Discovering The Palm Beaches in Florida- PGA Resort and Spa

The Sicilian and I love Florida and we were on a mission to discover The Palm Beaches. I was skeptical about this area because although I love luxury, I want the people to be real. I assumed from what I heard that we would have to rub elbows with stuffy people and tourists. I was ready because that wouldn’t stop me from having a good time and if there are places that are a fit for us, we want to experience them. You won’t hear this often but boy was I wrong! We met so many locals and they were all awesome and of course I made a few more Facebook friends. The tourists we ran into were just like us……COOL and HIP! Here are some of the things I discovered in The Palm Beaches! 

The Palm Beaches welcomed 7.35 million people in 2016 and are home to almost 17,000 hotel rooms, ranging from historic resorts to boutique inns with easy access via I-95 and the Palm Beach International Airport (PBI).

This family destination has more than 100 family-friendly attractions, world-class luxury and antique shopping experiences, 125 miles of peaceful waterways for on- or in-the-water activities, more than 150 artificial reefs that line the Atlantic Ocean’s Gulf Stream current, 160 golf courses, award-winning restaurants, and a thriving entertainment scene boasting more than 200 art and culture organizations.

Jupiter, FL 33469

West Palm Beach, FL 33418

Easy access to The Palm beaches via I-95 and the Palm Beach International Airport (PBI).

PGA National Resort & Spa isn’t just for golfers.

Home to the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic and the legendary Bear Trap with five championship golf courses, it doesn’t matter if you are a pro, novice, or don’t play at all you will have plenty to do at the resort. With 369 luxurious rooms you will find the perfect room for you. A comfortable bed and pillow are important when traveling to get the rest you need to conquer the day and at the PGA National Resort the beds were perfect. The staff from the minute you pull up are attentive and fill your every need. The lobby has plenty of room to sit and relax or take a few steps to the bar where you can sway away to live music or relax on the patio overlooking the beautiful pool! 

Let’s talk pool for a minute. It usually takes me quite a while to get into a pool. I have a process….. a long process which leaves the Sicilian waiting, and waiting. With the PGA’s beach-entry swimming pool, I literally walked right in and imagine how surprised the Sicilian was when he turned around and I was right behind him! I had just planned on dipping my feet but the subtly lit pool (yes it was 9PM) was irresistibly warm and calling my name. Did I mention I still had my clothes on? On the opposite end of the pool were kids playing in the fountain and pool basketball. I loved how the pool was large enough that we could relax while hearing and watching the kids splashing and playing. 

I made sure to have pool time during the day so I could take in the warm Florida sunshine and of course have a couple pina coladas and lunch at the cabana-style Wave Bar & Grill. If you don’t venture out of the resort you can choose from Ironwood Steak & Seafood, IBAR, Palm Terrace, or Bar 91. There’s also a cafe’ for your morning coffee although you’ll want room service so you can enjoy the morning on your balcony.

The Spa at PGA National Resort has moved into my top 3! It is a true day spa and the perfect setting for a day away, a girls’ day, or a couples day. Read how it made it to one of my top 3 spas!

Downtown at the Gardens 

Stroll through the outdoor open shopping mall to find the latest trends, food to die for, and entertainment. Stop by the carousel or grab an iced tea and sit in the park to enjoy the view.

Jupiter Lighthouse

There is so much history at the Jupiter Lighthouse and any history or lighthouse buff will enjoy the tour. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Reservation site at the confluence of the Loxahatchee River, Indian River and Jupiter Inlet has held a natural attraction for thousands of years. 

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is located in Lighthouse Park and offers climbing tours of the landmark 1860 lighthouse. The waterfront Museum in the restored WWII building exhibits Five Thousand Years on the Loxahatchee and outdoor exhibits include the Keeper’s Workshop, Oil House, Tindall Pioneer Homestead, Pennock Plantation Bell, Seminole Chickee and Early Native American kiosks.

 

Some Facts about the Jupiter Lighthouse

• Lighthouses have different colors and patterns to distinguish them from each other. During the day the colors and designs tell you where you are and at night each lighthouse flashes a different sequence of light
• There are 105 steps inside the lighthouse 
• The lighthouse has a fresnel lens first order 
• For thousands of years had been a meeting place for ancient Indian tribes
• President Franklin Pierce signed the order to set aside a 61 & ½-acre site on the Fort Jupiter Reservation for a lighthouse in 1854
• The lighthouse was designed by Lieutenant George Gordon Meade and Lt. William Raynolds, who succeeded him as head of the 4th and 7th Lighthouse Districts, improved the strength with a double wall design
• The lighthouse and Oil house construction was accomplished by Captain Edward Yorke, who arrived Dec. 31, 1859 and completed the tower in May 1860 
• It was lit July 10, 1860
• The tower has survived the civil war, hurricanes, earth tremors, and Seminole Indian uprisings
• Passing ships were signaled during the day by semaphore (flags) and at night by flares
• It was on July 1, 1939, that all US lighthouses became the responsibility of the US Coast Guard
• By July, 1940, The Navy’s Radio Detection Finding Station, known as “Station J,” came online. This secret installation was designed to intercept German U-boat radio messages and warn Allied ships and help US forces attack enemy vessels. Station J was able to pinpoint the names and locations of the submarines
• In May 1943, 30 German submarines were destroyed, and in June another 37. Most had been located by the men of Station J
• November 15, 1973, the Lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Also available are the Gift Shop, educational programs for children and adults, sunset tours, weddings, and special events. Enjoy hiking, birding and manatee viewing from Lighthouse Park. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the 120 acre federally designated, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area. Check for hours and programs at www.jupiterlighthouse.org.

$12 Adults, $6 Children ages 6-18; children ages 5 & under, Annual Pass members, and active US Military with valid current ID admitted free. JILM is a Blue Star Museum.

 

We also discovered amazing food in The Palm Beaches and you will not want to miss out on these! Follow our Discover The palm Beaches Series!

Paris in Town Le Bistro

The Cooper