Last Updated on December 20, 2021 by Dana Berez

Things to Do in West Palm Beach

Welcome to West Palm Beach, known for excellent shopping, unique dining, museums, and beaches. This seaside town offers so much for visitors (the majority of everything within walking distance).

No wonder The Palm Beaches is one of the top places to visit in Florida with year-round excitement! 

Check out my picks on the top things to do in West Palm Beach, favorite restaurants, hotels, and travel tips to this colorful destination. 

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Where is West Palm Beach? 

Time for a quick geography lesson. West Palm Beach is one of the 39 cities and towns in The Palm Beaches.

You may have heard of the Town of Palm Beach, which is a small town located along Florida’s Atlantic Coast. 

West Palm Beach is located across from Palm Beach connected by the Royal Park Bridge. In this post, I’ve listed the top things to do in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach! 

 

 

How to get to West Palm Beach?

There are a few ways to get to West Palm Beach. If you are arriving by plane, Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)  is the closest airport located within 15 minutes to the center of West Palm Beach. Making this the most convenient airport to fly into. 

How far is West Palm Beach from Fort Lauderdale?

You can also fly into Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) which is an hour’s drive to West Palm Beach. 

How far is West Palm Beach from Miami? 

Additionally, you can fly into Miami International Airport (MIA). To drive to West Palm Beach from Miami, you’re looking at a 

1 hour and 20-minute drive. 

 

Things to Do in West Palm Beach

1. Visit The Square 

If you are heading to West Palm Beach, you’ll find that there are restaurants, shops, and entertainment located in The Square. So you’ll most likely be visiting The Square more than once.

The Square is West Palm Beach’s newest neighborhood, and the place you’ll want to be! 

Dining: True Food Kitchen, Planta. Pura Vida, Barrio (P.S. there are so many great options in this neighborhood. See a full list of dining here).

Parking: You can find free parking spaces, along with garages with plenty of parking spaces for around $5 all day Saturday & Sunday. 

 

2. Beaches in West Palm Beach

With over 47 miles of coastline, there are no shortages of sandy beaches.

To visit the beach closest to West Palm Beach, you’ll have to head to Palm Beach, which is just a short drive over the Royal Park Bridge.

You can relax at Palm Beach Municipal Beach, which is steps from Worth Avenue. The beach is relaxing and lowkey- making it the perfect place to catch some sunrays.

Street Parking: Parking rates are $5/hour along South Ocean Blvd and $3/hour in all other metered areas.

Note: Phipps Ocean Park is closer to the City of Lake Worth, which is south of West Palm Beach.

 

3. Stroll Worth Avenue

If you are looking for luxury shopping, Worth Avenue in Palm Beach is where you will find it. Worth Avenue is made up of 4 blocks and is home to upscale shops, boutiques, galleries + restaurants. 

If you are looking for some photo-worthy spots in Palm Beach, check out these spots along Worth Avenue: 

• Via Mizner
• Via Parigi
• Gorgeous home on Peruvian Avenue, across from Renato’s Restaurant. 

 

4. Shop at the Palm Beach Outlets

If you’re looking for even more shopping, the Palm Beach Outlets have to be on your list. This is the only outlet located within 55 miles! You’ll find over 100 stores including your favorite shops like Kate Spade, Aerie, Banana Republic, and more (all with great deals).

 

5. Boat Cruise

There’s nothing like spending the day on the water, taking in the incredible views of West Palm Beach. You can opt for so many fun and unique cruises like a Happy Hour Cruise, Sunset Catamaran Cruise, Floatilla Party Cruise, and more! See a full list of cruises for you.

 

6. Norton Museum of Art

The Norton Museum of Art is a must-visit for art lovers! The permanent collection of the Museum has more than 8,200 works in five departments: European, American, Chinese, Contemporary, and photography. 

Current special exhibits include Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection. 

Featuring over 150 works, including paintings and works on paper alongside photographs and period clothing, the exhibition includes the largest group of works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera ever on view at the Norton.

Tickets: $18 per adult, Members Free

 

7. Mounts Botanical Gardens

Immerse yourself with 6,000 species of tropical plants at Mounts Botanical Garden. This garden is the oldest and largest botanical garden in Palm Beach County. Some featured gardens include the Rose and Fragrance Garden and the Garden of Tranquility. 

Hours: Closed on Mondays & Holidays

Tickets: $12 per adult, $10 for seniors, students, military,  $5 for children 5-17. 

 

8. Flagler Museum

Does anyone love touring fantastic mansions? The Flagler Museum needs to be on your list of things to do in West Palm Beach. The New York Herold said it is “more wonderful than any place in Europe, grander and more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world.”

This museum is open to the public with guided tours, exhibits, and programs. 

Tickets: $18 adults, $10 children, $3 children ages 6-12

 

More things to do in West Palm Beach:

• Visit the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society
• Manatee Lagoon
• Visit Peanut Island, home to the Kennedy’s Bunker
• Shop local at the Palm Beach Greenmarket

 

West Palm Beach Hotels

Where I Stayed: Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island

The Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island is a great option if you want to be right on the beach. This hotel features plenty of places to relax in the sun- either at the beach, pool, or separate children’s pool.

All the rooms at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island are oversized suites, offering plenty of space. My favorite features were the oversized balcony, with ocean views, spacious bathtub, and kitchen & laundry room! 

Plus, you’ll have a delicious morning breakfast buffet option, as well as a bar, cafe, and restaurant on-site for lunch and dinner. 

If you want a relaxing getaway, this is the perfect option for you! 

 

There are plenty of pretty places where you can rest your head in West Palm Beach, it just depends where you want to be situated. If you want to be close to all the action, stay in the downtown area. But, if the beach is more your style, and don’t want to drive to one every day- a beachfront hotel is better for you.  

West Palm Beach Hotels

Walking distance to all the best shopping & restaurants, The Square, and just a 10-minute drive to Palm Beach. 

• Hilton West Palm Beach: Located in the heart of West Palm Beach, this hotel is within walking distance to The Square & RH Rooftop, making it a chic stay in the heart of it all! 
• The Ben Hotel, Autograph Collection: Modern, upscale hotel featuring sleek rooms. 
• White Elephant: Mediterranean chic hotel. 
• Canopy, Hilton: Modern Chic rooms (some with balcony) for a great price! 

Beachfront West Palm Beach Hotels

These hotels are located directly on the beach and are somewhat of a drive to Downtown West Palm Beach. If your vacation is spending as much time on the beach- these are the perfect option for you. 

• Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island: Beachfront property featuring all-room suites located on Singer Island north of West Palm Beach. This beachfront property is equipped with an infinity pool, children’s pool, beachfront chairs, spa, fitness center restaurant, and cafe on site. 
• Eau Palm Resort & Spa: Luxury beachfront hotel located south of Palm Beach. 

Iconic Stays:

• The Colony Hotel: Pink hotel walking distance to Palm Beach, complete with banana leaf bicycles & golf cart- perfect for a girl’s trip!

 

Getting around West Palm Beach

The great thing about visiting is you won’t have trouble getting around with plenty of taxis, Uber, Lyft, and transportation systems. 

Do you need a car rental in West Palm Beach? 

You don’t need a rental car if you are staying in Downtown West Palm Beach. All of the best restaurants and shops are within walking distance, or a short 10-minute taxi or Uber ride away. Plus, if you have a car- be prepared to pay for valet & parking fees within the city. 

If you are staying on the beach, you’ll want to consider a rental car. Singer Island, where Marriott Singer Island is located, is around a 20-25 minute drive to the center of West Palm Beach. 

 

West Palm Beach Restaurants

Galley

Located inside the Hilton West Palm Beach Galley Restaurant Bar & Grill  is a fun upscale restaurant that is perfect for a fun evening out. (A great place for couples, friends, and large groups- think birthday parties, girls’ trips!)

Galley has upbeat energy, indoor & outdoor seating, a cozy fire pit, and delicious food ranging from sharable starters, handmade pizzas, meats, and tempting desserts. Everything is made with fresh ingredients, and I honestly can recommend everything on the menu- each dish did not disappoint! 

 

RH Rooftop West Palm Beach

560 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Located on the roof at Restoration Hardwear, the RH Rooftop Restaurant is a gorgeous (& actually delicious) place to dine. The menu features American favorite dishes like upscale grilled cheese, truffle fries, salads, and brunch items. 

RH Rooftop is great for lunch & dinner, a date spot, and for a girls’ trip! 

Tip: Be sure to make a reservation for weekend brunches & dinners to ensure a table! Plus, don’t forget to wander around the store to get inspiration for your own home. 

 

Planta

Rosemary Square, 700 S Rosemary Ave Suite 142, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Planta is a vegan bright & energetic restaurant serving delicious healthy plates. Some dishes on the menu include vegan pizzas, vegan sushi, burgers, and more! 

 

Other Restaurants on my list:

• Lola 41
• Fish Bowl
• Buccan
• Grandview Public Market
• Pura Vida
• Batch
• Pistache
• The Breakers
• Crema Roll

 

 

Where to Drink in West Palm Beach

Sourbon: Located inside a sleek botanical dining room, Sourbon offers an extensive list of craft cocktails for those who love to shake it up! Check out The Lab upstairs for a prohibition-style cocktail lounge for even more drinks!

Spruzzo: Spruzzo is a trendy upscale rooftop restaurant & lounge on top of The Ben, Autograph Collection Boutique Hotel with gorgeous views of West Palm Beach. Note: this restaurant does not take reservations- first come first serve!

Clematis Street is perfect if you are looking for a range of funky sidewalk bars and cafes- great for late-night fun. 

 

What to Pack for West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach definitely has more of an upscale beach town vibe. Depending on your itinerary, plan for casual-chic during the day & more dressy during the evening. Here are some outfit ideas & things to pack.

 

 

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Heading to Florida? Check out my other blog posts here: 

Miami: 

• Miami Guide: The Only Miami Travel Guide You Need
• Miami Hotels: 18 Best Hotels in Miami for Every Budget
• Miami Rooftops: Best Rooftop Bars in Miami with Epic Views
• Miami to Key West: Miami to Key West Road Trip: Fun 5 Day Itinerary

Florida: 

• Tampa: Best Things to do in Tampa Florida for a Weekend Getaway
• St. Pete/Clearwater: Best Things to do in St Petersburg / Clearwater Florida
• Jacksonville: Jacksonville Florida Travel Guide & Things to do
• Best Beaches: The 15 Best Beaches in Florida to Visit this Year

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This post was in partnership with Visit Florida, all opinions are my own.