A cosmopolitan city in south Florida, West Palm Beach is known for a bustling downtown with restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops. Located across Lake Worth Lagoon from glamorous Palm Beach, West Palm Beach is a destination for art and history lovers, thanks to landmarks such as the Norton Museum of Art and the Cox Science Center. However, there are also plenty of outdoorsy things to do in West Palm Beach, too, from snorkeling excursions, catamaran cruises, and eco tours to see manatees, to fishing charters and parasailing trips.
When winter rolls around, the locals get excited for the South Florida Fair—two weeks in January filled with deep-fried foods, midway games, and classic family fun. Winter also showcases the area’s renowned equestrian scene with the Winter Equestrian Festival and Palm Beach Polo Season starting, both of which take place from January to April. Late spring is ideal, too. Landing just before hurricane season, outdoor events like May’s SunFest waterfront music and arts festival are enjoyed without sweltering heat and sudden storms.
West Palm Beach has routes served by the Palm Tran buses. There’s also a free trolley service that connects to the TriRail, a commuter rail that travels to Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Downtown is walkable after you park, but it’s in your best interest to rent a car. Beaches, golf courses, and other popular spots require a set of wheels, though ridesharing and cabs are plentiful.
West Palm’s closest beach is on the island of Palm Beach, and you’ll find locals taking a quick trip north to Peanut Island for weekends full of boating and sunbathing. Multimillion-dollar mansions may set the reputation, but West Palm’s charm comes from its local communities. Venture south to Lake Worth for the hip arts and culture scene; or head inland to the Loxahatchee area, where wild animal experiences await at the drive-thru Lion Country Safari and humble McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 2 | Tours 105 | Reviews 3,019 |
Palm Beach is known for its wealthy residents, multimillion-dollar mansions, and luxury shopping on famous Worth Avenue. There are free public beaches on the island, though other attractions including hotels like The Breakers and venues like Mar-a-Lago Club can be quite pricey for visitors.
...MoreYes, West Palm Beach is a fantastic vacation destination in South Florida. It has both family-friendly and adult-oriented attractions. Located right in the heart of Palm Beach County, West Palm offers easy access to beaches, nature preserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and endless opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
...MoreThe vibe of West Palm Beach is lavish and urban in equal amounts. Palm Beach, across the Intracoastal Waterway, brings a wealthy shine to the area, while Clematis Street and The Square offer dining, drinking, and entertainment for all budgets. A creative community forms the heart of Lake Worth Beach.
...MoreYes, West Palm Beach will show you a good time, and then some. The party-going crowd tends to visit Clematis Street or The Square for nightlife. Respectable Street, Roxy’s Pub, and Blue Martini are local hot spots for drinking, dancing, and live music.
...MoreThe best part of West Palm Beach for many locals and visitors is Clematis Street. This popular street downtown is lined with restaurants and bars, offering opportunities for drinking and dining no matter the time of day. It’s also close to The Square, a popular indoor-outdoor mall.
...MoreWest Palm Beach deserves at least three days and two nights, especially if you want to explore inland and oceanside. Spend a day in ritzy Palm Beach or splashing at Peanut Island. You should also enjoy live performances at the Kravis Center and nights dining out on The Square.
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