water stays warm most of the year, and even in winter, it’s calm enough for taking a dip.

Every town has its own stretch of beach, and they each offer something a little different.

Lake Worth Beach is one of the most well-known and most accessible spots along the coast. It has a long fishing pier, wide paved walkways, and a promenade lined with cafés and small shops. Beach mats make it easier for wheelchair users to reach the sand, and accessible restrooms are available near the parking area. It’s a good all-around beach for swimming, people-watching, or grabbing lunch nearby.

Atlantic Dunes Park in Delray Beach feels more local and low-key. The park sits behind a row of dunes, and a shaded wooden boardwalk connects the parking lot to the beach. It’s quieter than Lake Worth and great for a slower morning or sunset visit.

If you want something more scenic, head north to Juno Beach Pier. The 990-foot pier gives you one of the best ocean views in Palm Beach County, and the beach itself has gentle waves that are perfect for watching surfers or sea turtles in summer. Parking is close, and the area around the pier has several accessible picnic areas and restrooms.

Jupiter Beach Park is one of the northernmost beaches in the county and tends to be less crowded. It’s right next to the Jupiter Inlet, where you can watch boats passing through on their way to the Atlantic. There’s a paved path along the inlet, picnic shelters with ramps, and nearby spots for fishing or dolphin spotting.

For an easy beach day near Riviera Beach, Ocean Reef Park is a solid choice. It has accessible parking, lifeguards, restrooms, and a picnic area that overlooks the water — perfect if you want the ocean view without needing to roll onto the sand.

Need a beach wheelchair? Many beaches in Palm Beach County, including Lake Worth and Ocean Reef Park, offer free manual beach wheelchairs through their lifeguard stations. They’re available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive early or call the local parks department ahead of time.

Whether you want the buzz of a busy boardwalk or a quiet stretch of sand, The Palm Beaches deliver. Warm water, easy parking, and a coastal breeze that makes even the hottest days feel manageable — it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and stay awhile.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach is one of those places that makes you slow down and appreciate the ocean. It’s both a research and rescue facility, with sea turtle rehabilitation tanks where you can see the animals up close. Visitors can learn about Florida’s marine life, how sea turtles are rescued, and what conservation efforts look like in real time. There’s also a short walking path that leads to the beach, making it a great stop before or after some time by the water. View accessibility information.

Norton Museum of Art

Located in West Palm Beach, the Norton Museum of Art blends contemporary design with one of Florida’s strongest art collections. Inside, you’ll find everything from American and European paintings to photography and sculpture. The outdoor garden is calm and shaded — a nice break between exhibits — and the rotating installations mean every visit feels different. The museum also hosts talks and events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking the schedule before you go. View accessibility information.

Mounts Botanical Garden

Mounts Botanical Garden sits just west of downtown West Palm Beach and feels like a small slice of paradise tucked inside the city. It’s the oldest and largest public garden in Palm Beach County, featuring themed areas with tropical fruit trees, butterfly gardens, and palm-lined pathways. You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering here — it’s a mix of curated displays and natural spaces, with plenty of spots to rest in the shade. View accessibility information.

Juno Beach Pier and Jupiter

Juno Beach and nearby Jupiter are classic Palm Beach County stops — bright sand, clear water, and easygoing beach towns with coffee shops and seafood restaurants nearby. The Juno Beach Pier stretches 990 feet into the Atlantic, offering some of the best coastal views in the area. A short drive north, Jupiter Lighthouse and the surrounding parks give a more scenic look at Florida’s shoreline, with calm spots for picnics and photos. View accessibility information.

PopStroke

If you’re looking for something lighthearted, PopStroke in Delray Beach is a fun pick. The outdoor mini-golf course was designed by Tiger Woods and mixes sports with social space — food, drinks, music, and an easygoing vibe that works for families or groups. You can grab a meal, enjoy a game, or just hang out on the patio for a while. View accessibility information.

Where to Stay in The Palm Beaches

With more than 30 towns along the coast, The Palm Beaches give you plenty of options for where to stay. We won’t list every single one here, but we’ll highlight a few top areas worth considering — each with its own personality, from downtown spots with walkable restaurants to quiet beachfront resorts that feel miles away.

If you want to stay near the action, West Palm Beach is a great option. It’s the area’s social hub with restaurants, shopping, and live music all within a few blocks. The Ben, Autograph Collection overlooks the waterfront and blends modern design with a laid-back Florida vibe. It’s stylish, comfortable, and perfectly located for exploring downtown and The Square.

If you’re looking for the kind of trip where you can hear the ocean when you wake up, head south to Manalapan or Singer Island. The Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa has that easy luxury Florida does best — the kind where you spend the morning at the pool, wander down to the beach in the afternoon, and linger over dinner with a sea breeze in the background.

For something with more local energy, Delray Beach hits the sweet spot. The Aloft Delray Beach is a few minutes from Atlantic Avenue, where everything happens — coffee shops, galleries, rooftop bars, and a short drive to the sand.

If you’d rather have space to spread out, Palm Beach Gardens is a great base. The PGA National Resort feels like its own little world, with golf courses, a spa, and a handful of restaurants on-site where you could stay for days without ever leaving the property.

Wherever you end up, there are many accessible hotel options in The Palm Beaches with verified details, so you can book with confidence knowing it'll meet your needs.

Where to Eat in The Palm Beaches

Food is a big part of what makes The Palm Beaches so enjoyable, and there are several verified places so you can know if it's accessible for you before you go. At Benny’s on the Beach, you can sit right above the waves on the Lake Worth Pier — it’s casual, friendly, and the seafood is always fresh. For something more refined, The Butcher’s Club at PGA National Resort serves steaks and cocktails in an elegant setting with great evening views.

If you’re in Riviera Beach, ONA Coastal Cuisine focuses on fresh ingredients and coastal dishes inspired by the area. And for a relaxed, farm-to-table meal, Farmer’s Table Restaurant is a favorite among locals for its healthy, flavorful menu.

Tips for Visiting The Palm Beaches

The Palm Beaches stretch across more than 45 miles of coastline, and each area has its own rhythm. A few small things can make your trip smoother — and help you see more while you’re here.

• Plan around the weather. Most travelers visit between November and April, when it’s sunny and warm without the summer humidity. But it is a destination that is great to visit all-year round. If you’re coming in the off-season, you’ll find lighter crowds and lower hotel rates.
• Getting around is easy. Having a car helps if you want to explore beyond downtown areas like West Palm or Delray Beach, but Brightline’s trains connect directly to Fort Lauderdale and Miami if you’d rather skip the driving. Rideshares and accessible taxis are also available throughout the county.
• Pack for both the beach and the city. You’ll spend part of your trip near the ocean and part exploring neighborhoods with restaurants and shops, so bring both swimwear and something comfortable for going out.
• Book early for major events. Big weekends like the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival or art fairs in Delray fill hotels fast. Check the official events calendar before your trip to plan around what’s happening.
• Learn a little local pace. The Palm Beaches aren’t about rushing — take time to enjoy sunsets, long lunches, and those extra five minutes by the water. That’s part of what makes the area feel special.

Plan Your Accessible Trip With Verified Accessibility Info

Are you ready to fully relax by the beach? What about eat good food and bask in warm weather? The Palm Beaches might just be for you! As an Accessibility Verified destination, travelers with disabilities can find things to do, hotels, restaurants and more with accurate and detailed info.

So you can plan with peace of mind.

Visit Palm Beaches With Peace of Mind

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