The pulse of The Palm Beaches
With tropical energy pulsing through its palm-lined streets, West Palm Beach is a hub of nightlife, entertainment, cultural attractions and recreation in The Palm Beaches.
Start your adventure in the vibrant neighborhoods of downtown West Palm Beach. Overlooking sparkling Lake Worth Lagoon, Clematis Street is home to funky sidewalk cafes, colorful murals and buzzworthy bars. A short walk from Clematis you’ll find The Square, a shopping district and open-air plaza where it’s not unusual to stumble upon rousing events and live music. Venture a little farther to explore Antique Row and the candy-colored storefronts of Northwood Village, an eclectic enclave known for its art galleries and global cuisine. Bargain shoppers love Tangler OutletsPalm Beach, with savings on more than 100 name brands like Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Nike and Vera Bradley. Youcan also check out Grandview Public Marketthat is home to 12 gourmet food vendors offering something for everyone.
Art aficionados come for the museums and stay for the shows. View extensive collections of American, Chinese, contemporary and European pieces at the Norton Museum of Art. Walk through the jungle-like Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, where nine major sculptures are set amidst palms and tropical plants. Or take in a performance (concerts, comedy shows, ballets, operas and more) at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
It’s hard to beat West Palm Beach for family fun. Sitting side by side just south of downtown, the and the offer more up-close animal encounters and hands-on learning experiences. For families looking for an action-packed experience, Rapids Water Park features thrilling water slides and attractions.
And, for a memorable day of outdoor activities, be sure to check out Visit Palm Beach. They are experts in guiding you through West Palm Beach and beyond, providing a wide range of recreational activities, tours, excursions, rentals, and events. From catamaran sightseeing and sunset cruises to jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling, biking, fishing, history and nature tours, they offer something for guests of all ages!
Read 10 best things to do in West Palm Beach
Plan your visit around our year-round calendar of amazing events, from SunFest to the Palm Beach International Boat Show. The South Florida Fair brings 17 days of midway rides, fair foods and live entertainment starting in mid-January, and February brings spring training to The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, where baseball lovers can watch top teams warm up for the MLB season.
For more ways to play, reserve your tee time at one of the area’s outstanding golf courses. And with so much going on in West Palm Beach, you may forget that some of the best beaches in Florida are just a short drive away.
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West Palm Beach Experiences
What is West Palm Beach, FL known for?
West Palm Beach is best known for its palm-lined trees, nightlife, entertainment, cultural attractions, shopping areas, and fantastic fishing spots.
Does West Palm Beach, Florida have a beach?
Despite its reputation, West Palm Beach doesn’t actually have a beach. But it’s easy enough to get to so many of Florida’s stunning shorelines regardless. Palm Beach Municipal Beach, Lake Worth Beach Park, and Peanut Island are all very close by.
Is West Palm Beach, Florida crowded?
West Palm Beach is a popular tourist destination, which means it can get quite crowded, especially during peak season.
Does West Palm Beach, Florida have a downtown?
Clematis Street is where you’ll find all of the excitement of West Palm Beach. This downtown area is filled with some of the best restaurants, music venues, nightlife, and shops in town. The Square is another downtown-esque area filled with boutiques and restaurants, and just a 10-minute walk from Clematis Street.
Does West Palm Beach, Florida have clear water?
Despite the fact that West Palm Beach doesn’t have any beaches, it’s still located on the Intracoastal Waterway, which is moderately clear. That said, this waterway isn’t used for swimming or snorkeling. Rather, it’s primarily used by boaters.
Does West Palm Beach, Florida have a boardwalk?
West Palm Beach has a couple of different boardwalks. If you’re looking for a boardwalk near the ocean, there’s a lovely one that follows N Flagler Drive and the Intracoastal Waterway. And if you’d prefer an inland boardwalk surrounded by thriving plant life, Grassy Waters Preserve has one that’s about a mile long.
Is West Palm Beach, Florida walkable?
The downtown West Palm Beach area is very walkable. And if you want to venture a little further than the main town hub, it’s still moderately walkable.
Is West Palm Beach, Florida good for a family vacation?
With aquariums, zoos, and more, West Palm Beach is great for family vacations – especially if your kids are animal lovers.
How accessible to airports is West Palm Beach, Florida?
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is actually located right in West Palm Beach. You can’t get much closer than that!
What public transport options are in West Palm Beach, Florida?
All three of Palm Beach County’s public transportation options service West Palm Beach. First, there’s Palm Tran, a bus system that takes riders through all of Palm Beach County and beyond. Then, there’s Tri-Rail, a commuter rail system with 18 stops along Florida’s southeastern coast. And last but not least, there’s Brightline, an intercity rail route currently connecting West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami (and soon, Orlando).
What is the best time of year to visit West Palm Beach, Florida?
Winter is widely regarded as the best time to visit West Palm Beach. It’s the perfect place to leave behind the snow and instead embrace the temperate sunshine.
What is the history of West Palm Beach, Florida?
West Palm Beach got its start from none other than Henry Flagler, the oil magnate that jumpstarted nearly every Palm Beach town in some way. He envisioned that West Palm Beach would be a residential area, and, in 1893, George W. Potter put this plan into action. One year later, West Palm Beach became an incorporated town.
What are the main draws / top attractions / top things to do in West Palm Beach, Florida?
A simple stroll down Clematis Street will keep you entertained for hours on end. This West Palm Beach street is lined with the best restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues around, so you can hang out there all day (and night) long.
That said, there are still things to see and do in West Palm Beach that aren’t on Clematis Street, like the Norton Museum of Art. This esteemed art museum is home to over 8,000 pieces from all over the globe and is definitely worth a visit. Other famous attractions include the shopping area The Square, the artsy Northwood Village, the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society, and Tanger Outlets Palm Beach.
Plan Your Stay
Browse lodging options in the one, the only, the Palm Beaches and discover America's First Resort Destination in sunny South Florida.
