During a vacation in West Palm Beach you can expect exclusive restaurants, expensive shops and a beautiful museum. The luxurious villas, built in a Mediterranean style, surrounded by lush palm trees provide a relaxed holiday feeling. Work on your tan on the beach or tee off on America’s most famous golf course. If you are looking for a luxurious and relaxing Florida tour, don’t miss West Palm Beach!
Sometimes confusion arises about which area the city actually covers. West Palm Beach is on the mainland and Palm Beach Island is off the coast. These boroughs are separated by Intracoastal Waterway. In Palm Beach you will find mainly large houses, but on the mainland you will find Downtown West Palm Beach. Here is by far the most to see and do! The center consists of four parts, the most popular two being Antique Row (with more than 70 antique shops) and Clematis Street (with restaurants, bars and live entertainment). Below you can read about the most famous sights of West Palm Beach.
1. Mar-A-Lago
According to Campingship, the name Mar-a-Lago has probably not escaped your notice in recent years. This estate has been owned by former President Donald Trump since 1985. With Trump often performing his presidential duties from Mar-a-Lago, the “Southern White House” / “Winter White House” has brought the resort town of West Palm Beach worldwide fame. And whether you like him or not, it is certainly impressive to visit the estate. The mansion was built in 1924, commissioned by socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post. Today, most of the estate serves as a resort, where you can spend the night and dine in luxury. The chance that you will run into Trump during your visit is small: his family resides in a closed part of the estate, which is not accessible to the public.
2. Four Arts Gardens
If you like botanical gardens, you must visit Four Arts Garden. This botanical garden was designed and then opened in 1938, with the main purpose of showcasing the diversity of plants in Florida. The garden has now survived several hurricanes and has expanded considerably. The garden is divided into nine different themes, including Chinese, Spanish and tropical. You can walk through the garden at your own pace. Enjoy all the beauty that the garden has to offer from a bench in the shade. Entrance is free!
3. Water activities
With over 9 miles of beach, it makes sense that water sports are very popular in West Palm Beach. All you have to do is choose what you like best! Do you like relaxation? Rent a canoe or kayak and discover the waters at a leisurely pace. Are you more into the action? Then snorkeling, paddle boarding, jet skiing, scuba diving or even parasailing might be for you. Are you not into moving at all, but do you like to be near the water? The waters of West Palm Beach are also great for anglers. Please note, in some places you may need a permit.
4. Norton Museum of Art
If you like art, don’t miss Ann Norton Sculpture Garden. Ann Norton was an artist from the North of America. She was best known for her sculpture. In the garden there are more than 100 works of art that she has made. The museum of the same name, Norton Museum, is also located in West Palm Beach. This museum has a large collection of contemporary art, with a special focus on American, Chinese and European art. You will find works by Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, Henry Matisse and Pablo Picasso. So absolutely worth it!
5. Shopping
Whether your budget is big or small, you will always succeed in West Palm Beach! Worth Avenue is lined with chic shops such as Chanel, MaxMara and Louis Vuitton, as well as smaller boutiques with exclusive clothing and jewellery. You can also dine extensively here on Worth Avenue. Clematis Street and Rosemary Square are home to more affordable but equally unique shops and boutiques. Looking for an outlet? There are more than 100 stores in Palm Beach Outlets, where you can shop to your heart’s content with big names, such as Polo Ralph Lauren and Banana Republic, for a small price.
Frequently Asked Questions about West Palm Beach
What are the top attractions in West Palm Beach?
Besides the beach, Mar-a-Lago is one of West Palm Beach’s crowd pullers. Norton Museum is one of Florida’s leading museums, so that’s definitely recommended! Clematis Street is the place to be for nice shops and good restaurants.
What are the best outdoor activities in West Palm Beach?
These can all be found on the beach! Whether you want to fish or paddle board, West Palm Beach has it all!
What are the most popular activities for kids in West Palm Beach?
For kids, a trip to Palm Beach Zoo or South Florida Science Center and Aquarium can be fun and educational. A day at the beach is always a good idea!
What are the best day trips from West Palm Beach?
You can of course drive inland; after all, you are close to the Everglades. Sailing on an airboat cannot be missed during a Florida tour!
