VIBE

This five-mile, paved path stretching along the west side of the island from Worth Avenue (in the south) to Indian Road (in the north) was the brainchild of Palm Beach founder Henry Flagler, who, in 1894, decided to build a tree-lined waterside promenade where his moneyed hotel guests could stretch their legs and scope the society scene. Though there aren’t many parasol-toting dames and hobnobbing top-hatted gents strolling along here these days, the path remains a popular spot with runners, bikers, rollerbladers, and walkers who all want to take in the lovely views of the Intracoastal Waterway to the west and sprawling Palm Beach mansions to the east. Many of the houses are hidden by high hedges, but along the way you’ll still be able to catch glimpses of glamorous pools, elegant formal gardens, and two of Flagler’s own sumptuous properties–Seagull Cottage and Whitehall (now the Flagler Museum).

GO HERE WITH

Sporty types; friends

WHY WE LIKE IT

The mix of views (the Intracoastal Waterway, the lush greenery, and the elegant mansions) and lack of crowds makes this our favorite spot on the island for a run.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The trail is not well marked, and many intersections can be confusing (especially the part where you run along Cocoanut Row for a bit and across the busy Royal Poinciana before catching the next stretch of the trail along the water)–make sure you consult a map before heading out, and don’t be shy to ask the locals for help if you need it along the way.

GOOD TO KNOW

If bike rentals are not available at your hotel, Palm Beach Bike Shop (palmbeachbicycle.com) offers bike rentals starting from USD 15/hour. There’s a 10 mph speed limit on the trail. The official name of the trail changes names a few times, going variously by South Lake Drive, South Lake Trail, North Lake Trail, and North Lake Way. There are no restrooms along the way, so plan accordingly.

CLOSEST COMPS

Vélib (Paris); Santa Monica-Venice Bike Path (Los Angeles)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Palm Beach