Lake Worth Beach sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. It has galleries, murals, and a bohemian downtown that gets all the attention. But here's the thing. The best things to do in Lake Worth often have nothing to do with art at all.
From paddling through mangrove islands to eating seafood on a 960-foot pier, this town packs a surprising punch. Below are ten activities that prove Lake Worth is way more than canvas and paint.
The Lake Worth Pier stretches nearly 960 feet into the Atlantic. It is one of the most iconic fishing piers in Palm Beach County. Visitors can rent tackle right on the pier, drop a line, and try their luck with snapper or jack. Even without a fishing rod, the ocean views here are worth the trip alone.
The Gulf Stream runs less than a mile offshore. That means water clarity is surprisingly good for South Florida. Sunrise from the end of this pier? Arguably one of the best in the state.
Sitting right on the pier, Benny's has become a local institution. The menu leans heavily on fresh seafood, from peel-and-eat shrimp to their popular seafood boil. There is also an Oceanwalk location inside the historic Casino Building nearby.
What makes it special is the setting. Dining over open ocean water while pelicans cruise past the railing. That is not something most restaurants can offer. The place draws everyone from tourists to regulars who come weekly.
This is one of the most underrated things to do in Lake Worth. Period.
Snook Islands is a 118-acre restored wetland on the Intracoastal Waterway. It was once a dead zone in the Lake Worth Lagoon. Palm Beach County's Environmental Resource Management team transformed it completely. Now it teems with wildlife, including manatees, sea turtles, oystercatchers, and pelicans.
Visitors can explore by kayak, paddleboard, or on foot via a 545-foot boardwalk. Kayak rentals are available through Kayak Lake Worth. The calm waters between the mangrove islands make it perfect for beginners too.
What to expect at Snook Islands:
John Prince Park covers 726 acres along Lake Okeechobee. That makes it one of the largest parks in all of Palm Beach County. It is surprisingly diverse in what it offers.
There is a 48-acre campground, boat ramps with direct lake access, and miles of paved biking trails. Families love the Lake Woof dog park and the splash pad playground for kids. Fishing from the shoreline of Lake Osborne is a popular low-key afternoon activity.
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Activity |
Details |
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Biking trails |
4.5 miles of paved paths along the lake |
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Camping |
Full hookup RV and tent sites available |
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Boating |
Boat ramp with access to Lake Osborne |
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Dog park |
Lake Woof, a five section off leash area |
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Golf |
John Prince Golf Learning Center on site |
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Fishing |
Freshwater fishing (bass, panfish) from shore or boat |
Quick clarification. There is no gambling here. The "Casino" name dates back to the 1920s. Today it is a beachfront complex with a municipal pool, restaurants, boardwalk, and public restrooms with outdoor showers.
The beach itself is one of the cleanest stretches in South Florida. Water temperatures hover around 80 degrees for much of the year thanks to the nearby Gulf Stream. Parking runs about $3 per hour through the ParkMobile app.
Ragtops has been a fixture in Lake Worth Beach for over 40 years. Located at 701 N Dixie Highway, this 8,000-square-foot showroom is part museum, part dealership. And admission is free.
The collection spans decades of automotive history. Think 1935 Bentleys, 1959 Edsel wagons, and 1960s muscle cars. Neon signs, vintage memorabilia, and oldies music playing in the background complete the vibe. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
This 18-hole course sits right along the Intracoastal Waterway. The views alone set it apart from typical municipal courses. Palm trees frame nearly every hole, and the Atlantic is close enough to smell.
It is affordable, well-maintained, and rarely overcrowded. For golfers visiting the Palm Beach area, this is one of those hidden gem courses that locals love to keep quiet about.
Running every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM (October through April), this market sets up along the Intracoastal Waterway. It draws 80-plus vendors, live musicians, and a crowd that skews artsy and laid-back. The whole scene feels distinctly Lake Worth.
Fresh produce, artisan bread, local honey, handmade crafts. It is all here. And the waterfront setting makes it more interesting than most South Florida farmers' markets. The dog friendly policy is a nice bonus too.
Fun Depot has been running since 1988. It is Lake Worth Beach's go-to spot for family entertainment. The half-mile go-kart track is surprisingly fast, and the laser tag arena covers 4,000 square feet of black-lit, fog-filled chaos.
The newer addition, Cordial, adds a 20 lane bowling alley with a full bar and chef driven menu. Tuesday and Thursday family fun nights offer unlimited games, laser tag, and go-kart rides for $35 per person. That is solid value for a full evening out.
Here is where Lake Worth really shines. The Intracoastal Waterway runs right through the heart of town. It connects to Peanut Island, Palm Beach, and the open Atlantic through the Lake Worth Inlet.
Chartering a yacht or boat from nearby creates a completely different perspective on the area. Gliding past Snook Islands, watching the Lake Avenue drawbridge lift, and cruising south toward Delray or north toward Palm Beach is a full-day experience. South Florida Yacht Rental offers private charters that can be customized around Lake Worth's waterways, making it easy to pair a day on land with an afternoon on the water.
Popular Intracoastal routes from Lake Worth:
Most visitors come for the art scene and end up staying for everything else. The town's location between the ocean and Intracoastal gives it a water focused identity that often gets overlooked. Whether it is pier fishing at sunrise, paddling through mangrove islands, or cruising the waterway on a private charter, Lake Worth delivers more variety than its small town size suggests.
And honestly? That is exactly what makes it worth visiting.
What are the best things to do in Lake Worth besides art galleries?
The top things to do in Lake Worth beyond the arts include fishing from the Municipal Pier, kayaking Snook Islands Natural Area, exploring John Prince Park's 726 acres, eating at Benny's on the Beach, and cruising the Intracoastal Waterway by boat.
Is Lake Worth Beach good for families?
Yes. Lake Worth Beach offers strong family options including Fun Depot (go karts, laser tag, bowling), the Casino Beach Complex with its public pool, the splash pad at John Prince Park, and calm kayaking waters at Snook Islands.
Can you go boating from Lake Worth?
Absolutely. Lake Worth has direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway with public boat ramps at John Prince Park and kayak launches near Snook Islands. Private yacht charters from nearby providers also offer customized trips through the waterway system.
When is the Lake Worth Beach farmers market open?
The Lake Worth Beach Waterside Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM, October through April. It is located along the Intracoastal Waterway at Old Bridge Park near the Lake Avenue Bridge.