If you like a nice walk or leisurely bike ride by the intracoastal, prefer no to very little exposure to traffic, and love history as well as pretty houses, then this walk will be perfect for you. And guess what? It’s yet another free thing to do in Palm Beach County. And what’s even better, it doesn’t all have to be done in one day, and there are things to do in the area that let you combine an hours’ walk with a museums visit, or a nice lunch – to mention just two options.
Along Lake Trail, you will find the lovely Flagler Museum at Whitehall, as well as the historic Breakers hotel, both well worth visiting. Or you could just take a nice stroll along Lake Trail and head over to Worth Avenue afterwards, for a bite to eat and some people-watching; it’s where the rich and famous shop and dine!
Southern Part of Lake Trail Heading Towards Whitehall
When To Do Lake Trail
I love a good walk, but you won’t find me trying to walk anywhere far in the summertime in South Florida. I may have done that crazy type of thing in my twenties, but now – nope. Not a chance. Winter is perfect for walking, and Spring is still a great time for a nice walk in South Florida too, especially on a weekend when the humidity isn’t raging.
Some Magnificent Trees And Well Needed Shade Along The Trail
In any case, it’s always good to set off early. I prefer to start in the morning and be done by lunchtime, before the afternoon heat starts to zap one’s energy. We found there to be quite a bit of shade in the mornings, from all the mature trees and foliage along the trail. And Lake Trail is actually perfect for a morning’s walk as there are places close by to have a nice and lazy lunch afterwards.
This Magnificent Giant Kapok Tree Is Close To Whitehall
Lake trail is only 5.5 miles long and runs along the west side of the island of Palm Beach. It has some lovely views of the intracoastal (Lake Worth Lagoon and West Palm Beach), as well as some of the most exclusive addresses of South Florida. You’ll be strolling in the backyard of the well-heeled. Warning: you might get envious. Walking by some of these properties had me drool over them and think how nice it must be to have a backyard “just like this”. There are some magnificent old trees and historic houses also, so do keep your eyes peeled for those along the trail.
The Old Bethesda-By-The-Sea Church
Starting Lake Trail From The Southern End
It is essentially up to you how to start Lake Trail as there are several options and several places to park. Since Lake Trail is not a loop you will have to back-track and go back the same way you came. This means you might want to do it in two sections if you don’t feel like walking more than 10 miles in a day.
We decided to do the trail in two separate visits, starting with the southern portion. For this, we parked on the street near the Society of the Four Arts and simply headed for the intracoastal, which is essentially where the trail starts. The official address is S Lake Trail, Palm Beach, FL 33480.
We found the 2-hour street parking to be plenty of time for a 4-5 mile (roundtrip) walk or thereabouts. If you are cycling, well you can do the whole trail in very little time of course!
The southern part of the trail is lovely and you will pass historic houses as well as some huge old trees. One notable and beautiful historic home you will pass close to the Flagler Museum (Whitehall) is Seagull Cottage. It was Flagler’s first winter residence in Palm Beach. Next to it is an impressive giant Kapok tree which had us fascinated.
And before you know it, you are at Whitehall, Flagler’s museum, which is really worth visiting if you haven’t been. Whitehall is an impressive property inside and out, even now. It was Flagler’s wedding gift to his third bride, Mary Lily Kenan.
The trail is shady in parts and very pleasant, although it can get a little busy, so be mindful of the other users. And make sure they are mindful of you, if you don’t want to be taken out by some of the “serious” bicylists.
On our first foray, doing the southern portion of Lake Trail, we turned to head back just a little after Whitehall, by the bridge over the intracoastal.
Sea Gull Cottage – Palm Beach’s Oldest House Built In 1886 Moved From Its Original Location And Re-Erected Here
Starting Lake Trail At Whitehall And Walking The Northern Part
The second time around we did the northernmost part of the trail. For this, we parked at the two-hour on-street parking just north of Whitehall (not the museum parking lot). First of all, you will have to walk north near the road for a little while, before joining the path along the intracoastal. You will be amazed at the luxury properties along the path, and again more historic properties also.
Further North Along Lake Trail
One notable historic house you will come across is the original wooden Bethesda-By-The-Sea church and its wonderful gardens with bougainvillaeas and orchids. It seems privately owned and occupied now, so don’t do what we did and walk around the gardens looking suspicious, wondering if the property is open to the public.
There are no-trespassing signs which we only saw after traipsing around the entire property looking for a way in. I am glad nobody called the police on us…
Old Bethesda By The Sea Gardens
Also notable along the path is Duck’s Nest, the oldest standing house in Palm Beach. It was built in 1891 by Henry Maddock. Parts of the house were assembled in New York and brought to Palm Beach on a barge. It’s quite hidden behind bushes with only the big sign alerting walkers to the house. It is possible to peek through the bushes and get a glimpse of this beautiful house.
Duck’s Nest – Oldest Standing House In Palm Beach Well Hidden Behind Bushes
Heading further north, the trail opens up quite a bit (you are passing a golf-course on the right), and there will be fewer properties and a lot less shade, so be prepared for that. We turned around after the golf course, but the trail goes on for a little while north through some plush neighborhoods.
We caught a pretty hot day and left on a relatively empty stomach, so we could not wait to walk back and have lunch at Tee Jay’s deli, which is very nicely placed at about halfway on the trail, in a lovely strip mall south of the bridge over the intracoastal. You know how it is, after some exertion lunch tastes even better!
Doing the trail in two instalments gave us two great outings. Whether you are looking for a nice morning or afternoon, or a full day, give the Lake Trail a go – you won’t be disappointed!
More Things To Do In The Area
What else is there to do in the area? Well, we mentioned the Flagler Museum and The Breakers already. Well worth a visit, both. I wrote an article on them a few years back, you can find it here. Also, the Society Of the Four Arts at the southern end of the trail is well worth visiting for the botanical and sculpture gardens. If you want to find out more about it, you can read my article here.
There is also the newer but still historically interesting and absolutely magnificent Bethesda-By-The-Sea church, again well worth a visit. I wrote about our visit here.
PS: There are no restrooms and no stores anywhere on this trail, so you do well to take care of your needs before starting the walk. Most importantly, don’t forget water, hat and sunscreen.