Highland Beach, FL

Highland Beach, Florida is a small coastal town located in Palm Beach County. The history of Highland Beach dates back to the early 20th century.

In the late 19th century, the area where Highland Beach is now located was primarily uninhabited and covered with thick forests. It was mainly used for logging and hunting.

The town's history began in 1896 when a group of African-American investors from Washington, D.C., led by Charles Douglass, the son of famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass, purchased several acres of land in the area. Their intention was to establish a vacation spot for African-Americans, who were often denied access to other beaches due to segregation.

Initially, the investors named the area "Highland Beach" and designed it as a resort community. They built a hotel, cottages, and amenities to attract African-American tourists. During the early 20th century, Highland Beach became a popular vacation destination for the African-American community, including notable figures such as Langston Hughes, Paul Robeson, and Zora Neale Hurston.

The town faced several challenges over the years. In 1928, a powerful hurricane devastated the area, causing significant damage to the infrastructure and buildings. Despite this setback, Highland Beach continued to grow and thrive.

In the 1950s, racial segregation laws were abolished, and African-Americans gained access to previously restricted areas. This led to a decline in the popularity of Highland Beach as a segregated resort community.

Today, Highland Beach has transformed into an affluent residential community. Most of the original buildings are no longer standing, as they have been replaced by luxury homes and condominiums. The town is known for its pristine beaches, beautiful ocean views, and proximity to other popular tourist destinations such as Boca Raton and Delray Beach.

Highland Beach has a small population, with just over 3,600 residents as of 2020. Despite its small size, the town retains its charm and offers a peaceful environment for residents and visitors alike.

Highland Beach Public Beach

This beautiful beach offers pristine sands, clear waters, and stunning ocean views, ideal for sunbathing, picnicking, swimming, and beachcombing.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Located nearby in Boca Raton, this nature center offers interactive exhibits, aquariums, a butterfly garden, and a boardwalk through a coastal hammock. It's a great place to learn about the local wildlife and natural habitats.

Red Reef Park

Situated in Boca Raton, this park features natural preserves, a snorkeling reef, and a scenic boardwalk. It's a popular spot for outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

A short drive away in Delray Beach, this attraction showcases Japanese culture with beautiful gardens, rotating art exhibits, traditional tea ceremonies, and cultural events. It's a peaceful and serene place to explore.

Atlantic Avenue

Located in Delray Beach, Atlantic Avenue offers a lively and vibrant atmosphere with a diverse range of restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries. It's a popular destination for dining, entertainment, and nightlife.

South Inlet Park

Situated in Boca Raton, this park offers a fishing pier, scenic trails, picnic areas, and beach access. It's a great spot for boating, fishing, bird-watching, and enjoying the natural beauty.

Silver Palm Park

This waterfront park in Boca Raton offers a playground, picnic areas, and beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway. It's a great place for a family outing or a peaceful afternoon stroll.

Note: Some attractions may be subject to seasonal closures or specific operating hours. It's always recommended to check the official websites or contact the respective attractions before planning a visit.

Highland Beach, Florida has a tropical rainforest climate, also known as a tropical monsoon climate. The town experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures often reaching the 90s°F (32-35°C) during the day and dropping to the 70s°F (21-26°C) at night. It is common to have afternoon thunderstorms during the summer months.

Winters in Highland Beach are mild and generally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the high 60s°F (18-20°C) to the low 70s°F (21-24°C) during the day, and dropping to the 50s°F (10-15°C) at night. Frost and freezing temperatures are very rare occurrences.

The town receives a significant amount of rainfall year-round, but particularly during the summer months. Highland Beach sees an average of around 60-70 inches (1500-1800 mm) of rainfall per year, with September being the wettest month. The high humidity can make the temperatures feel even hotter during the summer, while the ocean breeze provides some relief.

Due to its location on the southeastern coast of Florida, Highland Beach is prone to occasional tropical storms and hurricanes. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, with the peak activity typically occurring from August to October. Residents should be prepared for possible storm threats and follow any evacuation orders in the event of a hurricane or severe storm.

Overall, Highland Beach, Florida has a warm and humid climate, allowing for year-round outdoor activities and enjoying the area's beautiful beaches.

Highland Beach is a small coastal town located in Palm Beach County, Florida. Though it is a relatively small town, it does have a few distinct neighborhoods that contribute to its charm and character. Here are some of the neighborhoods you can find in Highland Beach:

Bel Lido Isle

This waterfront community is located on a barrier island and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. It is known for its luxurious waterfront estates, private docks, and a serene atmosphere.

Ocean Cove

Ocean Cove is a gated community located on the east side of A1A (the main coastal road), offering both beachfront and waterfront residences. It is an exclusive neighborhood with upscale homes and amenities such as a community pool and private beach access.

Highland Beach Club

This community features condos and townhouses with resort-style amenities. Residents can enjoy access to a private beach, a swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness center, and more. Highland Beach Club is a popular option for those seeking a vibrant and active lifestyle.

Toscana

Toscana is a luxury condo community situated on the west side of A1A. It offers stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway, ocean, and city skyline. Toscana boasts a rich Mediterranean-style architecture and provides residents access to private beachfront, multiple swimming pools, tennis courts, and a fitness center.

Highland Beach Isles

Located on the mainland side of Highland Beach, Highland Beach Isles offers a mix of single-family homes and townhouses. This neighborhood provides more affordable housing options compared to the waterfront communities. It is a family-friendly community with easy access to nearby schools, parks, and shopping centers.

Overall, Highland Beach's neighborhoods cater to different preferences, whether you seek luxurious waterfront estates, upscale condos, gated communities with resort-style amenities, or more affordable housing options. The town is known for its pristine beaches, tranquil atmosphere, and proximity to the vibrant cities of Boca Raton and Delray Beach.