The Lake Trail in Palm Beach is an absolute favorite amongst locals for walking, biking, rollerblading, and checking out mansions and yachts. The paved walkway begins around the bridge at Royal Palm Way and goes past the Flagler Museum, shops, and golf courses to the most northern point of Palm Beach Island.
- Level of Difficulty: Easy, length is fully adjustable.
- Skill Level: All skill levels will enjoy this paved, ADA accessible path!
- Distance: 9 miles in length (out-and-back trail).
- Cost: Free to access year round.
Where is the Palm Beach Lake Trail?
Located just east of West Palm Beach, the Lake Trail is in the Town of Palm Beach and runs along the Lake Worth Lagoon. Locals say it’s “on the island,” and the paved trail winds along the intracoastal waterway. This scenic route is perfect for peeping galant mansions, high-end yachts, historic landmarks, impeccable landscaping, and soaking in West Palm’s city skyline across the water. The trail technically ends at the northern point of Palm Beach Island, which overlooks Peanut Island Park.
Parking for the Lake Trail
There are plenty of parking options on the island of Palm Beach that have convenient access to the Lake Trail. Note that many (if not all) of these areas have free parking available. Still, it’s always recommended to pay attention to pay-to-park signs around you or refer to the Town of Palm Beach Public Parking site.
- Park by the Town of Palm Beach Marina – The trail begins by the Royal Park Bridge (Royal Palm Way) after crossing onto the island. Turn right towards the Marina at 500 Brazilian Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480. Park for free along the side streets of S. Lake Drive, Brazilian Ave, Australian Ave, or Chilean Ave. Just be mindful not to park in spaces marked for residents only.
- Park by the Society of the Four Arts Plaza – Just north of the Royal Park Bridge (turning left after crossing the water) are parking options around this cultural site.
- Don’t park in the lot for the Henry Flagler Museum. However, street parking along Whitehall Way adjacent to the parking lot is available for use.
- By Flagler Memorial Bridge – This bridge is slightly north of Royal Park and puts you on Royal Poinciana Way. The road is lined with boutiques, restaurants, and parking spaces! If spots are filled up along that road, try Sunset Ave which gives you direct access to the trail.
If you begin the trail around Royal Park Bridge, you’ll likely only walk until Flagler Museum and turn around (out and back trail). This is because you would need to take a detour along the road for a bit before joining up on the trail again. For those wanting to stay off roads, I would recommend beginning your hike around the Flagler Memorial Bridge.
Getting to Lake Trail in Palm Beach
Once you’ve parked at any of the above locations, just walk west towards the intracoastal waterway to start your hike! The trail runs along the water, so it’s very easy to follow and enjoy.
Tips for Enjoying the Lake Trail
When I lived in downtown West Palm, I would walk the Lake Trail at least a couple of times per week! Here are some tips from my experience walking and biking the trail:
- Always bring water (best with electrolytes) and sunscreen for protection from the sun. Florida’s humidity and UV rays can be relentless – even in winter! There is very little shade along the entire trail so be prepared for tan lines.
- Be mindful of cyclists – people love biking with their own road bikes or rentals along the trail. Some bikers may be amateurs, and sections along the water have no railings. So, it’s best to be mindful of your surroundings!
- Try rollerblading! You’ll think you’re close to South Beach by the amount of rollerbladers on this trail.
- Train your dog along the Lake Trail as there are plenty of learning opportunities – people, crashing water, birds, bikers, and other distractions.
- The trail will be very busy on the weekends. If you’re seeking solace, try off times like 9am-4pm on weekdays.
- Go for sunset to see an amazing view of the sun hitting the water, boats, and city skyline.
- If you have to go to the bathroom, use the public restrooms by the park near Flagler Memorial Bridge. There are no other public restrooms along the trail (unless you go into a shop off Poinciana).
- Admire the momentous trees – especially the picturesque kapok tree by the Henry Flagler Museum (you’ll know which one I’m talking about when you see it!). Please do so from a distance and do not disrespect nature.
- Check out some of Palm Beach’s most coveted real estate.
- Read historical markers along the way – there is a historic church that’s now a house by Flagler Museum.
- Look for Rybovich Marina across the water for views of huge yachts.
- Finish your walk with an acai bowl from Field of Greens. It’s my post-workout guilty pleasure that’s just too convenient to this trail!
