WEST PALM BEACH. Ralph Norton, who founded the Norton Museum of Art, shared the home that houses this sculpture garden with his second wife, whose works are on display. Ann Norton's sculptures are scattered throughout the house and gardens, which were created both to showcase the art and to provide a haven for local birds. The monolithic outdoor pieces are largely crafted of brick and have a substantial, almost primitive quality. They come upon you in the landscape as discoveries, set among a collection of palms that surpasses 300 specimens.

WEST PALM BEACH. Set right on the water and offering views across Lake Worth to Palm Beach, this park is an open green space that's popular with walkers and sports enthusiasts, who organize pick-up games of soccer. Piers, walking paths, a playground, tennis courts, and large fields are among the features, along with several boat ramps. An abundance of trees adds interest, beauty, and shade. Public restrooms are available.

DELRAY BEACH. In the early 20th century, a group of Japanese immigrants came to Florida to institute an agricultural community. It didn't succeed, but one of its members, George Morikami, donated 200 acres to honor the effort and his native country. Today, that initial gift has blossomed into an entire cultural complex that features exhibitions on Japanese culture and traditions. A chronicle of the intended farming community can be traced, and visitors may also view artwork, bonsai, domestic artifacts, and crafts. Also on the grounds are a theater, a library, a multi-media center, an authentic tea house, a shop, cafe, and amazing gardens and water features. Classes in traditional crafts and ceremonies are also available.

WEST PALM BEACH. Spread across this garden's 14 acres is a wealth of plants that thrive in South Florida's temperate climes. Specimens from six continents illustrate how diverse the growing conditions are in the region, and visitors can wander among plants that have differing needs and uses. Displays on vegetation native to Florida are available for browsing, and visitors often find inspiration for their own gardens in the living exhibits. Throughout the year, special events are held, and the plant sales, in which visitors can buy nursery plants and decorative garden accessories, are legendary. Master Gardeners are on-hand to answer questions you may have, and a great bookstore offers volumes of information on plants and gardening.

PALM BEACH. Not far from the sophistication and bustle of Worth Avenue, this lovely park offers a taste of natural beauty. The plants in the half-acre site are all native to Florida and provide a gorgeous example of the diversity of flora in the state. Butterflies often flutter about the plantings, adding additional color and movement. The garden itself is named after an exquisite bronze of Pan, the nature deity known for his physical license and flute-playing. It rests at the entrance to the garden.