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Find stretches of warm golden sand, blue Atlantic Ocean waters, and gently swaying palm trees. In The Palm Beaches, you’ll find the top beaches in Florida.

The Palm Beaches are home to top beach towns, top beach resorts, and top rated beaches in Florida. With 47 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline and stretches of golden sand to pick from, naming the best Florida beach in The Palm Beaches is impossible. Instead, here’s a list of some of our favorite white sand beaches for sun and fun so you can decide which strand of oceanfront gets your top spot.

Canopy-covered walkways, a hardwood boardwalk and a café welcome families to Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park. Umbrella and lounge chair rentals, a playground and a concession stand are available for the ultimate in relaxation and fun. Oceanfront Park Beach is open 365 days a year from sunrise to 9 pm. Lifeguards are on duty every day from 9 am to 5 pm. Designated surfing and skim board areas are located at the north and south end of the beach. Places to stay nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Boynton Beach.

Address: 6415 N Ocean Blvd, Ocean Ridge, FL 33435

One of our more northern beaches in the county and one that cannot be missed. Known as a beach with a quiet personality, Coral Cove Park offers unparalleled snorkeling conditions. Just a few feet offshore and in just a few inches of water are water-carved rock formations, shaped by countless seasons of wave action. A waterproof camera will come in handy when capturing the beauty of sea turtles, eels, fish, and sharks swimming between the reefs and rocks of the cove. The park is conveniently located close to the Intracoastal Waterway, offering additional areas to explore in and out of the water. Families will be delighted to discover picnic benches, grills, and a small playscape.Places to stay nearby: Jupiter Waterfront Inn.

Address: 1600 S Beach Rd, Tequesta, FL 33469.

The two-mile-long stretch of Delray Beach sits comfortably between Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. It offers easy accessibility and a tranquil experience, thanks to the beach’s calm waves and warm waters. Its boundaries are marked by sand dunes, which act as natural barriers. After your beach trip, explore one of the many Atlantic Avenue restaurants just a short walk from the sand.Places to stay nearby: Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa.

Address: 400 S Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, FL 33483

Take in panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the Juno Beach pier while enjoying 990 feet of excellent saltwater fishing. Enjoy a variety of fishing tackle for sale at the bait shop, as well as poles for rent. After a day of swimming, grab a snack at the concession stand or prepare dinner on the park’s barbecue grills. Additional amenities include free parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers.Places to stay nearby: Hampton Inn Jupiter/Juno Beach.

Address: 14775 US-1, Juno Beach, FL 33408.

Take a dip in the family-friendly small lagoon, or drop a line from the jetty. Make a big catch or buy seafood from Pinders Seafood & Marketplace–either is good for a bit of afternoon grilling. Surf with the locals or play some volleyball. Best of all, bring a furry friend to cool off, as a portion of Jupiter Beach (Ocean Cay Park) allows dogs to be off their leash. Additional amenities include pavilion access, picnic tables, and restrooms. Places to stay nearby: Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa.

Address: 1375 Jupiter Beach Rd, Jupiter, FL 33477.

This beach is ideal for soaking up the sun and taking in scenic views. Lake Worth Beach is noted for its cleanliness and relaxed atmosphere. Take a stroll along its golden sand, or find your way up and along its pier. There, you’ll find Benny’s On The Beach, an oceanfront restaurant with diverse cuisine from breakfast to dinner. Places to stay nearby: Sabal Palm House Bed & Breakfast Inn.

Address: 10 S Ocean Blvd, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460.

Perfect for a sunrise walk or run, the boardwalk at Ocean Reef Park stretches along the dune ecosystem. There’s plenty of sand on the wide beach to relax and take in this quintessential South Florida experience. Rock piles just off the shoreline provide plenty of sea life to entertain adventurous snorkelers. Up in the park area, there’s a picnic pavilion, as well as grills and single picnic tables. Additional amenities include a playground and showers. Places to stay nearby: Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa.

Address: 3860 N Ocean Dr, Riviera Beach, FL 33404.

Peanut island is a family sanctuary which features snorkeling, overnight camping, and swimming. This 79-acre beauty in the heart of the Lake Worth inlet was actually a dredging project dating back to 1918 and is a fan favorite of many! With a rich history, nooks, and crannies to snorkel, sunbathe and even camp, the island vibes are here and loaded with activities. Peanut Island is only accessible by boat, paddleboard, or canoe. Best ways to visit are to take a water taxi from nearby Sailfish Marina or Riviera Beach Marina–or anchor your boat right along the shoreline. Places to stay nearby: Peanut Island Park & Tent Campground.

Address: 6500 Peanut Island Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33404.

This 14.7-acre beach park is a gateway to discover the islands of The Palm Beaches: Singer Island, Peanut Island, and Munyon Island. The park is a great fishing spot and has a nice playground. But what Phil Foster is best known for is a man-made snorkeling trail that winds around the south end of the island and near the pilings of the Blue Heron Bridge. While the full trail is intended for stronger swimmers, the beach access is great for kids wanting to wade around closer to shore. Families can play on the sandy beach, while enjoying the fully protected water of the lagoon (also known as the Intracoastal Waterway). Places to stay nearby: Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront/Palm Beaches Resort.

Address: 900 Blue Heron Blvd, Riviera Beach, FL 33404.

Red Reef Park is a secluded, heavily foliated area that’s a favorite haunt for a variety of small birds. Bring your camera and see if you can capture images of larger and more spectacular birds on the ocean side of the park. Snorkeling at the park’s south end and surf fishing are popular leisure activities, and access to the beach is available with many parking options. The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is part of the 67-acre park. Gumbo Limbo will delight nature lovers of every age, with educational programs about sea turtles, nature, conservation, and the area’s ecology. Programs are tailored for children as well as adults, so children can enjoy learning about endangered sea turtles. Additional amenities include showering stations, walking paths, and a picnic area equipped with grills, tables, and restrooms. There’s even a 9 hole golf course with views of the ocean! Places to stay nearby: The Boca Raton.

Address: 1400 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432.

Lined with palm trees and protected waters, Dubois Park is located on the southern edge of Jupiter Inlet. Pull into the ample parking lot and you’ll notice the park doesn’t face the ocean, but rather the beautiful and historic Jupiter Inlet. Look west and you’ll see the Jupiter Lighthouse. Look east and you’ll see the mouth of the inlet leading into the shimmering ocean. A man-made barrier of natural rock and concrete shelters a pool of water, perfect for bathers of all ages. The water is replenished and cleaned by the natural currents of the inlet, and access to the swimming area is easy and well-marked. There are public bathrooms available, as well as small grills for cooking. Best of all, the calm swimming area is great for kids, and parents will appreciate how easy it is to keep track of little ones. Places to stay nearby: Wyndham Grand Jupiter At Harbourside Place.

Address: 19075 Dubois Rd, Jupiter, FL 33477.

Located in North Palm Beach and nestled on a barrier island, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is the only state park in Palm Beach County, as well as one of the most family friendly parks among Florida’s State Parks. This nearly-two-mile picturesque beach allows you to explore with a number of water activities. Swim, snorkel, and refresh yourself in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The flip side of the park sits in the urban estuary of the Intracoastal Waterway. Kayak, canoe, hike short trails, and visit the Nature Center. Top amenities include picnic tables, barbecue grills, children’s playground, and gift shop. Places to stay nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Palm Beach Gardens.

Address: 10900 Jack Nicklaus Dr, North Palm Beach, FL 3340.

This was our selection of top rated beaches in Florida. Check out our beachfront and waterfront hotels, book your stay in one of our beach towns, and enjoy our pristine beaches!

Header picture courtesy of Carri Lager @carrilagerphotopgraphy

NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — It's been almost one week since an EF-2 tornado rocked parts of Palm Beach County, and people are continuing to pick up the pieces.

The path of the tornado on Saturday extended over two and a half miles, starting as an EF-0 tornado near I-95 and then extending to an EF-2 a short time later. The tornado had wind speeds of up to 130 mph, according to a report from the National Weather Service Miami (NWS Miami).

CBS12’s Dani Travis went back to three of the worst hit places; the Sanctuary Cover Apartments, Sandalwood Estates, and the North Palm Beach Community Center.

It's been almost one week since an EF-2 tornado rocked parts of Palm Beach County, and people are continuing to pick up the pieces. (WPEC)

Sealed up apartment windows, smashed in cars, ripped up roofs, and uprooted ground, are all signs of damage that still remain from the EF-2 tornado that hit the North Palm Beach area six days ago.

"It looked pretty bad when you first stepped on scene, like woah what just happened. Literally like an earthquake or a bomb went off,” Zak Sherman, North Palm Beach Parks & Rec Director of Leisure Services, said.

"It was not like a hurricane; it was fast and furious,” Susanne Girouard, Sandalwood Estates resident, said.

The American Red Cross Palm Beach County chapter jumped into immediate action.

“We really focus on families that have major damage or their homes are completely destroyed. We’re very lucky in this situation that there weren’t that many homes that met that requirement,” Eric Roby, American Red Cross Palm Beach Executive Director, said.

At this time, the Red Cross is assisting about a half dozen families whose homes met those requirements.

"There’s a lot of cosmetic damage, a lot of trees down, broken windows, but a lot of the homes that were damaged are still livable,” said Roby.

Cosmetic damage has forced the North Palm Beach Community Center to remain closed since the storm.

“The thing that stands out the most is all the trees, but the most costly damage is obviously going to be to the field, the field lights,” said Sherman.

A costly price guessed to be more than $200,000 in damages, but manageable with the help of insurance. Minutes away, Sandalwood Estates Resident Susanne Girouard says the cleanup process over the past week has been better than expected.

“FPL was great. I don’t know how many tree people we have here. Unfortunately, we had to remove a lot, but it’s been excellent,” said Girouard. “Everyone’s come and done everything great. I mean, it’s amazing.”

And clean-up workers at many of these hard-hit locations agree.

“Things are looking great right now. When you first drive in, it looks like the trees got a nice haircut,” said Sherman. “Everyone’s pitched in, everyone’s helped.”

A community left picking up the pieces 6 days later, just thankful it wasn't worse.

“This tornado is the perfect example as to why the Red Cross recommends that you are prepared for a disaster 365 days out of the year. It’s not just storm season that we’re accustomed to here in South Florida,” said Roby.

Red Cross says you can be disaster prepared by having a plan, practicing that plan, make sure you know who to communicate with and where to meet up, and make sure you have at least three days’ worth of emergency supplies foe your entire family.

The North Palm Beach Community Center is set to re-open to the public Saturday.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. —

Clean up continues in Palm Beach Gardens Monday after an EF2 tornado touched down on Saturday.

After further assessment, the National Weather Service Miami confirmed its intensity Sunday. Officials say winds from the tornado peaked at 130 mph. NWS estimates the tornado was on the ground from 5:10 pm to 5:21 pm.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

NWS Miami can confirm an EF-2 tornado occurred yesterday April 29, 2023 in Palm Beach Gardens. Multiple reports of damage to trees, homes, buildings, power poles and cars. For more information visit the latest Public information Statement: https://t.co/Y5tBQ8SZWz pic.twitter.com/i94is2rnFL

— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) April 30, 2023

Officials say the tornado was about a quarter of a mile wide, and the path of destruction spanned more than 2 miles.

Hearst Owned

Gallery: Tornado damage in Palm Beach Gardens

The tornado caused damage at the Point at Palm Beach Gardens apartments next to U.S. 1 and PGA Boulevard. Cars were also damaged in that parking lot, and nearby trees were destroyed.

"I watched it for about 20 seconds to see which way it was going to move, and then obviously, when I saw it kind of closing in toward us, I immediately shut the slider, went back in, huddled in the bathroom, the building started to shake, there was a lot of noise for 20 to 25 seconds,” said Andrew Laybourne, who lives in the Point at Palm Beach Gardens apartments.

WATCH: Residents recall the moment the tornado touched down in their neighborhood

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Laybourne says he's lucky his apartment only had a little damage. But other people's apartments had more significant damage, and several cars were thrown around during the tornado.

"I got chill bumps on my arm," said Jason Rash, who lives in the Point at Palm Beach Gardens apartments. "I’m lucky to be alive. I had my back against the concrete wall. I’m in an open-air parking deck, and I’m like, ‘I’m going to get blown away. If I stand here, I’m going to get slammed against the wall.'"

Rash was on the phone with his son, who was across the parking lot at a gym. They’re both doing OK.

"The whole time when you’re thinking about your child trapped in a building over here, and he can’t get out and you can’t get to him and I was like, ‘Oh my God, my life is in danger’ and that’s when I ran to get to the stairwell,” Rash said.

"(My son) started crying, and he was like, ‘Dad, what can I do?’ and I was like, ‘Get down! Get down! Get down!’" Rash said.

The latest: Weather coverage from WPBF 25 News

Power lines in the area exploded after the storm passed. Many trees along U.S. 1 in Palm Beach Gardens fell down due to the storm. At least one boat that was docked capsized. Firefighters say two cars driving southbound on U.S. 1 rolled over due to the storm. First responders say one of those drivers had minor injuries.

In Juno Beach, several power lines are now slanted due to the storm.

"It's got to be a tornado because I've never seen anything like this in all the hurricanes I've seen. This was powerful,” said Norman Hirsch, who lives in Juno Beach.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue crews say they’re still assessing the damage.

Get a taste of authentic local flavors at these favorite eateries in The Palm Beaches.

In honor of The Palm Beaches Restaurant Week, three local bloggers are sharing a few of their favorite smaller or lesser-known restaurants that serve up off-the-charts food and drink. The Palm Beaches Restaurant Week takes place Aug. 16-31, 2021. Diners can enjoy special prix fixe menus and offers from restaurants and local businesses throughout The Palm Beaches. See a full list of participants here, and start planning your route to taste the best of The Palm Beaches.

Stage Palm Beaches Restaurant Week Participant As the chef-driven culinary scene makes its way to the northern reaches of The Palm Beaches, enter Stage, the Indian American fusion concept by previously Miami-based chef Pushkar Marathe. Aesthetically a jewel box in Palm Beach Gardens, the kitchen of this bustling restaurant produces flavorful dishes from start to finish, brunch to dinner. Diners feast on garlic naan, street corn, butter chicken Masala, Bang Bang cauliflower, Korean BBQ ribs and yellowfin tuna ceviche among the many diverse menu selections. Craft cocktail lovers can rejoice too. Stage’s inventive libations, some designed to be shared and some with playful presentations, are all delicious.

Ebisu For those looking for a truly authentic Japanese dining experience, head to Ebisu, also in Palm Beach Gardens. Slip off your shoes and be seated on the floor tableside at a traditional table, or join the chefs at the bar for an immersive experience of sashimi, sushi rolls and other Japanese fare. The seafood is beautifully fresh and can be prepared as a boat for a colorful, shareable display. For those looking for a memorable evening, ask about the Omakase (chef’s choice) experience. Feeling less adventurous? Don’t miss out on the ramen. Open for lunch and dinner, Ebisu is also a fantastic happy hour spot – kanpai!

Captain Charlie’s Reef Grill Locals may have tried to keep it a secret, but the word is out about Captain Charlie’s consistently prepared, varied, well-portioned seafood dishes. Enjoy conch chowder, house-smoked fish dip, seafood curry, gumbo or paella, alongside fresh catch seafood preparations and rotating daily specials. The interior of this Juno Beach eatery is casual, the vibe is relaxed, and the atmosphere is friendly whether dining with the family, a friend or colleague, or on a date. Open for lunch and dinner; don’t be surprised if there’s a wait. Brass Ring Pub Step through the doors of this dive bar into a windowless haven for beer, burgers and wings. The North Palm Beach flagship location of Brass Ring Pub is a beloved space with Sharpie markings along the booths and walls that pay homage to relationships, special occasions and friendships. The beer is served cold in a pitcher with a Ziploc bag of ice, the wings are award-winning, and the burgers are hard to replace, especially if you grew up eating them. A locals’ joint with pool tables, board games and a line of regulars at the bar, this is a true treasure of The Palm Beaches.

Coolinary Café & Parched Pig Well established on the scene, Chef Tim Lipman’s Coolinary Café and sister watering hole The Parched Pig are in the same Palm Beach Gardens shopping center and will soon be combined into a single space. Coolinary is known for its fresh ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible; inventive and ever-evolving daily specials menu; and tried-and-true favorites. Pastry Chef Becca Traverse is also on deck creating memorable desserts that are familiar but elevated, much like the dinner menu. While Coolinary serves beer and wine, Parched Pig picks up with heavy hitter mixologists creating craft cocktails alongside oysters and flavor-packed small plates.

Café Chardonnay Palm Beaches Restaurant Week Participant Tucked away in an unassuming shopping plaza in Palm Beach Gardens is Café Chardonnay. This amazing restaurant has been delighting diners for more than 30 years with its incredible menu. Chef Frank Eucalitto takes pleasure in creating delicious and innovative dishes that showcase all that American cuisine has to offer. To accomplish this, he partners with local farms, ranches and fishermen to source the best ingredients in the area. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but we suggest trying the brandied lobster bisque and the herb and Dijon-crusted rack of lamb. Consider pairing your meal with something off the incredible wine list.

Don Ramon Restaurante Cubano Palm Beaches Restaurant Week Participant Cruise down Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach to find Don Ramon Restaurante Cubano, one of the pioneering restaurants bringing the authentic Cuban experience to The Palm Beaches. You are bound to be delighted by the energetic live music and scrumptious menu. Owners Dina and Juan Rubio take pride in showcasing the succulent flavors of the traditional Cuban cuisine. When perusing the robust menu, consider beginning with the Appetizer Fiesta to get a wonderful sampling of starters. For a main course, the ropa vieja is delightful and packed with so much flavor. Just make sure to leave room for dessert!

The Butcher and The Bar One of the most unique and wonderful restaurant concepts in The Palm Beaches is Boynton Beach’s The Butcher and The Bar. It is a full-service butcher shop that doubles as a delectable restaurant and bar. Its regionally sourced meat is fantastic and frequently featured on the restaurant’s “Butcher Bites” small plate menu. You also can’t miss the heavenly craft cocktails at this laid-back spot. If you are looking for a change of pace for Sunday brunch, make sure to check it out. We highly recommend the house-made eggs Benedict. It’s one of the best kept secrets in The Palm Beaches.

Amar Mediterranean Bistro Palm Beaches Restaurant Week Participant If you are looking to go on a culinary journey, look no further than Amar Mediterranean Bistro in Delray Beach. This intimate restaurant features modern adaptations of traditional Lebanese dishes that pay homage to owner Nicolas Kurban’s heritage. The centerpiece of Amar is the incredible wood-burning oven where handmade pita bread is baked fresh throughout the evening. If you’re not sure where to start, consider trying the Taste of Amar menu. This chef-selected menu is filled with shareable dishes and offers a generous multi-course flow of flavors and textures. More than 30% of the menu is vegan including some of the desserts, so it’s truly a restaurant for everyone to enjoy.

Blues & BBQ Blues & BBQ in Boynton Beach is true to its name. This authentic barbecue and Southern cuisine restaurant is guaranteed to speak to your soul, from the blues music blaring from the speakers to the saxophone and guitars on the wall to the dark wood panels. This Black-owned dining establishment also offers brunch on Sunday, which includes the fan-favorite Southern shrimp & grits. Make sure to try their famous conch fritters paired with a glass of Southern sweet tea. The eatery also offers catering for special occasions, and the owner, Wayne Barton, feeds the community all over South and Central Florida.

Malakor Thai Cafe Nestled a few blocks north of downtown West Palm Beach, Malakor Thai Cafe is a culinary oasis for foodies. The Thai restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining where guests can immerse themselves into a colorful environment complete with tropical plants, stunning artwork and fish tanks. The tantalizing shrimp Pad Thai is a favorite, along with the steamed Thai dumplings, which are filled with chicken and shrimp and served with a side of ginger soy sauce for dipping. One of the best drinks on the menu is the lychee martini, which goes perfectly with the cheesecake tempura. Try this with the homemade coconut ice cream for a bit of extra razzle-dazzle!

Mo&Ma Cookies and Pies Originally from El Salvador, mother-daughter duo Monica and Maritz Portillo opened Mo&Ma Cookies and Pies in December 2019. Monica owned bakeries in El Salvador and decided to try her hand at a bakery here upon coming to the United States. Mo&Ma receives rave reviews from locals and offers yummy treats, including their signature tres leches cookie and hand pies. A crowd favorite is the “cookies & cream” cookie stuffed with vanilla cookie dough and Oreo cookies. This adorable bakery is an influencer- and local-friendly spot with a photo wall and snapshots of guests posing with their delicious sweets and drinks.

Cholo Soy Cocina Serving upscale and delicious Latin street food, Cholo Soy Cocina is located amid antique shops, furniture stores and art galleries in West Palm Beach’s Antique Row. Winner of the Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen,” Chef Clay Carnes brings authentic Latin cuisine to this hangout spot for the eclectic foodie crowd. His famous short rib and chancho tacos are two local favorites and taste fantastic with the signature Cholo Soy margarita.

NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. — Communities in northern Palm Beach County that were hit hard by Saturday's tornado are still cleaning up. During this process, more stories are emerging on what residents experienced.

A young girl who was home alone while her mother went to buy groceries explained the terrifying moments.

Kayo Walsh, 11, was at the Sanctuary Cove apartments in North Palm Beach when the storm hit.

"I thought it was just a heavy rain because I heard the thunder, and I was tired," Kayo said. "But then I heard a loud bang."

The girl could not believe what was happening. The rain outside sounded stronger than usual.

"Then I heard a loud bang, which was the door frame for the locks and stuff," Kayo said. "It flew off the door, and it fell into the living room, and I was confused hearing the door knocking against the wall. I saw in the living room that the door was open, and I was confused thinking my parents had not locked it."

She went to close the door, but it wouldn't close.

"Then when I went near it, the door flung open and hit me in the head here and hit me against the wall," Kayo said.

The girl said all of this was frightening.

"I cried running to my room," Kayo said.

She then waited until it got quiet outside.

"I went out through the front door and saw that a tree was blocking the door," Kayo said.

The young girl was able to get out of her home and run to a family friend's apartment about a quarter of a mile away.

"She was crying," the neighbor said. "She was terrified."

The friend called Kayo's mother to let her know the girl was OK.

"I miss like my little closet because it's a hideout for me with my LED lights," Kayo said. "My mom brought all of the stuffed animals back to me before they forced us to stay out of our house. I think they let her in for a moment to grab everything."

The family said they are temporarily staying at an Airbnb.

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