A youthful yet historic city in The Palm Beaches, Lake Worth Beach balances cutting-edge art and high-tech cultural offerings with more than 1,000 vintage buildings. Its stylish, revitalized downtown is the home base for the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County and the Lake Worth Playhouse, as well as the city’s annual holiday parade and street painting festival. Filled with coffee houses, mom-and-pop restaurants and art galleries, this artistic community is sure to give you an experience in The Art of Florida Living.

Here are 10 things to do while you’re in town.

1. Downtown: Lucerne Ave and Lake Ave

Address: Lucerne Avenue and Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33461.

This vibrant downtown area is best described as colorful, artistic and bohemian. Along its two main streets, Lake Avenue and Lucerne Avenue, visitors can meander through the eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. Pop into The Pelican Restaurant for brunch, which includes Indian-influenced fare like lamb keema omelets as well as classic options such as pancakes and eggs Benedict. Lilo’s Streetfood & Bar serves up a wide variety of seafood, burgers, street-style tacos and other unique plates, while Rustico Italiano Ristorante is a fantastic option for authentic dishes from Capri and an extensive wine list.

Lake Worth Beach has become a center for the finest visual arts, experimental music, dance and theater groups, and its exuberance is reflected in the many locally owned boutiques, music venues, art galleries and public art that dot the streets downtown. One thing not to miss is the annual Street Painting Festival, which features the work of hundreds of artists who create colorful murals on the pavement. Typically held in February, it’s the largest festival of its kind.

2. Lake Worth Beach Bonfires

Address: Lake Worth Beach and Casino Complex, 10 South Ocean Blvd, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460.

On select weekend nights from November through February, a bonfire lights up the night on the sand at the Lake Worth Beach Casino & Beach Complex. Starting at 6 p.m., the family-friendly events are the perfect opportunity for kids to roast marshmallows (bring your own s’mores kit). Dance to live entertainment from the weekly band or just sit and relax in the ocean breeze — you’re also encouraged to supply your own blankets, chairs and coolers.

For additional dates check the City of Lake Worth Beach website.

Remember to pack up your smore’s kits!

3. Cultural Council of Palm Beach County

Address: 601 Lake Ave, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460.

At the Cultural Council‘s headquarters in the historic Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. Building downtown, you’ll find gallery exhibitions from local artists, along with the Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store, which features beautiful artist-made jewelry, handbags, accessories and books all made in The Palm Beaches. While you’re there, stop by the Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Visitor Information Center and pick up the Council’s award-winning art&culture magazine, along with brochures and publications from cultural organizations throughout Palm Beach County.

4. Lake Worth Playhouse

Address: 713 Lake Ave, Lake Worth, FL 33460.

The Lake Worth Playhouse occupies the former Oakley Theatre, the oldest building on the register of the Art Deco Society of Palm Beach County. Today, the Playhouse is proud to offer a variety of mainstream and alternative programming, both live and on film. Year-round programming includes award-winning dramas, comedies, musicals, area premieres, Broadway favorites, children’s shows, international ballets and operas in cinema, and live concert series. In addition to its main stage theatrical fare, the Playhouse presents independent and foreign films in the Stonzek Theatre, an intimate black-box-style theater equipped with a large viewing screen and high-definition projection.  

5. Snook Islands Natural Area

Address: 100 North Golfview Road, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460.

The Snook Islands Natural Area, a part of the Lake Worth Lagoon, provides 100 acres of wetland habitat for tropical birds such as oystercatchers, cormorants, egrets and pelicans, as well as dolphins and even manatees. It also holds a long list of amenities for the public to enjoy, including a 545-foot accessible boardwalk and covered observation platform, a 590-foot accessible fishing pier, a kayak/canoe launch, two bicycle racks, two educational kiosks, and three small day-use docks to accommodate six boats and a water taxi. There’s no parking right at the natural area, but street parking is available just west of the golf course.

6. Fun Depot

Address: 2003 10th Ave. N., Ste. 7A, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33461.

Fun Depot is a family-friendly amusement center featuring a half-mile go-kart track and a black-lit, fog-filled laser tag arena that can hold up to 30 people for a heart-pounding, fun-filled good time. They also have more than 200 video games for endless arcade action. From the latest games to the old-school classics, you’re sure to have lots of fun. Try your luck at the slot machine, bet on a game of poker or head off to the races and let it ride. If it’s prizes you want, they’ve got that, too! Redeem your fun pass for great prizes at the prize center.

And if you get hungry, try Cordial, their new on-site restaurant.

7. Kayak the Lake Worth Lagoon

Address: 1 7th Ave. N., Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460.

Take your kayak to the water and explore the beautiful Lake Worth Lagoon, an estuary where saltwater and freshwater mix to create an incredible habitat for marine life.

Though it spans 20 miles in total, the midsection encompasses the Snook Islands. Kayak Lake Worth is an outfitter that rents kayaks by reservation and puts you right in the heart of the chain of mangrove islands. You can choose to rent a single or double kayak or a family kayak for two or more hours and paddle around on your own or book a tour.

Options range from a Snook Islands Discovery Tour or a private guided ecological excursion, to outings at sunset or the monthly full moon. Anglers can also rent a fishing kayak that comes with three rod holders, an anchor and milk crate storage.

Advanced, online reservations are required for all tours and rentals.

8. Lake Worth Municipal Beach & Casino Complex

Address: 10 S. Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460.

Nestled along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean sits the iconic Lake Worth Municipal Beach, home to the historically significant Lake Worth Beach Casino Building. This renowned destination offers an ideal setting for basking in the sunlight and immersing oneself in breathtaking vistas.

Preserving the original 1920s architecture, the modern casino building remains true to the original architecture. While there’s no gambling at the new building, the name “Casino” remains as a reminder of the history and importance of the building to the citizens of Lake Worth Beach.

An array of beachside essentials for visitors are available to rent at the beach, including beach chairs, lounges, and umbrellas. Also, there you’ll find the famous William O. Lockhart Municipal Pier, a popular fishing spot for locals that also offers oceanside dining at Benny’s on the Beach. This unpretentious waterside gem not only boasts delectable fresh seafood but also serves up delightful American breakfasts and brunches, adding to the allure of this charming spot.

9. Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts

Address: 1105 2nd Ave. S., Lake Worth Beach, FL 3346.

Just steps from the heart of downtown Lake Worth Beach is the magical Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts, a nonprofit arts and educational organization for anyone interested in glassblowing and other exhilarating forms of fine craftsmanship.

Located in the city’s arts district in a restored historic FEC Train Depot, the 14,500-square-foot permanent arts center boasts the largest hot glass shop in the state, as well as a fusing and flameworking studio, gallery and gift shop, welding and glass casting studios.

Visitors can take a basic glass-blowing class, where they get the opportunity to see just how magical working with glass can be. In the class, participants are given step-by-step instruction on creating a basic form in glass and make a piece to take home the next day.

10. Lake Worth Beach Golf Club

Address: 1 7th Ave. N., Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460.

Hit the links while taking in the magnificent views along the Intracoastal Waterway at the Lake Worth Beach Golf Club. Established in 1926 as a nine-hole course, it exudes vintage charm and is even part of the Florida Historic Golf Trail. Today, you can enjoy 18 holes surrounded by mature banyan trees at this par-71 locals’ favorite course. The generous layout offers scorability with a player-friendly design. Rent clubs from the pro shop if you need to and grab a bite to eat before or after your round at the Beach Club Bar and Grill. This casual American eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on the waterfront.

For more on things to do in Lake Worth Beach, check out City of Lake Worth Beach.