Known for its gorgeous beaches and elegant architecture, Palm Beach, FL is one of the top beach destinations in the world. Living in this fabled resort town gives you access to all the activities and attractions it offers any time you feel like it.
Whether you’re considering making this iconic community home or simply looking to explore the area, this guide features some of the most exciting things to do in Palm Beach, FL.
ALL ABOUT PALM BEACH, FL
Palm Beach sits on a barrier island near the southeastern Florida border. Known as Palm Beach County’s crown jewel, this upscale town embodies seaside luxury like no other. With lavish homes, chic shops, and timeless museums, Palm Beach offers an upscale experience for those who live and visit there.
Palm Beach is surrounded by other stunning communities within Palm Beach County. In total, there are thirty-nine incorporated municipalities in the county, each with a distinct style and character. West Palm Beach is the county seat and the biggest city.
Geography
Palm Beach is an unincorporated community covering about 7.8 square miles, and has a year-round population of over 9,000. Palm Beach County ranks among Florida’s largest, boasting 2,383 square miles of expansive land and beautiful bodies of water. Its boundaries include Broward and Miami-Dade counties to the south, Martin County to the north, and the alluring Atlantic Ocean to the east. Lake Okeechobee and Hendry County lie to the west.
Weather
The county’s balmy weather and lush tropical environment have long been magnets for new residents and visitors. Since the early 20th-century, this idyllic setting has been captivating tourists seeking respite from harsh winters. Today, millions of people come every year to enjoy the tropical luxury lifestyle that Palm Beach is known for.
THINGS TO DO IN PALM BEACH, FL
- Explore historical sites and landmarks
Palm Beach has no shortage of cultural and historical landmarks to visit. Here are a few of them:
The Breakers Hotel – The Breakers Hotel stands as a testament to the vision of Henry Flagler, Palm Beach’s most prominent industrialist and developer. In 1896, Flagler, known then for his contributions to the Florida East Coast Railway, envisioned Palm Beach as a premier resort destination. He built The Breakers, initially named The Palm Beach Inn, near his existing Royal Poinciana Hotel.
Inspired by the nearby ocean waves, the hotel featured some of the finest Mediterranean architecture. It played a pivotal role in shaping Palm Beach’s social scene and continues to be a symbol of the town’s timeless allure.
Flagler Museum – Visit the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, a 100,000 square foot Gilded Age mansion in Palm Beach, to see how the rich and famous lived in the early 1900s. The 75-room mansion, also called Whitehall, is a National Historic Landmark with stunning architecture and design. You can also explore rotating exhibits and artworks at the museum. Don’t forget to stop by the Railcar 91 Tea Room for some souvenirs and tea with a view of Lake Worth.
Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens – The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is a historic landmark located on the former estate of Ralph Norton, an industrialist and art collector, and his wife Ann Weaver, a sculptor. Ann Weaver had a vision of creating a tropical paradise with rare palms, birds, and sculptures, and she worked with Sir Peter Smithers, a famous garden designer, to make it happen. Now, you can visit the Gardens and see over 300 kinds of exotic palms and 100 amazing sculptures.
The Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea – The oldest congregation in Palm Beach, the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea is a historic landmark known for its outstanding Gothic Revival architecture. The church was first established in 1889, but it wasn’t until 1894 that construction on the building to its present grandeur began. The name means “House of Healing by the Sea”.
- Hit a hole-in-one at the top golf courses in Palm Beach
Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you can find a golf course that suits your style and skill level in The Palm Beaches. With more than 150 golf courses, both public and private, this is the place to be for golf lovers. You can play on some of the best courses in Florida, designed by famous architects and featuring a variety of layouts to match various preferences. You can also enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean as you tee off.
Here are some of the best places to practice your swing in Palm Beach:
- Palm Beach Par-3 Golf Course
Perhaps the finest public golf course in the area, Palm Beach Golf offers unmatched views of both the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Named Florida’s #1 Oceanfront Golf Course, this 18-hole, par-3 golf course spans up to 211 yards. The course was originally designed by iconic golf architect Dick Wilson in 1961, but has since been updated by professional golfer Raymond Floyd.
Palm Beach Golf amenities include a luxurious 2-story clubhouse reminiscent of Key West. On the second floor, you’ll find the Restaurant and Bar, while the Pro shop is on the first floor.
- Seminole Golf Club
Named Golfweek’s Best Private Course in 2022, Seminole Golf Club is a prestigious private golf course located in Juno Beach, less than 18 miles from the town of Palm Beach. This exclusive golf course was designed by professional golf player and designer Donald Ross in 1929, but was updated over the years by Dick Wilson, Bill Coore, and Ben Crenshaw.
The 18-hole golf course spans 6,836 yards and features rolling contours and sandy bunkers that create an unparalleled golfing experience. Historically, It has been the golf course of choice for many high-profile politicians and businessmen. Henry Ford II, John F. Kennedy, and the Duke of Windsor were known to play here.
- Atlantic National Golf Club
With a unique layout that seamlessly integrates its natural surroundings, Atlantic National Golf Club is worth the 15-minute trip to Lake Worth. The Joe Lee-designed layout boasts strategically-placed bunkers, rolling greens, and a variety of shots that challenge players. The par-71 championship golf course spans up to 6,307 yards and has been named one of the top 50 public courses in Florida by Golf Digest.
- Palm Beach Par-3 Golf Course
- Indulge in retail therapy at Palm Beach’s famous shopping districts
Those looking for the five-star shopping experience will find it in Palm Beach, where a collection of high-end boutiques and vintage stores dot the streets. Be sure to add these places to your itinerary:
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Worth Avenue – Worth Avenue is a world-class shopping district located at the heart of Palm Beach. They say you can’t go to Palm Beach without visiting this iconic open-air retail center, which hosts a curated collection of luxury brands and dining establishments amidst elegant architecture. Worth Avenue is just steps from the ocean, providing a scenic atmosphere for shopping and dining.
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The Royal Poinciana Plaza – Lush greenery, charming architecture, and open-air dining sets the stage for one of the most luxurious shopping experiences in Palm Beach. Carrying 50 carefully selected retailers, The Royal Poinciana is home to luxury brands such as Jimmy Choo, Hermes, Oscar de la Renta, and Saint Laurent. This is a kid-friendly space, too, with several stores selling children’s clothing.
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Via Flagler by The Breakers – Via Flagler is a shopping district that keeps Palm Beach’s history alive. It’s part of The Breakers Hotel located on Royal Poinciana Way, an old main road of Palm Beach, and features a lovely outdoor area with beautiful views and relaxing greenery. Via Flagler features brands like Sisley Paris and Contessa Gallery.
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The Square West Palm Beach – Don’t miss The Square at West Palm Beach, located just across the bridge from the island. This dynamic hub blends luxury shopping with vibrant local art, offering a curated selection of upscale boutiques and galleries. Beyond its retail offerings, The Square fosters a vibrant community spirit through live events.
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- Enjoy the best of Palm Beach dining
Palm Beach harbors a world-class culinary scene that you can’t miss. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood or a romantic dinner by the ocean, these spots are guaranteed to satisfy:
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LoLa 41 – Restaurateur Marco Coelho is the brains behind White Elephant’s signature restaurant. Located on dreamy Sunset Avenue, LoLa 41 is an indoor-outdoor eatery serving up American, Mediterranean, and Asian-inspired cuisine, as well as locally-sourced seafood. Enjoy the balmy ocean breeze as you make your way through some of the kitchen’s bestsellers, which include grilled branzino and salmon carpaccio.
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Buccan Palm Beach – One of chef Clay Conley’s most highly-regarded culinary ventures, Buccan Palm Beach is a James Beard-awarded contemporary restaurant located on South County Road. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes the food all the more enjoyable, and the bistro’s signature small plates pack a world of flavors that showcase some of the freshest locally-sourced ingredients. Grilled swordfish, Maine lobster arrabiata, and short rib empanadas are just a few of the must-tries. For something more quick and casual, try the nearby Buccan Sandwich Shop.
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Stage Kitchen & Bar – Indian food with a Florida treatment is this award-winning restaurant’s main draw. Chef Pushkar Marathe serves up an incredible selection of plates boasting unique flavors, making the trip to Palm Beach Gardens (less than 13 miles from the town) more than worthwhile.
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- Celebrate with a night on the town
When in the Palm Beaches, you’d be remiss not to enjoy the busy nightlife in and around the town. Trade the calm seaside atmosphere for a night of tropical cocktails, seafood, and dancing at these popular spots:
Palm Beach
An upscale restaurant that serves up incredible cocktails, Swifty’s is a New York City-born establishment with a location in The Colony Palm Beach. The lush, romantic indoor-outdoor setting is perfect for a sophisticated night out. Nearby is Henry’s Palm Beach, an American bistro at Via Flagler, which offers an extensive wine menu and craft beer. Another upscale lounge named after Henry Flagler is the glamorous HMF at The Breakers, where you’ll find more than 2,000 drink selections.
West Palm Beach
Just two minutes away is West Palm Beach, which offers vibrant shopping, dining, and drinking. Head down to Clematis Street where pubs, bars, and pizza places abound. For Italian food and a vintage atmosphere, the hidden gem Hullabaloo is your best pick. Sourbon Kitchen + Bar offers a unique contemporary dining experience, with a botanical dining room and speakeasy.
Those who want to dance the night away can pay a visit to Roxy’s Pub. The bar is a local favorite, and the rooftop, Sky 309, is open weekends for parties and live music.
Del Ray Beach
Located less than 22 miles from the town of Palm Beach, Del Ray Beach is the epicenter for nightlife in the area. Park Tavern offers a wide range of seasonal cocktails and craft beer. For a true gastropub experience, go to The Office, which offers gourmet seafood dishes alongside an incredible drinks menu. Nearby Tin Roof always has something lined up, whether it’s DJ music, a comedy act, or a live band.
Jupiter
This stunning seaside golf town is only 20 miles from Palm Beach and offers an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants. Tiger Woods’ flagship restaurant, The Woods, can be found on Jupiter Inlet. Also located here is Square Grouper, a trendy tiki bar with a young and happening crowd. The bar features local music acts on selected nights. For an epic night of drinks along the waterfront, check out Guanabanas and Topside at The Beacon (they serve tapas, too).
- Go scuba diving and snorkeling
Palm Beach County is a paradise for underwater adventure. You can find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots just a short drive from the town of Palm Beach.
One of the world’s top diving sites is at Riviera Beach, under the Blue Heron Bridge. Phil Foster Park has a unique scuba diving spot, where you can see amazing formations and colorful marine life, including squids, moray eels, and sea turtles. You can also snorkel at the park, along The Palm Beaches’ Snorkeling Trail. The park has an 800-foot-long artificial reef for snorkelers.
Breakers Reef is another certified must-try. Located near the Breakers Hotel, this beautiful diving site lies about 50 feet underwater. Gorgeous corals and a group of sea turtles await.
MOVING TO PALM BEACH, FL
Thinking of moving to Palm Beach? The area offers a wide range of single-family homes, from cozy bungalows to huge estates with several acres of land. The typical home has multiple bedrooms, high quality finishes, and custom architecture in different styles, including Mediterranean, Italian, Modern, and Mission.
Stunning waterfront mansions and estates command the highest prices, offering an opulent lifestyle. You can expect features such as private pools, guest rooms, big bedrooms, and large living areas. Other lavish amenities include spa-like bathrooms, oceanfront porches, and bright sunrooms, offering plenty of space and privacy for the discerning buyer.
If you want to live in luxury and comfort, condos in Palm Beach are ideal. The prices vary depending on the size and location of the condo, from $200,000 to over $20 million. Expect elegant interiors with high ceilings, modern furniture, and updated appliances. They also offer a full suite of amenities, including concierge services, waterfront views, fitness facilities, and VIP lounges.
In addition to yearlong resort living, Palm Beach also offers a family-friendly way of life where kids can enjoy a variety of activities and endless opportunities for outdoor fun. The area is also served by a number of highly rated schools belonging to the Palm Beach County School District, as well as a host of private schools.
WORK WITH THE LEADING REALTOR IN PALM BEACH, FL
Live the amazing resort lifestyle in Palm Beach all year round. Let Robert Slack LLC help you find your dream home in this slice of paradise. Our team of seasoned professionals has been serving clients in Florida and Texas since 2014, with a record of more than 24,000 transactions and $8 billion in sales.
We have the knowledge and skills to guide you through the exciting Palm Beach real estate market. More than that, we go above and beyond to make your real estate journey a success.
Contact us today by phone at 800.210.6610 or get in touch with us via email.