Life is good for baseball fans in South Florida. While the rest of the country is under winter’s cold grip, Florida has temperatures in the 70s, low humidity and Miami Marlins Spring Training. Other ball clubs travel thousands of miles for what Marlins fans have in their own backyard. When you take a long weekend to watch the Marlins play, also take time to explore all The Palm Beaches have to offer.  Here are five local secrets that will have you coming back for more.

The Palm Beaches are the Spring Training location for the Washington Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros and Miami Marlins. In 2023, Spring Training runs from February 25 to March 26. Watch the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at The Ballpark of The Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach. Or, head north to the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, which hosts the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins. View the 2023 full schedule.

1. See one of South Florida’s first high-rises: the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

Miami’s multitude of impressive high-rise buildings contributes to the city’s glistening profile. While Miami wins in sheer number, The Palm Beaches can claim one of South Florida’s earliest high-rises, the beautiful and historic Jupiter Lighthouse. Put into service in 1860, the red brick lighthouse is the oldest standing structure in The Palm Beaches and was the highest in the county for many decades. Climb the winding circular stairway and step out onto the walkway perched 100 feet above the ground. The view of Jupiter Inlet’s crystal blue water is breathtaking and impressively tropical.

2. Walk along the water’s edge: The Lake Trail

If a scenic walk along Miami’s Venetian Way is appealing, there’s another walk along a waterfront that must not be missed. One of Palm Beach’s best-kept secrets, the Lake Trail is a walking and cycling path that winds through the backyards of the island’s most exclusive addresses. One side offers an inspiring view of the shimmering Lake Worth Lagoon, while the other side is adorned with carefully manicured bougainvillea, hibiscus and exotic plants. An afternoon on the trail is a delightful and full-featured stroll.

3. Breathtaking grandeur long before Vizcaya: Flagler’s “Whitehall”

A trip to the Miami mansion called Vizcaya is a breathtaking look back at an opulent and dazzling style of life. But years before construction began on this home, another shining monument to the Gilded Age existed in The Palm Beaches. Called Whitehall, the home was built by Southeast Florida Railway railroad pioneer Henry Morrison Flagler as a gift to his third wife. The home boasts 75 rooms and 100,000 square feet of space. At the time of its construction in the 1890s, it was considered a rival to any European palace, and it contained the finest furniture and decorations. Now known as the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, it can be visited today in Palm Beach, carefully preserved in all its beauty.

4. Visit tropical gardens with a Palm Beach flare

A casual walk through Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a relaxing treat for the senses. The Palm Beaches are home to several public gardens where art and nature come together, all just a few minutes’ drive from Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mounts Botanical Garden contains a wide variety of beautiful tropical plants and themed gardens, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens bring beautiful art into a natural and breathtaking landscape, and the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens feature six carefully themed displays designed to lift the soul and inspire the mind.

5. A trip to the Glades is just minutes from Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium

A drive out to the Everglades can be an all-day affair in Miami. Negotiating traffic, driving out of the suburbs and finding your way to a park station can take some effort. Here in The Palm Beaches, unspoiled nature is just a few minutes away. A short drive to Grassy Waters Preserve will introduce you to 23-square-miles of wetland ecosystem with birds, white-tailed deer, otters, bobcats and alligators. Trails range from 16-mile loops to half-mile walks, with easy parking and restroom facilities.

There’s so much to do while you’re here watching the Marlins play, it makes for the perfect little getaway! It’s easy to get here too, whether you choose to drive or take the train. Plan your trip by checking out the game schedule and signing up for The Palm Beaches’ eNewsletter.