Henry Flagler's Gilded Age vision made Palm Beach an elite resort. Architect Addison Mizner created its Mediterranean Revival look, seen on Worth Avenue. He even ran workshops for the custom tiles and ironwork, a detail many miss. This cohesive design is what is Palm Beach famous for.
The island's nature extends beyond its beaches. Cycle the 5.5-mile Lake Trail along the Intracoastal Waterway for skyline views. From March to October, our shores become one of the densest sea turtle nesting sites in the US. This unique natural access is one of the best reasons to visit Palm Beach.
The culinary scene mixes luxury and coastal tradition. The essential local dish is fresh stone crabs, available only from October to May. Chefs often source produce from inland farms, a fact a good Palm Beach travel guide should mention. And for dessert, you must try authentic Key lime pie.
Exploring Palm Beach reveals Gilded Age mansions like the Flagler Museum, luxury shopping on Worth Avenue, and serene sculpture gardens at the Society of the Four Arts. The island offers pristine beaches and notable architecture.
Cycle the Lake Trail for scenic water views or watch a high-goal polo match. Enjoy seasonal art festivals, attend a performance at the Kravis Center, or take a guided tour of the island's historic estates and lush botanical gardens.
Gilded Age estate, a National Historic Landmark.
Iconic street for luxury shopping and Mediterranean design.
Cultural center with gardens, library, and art galleries.
Scenic path for biking and walking along the Intracoastal.
Public beach with clean sand and clear Atlantic waters.
Outdoor plaza with gardens, boutiques, and courtyards.
Botanical garden showcasing native Florida plants.
Fly into Palm Beach International (PBI), minutes from town. A taxi from the Palm Beach airport to city center is about 15 min. Nearby West Palm Beach Station provides a train to Palm Beach area via Brightline high-speed and Tri-Rail commuter rail.
Car rental in Palm Beach offers the most freedom. While Palm Tran is the main public transport in the area, the island is best seen by car, bike, or foot. A free trolley, similar to a Palm Beach shuttle bus, operates in downtown West Palm Beach.
When driving in Palm Beach, plan for drawbridge openings, which can cause delays. Parking is metered and strictly enforced. A great travel idea for first-timers is biking the Lake Trail, but always yield to pedestrians as it is a multi-use path.
Explore the local cuisine in Palm Beach by tasting fresh stone crabs and a slice of key lime pie. The dining scene thrives on early evening cocktails at elegant hotel bars before moving on to a late, leisurely dinner.
Eat at Buccan for its vibrant, high-energy vibe. Book far ahead. Among the best bars in Palm Beach is HMF, a glamorous social club. Dress code. Taste refined pastries at the chic Sant Ambroeus. Pricey but worth it.
Vibrant spot with creative American small plates.
Elegant French cuisine in a lush courtyard setting.
Stylish eatery with Pan-Asian dishes and sushi.
Global bistro fare and sushi in a chic setting.
Explore Palm Beach cultural activities through unique local traditions. Experience the German-American heritage at Oktoberfest of the Palm Beaches or the festive Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade, a must-see event reflecting the city's maritime culture.
Discover contemporary Palm Beach attractions with a creative edge. Enjoy SunFest, Florida's largest waterfront music festival with diverse genres, or explore visual arts at the ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival, showcasing top national artists.
Florida's largest waterfront music and art festival in May.
A December culinary event with celebrity chefs and wine tastings.
March showcase of yachts, marine gear, and luxury watercraft.
A juried outdoor art show held over Presidents' Day weekend.
Two weekends in October celebrating German food, beer, and music.
Free outdoor professional Shakespeare productions held in July.
December boat parade with fireworks on the Intracoastal Waterway.
A Truly Elegant Place
Palm Beach is just beautiful, plain and simple. It's so clean and elegant, with amazing architecture everywhere you look. A very peaceful place for a proper holiday. Felt worlds away from the usual busy tourist spots and chaos.
Stunningly Beautiful
The window shopping on Worth Avenue is an activity in itself! Every storefront is stunning. The whole area is just perfectly manicured and a pleasure to walk through. Stopped at a little cafe for a coffee and just soaked it all in.
Perfect for Unwinding
Just what I needed to switch off. The Palm Beach Lake Trail was perfect for a slow bike ride along the water. Everything feels so calm and orderly here. It's a great place to disconnect and just enjoy the sun and quiet for a bit.
Incredible Beaches
Palm Beach has some of the prettiest public beaches I've seen. The water at Municipal Beach was so clear and the sand was immaculate. It was not crowded at all, which made for a really relaxing day with the family. So well-maintained.
So Much History Here
What an interesting place for history buffs. The Gilded Age mansions are incredible to see up close. We spent a good chunk of our day at the Flagler Museum. You can really get a sense of the history just by walking around the island.
Excellent Dining Scene
Found some truly excellent restaurants here. The dining is definitely a highlight, with lots of fresh seafood options. The key lime pie we had after dinner was fantastic. It's a wonderful spot for anyone who enjoys good food in a polished setting.