3 Best Sights in Palm Beach, Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast

Swarms of surfers have co-opted these choppy tides almost immediately south of The Breakers' private beach club. With almost no public parking nearby and a lack of basic facilities, this beach caters principally to locals who come here by foot from their posh crash pads. But if you're staying at The Breakers or visiting the main municipal Palm Beach, walk south or north, respectively, and witness the throng of boards in and out of the water and surfers riding the wave crests. Amenities: none. Best for: surfing.

About 2 miles south of "Billionaire's Row" on Ocean Boulevard sits this public oceanside park, with two metered parking lots separated by a fire station. There are four entry points to the beach, but the north side is better for beachgoers. At the southern entrance, there is a six-court tennis facility. The beach is narrow and has natural rock formations dotting the shoreline, making it ideal for snorkelers. There are picnic tables and grills on site, as well as the Little Red Schoolhouse, an 1886 landmark that hosts educational workshops for local kids. If a long walk floats your boat, venture north to see the megamansions, but don't go too far inland, because private property starts at the high-tide line. Parking is metered and time limits strictly enforced. There's a two-hour time limit for free parking—but read the meter carefully: it's valid only during certain hours at some spots. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: solitude; walking.

You know you're here if you see Palm Beach's younger generation frolicking on the sands and locals setting up chairs as the sun reflects off their gleaming white veneers. The Worth Avenue clock tower is within sight, but the gateways to the sand are actually on Chilean Avenue, Brazilian Avenue, and Gulfstream Road. It's definitely the most central and longest lifeguarded strip open to everyone and a popular choice for hotel guests from the Colony, Chesterfield, and Brazilian Court. Lifeguards are present from Brazilian Avenue down to Chilean Avenue. It's also BYOC (bring your own chair). You'll find no water-sports or food vendors here; however, casual eateries are a quick walk away. Metered spots line A1A. Amenities: lifeguards; showers. Best for: sunset; swimming.