The Palm Beach region has lots more to offer than just a glimpse at the lifestyles of the rich and famous. The city is not just exclusive enclaves of millionaire's winter beach houses, nor is it just about shopping for wildly expensive designer labels in exclusive boutiques.

The city is synonymous with world class beaches, great golf, tennis, boating and diving. There are over 1,100 tennis courts and more than 150 golf courses within the Palm Beach County precincts. Two golf courses that are open to the public are Palm Beach Public Golf Course on the island and Emerald Dunes Golf Course in West Palm Beach.

Palm Beach is a popular destination for scuba divers as they can reach the off shore reef using guide boats operating from the local marinas. As with nearly all Florida beach destinations, Palm Beach offers lots of opportunities for water sports such as sail boating, jet-skiing, kayaking, water skiing, para-sailing and fishing.

The railroad and oil baron Henry Flagler commissioned a luxury mansion as a wedding present to his third wife. This building is now the renowned Flagler Museum. The mansion, with 55 rooms all furnished with European antique pieces in a variety of themes and styles, is known as the "Taj Mahal of North America". The mansion is set in magnificent grounds, the highlight of which is Mr. Flagler's restored, private railroad car.

First opened in 1941, the Norton Museum of Art is now recognized the world over for its permanent collections and the quality of its traveling exhibitions. The display featured the art collections of Ralph and Elizabeth Norton and now houses a French collection that contains works by Cézanne, Degas, Gauguin, Matisse, Monet, Picasso, Pissarro, and Renoir. The permanent exhibits also contain paintings by Pollock, O'Keefe, Warhol and Hopper.

A family favorite, especially for younger children, is Playmobil Fun Park with its replica castle and themed play areas such as a medieval village, a western town and a fantasy doll house.

Over 1,300 animals are kept at Lion Country Safari and range from elephants, wildebeest, ostriches, chimpanzees, antelopes, American bison, buffalo, flamingos and many other unusual species. The 500 acre animal preserve is divided into simulated geographical regions that range from the East African Serengeti to the American West.

The park has an un-caged environment for the animals and humans move through the park via motor vehicle following a viewing loop road. Other park attractions include an amusement park with a carousel, paddleboats, mini golf and a popular baby animal nursery. The park provides a great family day out.

The Lake Trail runs the length of The Island on the Intracoastal Waterway side and is a popular scenic biking route that offers views of some of the mansions and grounds as well as views of downtown West Palm Beach.

Copyright (c) 2008 Terry Hely