According to a resident, everything you need to know about West Palm Beach.
I didn't anticipate falling in love with West Palm Beach and making it my second home when I moved there for college. But in the time since then, I've travelled to four continents and almost 50 nations, and I haven't come across a city that is more idyllic and livable than this sunny, tropical small-town-turned-big-city on Florida's southeast coast.
West Palm Beach is conveniently located, incredibly varied, packed to the gills with things to do, and new eateries, bars, boutiques, arts and culture events pop up all the time. World-class musicians, artists, and creatives who are ready to share their abilities with the community call it home. The vibrant flora and fauna, tranquil Intracoastal Waterway, and close-by beaches make it the ideal spot to unwind, yet you can fill every day of the week with social events if you so desire.
Considering a trip to this popular destination that is both old and young? Here is all the information you require.
New Developments in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is expanding like a weed, but unlike many boomtowns, this expansion is intentional and the consequence of an early 1990s urban planning concept. The Downtown Master Plan's first aim was to revitalize West Palm Beach's then-modest downtown and create "a 24-hour, live-work-play environment" in 1994, when the city's population was falling and tiny American cities were struggling from sea to shining sea.
Today, thanks to West Palm Beach's rising fame (particularly among New Yorkers) and the entry of billions of development funds during the previous 20 years, that objective has been achieved. New buildings, offices, eateries, and retail establishments seem to spring up every day; one developer, Related Companies (of Hudson Yards fame), has $1 billion worth of projects in the works in West Palm Beach alone. Although there are a lot of exciting cities nearby, this one has Broadway plays, renowned chefs, and award-winning galleries, so you hardly ever need to go.
So Nazi symbols were projected on buildings in Jax and West Palm Beach for extended periods of time this past weekend.
— SFDB (@sfdb) January 18, 2023
We all know why this is happening now. We all know why these people feel comfortable operating in Florida. But no one says anything.
The silence is deafening. pic.twitter.com/kZFFmP48TC
Although West Palm Beach is frequently included in the category of "the Palm Beaches," which encompasses all of Palm Beach County (including the nearby barrier island of Palm Beach; the two cities serve as extensions of one another), West Palm Beach as a destination can stand alone — particularly in modern times.
The city is developing and getting better every day. Here are some tips from a long-time local on what to do, where to eat and drink, and how to enjoy your time in West Palm Beach.
Tips for Visiting West Palm Beach
There is no actual beach in West Palm Beach, so let's clear that up straight away. There is Lake Worth Beach to the south, Singer Island to the north, and Palm Beach just across the Intracoastal Waterway. However, there is no Atlantic Ocean shoreline in West Palm Beach proper.
The Square is frequently visitors' first stop in West Palm Beach, and for good reason. In addition to boutiques, a movie theatre, a comedy club, and a selection of chic restaurants, this exquisite dining and entertainment destination has interactive art like the lit Wishing Tree and the splashy Water Pavilion (which children adore).
For something a little less refined, venture outside of the downtown area to the Warehouse District, a former industrial area that is now a must-see destination with distinctive shops, offices, and a nearby brewery and distillery. Grandview Public Market, a food hall with a sizable outdoor dining patio, live music, a weekly brunch, and bingo, is the main draw in this area.
One of West Palm Beach's main thoroughfares is Clematis Street, which runs through the center of the city. One of the city's favorite locally owned coffee shops, Subculture Coffee, is located on the mile-long main street, which is also crowded with eateries, bars, and boutiques. (While only Salento Colombian Coffee is on Clematis, other favorites include Composition Coffee House, The Pumphouse Moratorium, Candid Coffee, Common Grounds, and Salento Colombian Coffee.)
Respectable Street, a live music venue for the alternative crowd, and Lost Weekend, the lively pub next door with billiard tables and classic 1980s video games, are two other attractions on Clematis Street. The sibling bar of Lost Weekend, Voltaire's Lair, is located above it and features skeletal, pinball, vintage arcade games, and duckpin bowling. Visit Roxy's Pub, 123 Datura, Clematis Social, Banco Cantina, and Camelot in the eastern end of Clematis for the best nightlife in the area.
After a wild Friday night, if you're still at the eastern end of Clematis, you're in the correct location since the West Palm Beach Greenmarket draws tens of thousands of people every Saturday. Every week from October to May, more than 100 regional vendors and artists sell a variety of homemade goods at Greenmarket. To avoid the lineups, arrive early (the market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Also, don't even try to resist the aroma of freshly baked cider donuts.
Take a stroll around Flagler Drive in the afternoon as the Greenmarket comes to a close. Any time of day you visit this strip, you'll see people running, rollerblading, and walking their dogs while enjoying the unmatched view of the Intracoastal Waterway, the sailboats that live there, and the beachfront mansions of Palm Beach across the street. Work up an appetite because dropping by E.R. Bradley's, a West Palm Beach institution that offers the only authentic waterfront dining, for happy hour and live music is a must.
The eclectic Northwood Village is located at the northern edge of the city and offers a funky bohemian vibe throughout a variety of stores, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. Some of these establishments include Malak or Thai and Harold's Coffee Lounge, where the 18-hour-brewed Kyoto-style tower cold brew is a perennial favorite. Nora, a neighborhood of turn-of-the-century railroad warehouses that will soon become an artists and entertainment district, is also bringing life to the area.
To spend the day on the lake without having to rent a boat Take the 10-minute shuttle boat to Peanut Island, where you can swim, relax, enjoy a beach picnic, or arrange to sail off into the sunset aboard the Hakuna Matata catamaran.
In addition to the main downtown area's nonstop activities, there are parks and preserves, a fantastic outlet mall for bargain hunting, incredible vintage finds on Antique Row, and a plethora of prestigious cultural institutions to check out, including the Norton Museum of Art, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Mounts Botanical Garden, Palm Beach Drama works, and the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. Don't miss the unique Lion Country Safari, a careless drive-through safari experience, if you are renting a car.
Even while West Palm Beach has a tone to offer, its accessibility to other South Florida hotspots is a great feature of this community. For a taste of the good life, head across to Palm Beach (just across the bridges), down to Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, or up to Jupiter's surf shops and dog beaches. Alternately, get a Brightline ticket and travel to Boca Raton, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, or Miami.
West Palm Beach Restaurants and Bars
You won't be let down if you choose a restaurant located in The Square, Grandview Public Market, Clematis Street, or Northwood. However, as any foodie is aware, some of the tastiest meals may be found away from the main tourist areas.
One such place is Grate, a casual yet elegant café created by James Beard-nominated chef Clay Conley and serving house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and other Italian-inspired cuisine. If you go out for dinner on any given night, you'll see tables full of locals getting their Grate dose.
Other well-liked restaurants in the area are Kitchen, which will make you feel as though you're dining in your closest friend's dining room, Havana, and Choli Soy Cocina, which provide wonderful Latin American comfort food (who just happens to be an all-star chef).
Looking for the ideal location to enjoy breakfast, a delectable pastry, or a delightful meal to start your day? Visit Hive Bakery & Cafe, the gastronomic embodiment of a nearby home goods and interior design shop. Everything is equally sweet and gorgeous. Another lovely (and delicious) option for Swedish treats is Johan's Joe, while the Frenchman who owns Loic Bakery makes the best croissants outside of Paris.
Last but not least, Serenity Garden Tea House in West Palm Beach offers a unique experience; come here for real high tea in a 1919 historic cottage. It doesn't get any cuter or more endearing.
Accommodations in West Palm Beach
There aren't a lot of hotels in West Palm Beach, it's true. Fortunately, the choices range from lovely bed & breakfasts to cutting-edge, opulent hotels with thousands of rooms.
Although there are many wonderful possibilities in Palm Beach just across the river, there are only a few main choices for people who prefer to stay close by. While there are chain hotels in some areas of West Palm Beach, it is recommended to stay east of I-95 where the activity is.
The Hilton West Palm Beach, with its convenient location near to the Palm Beach County Convention Center, busy pool scene, and exquisite restaurant Galley, may be the most well-liked lodging option for tourists. Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown is a nearby hotel that is conveniently located and has a rooftop pool and club.
Another well-liked pad is The Ben, which is situated on Flagler Drive near the water and has a rooftop pool and bar with unrivalled views of the Intracoastal. This ornately furnished hotel is dedicated to whimsy and embraces the region's intriguing past as well as its promising future.
Do you want to live locally? In the Grandview Heights Historic District, Casa Grandview, a beautiful five-suite hotel, is available for booking. The Residence Inn by Marriott West Palm Beach Downtown is a conveniently placed extended-stay hotel that offers simple walking access to all of downtown West Palm Beach's major attractions for stays of longer than one night.
And, of course, there are a tone of gorgeous Airbnb's, many of which are in the historic neighborhoods to the north and south of the city core, including this top-rated house in Flamingo Park, which I own and designed.
Time to Visit West Palm Beach is Best
West Palm Beach can be visited at any time. Florida is known as the Sunshine State for a reason, and West Palm Beach is always cheerful and active. Although the weather in this city in Southeast Florida is often warm, sunny, and moderate, it may seem the same to visitors from other cities, but there are certain seasonal differences you should be aware of.
With warm days, chilly breezes, plenty of sunshine, low humidity, and every vibrant tree and flower in the city in bloom, spring is nothing short of beautiful. Additionally, from November through April, there will be more people, greater prices, and less availability than during the off-season. The high season starts in the late fall. Even so, it's worth it to view Sandi Tree in all her splendor in December.
The off-season at West Palm Beach and the nearby Palm Beach spans from May to October. Although there may be less traffic and greater deals, the weather can be hot and sticky, especially during the height of summer. It's a terrific time of year for beach days and bargains, but perhaps not for strenuous walks in the middle of the day. The slowest months are August and September, which is also Flavor Palm Beach, the Palm Beaches' restaurant month.
Also keep in mind that June to November is the Atlantic hurricane season, so there's always a potential that storms will interfere with your plans during this time.
Accessing West Palm Beach
Palm Beach International Airport is regarded by locals as one of the seven wonders of the world, and for good reason: the atmosphere at this tiny aviation Centre is so hassle-free that you could forget you're in an airport. I personally timed the distance between my front door and my boarding gate at 15 minutes.
But if necessary, travelling to a larger airport is simple. To get to Miami International Airport, allow two hours and take a driving or Brightline-ride-plus-shuttle-bus to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. (Soon, the Brightline will also provide a direct connection between West Palm Beach and Orlando International Airport.) Those on a tighter budget can use the Tramrail, which is just as practical but a little less opulent.
I-95 or the Florida Turnpike provide immediate access to this beachfront city for those who are within driving distance. It is roughly one hour north of Miami, 2.5 hours south of Orlando, and 3 hours south of Tampa when travelling by car.