by Adele Woodyard
Florida’s east coast was pretty much unknown territory to me until my folks retired to a condo in Boynton Beach. Mom had taken up a paint brush to while away her golden years, so the first attraction I remember seeing was the Norton Museum of Art. Later on we drove through the Lion Safari where the big, beautiful beasts roamed freely and we were the ones caged inside a car. Eventually I saw, and wrote about, the delightful Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach. Here are some I missed:
Jupiter
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum was closed each time I was there, so I never did make the tour to the top, or explore the historic museum, Yet the image of that tall, barn red tower rising from a hilltop remains in my mind. Open Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., last tour 4 p.m. $7 adult, $5 ages 6-18, and military with ID. Intersection Hwy 1& Alt. Rte 707. 561-747-8380. http://www.jupiterlighthouse.org
West Palm Beach
Along with numerous animals , the Palm Beach Zoo sports an interactive fountain kids love to run through, and a Carousel. A 2004 addition, Tropic of the Americas exhibit, turned 3 acres into a rainforest with South and Central American animals, Mayan pyramids and sculptures. Daily shows feature Wings Over Water and Wild Things Show, and every month there is a special event, e.g. Save the Florida Panther Day, Sat. March 20, 2010. Open daily (closed Thanksgiving and Xmas) 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $14.95 adult, $10.95 (60+), $9.95 ages 3-12. Carousel $2. 1301 Summit Blvd.; 561-547-9483.
http://palmbeachzoo.org
Palm Beach Maritime Museum features tall ships, a former U.S. Coast Guard station, boathouse and president John F. Kennedy’s command post/bomb shelter built on Peanut Island, during the Cuban Missile crisis. 
The H.M.S. Bounty, docked at the Riviera Beach Marina, will be open for tours until April 1, 2010. The 1812 Privateer Lynx Tall Ship docked at Peanut Island offers education and Adventure sailing through March. Both ships leave for the Great Lakes United Tall Ships Challenge during the summer of 2010. Bounty tours are open Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat. Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $9 adult. $5 student. Assorted combo tickets for tours including ferry to Peanut Island range from $17 and $11, to $22 and $16. Adventure sails on the Lynx are from 2-4:30 p.m Sat. Sun.. $75 adult, $42 (age 5-12) Dockside tours 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $17 adult, $11 (5-12). Wind and weather mean subject to change. Call 866-446-5969 or 561-881-9757. Ferry dock is at Currie Park, 2400 N. Lagoon Dr .WPB; 561-832-7428; 561-848-2960, Peanut Island.
http://pbmm.org
Delray Beach
Spady Cultural Heritage Museum opened in 2001. The African-American early history and culture are housed in a 1926 two-story Mission Revival building. Members say the Ride and Remember Trolley tours are one of their most popular events. Museum open Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.., Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.. $5 adult, $3 senior, students FREE. Trolley tour 2nd Saturday each month Sept-May. $15 adult, $10 student 10 a.m.-noon. Reservation suggested. 170 NW 5th Ave.; 561-279-8883. http://www.spadymuseum.com
Vacation Fun Florida Weblog 