If you are looking to spend some time in Palm Beach but cannot decide what to see and do, check out this list with the top 10 things you will not want to miss on a Palm Beach day trip. Even if you are staying more than just one day, you will find great ideas including a few hidden gems you should not miss.
Palm Beach is known for luxury, beaches, high end shopping, high quality restaurants and much more. It is a perfect destination to visit on a day trip from Miami Dade or Broward Counties. It also makes for a wonderful little getaway or staycation. Before you head out to this top vacation destination, make sure you plan for at least some of these top things to do in Palm Beach.
A Palm Beach Day Trip. What to do on Your Palm Beach Getaway
I recently spend a day exploring some of the Palm Beaches. I spent most of my time in Palm Beach which is one of the most moneyed zip codes in America.
“It is 14-mile long, half-mile-wide island of wealth and extravagance. Winter home to the Vanderbilts, the Kennedys, the Rockefellers and a slew of newly minted millionaires” – Trvl Channel
I also did some exploring in West Palm Beach, which is across the bride from Palm Beach. Funny thing, contrary to its name, West Palm Beach does not have a beach.
Each city has its own unique flavor with unique things to do. And each city is worth visiting. Moreover, you can definitely combine activities from both during your Palm Beach Day Trip. I will be labeling each of the activities below with (WPB) for West Palm Beach or (PB) for Palm Beach. That way if you want to narrow it down and concentrate on just one area you can do that.
1 Start Your Day With a Good Cup of Joe (WPB)
You can go wrong with a cup of coffee at Subculture coffee. This local coffee shop in West Palm Beach prides itself on community connection and great coffee. I love their outdoor seating area and friendly baristas. Definitely start your Palm Beach day trip right and grab a coffee to fuel you through your day.
2 Check out the Famous Clock Tower (PB)
No Palm Beach day trip is complete without checking out this famous landmark. Facing both the Atlantic Ocean and Worth Avenue this is a must visit when in Palm Beach. It is a historical landmark and monument to the Palm Beach Pier which stood in there before being destroyed by a hurricane in 1930.
3 Walk Down Worth Ave and Discover the Hidden Vias (PB)
I live just 1 hour south of Palm Beach and I confess I never took the time to explore Worth Ave properly until just recently. I do not know why it took me this long to do it because it has become my favorite activity.
Many head to Worth Ave for the upscale shopping. I on the other hand just wanted to explore the many quaint hidden little vias (side streets and alleyways). Each with its own flair and treasures. Some have little gardens, with fountains, other have hidden shops or restaurants. All are unique and beautiful and worth discovering.
Give yourself plenty of time to waltz in and out of the vias, check out the shops, and see what treasures you discover. Worth Ave is the perfect place to explore on your Palm Beach day trip.
4 Stroll Through a Sculpture Garden (WPB)
If you want to explore a hidden gem in West Palm Beach then the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden is just what you need. Discover some incredible large sculptures while you walk the paths in this beautiful outdoor garden. You will also learn about the artist and her work and how it is being taken care of for future generations to enjoy. It is a wonderful exhibit and a great thing to do during your Palm Beach day trip.
5 Shopping and Dining in Rosemary Square (WPB)
Rosemary Square is a perfect spot to enjoy lunch or some shopping during your Palm Beach day trip. Whether you are in the mood to shop or get a bite to eat, Rosemary Square is the place to do it. There is something for everyone here. I discovered a cute plant shop, some lovely boutiques, and one of my favorite restaurants for a healthy lunch, Pura Vida. Enjoy some ice-cream by the fountain or shop till you drop. Make sure to add Rosemary Square on your list of things to do in Palm Beach.
6 Visit the Flagler Museum (PB)
If you only have time for one museum during your Palm Beach day trip then the Flagler Museum is the one you want to go to. This is as close as you will get to feeling like you are in Europe while in Palm Beach.
It is a self-guided tour through the mansion and all its rooms. You can download a free app and listen to the narrated tour as you stroll through each of the rooms (download for iOS / download for Android). The self-guided tour includes the first and second floors of Whitehall, its grounds and my favorite, the Flagler Kenan Pavilion, which houses Flagler’s Railcar No. 91. Guests are encouraged to bring their own earbuds as the complimentary ones might not be compatible with your phone.
To learn more check out the museums webpage.
7 Go to the Beach (PB)
You cannot go to Palm Beach and not step foot on its beautiful beaches. There are about 47 miles along the Atlantic Ocean with nearly 30 beach parks from Boca Raton to Jupiter. Moreover, Palm Beach, although knowns as a playground for rich and famous, still has its own beautiful white sand and blue ocean slice of paradise. And you can set foot on it. There is a municipal beach just steps away from Worth Avenue with miles of beach both North and South of it. Just pick a spot park the car and enjoy the sand, sun and ocean.
If you are looking for a beach that is dramatically different with a rugged coastline, then I suggest you head a bit north to Blowing Rocks Preserve. Depending on the time you visit you will have a thrilling experience. But either way it is a true gem and worth a visit for the scenic views alone.
8 Check out the Eclectic Northwood Village (WPB)
Lots of money has gone into revitalizing this neighborhood. It is slowly becoming a trendy spot with funky artsy eclectic vibes. Cute shops and restaurants line the main street and you can see some street art.
By far my favorite find here was Harolds Coffee Lounge where I had an amazing pistachio vanilla latte. Love the artsy eclectic vibe and the coffee was amazing!
9 Go on a Food Tour (WPB)
Palm Beach has amazing restaurants and if you are only here for a day trip or a short stay a great way to try a variety of them is to go on a food tour. It is also a fun way to learn about West Palm Beach. The tour takes you to 6 of the best local restaurants and they provide you with local knowledge as you walk and taste your way through the city. It is a perfect way to spend an afternoon in West Palm Beach.
10 Have a Drink in One of the Upscale Resorts (PB)
I am going to let you in on a secret. You do not have to be staying in the fancy resorts to enjoy some of what they have to offer. You can have a drink at the swankiest resorts like the Breakers, Eau Palm Beach and the Four Seasons. Or spend time by the pool with drink in hand at the Instagram hot spot The Colony.
Where to Stay in Palm Beach
If you decide that a day trip is not enough and are looking to stay for a bit longer then Palm Beach has no shortage of top-notch lodgings for those who don’t mind paying for a little pampering and luxury. Here are some places you should consider:
The White Elephant is a gorgeous luxury boutique hotel with only 32 rooms. Most of the rooms are large suites with private balconies. They offer over the top amenities like a courtesy BMW experience, yacht access and complimentary bicycles. Small private pool and a top-notch restaurant on site.
For the picture perfect Instagram hotel with blues and pinks, froze bar and walls papered in banana leaf prints head to The Colony.
Built in 1896 by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, The Breakers offers a large property with multiple pools, restaurants, bars, and unparalleled beach access. This is your classic Palm Beach stay and they have onsite golf.
A top luxury contender is the five-star and five-diamond, Four Seasons Resort. Spacious rooms, timeless elegance, and private beach access. A concierge is available to help you put together your perfect custom holiday including sunset cruises with a personal chef.
If you like a modern property with bright colors, and one of the best spas around (42,000 square foot spa) then head to Eau Palm Beach. They offer both adult only and kid friendly pools. This was once the Ritz Carlton and it rebranded under this new name. So expect unparalleled service.
The Chesterfield Palm Beach is a good option if you need a pet friendly accommodation. It’s not on the water but a short 3 blocks away. And they offer a fantastic afternoon tea.
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A Palm Beach Day Trip. Top 10 Things to do in The Palm Beaches
