Best Things to Do in and Around Westlake, Florida

Westlake's recreation is a mix of resident amenities, city-run public events, and western Palm Beach County destinations. The best option depends on whether you want a quick local outing, an HOA-access amenity, or a regional day trip.

This guide labels each option by where it is and who can use it. Places in Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Wellington and elsewhere are nearby, not in Westlake, and we don't publish drive times; check the route from your own starting point.

In Westlake

Adventure Park: check access first

What it includes. Minto says it completed the final phase of the $22 million Westlake Adventure Park in 2023. Its announcement lists a lagoon pool with a tower slide, a splash pad, an adult lap pool, a lodge with an event lawn, a covered concert pavilion, a food truck court, a BMX pump park, bocce courts, a playground, a dog park and lighted basketball courts. Facilities can change, so treat that list as the developer's description at completion, not a current guarantee.

Who may use it. The Adventure Park isn't a public city park. A 2023 agreement between the city and the Westlake Residences Master Homeowners Association describes the Adventure Park Amenity Center as one of the association's common areas, and lets the city use the lodge for certain meetings. Access is set by the association.

What buyers and renters should verify in the association documents for a specific home:

• Whether the home's association membership includes Adventure Park access.
• Guest policies, and any guest fees or limits.
• Hours, access cards or registration, and how renters gain access.
• Rules for each facility, such as pool and court rules.
• How the association announces closures, maintenance and programming.

Guest policies, hours, access cards, closures and programming can change, so check the current rules rather than relying on a listing or a past visit.

Check Westlake's current event calendar

The city hosts events and holds public meetings during the year, but dates, locations and programming change. The City of Westlake calendar is the place to see what's actually scheduled, along with any admission or registration details. We don't list specific events here, because a past event isn't a promise of a future one.

Walking, running and cycling

Conditions vary by neighborhood. Sidewalks, private and public roads, construction activity, shade, traffic and the route itself all differ from one part of Westlake to another, so walk, run or ride your intended route before you buy, at the time of day you'd use it. Your association can tell you about paths and rules within your neighborhood.

Nearby in western Palm Beach County

Commons Park, Royal Palm Beach

The Village of Royal Palm Beach's Commons Park, at 11600 Poinciana Boulevard, is a public park with paved trails around a lake, a canoe and kayak launch, an interactive splash fountain, dog parks, disc golf courses, fishing docks, playgrounds and picnic pavilions. Check the village's page for hours, rental rules, water access and event schedules before you go.

Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee

Lion Country Safari, at 2003 Lion Country Safari Road in Loxahatchee, combines a drive-through safari in your own vehicle with a walk-through park. It's a ticketed attraction with vehicle rules: soft-top and open vehicles aren't allowed through the preserve. Check current hours, admission, weather policies, which attractions are open and accessibility on its Plan Your Visit page.

Winter Equestrian Festival, Wellington

The Winter Equestrian Festival brings show-jumping competition to Wellington International each winter season. Wellington International has listed daytime general admission as free on competition days; check its event schedule for the current season's dates, and confirm evening events, reserved seating, parking and any ticketed competitions separately.

Worth the drive

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge protects part of the northern Everglades. It's a regional outing, not part of Westlake.

Before you go:

• The visitor center is at 10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach. Use that address rather than general directions.
• The refuge is a federal fee area; check the current entrance fee and pass options.
• Check the refuge's alerts for trail conditions, closures, water levels and detours. The refuge has posted closures, including the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk, so don't plan around a trail until you've confirmed it's open.
• Check pet rules, and the rules for activities such as paddling, fishing and biking. Access and regulations vary by area of the refuge.
• Wildlife sightings and trail conditions aren't guaranteed; bring water and sun protection.

Okeeheelee Park

Okeeheelee Park is a large Palm Beach County park on Forest Hill Boulevard with many separate facilities. Pick one activity and plan around it:

• The Okeeheelee Nature Center and its trails.
• Walking and cycling paths.
• Disc golf and a dog park.
• Fishing, and boat access where permitted.
• Equestrian facilities and trails.
• The BMX track.
• Water-ski facilities, which aren't open-access; skiing there requires arrangements set by the county or its operators.

Several activities need permits, fees, reservations, equipment or a provider's arrangements, so check the county page for the one you want before you go.

Planning any outing

Check the forecast, the heat index and the lightning risk, and look at the official page for closures or event changes before you leave. Bring water, and plan outdoor time around the conditions on the day.

For more, read the Westlake local guide, hidden gems in and around Westlake, places to eat, drink and hang out and what living in Westlake is really like.