West Palm Beach

Travel to West Palm Beach, the playground of the wealthy, where big fortunes and hidden secrets lay amidst heiresses, billionaires, and their million-dollar lifestyles. With oodles of charm and culture, uber luxury shopping options, immaculate beaches, and a breath-taking coastline, West Palm Beach has a laid-back vibe that soothes and lifts your spirits in equal measure.
One of the wealthiest locations in America, West Palm Beach attracts the world’s most affluent set from across the world. With a scenic waterfront, dazzling entertainment, and picturesque neighborhoods, it has much more to offer than just sun, sand, and palm trees. Apart from heavenly weather, outdoor adventures, and cultural activities, West Palm Beach features punchy entertainment all through the year. Embark on your journey through the swanky downtown neighborhoods. Drop into Palm Beach County, a burgeoning urban hub with plenty of cultural landmarks, outstanding restaurants, and a pulsating city center. With the Atlantic Ocean just a few minutes away, the beach can be accessed easily. Technically, West Palm Beach does not have beaches. The beach lies on the island of Palm Beach near the Intracoastal Waterway. There is even a dog beach, which is fantastic if you are a dog owner. West Palm Beach and its neighboring cities are bursting with world-renowned restaurants and cafes. There are several vibrant towns bordering West Palm Beach that are chock-a-block with artistic types displaying their works in local markets and on buildings. With luxurious towns, outdoor adventures, exciting water sports, quirky museums, funky bars, and a thriving art scene, West Palm Beach, with its surreal tropical backdrop, is a much-coveted holiday destination.
Peanut Island, Singer Island in West Palm Beach
Peanut Island drone photography of boats at the sandbar and Singer Island near West Palm Beach, Florida, Palm Beach County

West Palm Beach is a city of Palm Beach County and located in the southeast of Florida, US. Its location is to the west of Palm Beach, located across Lake Worth lagoon. 

Irving R. Henry, from North Carolina, developed the area as a homestead in 1880. It was further developed in 1894 after the arrival of the Florida East Coast Railway by Henry M. Flagler. He created a winter resort across the lagoon at Palm Beach. 

Much of West Palm Beach is covered by resorts and tropical cover. While beaches are not technically a part of West Palm Beach, they are easily accessible once you cross the bridge. 

West Palm Beach, Florida, USA Skyline
West Palm Beach, Florida, USA downtown skyline at dusk.

The climate in West Palm Beach is characterized by sunny skies and soothing breezes. The temperatures range from 60F to 89F. 

Sometimes, the weather can be erratic. So, you could witness higher or lower temperatures and even above-average rainfall. 

While the summers are warm, wet, and sultry, the winters are breezy and quite comfortable. The best time to visit is from late October to early May.  While August is the hottest month; December, February, and March are quite pleasant. 

All in all, a tropical climate is prevalent in West Palm Beach, and while it rains throughout the year, summers get more rainfall than winter. 

Downtown West Palm Beach Cityscape
West Palm Beach, Florida USA: Cityscape view of the downtown district with restaurants and retail stores along popular Clematis Street.

If you enjoy dining out, visiting tasting events, and savoring world-class cuisine, West Palm Beach is the place for you. 

With seafood and steak, Tex-mex and Italian fare, American and Southern cuisine, there’s nothing but the best here. 

For a superior dining experience, drop into the Galley, a restaurant in the Hilton. It serves healthy salads, fresh seafood, and delectable pizzas combined with eclectic cocktails, spirits, and wines. The dynamic bar here is another great reason to drop in. 

Another must-try is the City Cellar, situated in the heart of Rosemary Square. Stop by for brunch and tuck into their breakfast pizza. Take some time out from shopping and savor some delicious Italian and American-style cuisine. 

For an elegant meal with a Hollywood-styled ambiance, head to The RH Rooftop. Relish a delectable brunch or dinner in an impeccably designed space. 

For a fun-filled dining experience, make your way to Clematis Street, one of the liveliest streets of West Palm Beach, and drop into Batch, a lovely restaurant and bar that serves creative cocktails and casual Southern cuisine. You may want to sample their bottomless brunch, with waffles and chicken.

Whether you’re on the lookout for farm-to-table cuisine, ethnic delicacies, or seafood, you’ll discover it in flavourful West Palm Beach. 

South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
South Florida Science Center and Aquarium

With its vintage charm and plentiful recreational activities, West Palm Beach is a delightful beachside town for families to enjoy. If you’re looking for places to visit in West Palm Beach, here are some :

Mc Carthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary 

With over 200 animals and verdant acres of pine forests and gardens, Mc Carthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary gives you a chance to interact with its inhabitants. 

It treats and rescues many animals from leopards and foxes to tigers and lions. Your kids will get the opportunity to meet and interact with tarantulas, alligators, and other smaller animals. 

Manatee Lagoon 

Manatee Lagoon offers a fun, educational experience for the whole family. You can get a chance to witness the popular sea cows, frolicking around in the water. It also offers yoga, arts, crafts, and educational lessons all through the year. 

If you’re looking for family-friendly activities to do throughout the year, this is the perfect place. The best part is that the entry is free. 

Rapids Water Park 

With 42 slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, sprayers, and cafes, Rapids Water Park is fun for the whole family. It’s especially excellent for those with school-going children, tweens, and toddlers. 

Diva Duck Amphibious Tours 

If you want to experience the best of both land and water, hop on board the Diva Duck’s amphibious vessel. The boat has wheels and can sail in water too. The guides are entertaining and will regale you with funny tales about West Palm Beach.  

South Florida Science Center and Aquarium 

An educational center for science, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium came into existence in 1959. It is full of exhibits related to terrestrial and marine life and has an incredible electronic planetarium, which is one of the best in America. 

Norton Museum of Art 
Norton Museum of Art

When you travel to West Palm Beach, spend some leisurely time at the beach, explore cultural attractions, or picnic at a park. West Palm Beach offers adults and couples a fine range of attractions. 

Mounts Botanical Garden 

Stroll through a 14-acre plant museum that has 25 amazing gardens that provoke a sense of admiration and relaxation. The highlights of the garden are its awesome sculptures, events, souvenir shops, exhibits, and a space bursting with Florida native and decorative plants. A trip here is both educational and entertaining. 

Norton Museum of Art 

This space was constructed in 1941 and showcases Ralph & Elizabeth Norton’s art collection. The pavilions are Art Deco-inspired and built around a central courtyard. After expansion, the original arrangement has been displaced. But still, the grandiosity of the museum never fails to inspire art lovers and romantics.  

Spa Therapy 

While there are a vast number of spas in West Palm Beach, you’ll simply love Kaffee’s Garden Spa, which has a Couples Spa Package, allowing you to enjoy a couple of hours of pure luxury and relaxation. It is voted one of the best spas in West Palm Beach and the package features full-body massages and couples pedicures among other wellness treatments. 

Ragtops Automobile Museum 

This museum displays a motley collection of unique vehicles, vintage models, automobile memorabilia, and special pieces. Its area is around 10000 square feet and it also features interactive exhibits and special automobiles for visitors to browse through. Ragtops hosts events all year through including many temporary and traveling displays. 

The Royal Poinciana Plaza 

One of West Palm Beach’s most buzzing shopping areas, The Royal Poinciana Plaza features around 180000 square feet of retail space, built around vast gardens kitted out with palm trees and bedecked with furniture. It houses several haute couture retail brands like Hermes, Saint Laurent, and Alice + Olivia. You’ll come across several wellness and beauty salons as well as high-end eateries.  

The Royal Poinciana Plaza 
The Royal Poinciana Plaza

West Palm Beach pulsates with action, art, and adventure. Here are some must-do experiences you’ll love. 

Performing Arts Show 

Book a show at the Kravis Center for Performing Arts. It is well-known for high profile performances, concerts, and celebrity entertainment acts. Do check its online calendar for updates. 

The Taste History Culinary Tour 

If you’re looking for an immersive culinary experience, this tour will enthrall you. It takes you through a variety of flavours with a combination of food tasting sessions, against an entertaining backdrop of its history and culture. The bus-driven tour takes tourists to areas like Delray Beach, Lake Worth, and beyond to explore Cuban, French, and Italian cuisine.

Exploring the Wetlands 

Explore the Grassy Waters Nature Preserve, a wetlands ecosystem that is spread over 30 square miles of West Palm Beach. Apart from providing fresh water to West Palm Beach and the surrounding areas, this Preserve features interactive and educational programs for visitors to walk through the grounds and tour its facilities. 

Jim Abernathy’s Scuba Adventures 

For those who like underwater adventures, Jim Abernathy’s has a number of classes and certifications to choose from. Newbies can sign up for diving classes, while experienced divers have the option to go in for daily dives or to cruise on a state-of-the-art ship for several days. 

West Palm Beach Airboat Rides 

If you want to experience the Southern Florida swamps, an airboat ride is the best way to do it. The airboat floats on water and is a completely unique experience. There are a variety of packages that take you through the marshlands viz. The Everglades Explorer, the Eco Tourist ride etc. These are a great way to discover the teeming swamplands of Florida. 

Downtown West Palm Beach 
Palm trees along the Intracoastal Waterway and the skyline at night in West Palm Beach, Florida

A pulsing downtown, scenic gardens, luxurious resorts, and lush wildlife make West Palm Beach a place unlike any other. Here are some landmarks and attractions that you must see when you travel to West Palm Beach. 

Downtown West Palm Beach 

A charming retail and dining area, Downtown West Palm Beach is an explosion of art galleries, stores, and restaurants, all just a few minutes away from the sunny beaches. It is famous for hosting a range of events like cultural programs, music festivals, celebrations, and concerts. 

Clematis Street 

Clematis Street is the pulsing heart of Downtown West Palm, and is as attractive as it is historic. A number of bars, restaurants, and stores flank the street and on Thursday nights, the Centennial Square starts buzzing with life and has free live music. The waterfront views near Flagler are soothing and the Street near Flagler houses several food and plant vendors on certain Saturdays. 

 

The Richard and Pat Johnson History Museum 

This cultural and history museum attempts to make the history of West Palm Beach accessible to travelers. It hosts many interactive digital exhibits related to certain places, personalities, and events significant to Palm Beach County’s history. In addition, it also has a merchandise store which stocks books, local artifacts, and homemade goods.

 

West Palm Beach Green Market 

Browse through this farmers market and get the freshest produce and locally grown vegetables and fruits. Apart from this, you can pick up cheese, bakes, drinks, meats, flowers, and plants. Apart from providing the community with access to locally grown ingredients, it supports the agricultural community and is a thriving source for both vendors and buyers. 

Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society 

With a variety of local and exotic animals, this campus has a vast acreage that houses around 700 animal species. The zoo hosts a number of exhibits as well as traveling informational programs. The most noteworthy exhibits include one which has Florida natives like a koala, a wallaby habit, a Tiger habitat, and an exhibit of the Tropics. 

Location & Geography
Peanut Island, Singer Island in West Palm Beach
Peanut Island drone photography of boats at the sandbar and Singer Island near West Palm Beach, Florida, Palm Beach County

West Palm Beach is a city of Palm Beach County and located in the southeast of Florida, US. Its location is to the west of Palm Beach, located across Lake Worth lagoon. 

Irving R. Henry, from North Carolina, developed the area as a homestead in 1880. It was further developed in 1894 after the arrival of the Florida East Coast Railway by Henry M. Flagler. He created a winter resort across the lagoon at Palm Beach. 

Much of West Palm Beach is covered by resorts and tropical cover. While beaches are not technically a part of West Palm Beach, they are easily accessible once you cross the bridge. 

Climate & Weather
West Palm Beach, Florida, USA Skyline
West Palm Beach, Florida, USA downtown skyline at dusk.

The climate in West Palm Beach is characterized by sunny skies and soothing breezes. The temperatures range from 60F to 89F. 

Sometimes, the weather can be erratic. So, you could witness higher or lower temperatures and even above-average rainfall. 

While the summers are warm, wet, and sultry, the winters are breezy and quite comfortable. The best time to visit is from late October to early May.  While August is the hottest month; December, February, and March are quite pleasant. 

All in all, a tropical climate is prevalent in West Palm Beach, and while it rains throughout the year, summers get more rainfall than winter. 

Cuisine
Downtown West Palm Beach Cityscape
West Palm Beach, Florida USA: Cityscape view of the downtown district with restaurants and retail stores along popular Clematis Street.

If you enjoy dining out, visiting tasting events, and savoring world-class cuisine, West Palm Beach is the place for you. 

With seafood and steak, Tex-mex and Italian fare, American and Southern cuisine, there’s nothing but the best here. 

For a superior dining experience, drop into the Galley, a restaurant in the Hilton. It serves healthy salads, fresh seafood, and delectable pizzas combined with eclectic cocktails, spirits, and wines. The dynamic bar here is another great reason to drop in. 

Another must-try is the City Cellar, situated in the heart of Rosemary Square. Stop by for brunch and tuck into their breakfast pizza. Take some time out from shopping and savor some delicious Italian and American-style cuisine. 

For an elegant meal with a Hollywood-styled ambiance, head to The RH Rooftop. Relish a delectable brunch or dinner in an impeccably designed space. 

For a fun-filled dining experience, make your way to Clematis Street, one of the liveliest streets of West Palm Beach, and drop into Batch, a lovely restaurant and bar that serves creative cocktails and casual Southern cuisine. You may want to sample their bottomless brunch, with waffles and chicken.

Whether you’re on the lookout for farm-to-table cuisine, ethnic delicacies, or seafood, you’ll discover it in flavourful West Palm Beach. 

Families Destinations
South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
South Florida Science Center and Aquarium

With its vintage charm and plentiful recreational activities, West Palm Beach is a delightful beachside town for families to enjoy. If you’re looking for places to visit in West Palm Beach, here are some :

Mc Carthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary 

With over 200 animals and verdant acres of pine forests and gardens, Mc Carthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary gives you a chance to interact with its inhabitants. 

It treats and rescues many animals from leopards and foxes to tigers and lions. Your kids will get the opportunity to meet and interact with tarantulas, alligators, and other smaller animals. 

Manatee Lagoon 

Manatee Lagoon offers a fun, educational experience for the whole family. You can get a chance to witness the popular sea cows, frolicking around in the water. It also offers yoga, arts, crafts, and educational lessons all through the year. 

If you’re looking for family-friendly activities to do throughout the year, this is the perfect place. The best part is that the entry is free. 

Rapids Water Park 

With 42 slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, sprayers, and cafes, Rapids Water Park is fun for the whole family. It’s especially excellent for those with school-going children, tweens, and toddlers. 

Diva Duck Amphibious Tours 

If you want to experience the best of both land and water, hop on board the Diva Duck’s amphibious vessel. The boat has wheels and can sail in water too. The guides are entertaining and will regale you with funny tales about West Palm Beach.  

South Florida Science Center and Aquarium 

An educational center for science, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium came into existence in 1959. It is full of exhibits related to terrestrial and marine life and has an incredible electronic planetarium, which is one of the best in America. 

Adults and Couples Destinations
Norton Museum of Art 
Norton Museum of Art

When you travel to West Palm Beach, spend some leisurely time at the beach, explore cultural attractions, or picnic at a park. West Palm Beach offers adults and couples a fine range of attractions. 

Mounts Botanical Garden 

Stroll through a 14-acre plant museum that has 25 amazing gardens that provoke a sense of admiration and relaxation. The highlights of the garden are its awesome sculptures, events, souvenir shops, exhibits, and a space bursting with Florida native and decorative plants. A trip here is both educational and entertaining. 

Norton Museum of Art 

This space was constructed in 1941 and showcases Ralph & Elizabeth Norton’s art collection. The pavilions are Art Deco-inspired and built around a central courtyard. After expansion, the original arrangement has been displaced. But still, the grandiosity of the museum never fails to inspire art lovers and romantics.  

Spa Therapy 

While there are a vast number of spas in West Palm Beach, you’ll simply love Kaffee’s Garden Spa, which has a Couples Spa Package, allowing you to enjoy a couple of hours of pure luxury and relaxation. It is voted one of the best spas in West Palm Beach and the package features full-body massages and couples pedicures among other wellness treatments. 

Ragtops Automobile Museum 

This museum displays a motley collection of unique vehicles, vintage models, automobile memorabilia, and special pieces. Its area is around 10000 square feet and it also features interactive exhibits and special automobiles for visitors to browse through. Ragtops hosts events all year through including many temporary and traveling displays. 

The Royal Poinciana Plaza 

One of West Palm Beach’s most buzzing shopping areas, The Royal Poinciana Plaza features around 180000 square feet of retail space, built around vast gardens kitted out with palm trees and bedecked with furniture. It houses several haute couture retail brands like Hermes, Saint Laurent, and Alice + Olivia. You’ll come across several wellness and beauty salons as well as high-end eateries.  

Destination Experiences
The Royal Poinciana Plaza 
The Royal Poinciana Plaza

West Palm Beach pulsates with action, art, and adventure. Here are some must-do experiences you’ll love. 

Performing Arts Show 

Book a show at the Kravis Center for Performing Arts. It is well-known for high profile performances, concerts, and celebrity entertainment acts. Do check its online calendar for updates. 

The Taste History Culinary Tour 

If you’re looking for an immersive culinary experience, this tour will enthrall you. It takes you through a variety of flavours with a combination of food tasting sessions, against an entertaining backdrop of its history and culture. The bus-driven tour takes tourists to areas like Delray Beach, Lake Worth, and beyond to explore Cuban, French, and Italian cuisine.

Exploring the Wetlands 

Explore the Grassy Waters Nature Preserve, a wetlands ecosystem that is spread over 30 square miles of West Palm Beach. Apart from providing fresh water to West Palm Beach and the surrounding areas, this Preserve features interactive and educational programs for visitors to walk through the grounds and tour its facilities. 

Jim Abernathy’s Scuba Adventures 

For those who like underwater adventures, Jim Abernathy’s has a number of classes and certifications to choose from. Newbies can sign up for diving classes, while experienced divers have the option to go in for daily dives or to cruise on a state-of-the-art ship for several days. 

West Palm Beach Airboat Rides 

If you want to experience the Southern Florida swamps, an airboat ride is the best way to do it. The airboat floats on water and is a completely unique experience. There are a variety of packages that take you through the marshlands viz. The Everglades Explorer, the Eco Tourist ride etc. These are a great way to discover the teeming swamplands of Florida. 

Landmarks and attractions
Downtown West Palm Beach 
Palm trees along the Intracoastal Waterway and the skyline at night in West Palm Beach, Florida

A pulsing downtown, scenic gardens, luxurious resorts, and lush wildlife make West Palm Beach a place unlike any other. Here are some landmarks and attractions that you must see when you travel to West Palm Beach. 

Downtown West Palm Beach 

A charming retail and dining area, Downtown West Palm Beach is an explosion of art galleries, stores, and restaurants, all just a few minutes away from the sunny beaches. It is famous for hosting a range of events like cultural programs, music festivals, celebrations, and concerts. 

Clematis Street 

Clematis Street is the pulsing heart of Downtown West Palm, and is as attractive as it is historic. A number of bars, restaurants, and stores flank the street and on Thursday nights, the Centennial Square starts buzzing with life and has free live music. The waterfront views near Flagler are soothing and the Street near Flagler houses several food and plant vendors on certain Saturdays. 

 

The Richard and Pat Johnson History Museum 

This cultural and history museum attempts to make the history of West Palm Beach accessible to travelers. It hosts many interactive digital exhibits related to certain places, personalities, and events significant to Palm Beach County’s history. In addition, it also has a merchandise store which stocks books, local artifacts, and homemade goods.

 

West Palm Beach Green Market 

Browse through this farmers market and get the freshest produce and locally grown vegetables and fruits. Apart from this, you can pick up cheese, bakes, drinks, meats, flowers, and plants. Apart from providing the community with access to locally grown ingredients, it supports the agricultural community and is a thriving source for both vendors and buyers. 

Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society 

With a variety of local and exotic animals, this campus has a vast acreage that houses around 700 animal species. The zoo hosts a number of exhibits as well as traveling informational programs. The most noteworthy exhibits include one which has Florida natives like a koala, a wallaby habit, a Tiger habitat, and an exhibit of the Tropics. 

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