Car Rental West Palm Beach

Driving around West Palm Beach is a delight, as the city enjoys wide roads and steady-flowing traffic. Cruise from the luscious lagoons and palm tree-lined barrier island to the city’s best beaches in no time. With your rental car fired up, you can even explore the nature trails and safari parks out in the rolling suburbs.

The city centre is easy to navigate – many attractions are located west of Interstate 95 and Palm Beach International Airport. Belvedere Road provides the most direct route into the heart of the action. Glide along the dual carriageway and look out at the countless trendy restaurants, before shimmering lagoon views take centre stage.

Venture north to discover art museums lining the shore or use Okeechobee Boulevard to find important business headquarters, financial centres and Palm Beach Atlantic University. Downtown is home to a giant statue of Henry John Rolfs, father of the Palm Beach development, plus plenty of theatres overlooking Clear Lake.

Head west to find the hidden treasures of the Palm Beach area – golf resorts and country clubs set between large and small lakes. The Club and Ibis is the most remote – found close to the beautiful Pond Cypress Natural Area. These protected wetlands are easy to reach on Bee Line Highway, which also connects North Palm Beach County Airport to its urban surroundings.

In the city’s south, you can find natural attractions, including the South Florida Science Centre, which has its own aquarium, plus a neighbouring zoo.

To reach glamorous Palm Beach, simply cross Lake Worth Lagoon east of the city. Southern Park Boulevard and Royal Park Bridge are two of the most popular routes.

West Palm Beach also benefits from great links to Miami, Florida and Tampa. Just hop onto the Interstate to extend your holiday. Remember, while the speed limit is 70 mph on some rural Florida highways, safe speed laws mean the limit is 55 mph unless otherwise stated.

Skyscrapers and neon lights set the pace in lively West Palm Beach. While the glamour of its luxurious neighbour tempts many, the city also boasts nature, impressive museums and hidden metropolitan delights.

Admire local art and theatre

West Palm Beach is home to an eclectic array of art museums. The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum is one of the best. Set in a 75-room mansion, this centre collects artefacts from the American Gilded Age of the 19^th century.

Named ‘Best Museum’ in the 2019 Palm Beach Post’s Community Choice Awards, this art museum has maintained its charm since opening in 1902. Today the building alone is a National Historic Landmark. There are a range of tour options, including a Docent-led guide. Exhibits explore the art of the Gilded Age, placing each masterpiece in context by exploring the society in which they were created.

The Norton Museum of Art is another premier art destination in West Palm Beach. Its collection consists of some 7,000 items spanning American, European and contemporary art, plus permanent exhibitions of photography and Chinese art. The vibrant events calendar features exciting options including Art After Dark – a series of art talks, live performances, film screenings and interactive workshops.

The city is jam-packed with hidden theatrical treasures, too. Visit the not-for-profit Kravis Centre to enjoy plays, musicals, ballets and more within the gorgeous interior. Harriet Himmel is another great venue, hosting regular improvised comedy nights.

Get lost in nature

West Palm Beach may be known for its skyscrapers as much as its palm trees, but the sanctuary of nature is never far away. Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society is located at Dreher Park – a great place to take some time out from city life and see adorable capybaras, sleepy sloths and enormous tortoises.

The whole family will be amazed by the 550 animals that call the zoo home – many are endangered in the wild, including panthers, tigers and exotic birds. Visitors can even book interactive experiences with some of the centre’s friendliest species. If you yearn to get close to a koala, this is the place to visit.

Grassy Waters Preserve is just 20 minutes away from West Palm Beach in a rental car. Here you can enjoy incredible wildlife, tackle a hiking trail and spot authentic American wildlife in its natural habitat.

Cross the lagoon

Take your hire car on a journey towards the golden glitz of Palm Beach. Don’t skip Worth Avenue, the best upmarket retail destination in the area. Wander down the side streets to find some real treasures or relax at Municipal Beach – a must-visit for sun-worshippers.

The lagoon itself is well worth seeing – park your rental car at one of the relaxing islands and go exploring. Snook Island is great for board walking, while Bingham Island is a miniature nature reserve.

Experience Miami

Miami is a little over 90 minutes away from West Palm Beach by car – just take the Florida Turnpike freeway in your rental car to arrive at Miami Beach in under two hours.

Whether you’re in town for business or a dream holiday, rent a car in West Palm Beach to see as much of the city and Florida as you desire.