Hidden Gems in and Around Westlake, Florida

Westlake was incorporated in 2016 and is still developing, so many of its most useful finds are a mix of city events, public outdoor areas, and western Palm Beach County destinations. Not everything here is inside city limits, and we label each one.

Westlake's in-community amenities are covered in our guide to things to do in and around Westlake. This page is a shorter list of public places and events worth knowing about.

J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area, a large public wildlife area in western Palm Beach County. Two boardwalks are the most concrete reasons to go:

• The Bald Cypress Boardwalk and Trail, a 1.2-mile walk through cypress swamp, pine flatwoods and hardwood hammock. FWC describes it as far from the hunting area and open year-round.
• The Hungryland Boardwalk, which FWC also describes as well removed from hunting zones and open year-round. FWC's directions reach it through the area's south entrance on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

Before you visit, check FWC's planning page. FWC requires a daily-use permit to enter unless you hold a Wildlife Management Area permit, and hunting seasons, area rules and closures apply. Check the current map, rules and hunt calendar, and stay on designated trails. Wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed.

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge protects part of the northern Everglades, and its visitor center is at 10216 Lee Road in Boynton Beach. It's a nearby wildlife outing, not part of Westlake.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists wildlife watching among the refuge's activities, along with designated trails, refuge programs, and fishing and paddling in designated areas. The Cypress Swamp Boardwalk behind the visitor center has been listed as closed, so check whether it's open before you plan around it.

Before you visit, check the refuge's pages for entrance passes, hours, trail rules and closures, weather and seasonal conditions. Watch wildlife from a distance: don't approach, feed or pursue animals.

Wellington International, for non-riders

You don't need a horse to watch show jumping. During the Winter Equestrian Festival, Wellington International, in Wellington, hosts competition that spectators can attend. Its spectator FAQs have listed free general admission and free parking for daytime shows, with paid parking for some evening events; treat that as current only when the official page says so.

Check the live schedule for the season's dates, plus spectator rules, admission, parking and event-specific details, before you go.

Westlake's civic-event calendar

The City of Westlake hosts public events during the year. Its special events page has featured events such as an Independence Day celebration (FourthFest), SpringFest and a holiday market, alongside smaller community meetings. Offerings, dates and locations change, so check the page for what's currently scheduled.

Fishing: only where access is public and legal

Don't assume a canal or lake bank is open to the public. Many are private, restricted or part of drainage infrastructure. Fish only where access is confirmed, such as designated areas at J.W. Corbett, which has stocked ponds, or designated areas at the refuge, and follow each site's rules.

You'll generally need a Florida fishing license unless you're exempt; check FWC's license guide and the current freshwater regulations before you go.

Before you go

• Check the official page for hours, access, parking, permit or pass requirements, closures, hunt days and event schedules.
• Check the weather and heat, and plan around storms.
• Stay on designated public paths and access points.
• Respect wildlife, and stay off private property and restricted areas.
• Bring water, sun protection and what you need for the conditions.

For the practical side of living here, see the Westlake local guide.