By Cayetana Uranga

June 26, 2026

I am a disability advocate and creator. My mission is all about showing that the world belongs to all of us. I am also a disabled influencer on Instagram at @justcpnotspecial. 

Travel should not feel like a test. It should not feel like a puzzle you have to solve before you even leave home, and it definitely should not feel like something only certain bodies get to enjoy comfortably. 

As someone who’s lived with cerebral palsy my whole life, I know how quickly the smallest barrier can change the entire rhythm of a trip. A single step in a shower can turn a “fully accessible” room into a stressful surprise. A beautiful historic building can become impossible to enjoy if the only entrance consists of a staircase. A packed, noisy attraction can go from exciting to overwhelming in minutes. That is why accessibility matters so much to me, and why I notice immediately when a destination is making a real effort to do better. My fondest wish is the same as that of the 70 million disabled Americans: to experience the world without unnecessary barriers.

That is exactly why my home, The Palm Beaches, has completely captured my heart for the way it is turning the vision of inclusive tourism into reality. Yes, the scenery is gorgeous. Yes, the mix of art, history, water, and culture is enough to tempt anyone. But what really stands out is the growing commitment to making the destination easier to experience for more people. Discover The Palm Beaches, the region’s official tourism organization, has made accessibility a clear priority through partnerships and training, including becoming a Certified Autism Center™ and working with Wheel the World to improve travel information and planning support. That matters because accessibility is not just about compliance. It is about confidence. It is about helping people feel prepared, welcomed, and included before they even arrive.

If you are planning a trip through an arts-and-culture lens, The Palm Beaches offer a place where accessibility and inspiration can genuinely coexist. You can spend the day moving between art museums, historic estates, marine life centers, sensory-friendly experiences, and the shoreline without feeling like you are constantly negotiating every detail. That does not mean every corner of the destination will be perfect for every person, because accessibility is never one-size-fits-all. But it does mean there is real momentum here, and that is worth celebrating.

A smooth trip starts with a smooth arrival, and I always pay attention to that because first impressions matter. If you are flying in, President Donald J. Trump International Airport highlights accessibility resources for travelers with disabilities and participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which offers a discreet way for passengers with non-visible disabilities to signal that they may need extra time, patience, or support. Programs like that can make an airport feel less intimidating and far more human.

Once you land, getting around can be far less stressful than you might expect. I have taken the Brightline often throughout Florida, and it is one of the few travel experiences that consistently makes me feel genuinely looked after. The stations feel modern and easy to navigate, the ride is comfortable, and little things like spacious seating, Wi-Fi, and level boarding make the whole experience feel smoother from start to finish. That level boarding can make a huge difference for wheelchair users and anyone who values an easier transition on and off the train. For more tailored support, Palm Tran Connection provides shared-ride, door-to-door paratransit for eligible riders and ADA-eligible visitors. Having those different options in place means you can build a trip around what feels easiest for you instead of forcing yourself into a one-size-fits-all plan.

When I travel, I want at least one anchor experience that feels beautiful, memorable, and easy to enjoy at my own pace. In The Palm Beaches, that would absolutely be the Norton Museum of Art. The museum has the kind of calm, spacious atmosphere that lets you settle in instead of bracing yourself. It is elegant without feeling intimidating, and its collection spans American, Asian, contemporary, European, and photography, which makes it easy to spend a full afternoon there without getting bored. And honestly, I love that you can break up your visit with lunch at The Restaurant at the Norton, which overlooks the Pamela and Robert B. Goergen Garden. One of my favorite things to eat at the restaurant is their famous Norton Burger.

What makes the Norton Museum of Art especially appealing for an accessibility-focused itinerary is not just the art itself, but the overall experience. The museum’s public programming includes sensory-friendly offerings, and its visitor information emphasizes creating a safe, inclusive, welcoming environment. For me, that signals something important: accessibility is not being treated as a side note. It is part of how the institution welcomes people and plans the experience. That mindset changes the energy of a visit in the best way.

For a completely different mood, the Flagler Museum gives you all the grandeur of Gilded Age Palm Beach with accessibility features that help make the experience more approachable. Public visitor information notes ramps and an elevator for wheelchair access, and there is also a closed-captioned video for visitors who cannot board Flagler’s private railcar. I love when a historic institution shows that preserving the past and improving access do not have to be in conflict. You can admire the architecture, the drama, and the history without feeling like the building was never meant for you.

Of course, culture is not limited to paintings and historic rooms. Some of the most meaningful travel moments happen in places where learning, science, and nature come together, and The Palm Beaches have several options that feel especially thoughtful for visitors who benefit from more flexibility or sensory support.

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is one of those places that feels genuinely fun the minute you are inside. What I like about it is that there is a lot to explore without it all hitting you at once—the Aquariums of the Atlantic are beautiful, the exhibits are hands-on in a way that keeps the visit engaging, and the outdoor Fisher Family Science Trail gives the day a nice change of pace. That sense of variety seems to be what so many visitors respond to as well, along with how interactive and family-friendly the center feels.

On top of that, the science center hosts Sensory Saturdays with special early hours, softened lighting, lower noise levels, reduced visual stimulation on interactive exhibits, and sensory kits available on request. It is also described as ADA accessible and wheelchair friendly, which makes the whole experience feel more thoughtfully planned from the start.

The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is one of those places that really stays with you. What I love about it is that it is all about sea turtles, so the experience feels both meaningful and memorable from the moment you arrive. Seeing the rehabilitation work up close makes the visit feel special in a way that goes beyond a typical attraction, and that seems to be exactly why so many people leave talking about how inspiring and educational it is. I also love that you can symbolically adopt a sea turtle patient through the center, which is such a lovely way to support the care, treatment, and eventual release of injured turtles back into the ocean. Its accessibility information mentions handicap parking, paved walkways, wheelchairs available on request, beach wheelchairs with advance notice, and quieter guided tour options for visitors who may benefit from a less intense environment. It is primarily an outdoor facility, so there can still be variables, but I appreciate how transparent the center is about what it offers and where visitors may encounter challenges.

Then, there is Manatee Lagoon, which feels like one of those places that quietly wins you over. When the manatees are there, it is such a special experience to watch them gather in the warm water, and even when sightings are quieter, the observation decks and interactive exhibits still make the visit feel worthwhile. It has a calm, easy rhythm to it that makes you want to slow down and stay a little longer. I also really like that its autism-friendly certification comes through the Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities—which feels like a very local, very Palm Beaches kind of detail. The center offers sensory kits, social narratives, quiet spaces, and sensory-friendly hours during manatee season, all of which can make a huge difference for visitors who need more predictability or a lower-stimulation environment. That level of preparation tells me a place has thought carefully about what inclusion actually looks like in practice.

And yes, if you come to The Palm Beaches, I still think you deserve a beach day. For many disabled travelers, the shoreline is both the dream and the challenge. The water is right there, but the effort it can take to reach it is another story. That is why accessible beach features matter so much. They are not just conveniences. They are what make the experience possible in the first place.

Across the county, several beach parks offer Mobi-Mats and beach wheelchair access to help visitors get closer to the water. Ocean Reef Park, Carlin Park, and South Inlet Park are among the locations often highlighted in accessibility-focused itineraries for the destination. As always, it is smart to confirm details ahead of time because equipment and conditions can vary, but the bigger point is that the region is making a visible effort to reduce one of the most common barriers beachgoers face.

Where you stay can shape the entire tone of a trip, and honestly, this is one of the places where accessible travel can still feel the most uncertain. You can research a property for hours and still not know whether the room will work for you in real life. That is why I appreciate that Discover The Palm Beaches partnered with Wheel the World as part of its broader accessibility effort. Better, more transparent information gives travelers a stronger starting point and helps reduce the guesswork that so often creates anxiety before a trip even begins.

My advice for planning an accessible trip here is simple: give yourself permission to build around ease. Pick one major outing a day if that protects your energy. Look for places that share accessibility details clearly. Use the support that already exists, whether that is a quieter museum program at the Norton Museum of Art, a sensory kit at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium or Manatee Lagoon, a paratransit option like Palm Tran Connection, or a beach Mobi-Mat at Ocean Reef Park, Carlin Park, or South Inlet Park that gets you closer to the shoreline. Accessible travel is not about lowering expectations. It is about making room for a fuller, more comfortable experience.

What I love most about The Palm Beaches is that accessibility here does not feel hidden in the fine print. It is becoming more visible in the way the destination talks about travel, the way attractions prepare visitors, and the way more spaces are being designed for flexibility, comfort, and dignity. No place gets everything right for everyone all at once. But when a destination is clearly moving in the right direction, that deserves to be recognized. For travelers looking for beauty, culture, and a trip that feels more welcoming from the start, The Palm Beaches are absolutely worth considering. And maybe that is the real luxury: not just a beautiful place, but a destination that is trying to make beauty more reachable for more of us.

Visit palmbeachculture.com/explore to start planning your trip to The Palm Beaches. For even more cultural inspiration, download our destination guide.

By Rob Lucarelli

June 1, 2026

Summer is off-season in South Florida, offering locals and visitors space to enjoy the rich array of arts and cultural attractions in The Palm Beaches. This includes diverse venues to experience live music outdoors. Whether it’s local tribute bands and food trucks under the stars, Japanese drumming in lush gardens, or a string quartet on a relaxing Sunday afternoon, here’s a sample of Palm Beach County’s best summer outdoor music experiences.

Summer in the City, Boca Raton

The City of Boca Raton radiates a vibe that is both sophisticated and accessible. The town’s free Summer in the City concert series takes place at the Mizner Park Amphitheater in the center of Boca’s high-end retail district. Concerts start at 8 p.m. on select Fridays, with doors opening at 7 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and the city encourages guests to bring chairs and blankets. Food and beverages are available for purchase inside the venue. No outside food, beverages or pets allowed. All shows are rain or shine.

Clematis by Night, Downtown West Palm Beach

Clematis Street is the center of nightlife in downtown West Palm Beach. Head east and you’ll encounter the city’s Centennial Square & Great Lawn, home to the free Clematis by Night concert series Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. Music genres include jazz, classic rock, reggae, R&B, Latin and country. Clematis by Night is only steps from the Intracoastal Waterway, offering a relaxed, waterfront vibe, and a great way to kick off your weekend early.

Live Music at CityPlace, Downtown West Palm Beach

As West Palm’s premier live, work, retail destination, CityPlace boasts over 30 restaurants and a growing array of shops and boutiques. The bustling metro hub is also a cultural destination, with live music starting Friday evenings and lasting throughout the weekend. A central plaza and lawn serve as a natural gathering spot to hear small classical ensembles, jazz bands, acoustic performers, and pop. Performances take place Fridays from 6 p.m.-10 p.m., and Saturdays from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Named for the historic neighborhood architectural landmark, the Harriet Himmel Music Series is Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Abacoa Tribute Concert Series, Jupiter

A large, master-planned development founded in 1997, Abacoa is in the Northern Palm Beach County town of Jupiter. Its amenities include an amphitheater that hosts a Tribute Band Concert Series presented by Legends Radio 100.3FM and Robinson Entertainment. Concerts take place on the third Saturday of the month at 7:30 p.m. throughout the year. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, although limited, reserved, preferred seating is offered for $50 per ticket. Chairs, coolers, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, blankets, and friendly dogs are welcome!

Sunset Strolls at the Morikami Museum, Delray Beach

For an authentic Asian music experience, check out Sunset Strolls at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Along with themed cultural experiences and light bites, the event features taiko drum performances by Fushu Daiko, South Florida’s premier Japanese taiko drumming ensemble. A center for Japanese arts and culture, the Morikami Museum is located west of Delray Beach in Palm Beach County, and features six historical gardens, along with a world-class bonsai collection. Sunset Stroll general admission tickets are $12, $7 for children age 6-17, and free for children age 5 and under.

Food Truck & Music Series, Wellington Amphitheater

During season, the Village of Wellington is the Equestrian Capital of the World, serving as an international destination for polo, show jumping, and dressage. Come summer, the village’s 3,200 square foot, state-of-the-art Wellington Amphitheater hosts a Food Truck & Music Series on Thursday nights. Arrive at 5 p.m. and choose from up to 18 food trucks. Live performances by local tribute bands and other musical artists begin at 6:30 p.m. Be sure to bring your own blankets and chairs. For a list of each week’s food trucks and scheduled performers, visit the Wellington Amphitheater event calendar. If the weekend is more of your style, free concerts also take place on select Saturdays and Sundays. Check the amphitheater event calendar for the latest updates.

As the summer heats up, Palm Beach County offers several opportunities to kick back, relax, and enjoy the sweet sounds of summer outdoors. Grab your Adirondack chair and a blanket or two, throw a quick picnic together and experience an unforgettable summer soundtrack.

Ready to start planning your trip to The Palm Beaches this summer? Visit palmbeachculture.com/explore to get started. For even more cultural inspiration, download our destination guide.

About the Author

Rob Lucarelli is a West Palm Beach-based freelance writer, who collects ‘60s French pop vinyl, loves to laugh, and enjoys visiting and supporting the cultural treasures of The Palm Beaches.

By Skye Sherman

April 1, 2026

If you’ve ever needed an excuse or encouragement to get out and explore The Palm Beaches’ vibrant, dynamic cultural scene, the month of May is it.

Each year, MOSAIC—Month of Shows, Art, Ideas, and Culture—invites visitors and locals alike to experience the area’s museums, performance venues, and cultural institutions at a fraction of the usual cost. Timed with the start of off-season, the month-long initiative in the Cultural Capital of Florida offers a mix of BOGO admissions, behind-the-scenes access, and limited-time programming that makes it easier than ever to see more, do more, and discover something new.

Now in its ninth year with 30 organizations participating, MOSAIC has over 30 offers for arts and culture enthusiasts to make the most of their money and time this May. Here’s a few of the best ways to enjoy the month.

Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens

Tucked along the Intracoastal just south of downtown West Palm Beach, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens feels like stepping into a tropical oasis, hidden right in the heart of some of the area’s nicest residential streets. Curious sculptures rise among rare palms and other plants, creating a setting both serene and striking. During MOSAIC, visitors can enjoy buy one admission and get 50% off the second, plus 10% off purchases in the museum store.

Armory Art Center

Another semi-hidden gem near downtown West Palm Beach, the Armory Art Center is a cornerstone of the local creative community, with everything from exhibitions to hands-on workshops filling the calendar. MOSAIC is a great time to visit: May programming includes free exhibitions, family days, open studio sessions, and behind-the-scenes open studio tours where you can see artists at work and maybe even demo something yourself. If you attend an event in May, you’ll receive a coupon for 10% off full-term classes and camps, redeemable in person.

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

For a mildly wild experience, head to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, where conservation and education are served in equal portions. MOSAIC visitors can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free guided tour, which includes a walk through the sanctuary and an up-close animal encounter in the amphitheater. 

Lasting approximately an hour and a half, it’s a meaningful multi-generational outing (the interactive experiences are specially designed for adults and children ages 8 and up), not to mention a memorable way to support local conservation and wildlife education efforts.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

A longtime favorite for those who love an active adventure or a rewarding climb, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum combines history with some of the best views in the county. Climb 105 steps to the top of the 1860 lighthouse and get a panoramic peek at the shimmering blue Jupiter Inlet and surrounding scenery; or, on the ground, explore exhibits spanning thousands of years of Florida history. During MOSAIC, general admission is buy one, get one free.

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

For those looking to add a performance to their calendar, the Kravis Center offers several MOSAIC perks: visitors can enjoy free admission to the Jazz in Unexpected Places exhibit (plus a souvenir to take home!) as well as 20% off select performances, including Beetlejuice (June 2-5) and Kevin Nealon (May 1 & May 2), making it easy to extend your cultural plans into early summer.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Located just across from the lapping waves of Juno Beach, the rehabilitative Loggerhead Marinelife Center puts visitors face to face with sea turtles in recovery and provides interesting education on coastal ecosystems. During MOSAIC, guests can book buy-one-get-one-free guided tours (early access or public) and enjoy 10% off purchases in the gift store. A visit here pairs perfectly with a nearby beach day.

Mounts Botanical Garden

The oldest and largest botanical garden in Palm Beach County, Mounts Botanical Garden is considered a 20-acre living museum: this oasis is full of themed gardens, plant collections (there’s more than 7,000 species of plants here), and lush tropical foliage. Visitors can take advantage of buy-one-get-one-free admission during MOSAIC—and, while supplies last, leave with a free plant to bring a bit of the garden home.

Schoolhouse Children’s Museum

The Schoolhouse Children’s Museum in Boynton Beach offers interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity, a top family-friendly stop. During MOSAIC, visitors receive $3 off general admission, making it an affordable outing for young and old explorers.

Spady Cultural Heritage Museum

Located in Delray Beach, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum offers a powerful look at African-American history and heritage in Palm Beach County. During MOSAIC, visitors can enjoy 50% off the Enhanced Museum Experience, which includes a guided tour along with a lecture, short walking tour, or documentary viewing.

Visit Palm Beach

Take to the water with Visit Palm Beach. Operating from the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront, the company offers catamaran cruises and other on-the-water experiences, including snorkeling, kayaking, boat tours, and more. During MOSAIC, guests receive 25% off tickets aboard the Motunui or Hakuna Matata catamarans—an ideal way to spend a sunny afternoon. (Note that Mother’s Day is excluded from the promotion.)

Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds

Step back in time at Yesteryear Village, where historic buildings and exhibits let visitors in on what life was like in early South Florida. Spread across nine acres, it’s a relaxed, walkable experience that’s especially fun for families. During MOSAIC, visitors can enjoy buy one admission and get a second admission of equal or lesser value for free.

Explore the full list of participating organizations and start mapping out your May in the Palm Beaches by visiting MOSAICPBC.com. As you plan your month, consider pairing a few experiences together—maybe a morning outdoors followed by an afternoon at a museum, or a wildlife encounter followed by time on the water when the sun is shining its brightest.

 by Linnea Bailey

 March 1, 2026

The Palm Beaches may be best known for year-round sunshine, ocean breezes, tropical gardens and vibrant arts festivals — but when the sun goes down, the county’s lively cultural scene heats up.

The growing travel trend of seeking experiences after dark is shaping the way people travel and the activities they pursue. As Florida’s Cultural Capital®, Palm Beach County shines with a rich lineup of evening cultural activities, including moonlit museum strolls, world-class theater performances and live music under the stars.

As a longtime West Palm Beach resident, these are a few of my favorite ways to experience The Palm Beaches after dark.

Broadway Tours, Live Theater and Concerts Under The Stars

West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District, West Palm Beach

Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Dramaworks

 

One of the best things about downtown West Palm Beach is how walkable all its cultural offerings are. The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts has a performance nearly every night (including national touring productions through its popular Kravis On Broadway series), while Palm Beach Dramaworks stages immersive live theater performances. On Thursdays, the waterfront comes alive with Clematis by Night, the city’s free weekly concert series featuring live bands, food trucks and local artisans.

 

 

Sunset Tours, Moonrise Climbs and Twilight Yoga

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, Jupiter

Photo courtesy of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum

 

For one of the most memorable sunset views in the country, head to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum. A rotating calendar of evening programming includes sunset and moonrise tours — complete with a climb up the lighthouse’s 105 steps — as well as all-levels twilight yoga sessions. On March 6, the Lighthouse will host two intimate candlelight concerts, featuring live music performed by a professional string quartet. Make sure to check the online calendar for details.

 

 

Rhythm in the Wild

Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society, West Palm Beach

Photo courtesy of the Palm Beach Zoo

 

As a mom of young children, our family adores spending time at The Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society, and the Zoo’s new spring nighttime music series adds an exciting after-hours twist. Held on select evenings from February 13 through April 25, “Rhythm in the Wild” pairs live music with curated food and drinks, conservation stories and up-close animal encounters, highlighting a different big cat each month.

 

 

Renowned Performances and Speakers

GLAZER HALL, Palm Beach

The Irish Tenors – photo courtesy of GLAZER HALL

 

Palm Beach’s newest cultural hot spot, GLAZER HALL, is already making waves with a sizzling inaugural season. The theater’s lineup features an eclectic mix of concerts, dance and comedy performances and talks by renowned speakers. Highlights include the beloved vocal group The Irish Tenors, 14-time GRAMMY Award®-winning country music star Emmylou Harris and the acclaimed contemporary dance company BODYTRAFFIC.

 

Photo by Jeff Beige

Juno Beach’s Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a favorite daytime stop for visitors of all ages, but its nighttime guided sea turtle walks are truly unforgettable. Offered throughout June and July along one of the world’s most densely nested sea turtle beaches, these small-group excursions provide a rare opportunity to learn about and observe Loggerhead sea turtles during the nesting and egg-laying process.

Sunset Strolls

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach

Photo by Austen Waldron

Few experiences are as serene as wandering through the exquisite grounds at Delray Beach’s Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens at dusk. The museum’s popular Sunset Strolls, held on select evenings in April, May, June and September, feature after-hours access to the pristine gardens alongside exhilarating Taiko drum performances, cultural demonstrations and culinary delights.

Photo by Olga Kark Photography

Housed in the oldest surviving Art Deco building in The Palm Beaches, the Lake Worth Playhouse delivers a full slate of evening entertainment, including award-winning plays and musicals, family-friendly performances and concerts. The community theater’s black-box-style second venue, the Stonzek Studio Theatre, doubles as a year-round cinema showcasing foreign and independent films.

Photo credit: Harzen/Brunnick

For a front-row seat to dolphins at sunset, the nonprofit Taras Oceanographic Foundation provides unforgettable dolphin-watching expeditions. Presented through a partnership with Palm Beach and Jupiter Dolphin Tours, these evening boat tours depart from centrally located Palm Beach Shores and feature the chance to see dolphins gliding through the water as the sky fades to pink.

Photo credit: @LivingFla

In downtown Boca Raton, The Studio at Mizner Park anchors the nightlife scene with comedy shows, concerts and special performances in its 300-seat black box theater. The perfect place to catch a show after dinner or following an exhibition at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, The Studio’s after-dark programming includes performances by comedy legend Yakov Smirnoff and Broadway luminaries Hugh Panaro and Liz Callaway.

Photo courtesy of the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority

On the first Friday evening of each month in Delray Beach, visitors can stroll between galleries, studios and art exhibitions to meet with artists and discover new art. This monthly event features self-guided tours, workshops and live entertainment in the vibrant seaside city known as the “Village By the Sea.”

Photo courtesy of the Norton Museum of Art

One of the most popular weekly cultural events in The Palm Beaches, Art After Dark at the Norton Museum of Art offers thought-provoking performances, film screenings and art workshops every Friday evening. Join teaching artists for drop-in style art making sessions, live performances and informal gallery talks each week throughout the year.

 February 1, 2026

This February, celebrate Black History Month in The Palm Beaches! Experience vibrant celebrations from festivals, historic tours, art, music, and dance events & activities that honor the profound contributions and pay tribute to the strength, resilience, and spirit of Black Americans.

Black Art Matters! Live Performances

CityZen Garden, Datura Street in West Palm Beach

(Left to Right) Teddy Derulo, T. Rose, Palm Beach Lakes High School Choir, and Via

 

West Palm Beach comes alive on Thursday evening from 6:30-8 p.m. with an incredible showcase of talented young Black artists during this year’s Black Art Matters. Join in the excitement with live performances featuring a different artist and art form, from diverse music and dance to immersive art experiences. FREE to attend!

Here’s the lineup:

February 5: Teddy Derulo
February 12: T. Rose
February 19: Palm Beach Lakes High School Choir
February 26: Shatayvia Dunn “Via”

Back for its 2^nd year by popular demand, Say It Loud: It’s Your World invites you to explore the power of storytelling, artistry and cultural expression through a dynamic, multi-sensory journey. From Indie short films, a filmmaker panel discussion, a curated boutique marketplace, a one-of-a-kind art exhibition, plus live stage performances, you won’t want to miss on Sunday, February 15, from 4-9 p.m.

20^th Annual African American Film Festival: Dance like a Butterfly, Sting like a Bee

Rinker Playhouse, Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

The 20th Annual African American Film Festival returns to the Kravis Center February 19–22, 2026. Featuring a dynamic selection of films centered on dance and sports, the festival shines a light on trailblazers and unsung figures whose journeys reveal the deeper connections between performance, perseverance, and cultural legacy.

In a league of its own, MOVED returns for another year, celebrating Black History Month with a full day of dance, culture, and the arts designed for all ages and abilities. Brought to life by Natural Movers Foundation, this full day of activities held at the Kravis Center features masterclasses, workshops, and thought-provoking artist talks that will leave you inspired, physically energized, and deeply reflective. Explore the full lineup of activities on February 21 from 8:30 am-5:30 pm!

Musicians, drummers, dancers, spoken-word artists, and theatrical performances unite for an exciting cultural experience on Saturday, February 21 at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School. Black Joy aims to uplift, educate and celebrate Black history and culture through carefully curated programming that reflects the diverse stories and creative talent of the community. Get your tickets today!

Celebrate the excellence of Black culture in a luxury picnic at the BLACKLUXE Picnic and Music Festival on Saturday, February 28 from 2-9 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater. Event features include various DJs, live bands, food truck vendors serving authentic cuisines and tasty drinks set against colorful photo installations and décor, perfect for capturing a selfie or two. Dawn your best “Derby” style picnic attire or a fashionable headpiece that accentuates the beauty of African American culture, and even bring your own foods, picnic baskets, and set up to make the evening as lavish as you wish.

Step into the past and discover how Black history shaped The Palm Beaches on a self-guided tour across the Palm Beach County Black Cultural Heritage Trail. Aimed at preserving the diverse history and educating the public about the African American community in the region, this trail provides a platform to showcase the central role of this community in Palm Beach County’s historical narrative. From Jupiter to Boca Raton, explore Trail sites located up and down the Palm Beaches’ 47 miles of coastline. Explore the interactive map, must-see stops and see how the trail came to life by visiting palmbeachculture.com/bcht.

Throughout Black History Month, the Palm Beach County Library System is offering an array of free programming, art crafts, literary storytelling, musical experiences and even a film series that highlights the vibrancy, richness, and complexity of the Black experience in America. Explore the full calendar listing!

 by David McKibbin

 February 1, 2026

Are you looking for a South Florida excursion that deviates from a day at the beach? In The Palm Beaches, we invite you to unleash your wild side or unplug from a busy, chaotic world filled with digital noise.

Whether you’re yearning for the great outdoors, a phone-free retreat, or an educational adventure, The Palm Beaches offer a variety of science and nature experiences your whole family will love.

Exploring Palm Beach County’s Natural Areas

Winding Waters Natural Area. Photo Credit: David McKibbin

 

Tourists and residents can enjoy over 31,000 acres of conservation lands managed by the Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management. With 28 sites open to the public, there are plenty of “create-your-own adventure” opportunities to enjoy South Florida’s wide array of flora and fauna.

 

Visitors can encounter bald eagles at West Palm Beach’s Winding Waters, witness a red maple or pond cypress tree at Jupiter’s Sandhill Crane Wetlands, or meet a green sea turtle at Lake Worth Beach’s Snook Islands.

 

All of these public areas are open 365 days per year from sunrise to sunset. Remember to leave your pets and drones at home, as they are not allowed at any Natural Area.

 

 

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium

The Science of Chocolate. Photo Credit: Cox Science Center and Aquarium

 

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium has been “opening every mind to science” for 65 years. While the Science Center is undergoing a transformative renovation, visitors can still partake in a variety of engaging exhibits and hands-on activities.

 

In its latest exhibition, “Top Secret: License to Spy,” guests can embark on daring missions, unlock secret codes, experience spy simulations and participate in laser surveillance activities. Toddlers can enjoy “Engineers on a Roll,” an interactive play area and lab. The Science Center’s Florida Exhibit Hall also features “Aquariums of the Atlantic,” home to some of our state’s native fish such as Queen Angels, Spadefish, Moray Eels, and Stingrays.

 

On Saturday, February 21, guests can discover “The Science of Chocolate” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore the physics, chemistry and biology that makes chocolate confections delectably irresistible. This event includes a chocolate Play-Doh activity, chocolate and sweet treats trivia, a liquid nitrogen ice cream demonstration, and so much more. Attendees can also grab a golden ticket for free drizzled treats from a flowing chocolate fountain.

 

 

Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society

Scarlet Macaw at Palm Beach Zoo. Photo Credit: Kathryn McKibbin

 

At the Palm Beach Zoo, visitors can meet over 500 animals from around the world. The Zoo’s largest exhibit, “Tropics of the Americas,” is home to jaguars, giant anteaters, capybara, axolotl, New World monkeys, flamingos and scarlet macaws (pictured above).

 

Last year, the Palm Beach Zoo welcomed Olan, a 10-year-old male Malayan Tiger, to its Asia exhibit. You can also encounter lemurs as you trek “The Islands,” and even meet some flamingos traversing the “Florida Wetlands.”

 

The Palm Beach Zoo also hosts more intimate experiences where guests can enjoy non-contact encounters with otters, tortoises, sloths, koalas, panthers, and bears in their enclosures.

 

The Palm Beach Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

 

Florida Atlantic University Astronomical Observatory

FAU Astronomical Observatory. Photo Credit: FAU Department of Physics

 

Housed under a 13-foot diameter dome on Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus, this rooftop observatory is open to students, faculty, staff and the general public. Families and astronomy enthusiasts alike can witness the Moon, stars, and other celestial bodies dotting the night sky.

 

Free night observations occur on the first Friday and third Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:30 p.m. (8 p.m. during Daylight Savings). The observatory is also open for special astronomical events, such as NASA’s upcoming SLS/Artemis II launch, tentatively scheduled for as early as February 6.

 

Boardwalk at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Photo Credit: David McKibbin

Located on Boca Raton’s barrier island, The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center offers a smorgasbord of nature-based activities for all ages.

Start your excursion by meandering along their boardwalk through coastal forest and tropical hammock. Walk the Ashley Trail before taking a moment to pause in the authentic Chiki hut overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Complete your trip by ascending Jacob’s Outlook, a 40-foot observation tower to get a bird’s eye view of Boca Raton’s scenic beaches.

Families can also enjoy a wild butterfly garden, as well as an outdoor aquarium with a variety of native fish and stingrays.

Gumbo Limbo’s Nature Trail, Boardwalk and Tower are open every day from 7 a.m. to sunset. The Aquariums are open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Manatee Lagoon

Mia the Manatee and Friends. Photo Credit: Manatee Lagoon

Manatee Lagoon was built by Florida Power and Light as part of its mission to educate the public about environmental protection. Visitors can observe live manatees as they gather in the warm-water outflows of FPL’s Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center.

Manatee Lagoon hosts a plethora of activities ranging from “Manatee Tales Story Times” for children ages 3 and above to Adult Yoga on the waterfront observation deck. On the third Saturday of each month, individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities can participate in a Sensory-Friendly Hour from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

In celebration of Manatee Lagoon’s 10th Anniversary, families can enjoy ManateeFest on Saturday, February 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event features live music, face painting, photo opportunities with Mia the Manatee, and a KidsFunZone.