Escape the summer heat and cool off with these beach activities
As the summer sun heats things up, there’s no better way to cool off than a beach day. But what if scorching temperatures make you hesitate? Fear not, sun-seekers! The Palm Beaches offer a haven of refreshing experiences that go beyond just soaking up the rays.
Here are 10 refreshing ways to enjoy the beach this summer.
Seek shade in style
Palm Beach boasts stunning piers like Juno Beach Pier and Lake Worth Beach Pier, offering picturesque perches to relax under a cool covering.
These waterfront wonders extend into the ocean, providing picture-perfect spots to relax under a cool covering. So, grab a cool drink, a good book, or simply enjoy the calming ocean views, and enjoy a refreshing refuge from the midday sun and cool ocean breeze.
Tip: When hunger strikes, head to Benny’s on The Beach, situated on the historic Lake Worth Beach Pier. This restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Swim in the cool ocean waters
Take a plunge into the crystal-clear Atlantic waters. The Palm Beaches are known for their refreshing ocean currents, perfect for cooling off and enjoying a revitalizing swim.
For those who want to take a dip but prefer the added security of lifeguards on duty, The Palm Beaches offer a variety of beaches with dedicated lifeguard services. Here are just a few of the many lifeguard-protected beaches you can choose from:
- Carlin Park, Jupiter Â
- Coral Cove Park, Tequesta​
- ​DuBois Park, Jupiter  Â
- Gulfstream Park, Gulfstream
- Juno Beach Park, Juno Beach​
- Jupiter Beach Park, Jupiter
- Loggerhead Park, Juno Beach
- ​Ocean Cay Park, Jupiter
- Ocean Inlet Park, Ocean Ridge
- ​Ocean Reef Park, Riviera Beach
- Peanut Island Park, Riviera Beach
- ​​Phil Foster Park, Riviera Beach
- ​​South Inlet Park, Boca Raton
Guarded hours change on a seasonal basis. Please check the Parks & Recreation website for more information on guarded beach parks.
Stay cool under a beach umbrella
Relax under a rented umbrella and soak in the vibrant beach scene. The Palm Beaches offer a variety of beach service providers who can set you up with chairs and umbrellas, allowing you to unwind in comfort. Here are two offerings sprinkled throughout the destination:
- Oceanside Beach Service. Lounges, cabanas, and umbrellas … oh, my! Enjoy beach rentals per hour or per day paired with extended membership passes for those staying longer in The Palm Beaches. Oceanside Beach Service has locations at Boynton Beach’s Ocean Front Park, Delray Beach, Riviera Beach, Lake Worth Beach, and four parks in Boca Raton: Red Reef Park, South Beach Park, Spanish River Park, and the Pavillion.
- Island Beach Service. Relax and take in the view from one of Island Beach Service’s rental chairs or cabanas. Stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, and boogie boards are also available for rent.
Fishing for fun
The Palm Beaches boast excellent fishing opportunities, both from piers and along the shoreline. Catching a fish is an added bonus, but the real reward is the peaceful time spent on the water, enjoying the cool breeze and scenic views.
Winter months entice anglers with the chance to snag a prized sailfish or a delicious mahi mahi. As spring unfolds and summer arrives, the waters teem with hard-fighting snook, wahoo, and blackfin tuna – a challenge for even the most seasoned angler. Bottom and drift fishing enthusiasts are never left out, with snappers and groupers always available in the rich Gulf Stream currents.
Fall brings a unique opportunity – the mullet run. During this time, pier fishing and surf casting become prime ways to target tarpon and snook drawn close to shore by the migrating baitfish.
Indulge in beachfront ice cream
Indulge in a classic beach treat – ice cream! Grab a scoop (or two) of your favorite flavor and enjoy the sweet escape from the heat.
In Lake Worth Beach, Kilwin’s iconic ice cream shop beckons ice cream lovers. Step inside and be greeted by a dazzling display of flavors, from timeless classics to adventurous options. This ice cream shop is located right in front of the beach and steps away from the Lake Worth Beach Pier!
In Delray Beach, check out Sloan’s Ice Cream and choose from an array of homemade ice creams and other sweet treats. Indulge in a classic sundae, or try their Cookiewich, a scoop of homemade ice cream sandwiched between 2 freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.
For a truly unique gelato experience, Gelato & Co., also in Delray Beach, lets you savor a taste of Italy by the sea. Choose from a variety of flavors, like pistachio, hazelnut, chocolate, and more. Each spoonful is a delightful adventure.
Don’t forget Sprinkles in Palm Beach! This local favorite offers classic American ice cream alongside decadent sundaes and milkshakes.
Check out the 10 Best Ice Cream Places in The Palm Beaches
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the calm waters along the coast. This low-impact activity provides a refreshing workout and lets you soak in the beauty of The Palm Beaches from a unique perspective. Some places where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards include:
Here are a few spots where you can go kayaking or paddleboarding in saltwater:
- John D. MacArthur State Park: This park is located on a barrier island and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Peanut Island Park: This popular island is located just off the coast of Palm Beach and is a great place to kayak for all skill levels.
- Jupiter Inlet: This location offers a chance to get breathtaking views of the Jupiter Lighthouse from the water! You can launch from Carlin Park or Jupiter Beach and explore the surrounding area.
- Singer Island: This barrier island offers a variety of kayaking options, from exploring the Intracoastal Waterway to paddling out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Explore the underwater world
Discover the underwater world teeming with colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs.
- Phil Foster Park: Located in Rivera Beach, this park boasts an 800-foot-long tract of artificial reef made with 600 tons of rock boulders. It’s all part of The Palm Beaches’ Snorkeling Trail, directly under Blue Heron Bridge where the water is unbelievably clear.
- Peanut Island: Across from Phil Foster Park, this spot has a surprising snorkeling lagoon, besides being a great area to kayak.
- South Inlet Park: Situated in Boca Raton, this park includes a superb natural reef about 175 feet off the beach. Those inlet rock barriers attract unique sea life easily seen while snorkeling.
- Coral Cove Park:Locateda little more off the beaten path up north, thisis a not-to-be-missed beach. If you enjoy a quieter beach that attract  smaller crowds but still want the benefit of great snorkeling and paddleboarding, this is the place. Right at the shore to several hundred yards out – just look for the darker shapes in the water – it is the rocks around which the fish swim.
Beach Yoga Flow
Unwind and find your center with a beach yoga session. The sound of the waves and gentle ocean breeze create a calming atmosphere for a truly refreshing experience. Many resorts offer beachfront yoga classes, or you can simply spread out your towel and follow along to an online video.
The Seagate’s Sunrise Beach yoga class, held in Delray Beach on The Seagate Beach Club’s private beach, is a 60-minute morning Vinyasa yoga flow class taught by Cocoyogi’s Corey Heyman. The class is held on Saturdays from 8 am to 9 am. For more information or to get tickets, click here.
Alternatively,  another relaxing yoga experience takes place at Red Reef Park in Boca Raton, where Yoga at the Beach leads multiple hatha and vinyasa yoga classes—including sunset sessions that foster a strong connection with nature amid an inspiring backdrop. Â
Enjoy waterfront dining
 After a day of fun in the sun, treat yourself to a delicious meal at a waterfront restaurant. The Palm Beaches offer a vast array of dining options, allowing you to savor a refreshing meal with a breathtaking water view.
Guanabanas, sitting on a quiet offshoot of the Intracoastal Waterway across from a lush park, offers a super-tasty menu is filled with Caribbean-flavored local catches. Banana Boat and Two Georges, located across the water from each other at Boynton Harbor Marina, boast a bustling bars, live music, and seafood-heavy menus. At Deck 84, you can enjoy the view of the Intracoastal Waterway on an air-conditioned patio with a plate of succulent fish tacos in front of you.
Check out more waterfront dining options
Unfold your blanket for a beachside picnic
Ditch the restaurant scene and opt for a picture-perfect beach picnic with friends or family! The Palm Beaches boast a stunning array of beaches ideal for this carefree gathering. Juno Beach, Delray Beach, Palm Beach, Peanut Island, and Boynton Beach all offer sugary sand to set the scene for unforgettable memories.
If you want something unique to bring to your beach picnic, order the perfect charcuterie board from Boarderie, a local company that creates personalized cheese boards perfect for a bachelorette picnic.
For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, The Pretty Picnic can transform your beach day into an unforgettable event. They specialize in setting up dream picnics at your chosen beach location, complete with a variety of add-on options to personalize your experience. And the best part? After you’ve soaked up the sun and enjoyed your delicious spread, The Pretty Picnic will take care of everything, packing up and cleaning the area, leaving you free to reminisce about your perfect beach day.
The Palm Beaches cater to all preferences, offering a variety of beaches to suit your needs. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly atmosphere with calm waters or a secluded spot for relaxation, you’ll find the perfect coastal haven in The Palm Beaches.
Check out the Best Beaches in South Florida
Book your refreshing escape today
With so many ways to stay cool and refreshed, The Palm Beaches are the perfect summer destination. Whether you’re relaxing under a pier, swimming in the ocean, or enjoying a beachfront meal, there’s no better place to escape the heat. Plan your stay at one of the luxurious hotels and resorts near the beach, such as The Seagate, Eau Palm Beach, The Breakers, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, or Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa. Book your trip today and discover the refreshing side of summer in The Palm Beaches!
