VIBE

These lovely stretches of white sand, carefully maintained and blissfully uncrowded, are ideal for an ocean dip or a scenic stroll. Starting at the southern tip of the island, the quiet, palm-lined R.G. Kreusler Park (2695 S. Ocean Blvd.) sits near the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach and The Omphoy Ocean Resort. Several blocks northwards, the Phipps Ocean Park (2185 S. Ocean Blvd.) offers another peaceful, secluded beach as well as public tennis courts. Next along, the recently restored Palm Beach Municipal Beach (375 S. Ocean Blvd.) is the most popular of the four, thanks to its location close to the action at Worth Ave. Finally, the smallest of the bunch, the Clark Avenue Public Beach (Clark Ave. and S. Ocean Blvd.), which abuts mega-resort The Breakers, draws a (small) friendly neighborhood crowd.

GO HERE WITH

Sunbathers and swimmers; friends; family; kids

WHY WE LIKE IT

Not only are they scenic, uncrowded, clean, and well maintained–they’re also free. What’s not to love?

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

These beaches have few (or no) facilities like bathrooms, showers, and loungers–quite a letdown after the swanky locker rooms and beachside amenities at the beach clubs (note that R.G. Kreusler Park has bathrooms and outdoor showers). Also, most only have metered parking–it’s never fun to have to interrupt your sunbathing session to feed the meter.

GOOD TO KNOW

Beach opening hours and lifeguard hours vary by season–it’s a good idea to check these before you go. There is generally no hanging out on the beach after dark (monitored by police).

CLOSEST COMPS

Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach (Los Angeles)

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