The Palm Beach Boat Show is rapidly growing in popularity, attracting over 50,000 attendees each year. This smaller event showcases a wide variety of boats, from luxury yachts to fishing vessels, making it a fantastic visit for boaters and families alike. With its beautiful coastal setting, the show offers a great opportunity to explore the latest in marine technology and enjoy various activities designed for all ages. This is one of the Best Boat Shows in Florida.
Location
The Palm Beach Boat Show is primarily held along the scenic waterfront, with exhibits conveniently lined up together, making everything easily accessible within walking distance. With over 750 boats to explore, attendees can expect plenty of walking as they take in everything the show offers.
Type: Indoor and Outdoor Show
The Palm Beach Boat Show is a combination of both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The outdoor area features the vast majority of boats, as well as numerous booths and displays. Inside the tents, attendees will find additional exhibits and displays.
Price
Admission to the Palm Beach Boat Show typically ranges from $30 to $60 for adults, depending on the number of days attended, with discounts available for children and seniors. Parking is generally around $20 to $30, depending on the location.
Hotels
If you want to take full advantage of everything the Palm Beach Boat Show has to offer, consider staying overnight. Here are some hotel recommendations:
Hyatt Place West Palm Beach
Distance: .8 miles (approx. 10-minute walk)
Price: $150-$300 per night
Description: A modern hotel featuring spacious rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a convenient location near the show.
The Breakers Palm Beach
Distance: 2 miles (approx. 7-minute drive)
Price: $1,000+ per night
Description: This luxurious oceanfront resort offers upscale accommodations, world-class dining, and beautiful gardens.
Hilton West Palm Beach
Distance: 2 miles (approx. 5-minute drive)
Price: $200-$250 per night
Description: A stylish hotel with a pool and on-site dining, offering easy access to the Palm Beach Boat Show.
Hilton Palm Beach PBI
Distance: 4 miles (approx. 10-minute drive)
Price: $110-$150 per night
Description: A budget-friendly option providing basic accommodations at an affordable rate, suitable for those looking to save.
Transportation
The show provides two transportation options during the event, golf carts and sprinter vans complimentary. Given the show’s smaller size, you can walk the entire show.
Parking
Parking at the Palm Beach Boat Show is available at various locations near the convention center, typically costing between $20 and $30 per day. There may also be options to park downtown but expect to spend upwards of $25 for just two hours.
Phillips Point
Distance: 0.7 miles (approx. 15-minute walk)
Price: $20+ per day
Description: Parking very close to the show, easy walking distance but is valet only.
Esperante Corporate Center
Distance: 0.8 miles (approx. 15-minute walk)
Price: $20 per day
Description: Very close parking to the show and easy walk.
Hibiscus Garage
Distance: 1.5 miles (approx. 5-minute drive)
Price: $20 per day
Description: Free transportation to the show
Exhibits and Attractions Highlight
The show features over 700 boats beautifully set up along the coast, with plenty of booths and displays. Attendees can explore a variety of vendors, enjoy seminars, participate in fishing clinics, and engage in activities designed for kids.
Food
The Palm Beach Boat Show includes a large food court with diverse dining options, offering everything from fresh crab and calamari to oysters, burgers, tacos, and gyros. There are plenty of excellent food choices at the show.
Best Boats at the Show
Expect to see a range of boats between 10 feet to over 300 feet, including luxury yachts, fishing boats, and personal watercraft that highlight the latest advancements in marine technology.
Visitor Experience
Busy Environment: With over 50,000 attendees expected, the show can get busy, especially on weekends. Day one is typically the slowest, making it a great time to explore.
Food: A big highlight for attendees is the food, which is fresh and well-prepared.
Size: Not as large as international shows, the Palm Beach Boat Show is more manageable, allowing for easy navigation between exhibits.
What to Wear
Shoes: Comfortable shoes that slip on and off easily are recommended, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Weather: During this time of year, Palm Beach can still be cool, so bring a sweatshirt at least and be prepared to spend time outdoors.
Backpack or Bag: A small backpack or bag is a good idea, as your vehicle won’t be easily accessible during the show.
Sea Trials
Yes, there are sea trials at the Palm Beach Boat Show, providing a fantastic opportunity to experience boats firsthand.
Other Info
Kids: The show features a variety of kids’ activities and seminars, making it a family-friendly event.
App: An app is available for the show, but feedback has been mixed regarding its functionality.
Sailboats: Typically, sailboats are not featured at this event. If you’re looking for sailboats, consider attending the Fort Lauderdale or Miami International Boat Shows instead.
Conclusion
The Palm Beach Boat Show is an exciting event that continues to grow, making it a highlight of the local boating calendar. While larger shows like Fort Lauderdale and Miami International draw bigger crowds, the Palm Beach Boat Show offers a more intimate experience where attendees can explore a fantastic variety of boats and marine products.