Port Area Snapshot
The Port of Palm Beach nestles along the Lake Worth Lagoon in Riviera Beach, just north of glamorous Palm Beach island. One compact cruise terminal launches Margaritaville at Sea Paradise on quick getaways to Grand Bahama, processing roughly 400 000 guests each year. Visitors find palm‑lined beaches, luxury shopping on Worth Avenue, and manatee‑filled waterways all within a 15‑minute drive. Palm Beach International Airport lies 10 miles southwest, while Brightline’s West Palm Beach station speeds rail travelers to the pier in minutes. Winter days hover near 75 °F with gentle breezes; summers reach 90 °F with short afternoon showers—perfect for pre‑cruise pool dips or beach strolls. (portofpalmbeach.com)
Port Overview
Port of Palm Beach Cruise Terminal — One E. 11th Street, Riviera Beach, FL 33404. The port operates one dedicated cruise terminal. Margaritaville at Sea is the primary line, running 2‑night Bahamas sailings. FY 2024 reports about 400 000 cruise passengers with growth plans tied to expanded parking and a facelift for the terminal lobby. Highlights include fenced onsite parking, fast facial‑recognition debarkation, and scenic sail‑away views of Peanut Island and the Intracoastal Waterway. Typical winter highs: 75 °F/ 59 °F; summer highs: 90 °F/ 76 °F with afternoon thunderstorms. (portofpalmbeach.com, portofpalmbeach.com)
Transportation & Access
| Option | Details | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Palm Beach Intl (PBI) – 10 mi / 15 min via I‑95 or US‑1 | https://www.rome2rio.com |
| Public transit | Palm Tran Route 1 stops on Broadway at 11th St (5‑min walk) every 30 min | https://www.palmtran.org |
| Rail | Brightline West Palm Beach Station – 3.5 mi, ~10 min taxi or rideshare | https://www.gobrightline.com |
| Shuttles | Margaritaville at Sea & local hotels offer prepaid cruise shuttles from PBI | https://www.margaritavilleatsea.com |
| Rideshare | Uber & Lyft permitted curbside—follow “App Rides” signs at gate | https://www.portofpalmbeach.com |
| Accessibility | ADA ramps, elevators, & limited disabled parking beside entrance | https://www.portofpalmbeach.com |
Things to Do Within 30 Minutes
| Attraction | Why Go | Hours / Cost* | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manatee Lagoon | See gentle giants in warm‑water refuge | Tue–Sun 9 a.m.–4 p.m. • Free | https://www.visitmanateelagoon.com |
| Henry Morrison Flagler Museum | Gilded Age mansion & gardens | Tue–Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m. • $26 | https://www.flaglermuseum.us |
| Norton Museum of Art | World‑class art & sculpture garden | Tue–Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m. • $18 (Fri eve free) | https://www.norton.org |
| Palm Beach Zoo | 550 animals in lush habitat | Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. • $27.75 adult | https://www.palmbeachzoo.org |
| The Square (CityPlace) | Open‑air shopping & dining | Daily • Free stroll | https://www.thesquarewestpalm.com |
Where to Eat Near the Port
Premium Dining
| Restaurant | Best For | Cuisine / Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flagler Steakhouse | Classic steaks & island golf course view | Steakhouse • $$$$ | https://thebreakers.com/dining |
| Seafood Bar at The Breakers | Oceanfront raw bar & cocktails | Seafood • $$$ | https://thebreakers.com/dining |
| Buccan | Lively small‑plates hot spot | Contemporary American • $$$ | https://buccanpalmbeach.com |
| Le Bilboquet Palm Beach | Chic French bistro feel | French • $$$ | https://lebilboquetpb.com |
Budget‑Friendly Bites
| Spot | Meal Times | Cuisine / Price | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nick’s 50’s Diner | Breakfast & Lunch | Classic Diner • $ | 1900 Okeechobee Blvd |
| Howley’s Restaurant | All‑Day Eats | Retro Diner • $ | 4700 S Dixie Hwy |
| Havana Restaurant | Lunch & Dinner | Cuban • $ | 6801 S Dixie Hwy |
| Grease Burger Bar | Lunch & Dinner | Burgers & Shakes • $$ | 213 Clematis St |
Safety & Local Tips
- Port sits in an industrial zone—use rideshare or park onsite; walking not advised.
- Afternoon rain showers pop up in summer; pack a light poncho.
- Worth Avenue boutiques enforce dress codes—bring a cover‑up over beachwear.
- Peanut Island snorkelers should watch tidal currents and bring reef‑safe sunscreen.
- Metered parking on Palm Beach island fills fast on weekends—arrive early.
Cruise Day Logistics
- Parking lot opens 10 a.m.; pay kiosk accepts cards ($19/day).
- Checked‑bag drop at curb—attach Margaritaville tags before arrival.
- Security usually opens 11 a.m.; keep passports and boarding passes ready.
- Disembarkation starts about 8 a.m.; U.S. Customs uses facial recognition for speedy exit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should travelers arrive? Aim for 1.5 hours before scheduled boarding time.
Are passports mandatory? Closed‑loop Bahamas trips allow birth certificate + ID, but passports speed customs.
Is Brightline faster than driving? Yes—10‑minute rail ride from downtown plus a short taxi beats traffic.
Does the port have luggage storage? No—bags must stay with guests until check‑in opens.
Can visitors watch sail‑away without cruising? Observation deck of the terminal is restricted to ticketed guests only.
Are there hotels with free shuttles? Many PBI‑area hotels bundle a cruise‑port shuttle—confirm when booking.
What’s the best beach nearby? Riviera Municipal Beach is 2 miles east with lifeguards and free parking.
Hours and prices may change; confirm details before you go.