A coastal city in Florida with palm-lined streets and a lively downtown. Home to the Norton Museum of Art and the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum.
West Palm Beach is a vibrant city on Florida's Atlantic coast. You can stroll down lively Clematis Street, admire artwork at the Norton Museum, or shop at upscale boutiques on Worth Avenue in neighboring Palm Beach. The city's warm climate lets you enjoy outdoor pursuits and cultural experiences throughout the year. Whether you're interested in exploring urban delights or relaxing by the sea, West Palm Beach caters to various interests.
Exploring Downtown West Palm Beach
Clematis Street forms the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. This active thoroughfare runs from the waterfront to the western edge of the city center. You'll find restaurants, bars, boutiques and entertainment venues along the street. On Thursday evenings, join locals for Clematis by Night, where you can listen to free live music. A few blocks south, Rosemary Square (formerly CityPlace) adds more shopping and dining options in an open-air setting. Take the free trolley between Clematis and Rosemary Square to explore both areas easily.
Cultural Experiences and Museums
At the Norton Museum of Art, you can view American, European, and Chinese artworks. Its recent expansion added new gallery spaces and a sculpture garden. Across the Intracoastal in Palm Beach, you can tour Whitehall, the ornate Gilded Age mansion built by Henry Flagler that now operates as the Flagler Museum. For hands-on learning, visit the Cox Science Center and Aquarium to see Florida's marine life up close and try out science experiments.
Enjoying the Outdoors
While West Palm Beach itself doesn't have beaches, you're just minutes away from the Atlantic coast. Head to nearby Municipal Beach or John D. MacArthur Beach State Park to swim, sunbathe and enjoy water activities. Within the city, Okeeheelee Park has trails for hiking and biking, plus lakes for kayaking. You can also book fishing charters or rent jet skis to explore the Intracoastal Waterway. For a different outdoor experience, take an airboat tour of the Everglades at Grassy Waters Preserve on the city's western edge.
Shopping Districts
Worth Avenue in Palm Beach is known for its high-end boutiques and designer shops. Even if the prices are beyond your budget, you can enjoy walking this palm-lined street to window shop and people watch. For more affordable options, check out the Palm Beach Outlets with over 100 name brand stores. Antique collectors should head to Antique Row, a district of over 40 shops specializing in 17th to 20th century antiques, fine art, and vintage decor.
Family-Friendly Activities
At the Palm Beach Zoo, you can see over 500 animals in naturalistic habitats. You can watch feedings, attend keeper talks, and even book up-close animal encounters. Rapids Water Park has water slides, a lazy river, and wave pools for cooling off. At Lion Country Safari, you can drive through habitats with free-roaming African animals. The South Florida Science Center has a planetarium and an aquarium that children will enjoy exploring.
Dining and Nightlife
West Palm Beach's restaurant scene includes casual beachside eateries and upscale dining rooms. Try fresh seafood at Pistache French Bistro overlooking the Intracoastal or sample Italian cuisine at Grato. For Cuban flavors, visit Havana restaurant. Clematis Street comes alive after dark with bars and clubs. Check out Respectable Street for live music or Voltaire for craft cocktails in a speakeasy setting. Rosemary Square also has several spots for evening entertainment, including bowling at Revolutions and comedy shows at Improv.
Annual Events
Consider timing your visit to coincide with one of West Palm Beach's popular annual events. SunFest brings live music to the waterfront each spring. The Palm Beach International Boat Show in March displays hundreds of boats and yachts. Art collectors can explore works by hundreds of artists at the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary Art Fair held each January. During the winter holidays, Sandi Land creates a festive atmosphere downtown with a 35-foot sand tree and nightly light shows.
Getting Around
While a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the area, West Palm Beach has several public transportation options. The free downtown trolley connects major points of interest and shopping areas. Palm Tran buses serve the wider region. For trips to nearby cities, take the high-speed Brightline train with service to Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Bike and scooter rentals also provide ways to get around the compact downtown area.
