Lake Worth Beach, Florida: The Complete Visitor Guide

Lake Worth Beach at a glance

Lake Worth Beach sits on the Lake Worth Lagoon, the saltwater stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway that separates the mainland from the barrier island. The city is compact — about seven square miles — so you can easily combine a morning at the ocean with an afternoon downtown and an evening of live music. Founded in the early 1900s and incorporated in 1913, the city kept much of its historic character, with small bungalows, Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival buildings and tree-lined neighborhoods.

In 2019 residents voted to rename the city from Lake Worth to Lake Worth Beach, highlighting its oceanfront. Locals affectionately call it "L-Dub" or "The Dub," and the community prides itself on being creative, diverse and a little quirky — the unpretentious alternative to glossier South Florida towns.

What is Lake Worth Beach known for?

Three things define Lake Worth Beach for most visitors: the beach, the downtown and the arts. The beach park is anchored by the restored 1920s Casino Building and the long William O. Lockhart Pier. Downtown, Lake and Lucerne Avenues are lined with vintage shops, galleries, murals and international restaurants. And the arts are everywhere, from the historic Lake Worth Playhouse to glassblowing studios and the February Street Painting Festival, billed as the largest of its kind.

The beach and pier

Lake Worth Beach Park is a free, lifeguarded public beach with soft sand and usually clear water. A boardwalk runs along the dunes, there are picnic pavilions, playgrounds, showers and restrooms, and restaurants inside and beside the Casino Building. Parking is paid and fills early on weekends.

Walk the pier at sunrise — the sun comes up straight over the Atlantic — then grab breakfast at Benny's on the Beach. In winter, the beach hosts free bonfires and a night market on select Friday evenings.

Downtown Lake Worth Beach

Downtown runs along two one-way streets, Lake Avenue (eastbound) and Lucerne Avenue (westbound), between Dixie Highway and Federal Highway, with lettered side streets in between. It is almost entirely independent: antiques and vintage clothing, local art, plants, books, jewelry and gifts. The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County runs free galleries here, and murals turn a stroll into an open-air art walk.

Where to eat

Lake Worth Beach punches far above its size for food. Splurge at Paradiso or Oceano Kitchen, have a steak before a show at Callaro's, or graze on global street food at Lilo's. See our full Lake Worth Beach restaurant guide.

Arts, music and nightlife

Catch a musical at the Playhouse, take a glassblowing class at the Benzaiten Center, and end the night with craft beer at Mathew's Brewing Co. Live music spills out of downtown bars most nights — see our nightlife guide.

Outdoor adventures

The calm lagoon is made for paddling: kayak between the mangroves of Snook Islands, play a round at the century-old Lake Worth Beach Golf Club, or watch the sunset from Bryant Park. For trails, fishing and camping, head to 726-acre John Prince Park.

Festivals and events

Event season runs from fall to spring: the Saturday farmers market (October–April), beach bonfires (November–February), the holiday parade (December), the Street Painting Festival (February) and Palm Beach Pride (late March). Browse the Lake Worth Beach events calendar.

M Vacation Homes & Villas

Make Lake Worth Beach your home base at M Vacation Homes & Villas. Explore ten villas, apartments and a suite at 525 N Federal Hwy, about a mile from the beach and a short walk from downtown restaurants, art galleries and shopping. Browse the stays and check availability directly with the host.

Getting here and getting around

Palm Beach International Airport is about 15 minutes away, and Tri-Rail stops at the Lake Worth Beach station near I-95. Downtown is walkable, the beach is an easy bike ride, and Palm Beach, West Palm Beach and Delray Beach are all within about 25 minutes — which makes Lake Worth Beach an ideal base for exploring Palm Beach County. More in our plan your visit guide.