Experiencing The Palm Beaches as Deaf Travelers

We spent a few sunny days exploring The Palm Beaches, and honestly, it was beautiful from the moment we arrived. It was warm, perfect for beach days, and there was usually a soft breeze near the water that made it easy to be outside. Everywhere we went, people were friendly and welcoming, which made the trip even better.

Our Stay at The Ben

We stayed at The Ben, Autograph Collection. The hotel has a modern, upscale feel and overlooks the waterfront, so the views were amazing. Our room had a few Deaf-friendly features, like a flashing light for the fire alarm, which gave us peace of mind. The only hiccup was that the doorbell light wasn’t working, and the captions on the TV didn’t show up, but the rest of the stay was great.

The staff at the front desk were some of the friendliest we met. They had no problem writing back and forth or using apps to communicate. The rooftop bar, though, was a little different. The staff there weren’t as open to different communication methods, which made ordering drinks a bit frustrating. But aside from that, we really liked the overall atmosphere. The location was great as well as you can walk to restaurants, the waterfront, and downtown spots easily.

Fun Attractions and Activities

We packed a lot into a short trip. We visited the Norton Museum of Art, walked Worth Avenue’s Clock Tower, checked out the shops around downtown, and played mini-golf at PopStroke. The beaches were our favorite place to unwind. The sand was soft, the breeze was constant, and the water was perfect for cooling off.

The Loggerhead Marinelife Center ended up being the highlight of the whole trip. One of the staff members there was Deaf, which made the experience even more special. We learned so much about the sea turtles and the center’s work, and it felt amazing to be able to communicate directly without needing an interpreter. The center was easy to move around, and everything was clearly labeled and visual.

We also spent time at Mounts Botanical Garden, which was peaceful and relaxing. The staff were kind and printed guides for us to read about the plants. Later, we drove up to Juno Beach Pier and then to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum. The lighthouse was beautiful, though it’s good to know that the stairs are steep and narrow.

If you’re visiting during the summer, plan your outdoor time for early mornings or late afternoons. The heat is strong, but the ocean breeze makes it manageable.

Inclusive Restaurants

Food was another highlight of our trip. Every restaurant we visited had friendly staff who made communication easy. At City Cellar, our server actually knew sign language, which made the experience even better. The food was great, and it felt so nice not having to worry about how to order.

We also ate at Benny’s on the Beach, which has an incredible ocean view and a casual, beachy vibe. The staff were friendly, and the location couldn’t be better. The rooftop restaurant at The Ray in Delray Beach was another favorite for the views and atmosphere, especially in the evening.

One thing to note: most parking around town uses pay-by-app systems, so download one ahead of time to make things easier.

Getting Around

We rented a car for the trip, which made it easy to reach all the beaches and nearby towns. Public transportation is limited, so if you want flexibility, driving is the best option. If you’re flying in, Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is small, convenient, and close to downtown.

The Brightline station in West Palm Beach is another great option if you’re coming from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. It’s fully accessible, and the trains are modern, clean, and fast.

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Our time in The Palm Beaches was a mix of relaxation, learning, and connection. We loved exploring new places, meeting people, and seeing how much effort some spots are putting into accessibility for Deaf visitors. From the hotel’s location to the marine center’s staff, it all made a lasting impression.

It’s an area we’d definitely visit again!

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