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Overview
Highland Beach is a small, incorporated town of roughly 3,700 residents situated on a narrow barrier island in Palm Beach County, Florida. Flanked by Boca Raton to the south and Delray Beach to the north, it occupies about three miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline and is defined almost entirely by upscale residential development, low-rise condominiums, and a calm, unhurried pace.
The town deliberately limits commercial activity — there are no hotels within its boundaries and very few retail businesses. Visitors typically come for the beach itself: wide, relatively uncrowded stretches of sand backed by sea-grape vegetation. Because Highland Beach does not aggressively market itself, it attracts travelers looking for a quieter alternative to the more developed stretches of Palm Beach County coastline.
Highland Beach sits within easy reach of the dining, shopping, and cultural amenities of both Boca Raton and Delray Beach, making it a practical base for exploring southern Palm Beach County even if the town itself offers limited on-site services.
Before You Go
Visas
Highland Beach is a US destination. Entry requirements depend on your nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website for current requirements before booking.
What to Pack
- Sunscreen (high SPF) is essential year-round; UV intensity in South Florida is significant even in winter.
- Light, breathable clothing for most of the year; a light jacket or layer for cooler winter evenings.
- Reef-safe sunscreen is encouraged to protect local marine ecosystems.
- Cash and cards are both useful; because in-town commerce is minimal, come prepared.
Climate
Highland Beach has a humid subtropical climate. Winters (December–March) are warm and dry, with daytime temperatures typically in the low-to-mid 70s°F (low-to-mid 20s°C). Summers are hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Hurricane season runs June through November — monitor weather forecasts during this period and verify any travel insurance coverage before your trip.
Getting There
By Air
The closest major airport is Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), approximately 20–25 miles north of Highland Beach. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is roughly 20–25 miles to the south and often offers competitive fares. Miami International Airport (MIA) is further south but is another viable option, particularly for international travelers.
By Car
Highland Beach is accessed via State Road A1A (Ocean Boulevard), which runs directly through the town along the barrier island. I-95 and the Florida Turnpike pass just a few miles inland and connect the area to the broader South Florida highway network. A car is strongly recommended, as local transit options within Highland Beach are very limited.
By Bus / Rail
Tri-Rail commuter rail serves the broader South Florida region with stations in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, though you would need additional ground transportation to reach Highland Beach from those stations. Verify current schedules and routes at the Tri-Rail official website.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle or rideshare app (Uber and Lyft both operate in Palm Beach County) is the most practical way to get around. The town itself is long and narrow, and while A1A is walkable in places, distances between points of interest — and especially to restaurants and shops in neighboring communities — make walking as a sole mode impractical for most visitors.
Boca Raton and Delray Beach, each within a few minutes' drive, are where you will find most dining, grocery, and entertainment options. Bicycle riding along A1A is popular and the relatively flat terrain makes it accessible, though traffic on A1A can be brisk during peak season. Verify locally whether any bike rental services operate nearby.
Where to Stay
There are no hotels within Highland Beach's town limits. Accommodation is primarily through vacation rental platforms (such as VRBO or Airbnb), where condo and home rentals in or near the town can be found, particularly within beachfront or near-beach residential buildings. Availability and pricing vary seasonally — peak winter season (January–April) sees the highest demand and rates.
For travelers who prefer traditional hotel accommodation, Boca Raton and Delray Beach offer a range of options from budget chains to luxury resorts. Verify current availability and pricing directly with properties or booking platforms.
Things to See & Do
The Beach
The primary draw is the Atlantic beach itself. Highland Beach's shoreline tends to be quieter than nearby public beaches in Boca Raton or Delray Beach, though access points and parking availability should be confirmed locally, as much of the beachfront is associated with private residences or residential communities.
Nearby Nature
The area lies within the broader South Florida coastal ecosystem. Sea turtle nesting activity occurs on area beaches during summer months (roughly May through October); if you visit in this period, observe any posted guidelines about nighttime lighting and keeping distance from nests.
Proximity to Boca Raton and Delray Beach
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach is a genuine cultural highlight of the region and worth a visit. Downtown Delray Beach's Atlantic Avenue offers galleries, restaurants, and live music. Boca Raton's Mizner Park district has shopping, dining, and the Boca Raton Museum of Art. Verify hours and admission for each directly with the venues.
Food & Drink
Highland Beach has virtually no restaurants or bars within its town limits. Dining is found in immediately adjacent communities. Delray Beach's Atlantic Avenue corridor is one of the more vibrant dining scenes in Palm Beach County, with options ranging from casual waterfront spots to more formal restaurants. Boca Raton similarly offers a wide range of cuisines, particularly around Mizner Park and Federal Highway.
For groceries and supplies, residents and visitors rely on stores in Boca Raton and Delray Beach. Plan your provisions before arriving, especially if you are staying in a self-catering accommodation in or near the town.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911. Highland Beach has its own police department; for non-emergency local inquiries, verify the direct contact number on the Town of Highland Beach's official website.
Internet and Connectivity
Major US carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) provide coverage in the area. Wi-Fi availability depends on your accommodation. International visitors should check roaming plans or consider a US SIM card.
Tipping
Tipping is standard practice in the US. In restaurants, 18–20% of the pre-tax bill is a common baseline. Tips for rideshare drivers, hotel housekeeping, and other service workers are also customary.
Accessibility
Beach accessibility varies; some South Florida beaches have beach wheelchairs available at no charge — verify locally whether any access points near Highland Beach offer this. A1A has sidewalks in places but gaps exist; travelers with mobility considerations should confirm conditions before visiting.
Safety
Highland Beach is a low-crime residential community. Standard travel precautions apply: secure valuables, do not leave items visible in parked cars, and be aware of your surroundings.
Ocean swimming carries inherent risks. Rip currents are present along Florida's Atlantic coast. Swim near posted lifeguard stations when possible and pay attention to flag warning systems. Jellyfish, Portuguese man o' war, and stinging sea life occasionally wash ashore — check locally posted notices before entering the water.
Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly in the afternoon; if you hear thunder, exit the water and seek shelter immediately. Lightning risk in South Florida during summer is notably high.
