Everyone knows President Trump loves to unwind in the beautiful Palm Beaches.  A lesser known fact is that The Palm Beaches has played host to several U.S. Presidents.  The great weather, golf courses and perfect beaches have convinced no less than three commander in chiefs to relax in this tropical getaway.  It is easy to follow in presidential footsteps while you’re here.  Here’s a list to help you experience the history and beauty of the presidential Palm Beaches.  

1: Drive by Mar-a-lago, the new Winter White House. The breathtaking beauty of Mar-a-Lago as America’s Winter White House is showcased every time the president comes to Palm Beach.   Originally built by heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post in the mid-1920s, the home was an instant icon of Palm Beach’s splendor.  While the property is kept secured, a drive along beautiful South Ocean Boulevard will offer a glimpse of Mar-a-Lago’s gates and a slow drive across the Southern Boulevard Bridge will reveal the majestic view of the property as seen on the news.   2:  Cruise North Ocean Boulevard, where two presidents relaxed in sand and surf. North Ocean Boulevard on Palm Beach is a drive that hosted not one but two presidents.  The Kennedy Family Compound  at 1095 North Ocean is where President Kennedy and his family came to recharge and recover.  Drive just a few houses south and find another residence often visited by Richard M. Nixon.  Prior to becoming president in 1969, Nixon visited 1055 North Ocean so often the owner built a special “Nixon wing” onto the house.   A drive along North Ocean Boulevard will show you both locations as well as a peek at some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the world.  

3:  Charter a presidential yacht for special occasions. John F. Kennedy’s legend can be found in many places in Palm Beach County.  The Honey-Fitz, the motor yacht that served Presidents Truman through Nixon, is still based in West Palm Beach.  Named “Honey-Fitz” by Kennedy to commemorate his maternal grandfather, the boat left official service during the Carter administration and went into private ownership.  The Honey-Fitz has been carefully maintained and while public tours are not available the yacht can be chartered for special occasions.   

4: Visit a garden where First Ladies meet. A short drive south will take you to Delray Beach’s Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.  This historical and serene place was in the international spotlight when First Lady Melania Trump recently hosted a visit by Japan’s First Lady Akie Abe.  The beautiful gardens and museum is a memorial to an early 20th century settlement of Japanese farmers in Southern Palm Beach County.  The gardens are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Admission is $15.  

6: Climb into a secret part of the Cold War Editor’s note: As of late October, 2017 the emergency bunker is closed to the public pending management changes. This section will be updated when the site reopens. The threat of nuclear conflict was a very real concern during Kennedy’s years in office.  Every effort was taken to protect the First Family in case of nuclear attack.  Just a few minutes north of Palm Beach, on Peanut Island, a monument to those days still exists.  Buried under the palm trees and white sand is a self-contained fallout shelter, built in secrecy and stocked with enough provisions to support 30 people for 30 days.  While there is no record of Kennedy ever visiting the bunker, it has been noted that the presidential yacht could often be seen navigating the waters near the island.  The bunker has been returned to its original state and is open to tours nearly 60 years after its creation.  Just hop on a water taxi and experience a presidential place kept secret for many years!  

The beauty and splendor of The Palm Beaches have always been an attraction to world leaders.  There is a reason why presidents and politicians come back to the area and some call it home.  Come discover for yourself all the amazing things The Palm Beaches have to offer!