Drawn to the magic of the Palm Beaches? Book your next vacation in West Palm Beach, FL. With its location on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, the seaside city provides year-round sun and exquisite coastlines. Visitors flock here for the beaches, glamourous city center, and candy sunsets.
The beaches here are a must-visit, with stretches of white sand bordering shimmering blue seas. If you love animals, West Palm Beach will be the trip of a lifetime, too. Snorkel with manatees on Peanut Island, meet the monkeys at Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, or stay on Singer Island and learn to scuba dive.
Ready to jump headfirst into a West Palm Beach vacation? Use this handy West Palm Beach travel guide, including what to see & do, where to stay, and when to visit!
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our Florida Travel Guide for more recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
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What to see & do in West Palm Beach
Peanut Island
Looking for a day of epic adventure? Peanut Island is crammed with some of the best things to do in West Palm Beach. At the mouth of Lake Worth Lagoon across from the town of Riviera Beach, this stunning 79-acre island is actually man-made!
Don’t let the fact that Peanut Island is artificial put you off. The white sand beaches and bright blue water will still make your heart melt. Thanks to the shallow and calm waters of the lagoon, it’s popular for trying out different water sports.
If you aren’t into beaches or water sports, see if you can find the secret Kennedy Bunker. Built during the Cold War, this island relic offers regular walking tours through it.
During the week, you can enjoy ultimate tranquillity. Laze on the beach or drift on a paddleboard alongside manta rays. On the weekends, the atmosphere is lively; the banks fill up with boats, and Peanut Island turns into a popular West Palm Beach party spot.
Clematis Street
Soak up the atmosphere of the city on Clematis Street. The street is the hub of the downtown area and was the main avenue of West Palm Beach in the 20th century. It’s home to several major West Palm Beach points of interest, such as the Comeau Building and Harvey Building.
The colorful buildings along Clematis Street are filled with vintage stores, boutiques, and art galleries. Shop until you drop, then head to a restaurant or street food stand and sample food from around the world.
Many come to Clematis Street for its buzzing nightlife scene. Grab a tequila shot at Banko Kantina, a cantina converted from a 1920s bank. Whether you want waterside bars, cozy pubs, or throbbing nightclubs, you’ll have no problem finding your favorite drink here. Every Thursday evening, you can enjoy an al fresco concert hosted by Clematis by Night.
Palm Beach
Stunning Palm Beach is an island separated from mainland West Palm Beach by the Lake West Lagoon. Known for its glitzy clientele, the island is home to upscale boutiques, fine dining, and fabulous homes. Whatever your budget, it’s a wonderful location for a beach day.
Palm Beach is home to some of the best West Palm Beach beaches, with views so pretty they belong on a postcard. Pristine sands and seas with a spectrum of blues create an idyllic setting for you to unwind. Lounge on the sand and feel your worries melt away!
If Palm Beach’s white sands aren’t your thing, head to Worth Avenue. The immaculate street extends from Lake West Lagoon to the beach on the east side of the island. Worth Avenue is a great spot for people-watching. Grab a gelato and watch the world go by, or browse stores full of luxury brands, art, and antiques.
Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
Animal lovers should check out Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. The non-profit organization is committed to preserving the natural world, hosting over 700 animal species, many of which are endangered. With over 23 acres of tropical habitat, the animals have plenty of space to thrive here.
As the habitats are separated by regions of the world, you can take yourself on a journey from Asia all the way to the American Tropics. On the way, say hello to flamingos, koalas, tigers, and more!
You’ll also have the opportunity to book unique animal experiences. Options include making friends with a tortoise, feeding a lorikeet, or getting a selfie with a sloth!
Mounts Botanical Garden
Mounts Botanical Garden is a green oasis nestled within an urban jungle. Palm Beach County’s oldest garden harbors 6,000 plants from around the world. Explore 16 acres of tropical and sub-tropical plants, teeming with fruit trees, flowers, herbs, and cacti.
As soon as you walk through the door, you’re met by a canopy of green. Stroll 25 different display gardens. Learn more about how different plants are essential to our lives, or walk around and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Breathe in the aromas of the rose garden, find inner peace in the garden of tranquillity, or get lost in the tropical forest. Here you’ll find three large moai statues. They’re replicas of those found on Easter Island and are sure to inspire curiosity about ancient art and culture.
Where to stay
Not sure where to stay in West Palm Beach? Whichever district you choose, you’re guaranteed to be close to paradise beaches, world-class attractions, and animated nightlife. Whether you prefer glitz and glam or family fun, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Downtown West Palm Beach
If you like the beach but want to get more from your vacation, stay in Downtown West Palm Beach. The central location gives quick access to all the top tourist hotspots.
If you’re craving a beach day, some of the best beaches in the area are only a short trip away from Downtown West Palm Beach, too.
Palm Beach
If you’re dreaming of ocean views and rolling straight out of bed onto the sand, Palm Beach is the perfect destination for you. Want the beach all to yourself? Some properties even have access to private stretches of shoreline.
Singer Island
Singer Island is a dream for water sports lovers. Staggering crystal-clear waters have long attracted snorkelers and scuba divers. You won’t find a better place to discover the incredible sealife that Florida has to offer.
The many beachfront properties on Singer Island offer a great base for your days exploring the ocean.
Palm Beach Lakes
Palm Beach Lakes is the district that has it all. The pace is slower with a suburban feel, but you’re still a short distance from all the area’s top attractions.
There’s a lovely selection of restaurants, shopping, and family-friendly activities here, along with a decent selection of well-priced hotels.
When to visit
The best time to visit West Palm Beach is in the spring. The temperature is comfortable, and you won’t have to contend with the summer mass tourism.
In the summer months, the visitors swarm, and the heat can be stifling. December to February is perfect for those seeking some winter sun but expect it to get busy and for hotels to hike up their prices.
Similar to spring, September and October are warm and quiet. You should keep in mind that the late summer and early fall months fall within hurricane season. However, this may be a great option if you’re looking for a last-minute discounted break.
Transportation
Getting there
By air
West Palm Beach is served by Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), located west of the city center. Several major airlines offer direct flights to PBI from major U.S. and international destinations, including:
- Allegiant Air
- Delta Air Lines
- JetBlue
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
By road
West Palm Beach is well-connected by road to other cities in Florida and neighboring states. Popular driving routes to/from West Palm Beach and estimated driving times include:
- Fort Lauderdale, FL (52m)
- Miami, FL (1h20m)
- Fort Myers, FL (2h29m)
- Tampa, FL (3h20m)
- Orlando, FL (2h26m)
- Jacksonville, FL (3h53m)
Getting around
It’s easy to get around in West Palm Beach. If you have a car, the city is on a grid system, so you’ll find it simple to navigate. Traffic is not often heavy, but remember to avoid the main roads during the peak of rush hour.
Depending on the area you choose to stay in, there’ll be plenty to do within walking distance of your accommodation. The city is spread out, so it may be too far to walk between districts. Taxis are expensive, but there are efficient and reliable public transport systems.
The downtown trolley is a cute and convenient way to explore West Palm Beach. The quaint red trolleys are free and operate throughout downtown.
Palm Tran buses have 30+ routes throughout the area and stop at many popular West Palm Beach points of interest. Rates are affordable, and the routes are well-connected.
