<p>My daughter and I often visit my mother in West Palm Beach during spring break. But my daughter’s 16th birthday is smack in the middle of her break and I can understand she doesn’t want to spend it at my mom’s condo surrounded by seniors playing shuffleboard. lol What we’d like to do this time is split the time up – a few days with my mom and a few days doing something else. </p>
<p>But of course, everything is extra expensive during spring break. Disney is full price, with no discounts. Does anyone have any other ideas for things within driving distance to West Palm Beach that would be of interest to a middle-aged mom and a teen?</p>
<p>My ex took D there at about that age. He also brought along one of D’s friends so it wasn’t as much of a solo thing for a teen. They had a blast mostly just enjoying the beach, but your D is probably used to that by now. The thing D still talks about is the boat tour they took to see manatees. She had always thought they were cool and seeing them live was a thrill for her. I believe they have some captive ones (mostly those wounded and not safe to allow back into the wild) at a couple of places too. </p>
<p>When my other D and I went to FL last spring, we saw people of all ages trying out those boards where you stand and paddle. The teens and early 20’s in particular seemed to be enjoying them. We mostly just spent our time swimming. The ocean is too cold for that in WA so it was a thrill for D.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, everything in FL is full price that time of year! What does she enjoy doing? One of my favorite parks is Discovery Cove. It is all inclusive and you also get admission to Sea World for several days. You can swim with the dolphins or just do the snorkel stuff. As far as the WPB area, there is not a whole lot other than the beach, shopping and eating, lol!</p>
<p>Has she been on an airboat ride through the everglades?</p>
<p>Maybe over to St. Petersburg beach or Tampa for sightseeing, shopping, beaches?</p>
<p>South Beach, yes! But it will be jam packed…</p>
<p>Look to see if they have outdoor street festivals near by…</p>
<p>At that age, I would take her shopping. Ever been to the Festival Flea Market off of Sample Road in Pompano Beach? You could spend an entire day there and not get bored!</p>
<p>I think there is a place in WPB to either go or teach you waterskiing for the day…some type of waterskiing camp…</p>
<p>We did the boat thingy on the New River in Ft. Lauderdale- every house belonged to Wayne Huizenga, Wayne Huizenga’s brother, Wayne Huizenga’s son, Wayne Huisenga’s mother…We also rented our own one day and I ran it aground. Embarrassing. </p>
<p>Sounded to me as if the OP was looking for somewhere to get away for a few days, not a few hours and if they are regular visitors to her moms have surely done most of the day things around the area.</p>
<p>I am thinking of a 4 day cruise that leaves from WPB. Does anyone know about them? It looks like they go to the Bahamas.</p>
<p>And I do want to look into some of the ideas here, too! I want her 16th birthday to be special. She’s not athletic, so waterskiing could be dangerous. Lol</p>
<p>Did you want to split the week? St. Pete Beach is beautiful, some inexpensive places to stay. Lots to do around the beach area as well as St. Petersburg. It is about 4 hours from West Palm.</p>
<p>Enter the Python Challenge. The contest starts tomorrow and runs through Sunday Feb. 10th. The contest is going to be fun, there are cash prizes, and you’ll get a chance to get some Florida sunshine outdoors and explore Florida’s Everglades. Bring a baseball bat or machete.</p>
<p>We did a three day Bahamas cruise on NCL. We had a blast. We relaxed one day on their private island and spent a day at Atlantis. We’re hoping to do it again this year. It was a great quick getaway.</p>
<p>You could drive up I-95 to St. Augustine and spend a day or two. Absolutely charming city with tons of things to do: walk the old city and shop til you drop, climb the lighthouse, walk along the beautiful beach at Anastasia State Park, visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not (very hokey, but fun), tour the Fort, drink from the Fountain of Youth (I’m still immature after drinking from the Fountain on an elementary school field trip 40+ years ago), enjoy the Lightner Museum, take a tour of Flagler College and see stunning Tiffany glass, the list goes on and on. Book a room in one of the charming B&B’s surrounding the Old City or stay at the beach. St. Augustine has wonderful restaurants, too. It’s one of my favorite cities in Florida. Most Floridians I know who live within striking distance visit St. Augustine at least once a year. It never gets old (excuse the pun!)</p>
<p><< Ljrfm, did your cruise leave from Florida? What port? >></p>
<p>We cruised from Miami on NCL Star. They have three night (over the weekend) and four night (Mon - Fri) affordable cruises. Check out the prices and itinerary at ncl.com. I wasn’t expecting much, given the length of the cruise but we were pleasantly surprised. As I said, we hope to do it again this year. It was the perfect getaway and we enjoyed the freestyle dining - as it made for a more relaxing weekend getaway.</p>
<p>St. Augustine recommendations: Harry’s, but eat only in the grotto and only in warm weather (Mar. to Oct.) and the best pub place in northern Fla.; Scarlet O’Hara’s, so much fun! Short walk between both.</p>
<p>You could head over the west coast of Florida and take in what that area has to offer. You could start out in the Sarasota area then head up to Tampa.
SARASOTA: Visit Ca D’zan and The Ringling Museum. Then head over to St. Armand’s circle for shopping and great restaurants. There are many, many beautiful beaches in the area with a variety of lodging choices (check out Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Bradenton Beach, or Anna Maria Island for beach area lodging)</p>
<p>ELLENTON: This on the way to the Tampa/St Pete area. This is a decent pit stop because there is a large outlet mall here. I am not a usual outlet mall shopper but have always done well at this particular place!</p>
<p>ST. PETERSBURG: The Salvador Dali Museum is well worth a visit. The building is cool and unique. The setting is pretty. It is well worth touring the museum with a docent.
There is also a permanent (but small) collection of Chihuly at the Morean Arts Center.</p>
<p>TAMPA: Home to the Busch Gardens theme park. Also check out the Hyde Park / Bayshore Blvd. area to see a beautiful old Florida neighborhood. Ybor City is another historic area and home to the original Columbia Restaurant (very good Cuban food & interesting building).</p>
<p>A few suggestions for the West Palm Beach area:
Arti Gras – this is a large, outdoor art festival that is held every year on the President’s Day weekend (this might line up with your break). It is held in Jupiter at Abacoa.</p>
<p>Lake Trail – Palm Beach: This is a nice walk/bike path that runs along the intracoastal. There is a bike rental shop close by if you wish to rent bikes. This is a very pleasant and pretty place to walk/bike.</p>
<p>The Spa at PGA National – this is a great place to spend a spa day! Enjoy some treatments, have lunch, spend the day by their pools!</p>
<p>Uptown Art - This is at City Place. It is an art studio where you paint your own painting with the help of an art instructor. It is a fun activity – worth checking out.</p>