South Florida Fairgrounds – Area Bucket List

The South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach, Florida, encompasses 135 acres of potential. At 200,000 square feet, there is plenty of space for almost any event.

The most notable event hosted at the South Florida Fairgrounds is the South Florida State Fair, one of the state’s biggest events. Every January since 1912, the fair has welcomed thousands of guests.

There’s so much to do at the South Florida Fairgrounds, but that’s not the only place to check out in West Palm Beach. While you’re in the area, you may want to see the attractions this seaside town has to offer. Because of this, we’ve created a bucket list to narrow down the top destinations near the South Florida Fairgrounds.

Palm Beach Zoo

Less than 15 minutes away from the South Florida Fairgrounds is the Palm Beach Zoo. Built in 1969, it has been caring for animals and welcoming guests for over 50 years.

The Palm Beach Zoo is well laid out and manageable in size, making it perfect for families. The zoo is home to more than 500 animals spanning 60 different species. Guests can take part in a variety of up-close animal experiences with sloths, flamingos, snakes, and a variety of birds.

In addition to being a great attraction, the Palm Beach Zoo prioritizes conservation efforts. They regularly hold fundraising events, such as “Cocktails & Conservation,” featuring informative lectures regarding human impact on animal populations. After your event at the South Florida Fairgrounds, the Palm Beach Zoo is a nearby attraction that’s totally worth visiting.

South Florida Science Center and Aquarium

The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, located just over 15 minutes from the South Florida Fairgrounds, is filled with impressive attractions. It includes a digital planetarium, aquariums, natural history exhibits, and a mini golf course. South Florida Science Center and Aquarium features more than 50 interactive, rotating exhibits, and also hosts plenty of special events. Some of these events include nights at the museum and laser light shows.

Carve out a few hours of your visit to the South Florida Fairgrounds to check out South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Lion Country Safari

The only drive-through safari in Florida is 20 minutes from the South Florida Fairgrounds. When it opened in 1967, Lion Country Safari was America’s first drive-through wildlife experience. There are over 1,000 animals spanning dozens of species in the preserve, many of which you can interact with via feeding activities.

In addition to the drive-through safari, guests can take a stroll through SafariWorld, a walk-through experience that features various birds, reptiles, and mammals. Other activities include five amusement rides and a kid’s water “sprayground.”

The readers of USA Today named Lion Country Safari one of the “10 best wildlife parks,” and the Travel Channel called it “one of the top 10 things to do in Palm Beach County.” While you’re visiting the South Florida Fairgrounds, go and find out why!

Norton Museum of Art

Art lovers visiting the South Florida Fairgrounds would be remiss not to see the Norton Museum of Art. Founded in 1941, this museum includes more than 7,600 works that vary from ancient Chinese paintings to modern American photography. This variety makes Norton Museum of Art a satisfying visit for any art aficionado. Many visitors have commented on how the recently-renovated building is a work of art itself.

Visitors can take an hour-long tour of the Norton Museum of Art lead by knowledgeable docents or explore it themselves. On Fridays, admission to the Norton Museum of Art is waived. Take the 21-minute drive from the South Florida Fairgrounds to check it out.

Henry Morrison Flagler Museum

One of the most magnificent homes in the United States, or at least in Florida, is open to tourists as the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. Oil tycoon Henry Flagler built the home, called Whitehall, in 1902 as a wedding gift for his wife. It was so outstanding that the New York Herald covered it, calling the house “more wonderful than any palace in Europe, grander and more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world.” The 75-room, 100-square-foot mansion is a prime example of the outrageous wealth and lavishness of the Gilded Age.

The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum includes guided tours, audio tours, printed self-guide brochures, and a Flagler Museum Audio Tour App. This meticulously preserved mansion is a must-see while visiting West Palm Beach, and is only 23 minutes from the South Florida Fairgrounds.

Kayak Lake Worth

Your trip to Florida would not be complete without enjoying an activity out on the water. Two of the most popular of these activities are kayaking and paddle boarding.

24 minutes from the South Florida Fairgrounds is Kayak Lake Worth, a small, independently owned business. Kayak Lake Worth has kayak and paddle boarding options including private tours, sunset excursions, and trips under the full moon. The owners are friendly people that do their best to provide everyone with this classic Florida experience. So while you’re visiting the South Florida Fairgrounds, this is definitely an activity to consider.

Manatee Lagoon

Manatees are a unique yet threatened animal native to Florida, so it makes sense to pay them a visit while you’re in town. Half an hour from the South Florida Fairgrounds is Manatee Lagoon, a preservation center that educates visitors about saving manatees and their habitat.

In addition to its observation tanks, Manatee Lagoon frequently hosts engaging activities for all visitors. They have yoga classes for kids and adults, painting activities for kids, story time, and educational lectures each month.

Manatee Lagoon is an enjoyable, and free, destination for all visitors to the South Florida Fairgrounds. For these reasons, it’s definitely a bucket list item when visiting the area.

Delray Beach

Delray Beach is a fun, energetic neighborhood to explore while in West Palm Beach. In 2012, USA Today named it the “Most Fun Small Town in the USA.” Delray Beach features a budding arts scene with 20 galleries and public art pieces, and its main street, Atlantic Avenue, is the longest main street in Florida. Atlantic Avenue runs through the center of town all the way to the beach and is filled with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. There you can find both tourists and locals exploring the area.

This fantastic neighborhood is a great place to get a feel for the area and is 30 minutes from the South Florida Fairgrounds.

For whatever reason you’re visiting the South Florida Fairgrounds, you have the opportunity to experience some of the biggest attractions in the area. From animal experience, to a bar crawl through a great neighborhood, to a moonlit kayak, there is something for everyone. You can do all this and more while in the West Palm Beach area.