Highland Beach Guide For Residents

Highland Beach is one of the most gorgeous and dynamic smallcitiesof Southern Florida. The city has world-class culture and limitless outdoor adventures. It’s the perfect place to visit, live, work or play. There are plenty of amenities and activities in the city to keep residents busy besides the obvious wateractivities.

Highland Beach Information and History

Highland Beach was incorporated as a town in the year 1922. This city is regarded as the oldest black resort town in the United States with notable diverse attractions. The history of this city dates back to 1893 when Charles, who is the son of one of the famous abolitionists and 19th-century civil rights activists, Fredrick and his wife Laura bought a 40-acre tract of land. The piece of land was bought on the Chesapeake Bay after both of them were being denied service at a restaurant at a nearby resort. Charles began the construction of a large summer house in this area, for his family immediately after purchase. 

Most of the plots of land he acquired were sold to other prominent figures in the country. Some of the earliest buyers are; U.S Senator, John Mercer Langston, P.B.S. Pinchback who was a former governor of Louisiana, James Wormley, the owner of a famous Washington hotel and many others. Charles named his family house, Twin Oaks, which was built as a permanent residence for his father when he retired. The Twin Oaks later turned into a gathering place for many influential African Americans, who lived in other cities and occasionally visited his father, Fredrick Douglass, who was living there.

Location

Highland Beach is an Oceanside community, located along the state road of Florida, A1A. Highland Beach is an inlet town between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. It is also south of Delray Beach and north of Boca Raton. This town offers numerous opportunities for residents and visitors to relax and explore. The roughly 3 miles stretch of beach in this area makes it ideal for fun, fitness, and relaxation. The lifestyle in this region has enticed many celebrities to reside here or have second homes.

Weather

Highland Beach is a tropical area, in which most of the year is usually marked with a significant amount of rainfall. It usually experiences some dry periods.   Summers are hot and humid but winters are pleasantly warm and ideal for snow-birds escaping the bitter winter cold.  From late spring until early fall, the temperature often reaches 90°.  In summer, Highland Beach experiences temperatures above 90°.   Highland Beach gets 61 inchesorrain per year compared tothe rest of the United States average of 37 inches. Highland Beach experiences no snowfall due to itstropical weather.

Shopping

Highland Beach has different shopping destinations for visitors and residents. You can find excellent deals and quality items to buy here.  You’ll find stores to buy various items like jewelry, chocolate confections,  high-fashion dresses, surfboards or buy beautiful flowers for your loved ones from florist shops.

Boca Surfing & Sail – 3191 N Federal High Way, Boca Raton FL 33431 – (561) 394-8818
http://bocasurfandsail.com/

Tamara’s Flower Garden – 851 SE 6th Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33483 – (561) 243-0224
http://www.tamarasflowergarden.com/

So Sweet It Is Inc. – 500 NE Spanish River Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33431 – (561) 990-5603
https://sosweetitis.com/

Fashion Scoop the Boutique – 9212 Glades Road Boca Raton, FL 33434 – (561) 674-0031
https://www.facebook.com/fashionscoop

Boca Vapes – 162 Yamato Road Boca Raton, FL 33431 – (561) 241-0322
http://bocavapes.com/

Restaurants

There are different local restaurants in this town that serve delicious meals. You can order for any local delicacy or enjoy the abundant rich seafood in the area.   Delray Beach and Boca Raton are just a few miles away and there are tons of great people-watching, water-front restaurants there as well.

City Oyster
213 E Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444, USA
https://www.cityoysterdelray.com/

If you are a seafood snob (or any snob since it’s frequented by attractive young socialites), this is the place for you.  With a sleek and sophisticated wood and brick interiors, seafood is the star here.  If you want them shucked, grilled, sushi-ed fried or few, you will get them here.  So fresh they are almost still moving on your plate. Their bakery located above the restaurant provides all of our house made desserts, pies, bread, crackers and pasta.  Wine snobs will love the large selection of wines by the glass and bottle –their list is recognized by Wine Spectator as one of the premier wine selections in the country.  Here are some noteworthy things to order: Petrossian Caviar Eggs Benedict, Maine Lobster Roll, Carpaccio of Tuna, One Dozen Oysters and Rock Shrimp & Blood Orange Ceviche.  Wash it down with Endless Bloody Marys Unlimited Mimosas.  Come sober and hungry.  Leave tipsy and satiated!

The Office

201 East Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444, USA
http://www.theofficedelray.com/

Retro cowhide chairs, book-lined walls and a desk-inspired bar make this upscale hangout worth a look, especially with the creative sips and solid American eats. The Office is a place where whimsy and gastronomical delights go hand in hand. It’s a modern American gastropub where the food is as outstanding as the drink and you find yourself in a comfortable limbo between a bar and a restaurant.  Some of the palate-pleasing options include burgers,  mussels,  mac and cheese balls,  chicken and waffles or steak and eggs with chimichurri sauce. If you go for brunch, definitely get bottomless drinks because it is not your typical watered-down brunch drink.  The prices are not the cheapest, but what can you expect for a place that is in a prime spot on Atlantic Ave.  If you want to just chillax then go to the outside area and take in the sights and sounds.

DADA
52 North Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444
http://www.dadadelray.com/

A hip younger crowd goes gaga over DADA ( French for hobbyhorse)  over this “laid-back,” late-night hangout  Eclectic- menu and delicious drinks.  You can enjoy the funky interior with revolving artwork or you can sit outside under their  Ginormous Baynan Tree on a cool night.   This is a great date spot for the funkiness and art provide plenty of conversation fodder after you have just awkwardly met your match.com date and wondering what to talk about.  Dish to nibble on include Jumbo Crab Cakes,  Butternut Squash Ravioli, Filet Mignon, Grilled Brie and wash it down with a Passion Fruit Mojito.  Reserve your belly real estate for the delicious Nutella Brulee and smores

DECK 84
840 East Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33483
http://www.deck84.com/home

This place has a ridiculous amount of accolades which range from Best Bar, Best Brunch, Best Bartender, Best Bar Food, Best Happy Hour,  Best Oceanfront Dining, Best Intracoastal Dining, Best Live Music, Best Burgers,  Best Group Dining…… have you heard enough?

Plan on grabbing a taxi or designate a driver at this place since you want just to enjoy nursing your drinks as you enjoy the people-watching and maybe even fish-watching as you look out over the water here.  Solid food choices include truffle fries, brisket sandwich, conch fritters,  crab cakes and their burgers have gotten all kinds of accolades as well. Bring a sweatshirt since it gets cold in the water!

Nightlife

Residents of Highland Beach can attest to the amazing nightlife that the area offers. An evening in this beautiful town can be anything you want it to be. From different nightclubs to casual bars and restaurants, you will never get bored in this area.  Boca Raton and Delray Beach are just a few miles away and these are some of the top nightclubs that are a short drive.

Nakava Kava Bar – 140 NW 20th Street, Boca Raton, FL 33431 – (561) 395-9888
https://www.facebook.com/nakavabar/

Boca Resto Lounge – 3360 N Federal Highway Boca Raton, FL 33431 – (561) 325-7677
https://www.bocarestolounge.com/

Honey – Delray Beach and Boca Raton Locations
https://sub-culture.org/honey/

Funky Buddha Lounge & Brewery – 2621 N Federal Hwy Boca Raton, FL 33431 – (561) 368-4643
http://thefunkybuddha.com/

Palm Beach Schools

Palm Beach County is known nationwide for exceptional schools.  Since 2006, Palm Beach County school districts have worked hard to receive an “A” rating county wide.  Highland Beach Schools are no exception and offers fine public schools, charter schools and private schools for residents.  For years, Palm Beach County prides itself on smaller classrooms, advanced learning methods and a success rate higher than most schools in the nation. Academics, extracurricular activities and sports have made Palm Beach Schools very successful.

The School District of Palm Beach County, the fifth largest in Florida, and the 13th largest in the country includes over 180 schools, with over 180,000 students and close to 13,000 teachers. The district boasts more than 279 award-winning programs, and features Choice Programs and Career Academies, helping students to follow their dreams and achieve their career goals.  Many schools are focusing on International Baccalaureate programs, the Montessori method, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and several languages.

Palm Beach County also has many private schools.  Both private and public schools in the county offer a wide variety of programs and specialties, sure to enrich the educational experience of any child, helping to form a bright future.

You’ll find exceptional education and schools throughout Palm Beach County regardless of whether it is a private school or public school. For additional resources about the schools in Highland Beach and read school reviews by parents and staff, go to www.GreatSchools.net and https://www.greatschools.org

Here is a list of: 

Public Schools
https://www.palmbeachschools.org/

Charter Schools
https://www.palmbeachschools.org/charter/

Adult Education
https://www.palmbeachschools.org/ace/

There are quite of few private schools in Palm Beach County that are either faith-based, prep schools for college or private schools that specialize in specific learning such as arts and theater, technology and more. Some Palm Beach private schools offer duel enrollment meaning while your high school student attends school, they will receive college credit at the same time they are attending high school. The private schools in Highland Beach are exceptional and rank nationally.

HomeSchooling

For some, home-schooling is the best way to approach education in Florida. While some children do well in classrooms, it is not uncommon for children that are going to school to need tutoring and home schooled.  Parents who consider homeschooling their children may be concerned due to lack of outside interaction.  Today, the lack of interaction with other school-age kids is not the case as homeschooling is becoming much more prevalent in our society today.  There are many resources out there for families who home-school their children. For families in Florida, here are useful resources for home-schoolers.

The School District of Palm Beach County offers all the information and documents you will need if you choose to home-school your children.  Law requirements, intent and disclosure forms as well as useful information for students and parents alike can be found on the site.

Check out the Palm Beach County Public Library for useful resources for parents and students with curriculum planning, home school planners, and important information on support groups.  You’ll find software, videos and books and many of the tools you will need to home school your child.

Support Groups for Home Schoolers

What better way to connect with others who home school their children.  It’s a great way to exchange ideas, build relationships and be around people with similar goals in mind. 

The Palm Beach County School System focuses their attention on building a community of literate people, who can contribute positively to the development to the community and the entire country. The community has notable public and private schools, with modern facilities, which makes learning fun and interactive.  Nearby towns of Boca Raton and West Palm Beach have some of the top public and private schools in the area.

Pine Crest School-Boca Raton Campus – 2700 Saint Andrews Blvd Boca Raton, FL 33434 – (561) 852-2800

Boca Community Middle School – 1251 NW 8th St. Boca Raton, FL 33486 – (561) 416-8700

St John Paul II Academy – 4001 N Military Trl, Boca Raton, FL 33431 – (561) 314-2100

Landmarks

Highland Beach has many fun destinations you can visit with your family and friends. Visitors from other parts of the country, come to this town to have fun and learn about the history of the place. You can never get bored living in this city. With historical places like the Flagler Museum, Boca Express Train Museum and the rest, every hour spent in this city is never a waste.  Nearby towns of Boca, Palm Beach and West Palm Beach have some noteworthy historical locations.

Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens – 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 – (561) 832-5328
https://www.facebook.com/AnnNortonSculptureGardens/

Armory Art Center – 1700 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 – (561) 832-1776
http://www.armoryart.org/

Boca Express Train Museum – 747 South Dixie Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33432 – (561) 395-6766
http://www.bocahistory.org/tours-train-museum/

Flagler Museum –One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480 – (561) 655-2833
https://www.flaglermuseum.us/

SCUBA DIVING

Angelfish, turtles, parrotfish, grouper, dolphins, soft and hard corals along with excellent visibility provide divers with great year-round conditions.  South Florida's reef tract is linear and the warm Gulf stream current flows parallel to the shoreline creating perfect drift diving conditions.

Palm Beach County has some of the top dive sites in the country.  Many of the sites are close to shore, so you don't have to spend hours traveling out on a boat to reach them.  Palm Beach has a lot of deeper dives and nearby Pompano has more shallow dives.   The South East Florida Reef Tract extends from Miami northward to Palm Beach. Greater Ft. Lauderdale accounts for 23 miles in the middle of the tract and the largest number of dive sites, with over 100 reef and wreck sites. Hundreds of species of fish flourish along the coast.

Artificial reefs include sunken wrecks since marine life likes to hide out in protected spaces so you will get the eerie and mysterious beauty of exploring a wreck that has dozens of fish and corals that are on or near it.

YOUTUBE videos of Scuba Diving in Highland Beach

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JWrAUYbQp8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrnOdrHcphU

GOLF

With lush green rolling hills on a pretty flat landscape with ocean breezes nearby, there are 160 of golf courses in Palm Beach County and quite a few in Highland Beach.  Palm Beach County is the golfing capital of the world.  The courses attract both amateurs and professionals and there are plenty of Professional Golf Tournaments year-round if you want to see some of your favorites swinging a nine iron.  

Private Palm Beach Area Golf Courses & Country Clubs
http://www.palmbeachrelocationguide.com/Private-Palm-Beach-Area-Golf-Courses-Country-Clubs/

KIDS

Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches
http://www.palmbeachsports.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=pages.KFF

If looking for things to do the keep the children entertained, consider attending the Kids Fitness Festival. This festival gives children the opportunity to experience over 45 different sports clinics from sports such as Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Boxing, Cricket, Field Hockey, Fencing, Fishing, Football, Flag Football, Floorball, Golf, Gymnastics, Fitness, Hockey, Judo, Jump Rope, Karate, Lacrosse, Netball, Pickleball, Polo, Roller Hockey, Rugby, Soccer, Tennis, Tae Kwon Do, Volleyball and more.  The festival is recommended for kids ages 5 – 12 and is conducted by professionals that help kids improve their skills, or can provide introductions to a specific sport. The Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches is hosted by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission in conjunction with Ronald McDonald House.

Conclusion

Highland Beach isan exciting, growing, citythat offers the excitingbusiness opportunities for investors, combinedwith lots of fun places and refined environment for living and working.