DAYCATION? 9 MUST-SEE SPOTS IN LAKE WORTH
Nine stops to make while exploring the quirky city.
Treating yourself to a vacation doesn’t mean traveling to some faraway land and breaking the bank. The things you can explore and learn in your own backyard will surprise you, so why not take a daycation instead of a vacation?
Start with downtown Lake Worth! I just love this quirky city, and I think you will, too. Keep an open mind when visiting this artistic and very-far-from-pretentious place.
But before you go…
Pro tip: Avoid Mondays because many stores, restaurants and galleries are closed.
Here’s your downtown Lake Worth itinerary:
Getting there:
Parking is free almost everywhere in downtown Lake Worth, but always read the signs!
There’s four-hour free parking from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Lake Worth Road, J Street, K Street and Lucerne Avenue. After 6 p.m., it’s free with no time limit. Can’t parallel park? No problem. There’s a large, free parking lot between J Street and K Street, just south of Lake Avenue. It’s on the south side of the Common Grounds building.
Biking is the best way to fit everything into one day for your downtown daycation. Relentless Bicycles will rent you a bike for your entire day for about $75.
Relentless Bicycles: 702
Lucerne Ave.; 561-547-1396
1. LET’S HAVE BREAKFAST
This duo of summer specials is hard to beat: Mulligan’s Beach House has a lunch special for $5.99 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, and a $2.99 breakfast from open to noon. It doesn’t include the drink. You can also check out Benny’s on the Beach. It’s on our list of best spots for breakfast on the beach.
Mulligan’s Beach House: 10
S. Ocean Blvd.; 561-588-4133
2. KEEP YOUR EYES (AND EARS) OPEN
When biking through downtown, you’ll find plenty of things to see: art galleries, murals, musicians on the corners and graffiti in the alleys. Make several stops and feed your Instagram. Lake Worth is home to many of Palm Beach County’s artists.
Pro tip: Check out the Bamboo Room, the historical live music venue. If it’s closed, cross the street to Common Grounds Coffee and ask to see it. They run this venue. You can also visit Excelsior, a comic book store, and Top Five Records, a vintage vinyl record store. You must also visit Rudy’s Pub at its new location.
Rudy’s Pub is now at the working space under Bamboo Room on J Street. The place is three
times bigger than its old space. It offers wine, beers and snacks, and features live music six times a week.
Rudy’s Pub: 21 S. J St.;
561-602-5307
3. GET IN THE WATER
Bike east toward the ocean on Lucerne Avenue. Right before going over the bridge, stop and turn left. You’ll see a parking lot and a pier. That’s where you can meet your tour guide and go kayaking. You’ll explore Snook Islands where you may see manatees, schools of fish and oysters.
Pro tip: You must reserve this adventure a few days in advance. Get a doublekayak and paddle away with an extra person so you can alternate and take breaks. Bring two zip-top bags for your phone, wallet and keys. Also bring a chapstick-sized sunblock that you can carry easily in your pocket.
Kayak Lake Worth: They launch from the Beach Club Restaurant and Bar at 1 Seventh Ave. N.; 561-225-8250
4. WHEN THE WATER MAKES YOU HUNGRY
Bike back to downtown for lunch at Café Tecún. This is a small corner spot with Latin American dishes, but mostly Mexican. This local go-to isn’t as busy as most on Lake Avenue, which is great when you’re starving.
Pro tip: Get the burrito and make sure you specify the amount of jalapeños you want. You don’t want it to be too hot to handle. The horchata is refreshing, so definitely order one of these ice-cold, spiced drinks made with rice. Or, go for what’s new: the Mexican Pizza — and wash it down with a Sangria Especial.
Café Tecún: 7 N. L St.;
561-260-3404
5. COFFEE BRINGS YOU BACK TO LIFE
Eating makes you sleepy, but you can’t stop now. Have a coffee and let the caffeine do the work. Common Grounds is a great place to stop. Walk through the shop and look at all the pamphlets, billboards and other local event announcements. You’ll get ideas for your next adventure.
Pro tip: Get the delicious, rich and gooey cinnamon bun. The hot Coconut Mocha is amazing ,so get a large because, if you get the small one, you’ll be buying more than one. Come back around 7 p.m. and check out the open mic where comedians, musicians and regular “Joes” take the stage.
Common Grounds: 12
S. J St.; 561-318-8980
6. MORE ART AND CULTURE
Part of Lake Worth’s identity relies on the theater and musical performances by local artists. This keeps the city alive, authentic and always pushing the envelope. Swing by Lake Worth Playhouse for an early-evening show or indie film.
Lake Worth Playhouse:
713 Lake Ave.; 561-586-6410 or lakeworthplayhouse.org
If you can’t fit in a full show, no worries. Check out the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County instead. It’s the beauty of a crisp white building on the corner of Lake Avenue and L Street. You probably noticed it either when you visited Café Tecún. And for local out-of-towners, like you, it’s one of Lake Worth’s bestkept secrets.
Cultural Council of Palm Beach County: 601, 3810, Lake Ave.; 561-4712901
Pro Tip: Take your time strolling through the gallery space, as this is where some of Florida’s brightest visual artists really shine. Oh, and when given permission, definitely touch the art. And don’t forget to go around back and say “what’s up” to Martin.
If you’re more into literature than visual art, Lake Worth has that, too. The Book Cellar is a popular stop for those looking for a good book or spot to read. This place is also a wine bar/coffee shop/restaurant, making it that much cooler. You can also check out the Lake Worth Public Library.
Everything here is walking or biking distance.
7. PREGAME WITH THESE CRAZY CHARACTERS
The owners of Revelry, a beer and wine bar, will make you feel as if Lake Worth truly is your city. They’ve never met a stranger they didn’t love, so trust that you’ll leave with new friends in tow. The spot is strictly social: We’re talking board games, a cozy lounge, chillout music and a self-serve wine bar.
Pro tip: Put your phone down when you’re here and make new friends. Nobody will tell you, but there’s a cool outdoor patio behind the place. The door is between the bathrooms. And if you’re a snacker in need, Brando Garcia, the owner, said the PCT sandwich has been the locals’ favorite.
Revelry: 17 S. J St.; 561469-1599
8. DRINK OR PLAY AT THE NEW BREWERY
Mathews Brewing is the newest brewery in Lake Worth, which opened in December 2017. Read the eight reasons we love the brewery at pbpo. st/2OsMCSM. Indoors is a long bar with friendly bartenders. You can expect several IPAs, stouts, pale ales, American pale ales, English brown ale, porter and hybrids.
The dog-friendly patio has a covered area next to the building with several tables, a beer garden with more seating and picnic tables near the stage where the chatty ones can sit and mingle. You can also enjoy a game of corn-hole or Connect Four.
Mathews Brewing: 130
S. H St.; 561-812-3738
9. DINNER WITH A SPECTACULAR WATERFRONT SUNSET
No visit to Lake Worth is complete without visiting one of the most popular waterfront spots in all of Palm Beach County, Benny’s on the Beach. This is a two-story restaurant and bar right on the Lake Worth pier. Indulge in seafood and drinks while watching the sky turn into a colorful canvas.
Pro tip: If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a drum circle under a full moon right outside of Benny’s. There will be dance performances and local vendors selling all sorts of handmade creations, and you should definitely join in.
Benny’s on the Beach: 10 S. Ocean Blvd.; 561-582-9001