Day Trip to West Palm Beach

Description

Home to America's rich and famous (Donald Trump, Jimmy Buffett, Howard Stern and James Patterson, to name a few) for nearly a century, West Palm Beach provides the most luxurious version of the relaxing Floridian lifestyle. Or so people think. Its actually Palm Beach – the coastal neighborhood adjacent to West Palm – that serves as the spot where these moguls and celebrities choose to build their waterfront winter homes. Its younger sister, West Palm, was originally an off-shoot. Now the latter is a vacation spot in its own right, offering travelers an array of away-from-the-shore attractions and hotel options for all budgets. You might only be able to distinguish between the two areas by crossing the Intracoastal Waterway and looking at the housing prices.

While the rest of the country battles snowstorms, residents of West Palm Beach relax by the water and soak up Florida's year-round sunshine. And despite the area's tradition of catering to glamorous, designer-decorated clientele, Palm Beach's shores and West Palm's historical neighborhoods appeal to many types. In fact, the famous clientele is part of the city's allure.

Best Time to Visit West Palm Beach

To avoid the hottest temperatures and biggest crowds, the best times to visit West Palm Beach are at the end of spring (April to May) and the beginning of fall (September to October). You'll be greeted by temperatures that fluctuate between the mid-60s and high 80s while avoiding peak airfare and hotel rates.

Getting to West Palm Beach

By car, by plane, by boat, or by train, the breathtaking beauty of The Palm Beaches is easily accessible by all. Once you’ve arrived, getting around is a breeze with the help of a well-connected transit system, plentiful taxis, app-based ride services (including Uber and Lyft), trolleys, and even water taxis.

Things to Do in West Palm Beach, Miami

Home to a breathtaking waterfront, bustling entertainment districts and scenic neighborhoods, West Palm Beach is a lot more than just palm trees and beaches. With sunny skies, picture-perfect weather, and exciting outdoor and cultural attractions, this vibrant destination offers visitors a paradise of year-round entertainment. If you haven’t yet visited or are just unsure what to do, here are our picks for 10 things to do in West Palm Beach.

1.  Clematis Street & Downtown West Palm Beach

Clematis Street is the historical heart of Downtown West Palm Beach. Starting at Flagler Drive on the Intracoastal Waterway, walk west to experience the indigenous flavor of the area's colorful boutiques, nightclubs, live music, restaurants and historical landmarks.

2. Rosemary Square

Rosemary Square is West Palm Beach's premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Just a free trolley ride or walk from Clematis Street, you can shop in a place where old-world architecture, beautiful fountains and sidewalk cafes create a striking atmosphere reminiscent of a European town center.

3. Norton Museum of Art

Founded in 1941 by Ralph Hubbard Norton and Elizabeth Norton, the Norton Museum of Art is internationally known for its distinguished collection, which includes masterpieces of 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculptures by European and American artists, and Chinese jade and bronze artifacts that are considered among the best in the world.

4. Antique Row Art & Design District

Discover more than 50 antiques and specialty shops on one street along West Palm Beach’s famed Antique Row. This charming district offers an impressive selection of 17th- to 20th-century antiques, fine and decorative arts, period deco and modern furnishings, and much more. All within walking distance, this vast array of quality antiques stores, specialty shops and art galleries are complemented by several award-winning restaurants.

5. Northwood Village

Explore Northwood’s bohemian vibe as you venture through the small town’s underexplored artistic gems. From edgy art galleries to fine dining and eclectic shops, this destination is perfect for the urban adventurer. Northwood Village also hosts monthly community events such as Art Walk, Food Truck Roll-In and Art Night Out.

6. South Florida Science Center and Aquarium

The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is a hands-on, minds-on experience for the whole family, featuring more than 50 educational exhibits, South Florida’s largest fresh- and saltwater aquarium, a digital planetarium, and a brand-new 18-hole mini golf course.

7. Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society

The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is home to more than 550 animals on 23 shaded tropical acres. Be sure to check out the John and Carole Moran Panther Prowl habitat and meet Sassy, the zoo’s Florida panther.

8. Palm Beach Outlets

The Palm Beach Outlets feature more than 100 stores, including brand favorites Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Banana Republic Factory Store, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, J.Crew | crewcuts Factory, Kenneth Cole, Nike Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour and Vera Bradley.

9. Mounts Botanical Gardens

Mounts Botanical Garden is a beautiful oasis unexpectedly located near the Palm Beach International Airport. It features 14 acres of gardens with tropical and subtropical plants from around the world, including flowering trees and shrubs, fruit trees, bromeliads, palms, herbs, a vegetable garden, butterfly garden, rose garden and reflection pond. Admission is a $5 suggested donation.

10. The Ballpark of The Palm Beaches

The FITTEAM Ballpark of The Palm Beaches is the newest Spring Training destination home of the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals. The complex is just minutes from the beach and is surrounded by golf courses, entertainment complexes and plenty of family-friendly activities.

Distance from South Florida Yacht Rental