The ultimate guide to Palm Beach

Welcome to Palm Beach – an oasis of leisure and luxury on the white sands of Florida’s sparkling East Coast.

The American East Coast’s rich and famous have long flocked to the serene, sun-kissed shores of Palm Beach. The peaceful atmosphere, year-round sunny weather, distinctive design style (think scalloped edges, lush foliage and a vibrant colour palette) and excellent hotels and dining are just a few reasons to follow in their footsteps.

Where to stay in Palm Beach

As the storied resort destination that it is, the hotels are the beating heart of Palm Beach. “Snowbirds” (aka Northern East Coast dwellers from places like New York City and Boston who fly south for warmer weather in the winter) are known to spend months at some of these iconic hotels.

The Breakers

Henry Morrison Flagler founded The Breakers in 1896 – the first oceanfront resort in the area at the time – with hopes of turning Palm Beach into America’s edition of the French Riviera.

The Breakers was the first oceanfront resort in the area.

There’s no doubt that Palm Beach indeed became a locale synonymous with leisure and luxury, just as Flagler had envisioned, and that The Breakers was an important first step towards this destiny.

Dine at Henry’s Palm Beach at The Breakers.

As you first approach the grand, Italian-Renaissance-style hotel along the long driveway and step into the palatial foyer, the sense of history is palpable. The tall, vaulted ceilings draw the eye up to intricate, hand-painted details on the ceiling. The hotel’s extensive 56 hectares includes 10 (ten!) restaurants, first-class shopping, four pools and a golf course.

Wind down in the Palm Courtyard.

The Colony

The Colony Hotel embraces playful maximalist design in a way that is quintessential Palm Beach.

The Colony Hotel is magical from the moment you arrive. (Image: Lesley Unruh)

The playful, sunny effect begins from the exterior, the building awash in soft millennial pink. The hand-painted, custom de Gourney wallpaper in the lobby is loaded with nods to the Palm Beach way of life.

Marvel at the hand-painted, custom de Gourney wallpaper. (Image: Carmel Brantley)

An excellently crafted partnership is around every corner at The Colony Hotel, from the guest room’s Society Social furniture (all of which is available for purchase) to the Dyson hair care tools in the bathroom. The charm carries you all the way out the door to Swifty’s, the hotel’s poolside restaurant and another certified Palm Beach it-spot that you can’t miss.

Dine at the poolside Swifty’s. (Image: Carmel Brantey)

The Brazilian Court Hotel

Palm Beach’s boutique hotel spotlight is often focused on trendier spots like The Colony or the White Elephant Hotel, but The Brazilian Court Hotel deserves more recognition.

Step into the elegant atmosphere of The Brazilian Court Hotel.

Elegant and timeless, stepping into the palm-fringed courtyards of this hotel truly feels like stepping out of time. There is a distinct unbothered European atmosphere to the hotel and a solid contingent of returning guests come back annually for it.

Sip classic cocktails in the luxurious lobby.

Plus, an excursion in an Italian Solaris Power Yacht with up to eight fellow guests (but often less) is a complimentary amenity, which truly puts other hotels’ boasts of fast wi-fi and thin slippers to shame.

Pull up a chair at Lily’s Pool Bar.

Where to eat in Palm Beach

Cafe Boulud

The dining and hospitality scenes are closely intertwined in Palm Beach, so it’s no surprise that the best food I tasted in town was at Cafe Boulud tucked away in The Brazilian Court Hotel.

Dine al fresco in the sunny courtyard of Cafe Boulud. (Image: AJ Woomer)

Sitting in the sunny courtyard, every dish that hit the table dazzled the senses. The salmon crudo was tossed with a bright lemony sauce and studded with poppy seeds. The shrimp and mango salad was tossed with chilis and bursting with flavour. The dessert was delicate and thoughtful, pairing flavours masterfully, and served up with a complimentary side of fresh, mini madeleines.

Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea at Cafe Boulud.

But if I only had to pick one dish to try, I would have to go with the Britany Dover sole, which was presented unadorned on the plate, then bathed tableside with a stunning herby, buttery sauce. All paired with a crisp cool glass of Sancerre, this dining experience is pure heaven.

Don’t pass up the chance to try the Dover sole at Cafe Boulud. (Image: Bronwyn Knight)

El Segundo Tacos and Tequila

The perfect lowkey taco joint for post-beach dinner and a cold drink. Despite being sandy and sunburned, the friendly staff makes you feel welcome immediately upon setting foot in their cheerful patio, decked with string lights and colourful floating umbrellas.

The house margarita is very good, and it’s only five dollars ($7.60). The menu serves up creative flavours that go beyond the typical wheelhouse of a casual taco joint. Don’t miss the pimiento cheese elote dip and the brisket burnt ends taco.

Buccan

Buccan is definitely a buzzy, scene spot, but not at the expense of a warm and welcoming staff. With James Beard Award nominee Chef Clay Conley at the lead, seasonal fare rotates in and off the menu, while some classic dishes stay consistent. A reservation is highly recommended in advance.

Buccan rotates its menu seasonally.

What to do in Palm Beach

Hit the beach

Let’s start with the obvious. You came here to enjoy that turquoise water and fine white sand. I recommend the beach access at Clarke Avenue to enjoy a well-kept public beach just south of The Breakers.

It’d be a crime not to enjoy the beach in Palm Beach. (Image: Crystal Bolin Photography via Getty Images)

Norton Museum of Art 

The sun-dappled, sculpture-studded courtyards of the Norton Museum of Art are a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. The museum’s works are showcased indoors and outdoors – an impressive collection spanning from oil paintings by Claude Monet to sculpture by Pablo Picasso.

The Norton Museum of Art is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. (Image: CJ Walker)

The Restaurant at the Norton is a lovely place to enjoy a sweet honey lavender tea and salmon crudo and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Step into the newly transformed Norton Museum of Art. (Image: CJ Walker)

Shopping

Palm Beach is known for its excellent shopping. Worth Avenue is something of the beating heart of Palm Springs, and the perfect place to begin shopping expeditions.

Worth Avenue is the beating heart of Palm Springs. (Image: Sean Pavone via Getty Images)

Don’t miss Lycette Designs, a cheery shop for all things needlepoints. For characterful antique shopping, start at Circa Who and explore the nearby antique shops.

Head to Lycette Designs for all things needlepoints. (Image: Capehart Photography)

As you walk around, keep an eye out for dazzling orchids nestled among the branches of live oaks and coconut – a typical Palm Beach hallmark.

Wander Worth Avenue. (Image: Sean Pavone via Getty Images)

Kayak at John D MacArthur Beach State Park

This beautiful state park will take you several steps away from the bougie resort vibe in Palm Beach and immerse you in Florida’s natural beauty – a glimpse into a time before coastal development. Renting a kayak is the perfect way to explore.

Go kayaking at John D MacArthur Beach State Park.

How to get to Palm Beach

Option 1: Fly into Palm Beach International Airport, which connects to many of the major cities on the East Coast such as Chicago or New York City.

Fly into Palm Beach. (Image: Crystal Bolin Photography via Getty Images)

Option 2: Fly into Miami and train the rest of the way. I recommend the Brightline train, which has an airport shuttle that can transport you to the station. The stations are impressively clean and convenient, and the ride from Miami to Palm Beach breezes by in a quick hour and 15 minutes.

Drive along the towering palm trees. (Image: Tessa Edmiston)