Frequently cited as the historic heart of downtown West Palm, Clematis Street epitomizes the fun-loving atmosphere of the city. Beginning at the street's intersection with Flagler Drive near the Intracoastal Waterway, all sorts of bars, shops and restaurants await visitors. And on Thursday nights, the street's Centennial Square comes alive for Clematis by Night, which offers free live music from 6 to 9 p.m. Travelers praise Clematis Street's abundance of dining and shopping options, plus its waterfront views near Flagler. The Flagler end of Clematis Street also hosts the seasonal West Palm Beach Green Market, which features more than 70 food and plant vendors on select Saturdays and comes highly recommended by previous visitors.

Just 21 miles inland from downtown West Palm Beach sits Lion Country Safari, the first cageless drive-thru zoo in the country. Although it's a bit of a drive, it's well worth the trip to see more than 900 animals walk freely around your car. All sorts of animals can be seen here, including white rhinos, zebras, ostriches and lions. There's also a walk-thru portion of the park called Safari World, where travelers can feed giraffes, birds and fish; play miniature golf; and enjoy paddle boats and water park rides.

With roughly 4,200 seats spread throughout four venues (including an outdoor amphitheater), the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is the spot in West Palm for the performing arts. The venue puts on approximately 550 gospel, jazz, classical and dance performances each year, including a variety of musicals and outdoor concerts. Notable past guests and performances include "Cats," William Shatner, the Miami City Ballet and Michael Bublé.

Featuring more than 170 animals, including lions, tigers, panthers and lemurs, McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal attraction for animal lovers. Unlike Lion Country Safari and the Palm Beach Zoo, McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary affords visitors an up close view of various animals, as well as interactive opportunities with many of the property's smaller species. In fact, travelers can hold everything from baby alligators to pythons during each tour.