George S. Petty Park, West Palm Beach

George S. Petty Park in West Palm Beach is a pretty spot. Green grass leads to the blue intracoastal waterway. The small beach here is somewhat dirty but the sand is fine and there is shade under a large tree. In the park is a cute toddler playground and swings, and a tree that older kids sometimes climb. Parents gather here in the afternoon. There are some picnic tables with shade from trees, and a bench. A nice breeze from the water cools you. You can stand under the tree at the small beach and take in the breeze, shaded even in the middle of the day. 

Walk around the neighborhood here and check out the unusual architecture of the 1920s homes, the tropical flowers, and the palm-lined streets. My favorite is Westminster Rd.
If you walk north one block you will come to a wide open stretch of intracoastal with a wide sidewalk. It's wonderful to walk here, along Flagler Drive, with views of the Royal Park Bridge and the city skyline.
After your walk, have a coffee at Common Grounds, in the Casa Mara apartment complex. It is so nice in there! The seats are soft so you can stay a while. There are big windows with sunlight coming in and tropical landscaping outside. They have great tea in glass teapots, and chocolate croissants. And there are lots of young people from Palm Beach Atlantic University on the weekend. The music is also good. 

Directions

George S. Petty Park is in the Prospect Park- Monceaux Historical District on Washington Rd at the end of Royal Palm Rd in West Palm Beach.
Exit Highway 95 at Okeechobee Blvd and head toward the ocean. Enjoy the views as you cross over the water. After 1.8 miles, turn right on Flagler Dr and follow it along the water. After 1.5 miles, it becomes Washington Rd. Park you car along the road on one of the side streets and walk to the park, which is on the water at the end of Royal Palm Rd.
Common Grounds Brew, 3065 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33405. Open daily 7am-7pm.

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