The Ultimate West Palm Beach, Florida Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, Drink & Explore
If you are looking for a Florida getaway that combines beautiful waterfront views, upscale hotels, incredible restaurants, shopping, and a surprisingly fun nightlife scene, West Palm Beach deserves a spot on your travel list. Whether you are planning a girls' trip, a romantic getaway, or a long weekend with friends, this coastal city has something for everyone.
One of the things I love most about West Palm Beach is how versatile it is. You can spend your morning shopping along Worth Avenue, your afternoon cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, and your evening hopping between some of the area's best restaurants and nightlife spots. It has a little bit of everything, and there is no shortage of places to explore.
From iconic pink hotels and waterfront restaurants to rooftop cocktails and late-night dancing, here is my guide to making the most of your time in West Palm Beach.
Where to Eat in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach has a surprisingly impressive food scene, with everything from casual local favorites to upscale dining experiences. Whether you are looking for a leisurely brunch, fresh seafood by the water, or a memorable dinner, these are a few of my recommendations.
La Marina – Waterfront Dining & Fresh Seafood
If you are looking for a fun dining experience with beautiful waterfront views, La Marina is a must. I went here with a group of friends, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.
The restaurant has an indoor-outdoor concept that gives it more of a Montauk feel than a typical Florida restaurant. Between the fresh seafood, lively atmosphere, waterfront setting, and fun servers, it is the perfect place for a group dinner. This is one of those restaurants where the atmosphere is just as memorable as the food.
Buccan – Casual Bites & Famous Sandwiches
For something more casual, grab a sandwich from Buccan. This is a well-known local favorite, and for good reason. Both locals and visitors make it a staple when visiting Palm Beach, and it is worth adding to your itinerary.
One tip: get there early! The line can build quickly, especially during busy lunch hours, and you don't want to spend your afternoon waiting when there is so much else to explore.
Swifty's – The Perfect Girls' Brunch
For a chic brunch experience, head to Swifty's at The Colony Hotel. This is about as quintessential Palm Beach as it gets.
Picture yourself sitting poolside, sipping mimosas, and enjoying French toast surrounded by the hotel's signature pink and palm-tree decor. It is a beautiful setting for a girls' brunch and a great way to experience one of Palm Beach's most iconic hotels, even if you aren't staying there.
El Camino – Mexican Food & Happy Hour
If Mexican food is what you are craving, El Camino is a great option. Expect authentic Mexican-inspired dishes, a fun atmosphere, and an excellent location.
It is also a great spot for happy hour, making it an easy addition to your afternoon or evening plans.
Seafood Bar at The Breakers – Elevated Dining
For a more upscale dining experience, make a reservation at Seafood Bar inside The Breakers. Between the beautiful ocean and beach views, attentive service, and fresh catches of the day, this is a great choice for a special dinner.
The setting alone makes it worth visiting, and the experience is exactly what you would expect from one of Palm Beach's most iconic luxury resorts.
Where to Go Out in West Palm Beach
One thing that surprised me about West Palm Beach was just how much nightlife there is. Whether you are looking for a restaurant that turns into a dance floor, a laid-back country atmosphere, or a dimly lit club playing house music, there is something for every kind of night out.
Cucina – Dinner That Turns Into a Night Out
Cucina is one of my recommendations for both dinner and going out. It has the best of both worlds, starting as a restaurant and transitioning into more of a club atmosphere around 10 PM.
If you want to enjoy dinner without having to relocate to another venue once the night gets going, this is a great option. Come for dinner and stay for the party!
West Palm Cowboy Club – Country-Inspired Nightlife
For something a little different, check out West Palm Cowboy Club. Like Cucina, this is another restaurant that transitions into a nightlife destination as the evening goes on.
The atmosphere is more laid-back, with a country-inspired vibe that makes it a fun alternative to the typical club scene. If you enjoy country music, dancing, and a lively crowd, this one should be on your list.
Club Spazio – House Music & Ibiza Vibes
If house music, dim lighting, and a true nightclub atmosphere are more your style, head to Club Spazio.
Located directly across the street from Cowboy Club, this spot feels like someone brought a little piece of Ibiza to West Palm Beach. Expect house music, a younger crowd, and a fun late-night atmosphere. It is definitely geared toward a younger nightlife scene, but if that is what you are looking for, it is a great time.
Clematis Social – A Younger Crowd
Speaking of a younger crowd, Clematis Social is a great option for those who are newly 21 or looking to meet other college students and young adults.
It has a fun, social atmosphere and is a good place to start if you want something more casual and energetic.
Where to Grab Drinks Before Dinner
Sometimes the best part of the evening is the cocktail before dinner. West Palm Beach has several great waterfront and rooftop spots that are perfect for enjoying a drink before heading to your dinner reservation.
ER Bradley's – Waterfront Drinks
Located right along the water, ER Bradley's is one of my favorite recommendations for a casual pre-dinner drink. It has a fun atmosphere, great waitstaff, and reasonably priced drinks.
It is also conveniently located near the main strips of bars, making it an easy starting point for an evening out. Grab a cocktail, enjoy the waterfront views, and decide where the night will take you.
Bar Capri – Rooftop Cocktails & Sunset Views
For something a little more elevated, head to Bar Capri. Located on the rooftop of Elisabetta's, this is a beautiful spot for cocktails and sunset views.
The drinks are fantastic, and the waterfront setting makes it a great place to unwind before dinner. You can also make a reservation at Elisabetta's for dinner if you want to turn your visit into a full evening.
Mary Lou's – A Late-Night Cocktail
If you have a later dinner reservation and want somewhere to stop for a drink beforehand, consider Mary Lou's. It is a fun addition to a night out and offers a different atmosphere from your typical cocktail bar.
Mary Lou's is open Wednesday through Sunday, with doors opening at 6 PM, so plan accordingly.
Where to Stay in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach has some incredible hotels, and choosing where to stay really depends on the type of trip you are planning. Whether you want an iconic Palm Beach experience, an upscale resort, or a boutique hotel within walking distance of the city's restaurants and attractions, there are several great options.
The Colony Hotel – Best for a Girls' Trip
If you are planning a girls' trip, The Colony Hotel is my top recommendation. It is hard to miss this little pink hotel, and it is one of the most iconic properties in Palm Beach.
The entire hotel is decked out in pink, palm trees, and preppy decor. Every corner feels thoughtfully designed, and it is incredibly Instagram-worthy. Beyond the aesthetics, the hotel has a great location and puts you close to the beach, shopping, and many of Palm Beach's best restaurants.
If you want a fun, chic, quintessential Palm Beach experience, this is the place to stay.
The Breakers – Best for an Upscale Getaway
For a more luxurious experience, look no further than The Breakers. It is definitely on the more expensive side, but I think it is worth considering if you are looking for a truly special getaway.
The architecture and decor alone are reason enough to visit, but the property offers so much more. Between the ocean views, multiple restaurants and bars, relaxing pools, and beautiful grounds, you could easily spend your entire vacation enjoying everything the resort has to offer.
It is centrally located and provides the kind of full-service luxury experience that makes it hard to leave.
The Ben – Best for Walkability & Location
Want to be close to the water but prefer a more city-focused experience? The Ben is a great option.
The hotel is beautifully decorated, extremely walkable, and offers a convenient location for exploring downtown West Palm Beach. It also gives you easy access to the bridge connecting West Palm Beach to Palm Beach Island, allowing you to enjoy the best of both areas.
If you want to explore restaurants, nightlife, and shopping without relying heavily on a car, this is a great choice.
White Elephant – Best Boutique Experience
For a more intimate hotel experience, consider the White Elephant. With fewer than 50 rooms, it offers a much smaller and more boutique feel than some of the larger resorts in the area.
It has an excellent location near the golf course and several popular restaurants, with convenient access to the waterfront. One thing to keep in mind is that the property tends to book up quickly, so I would recommend making reservations well in advance.
Things to Do in West Palm Beach
There is plenty to do in West Palm Beach beyond the restaurants and nightlife. From spending a day on the water to shopping along some of the most recognizable luxury retail streets in the country, here are a few things I would prioritize during your visit.
Spend a Day on the Water
If I had to choose one activity to recommend above everything else, it would be taking a boat out for the day.
Palm Beach is known for its incredible waterfront properties, and seeing the area from the water is an entirely different experience. Cruise along the coastline, take in the different shades of blue, and admire the enormous waterfront mansions belonging to some of the most recognizable names in the world.
Make sure to have your captain take you to Peanut Island, too. It is a beautiful place to stop, enjoy the water, and spend some time swimming. Whether you are renting a boat with friends or booking a private captain, this is one experience I would not skip.
Shop Along Worth Avenue
Palm Beach is famous for its shopping, and Worth Avenue is the perfect place to start.
Think Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Peter Millar, and an impressive collection of luxury boutiques. Even if you aren't planning to shop, it is worth spending an afternoon walking the avenue. The architecture, beautifully maintained storefronts, and people-watching make it an experience in itself.
I recommend taking your time, exploring the side streets, and stopping for a coffee or cocktail along the way.
Spend an Afternoon at the Beach
You can't visit South Florida without spending some time at the beach. The beaches in the West Palm Beach and Palm Beach area are beautiful, clean, and well-maintained.
For easy access, I recommend entering at Midtown Beach, just down the street from The Colony Hotel. This puts you right in the middle of everything and makes it easy to combine a beach afternoon with shopping or lunch nearby.
Bring your beach essentials, find a spot in the sand, and enjoy a little Florida sunshine.
Take a Downtown Food Tour
One thing that might surprise you about West Palm Beach is just how good the food scene is. If you want to explore beyond the restaurants you already have on your list, consider booking a guided food tour downtown.
It is a fun way to discover local favorites, try several different restaurants, and learn a little more about the area along the way. This is especially great if you are visiting for the first time and want to get a better feel for the city.
Getting to West Palm Beach
The most convenient airport for visiting West Palm Beach is Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), located just a short drive from downtown.
Once you leave the airport, you are only about 10 minutes from the city center, depending on traffic. It is an incredibly convenient option and makes getting to your hotel quick and easy.
However, flights directly into Palm Beach can sometimes be expensive. If you are looking for more affordable airfare, consider flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). It is a little over an hour's drive from West Palm Beach, depending on traffic, but can sometimes offer better flight options and pricing.
I recommend comparing both airports before booking to see which makes the most sense for your trip.
When Is the Best Time to Visit West Palm Beach?
One thing to keep in mind when planning a trip to South Florida is the weather. Summers can get extremely hot and humid, which is something to consider if your itinerary involves a lot of walking, shopping, boating, and outdoor activities.
If you plan to spend most of your time exploring the city on foot, enjoying outdoor dining, or visiting the beach, the heat can make a difference in how much you comfortably fit into your day.
Regardless of when you visit, I recommend planning outdoor activities earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon during particularly hot months.
Final Thoughts: Is West Palm Beach Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! West Palm Beach is one of those destinations that I would recommend to just about anyone. Whether you are planning a girls' trip, a romantic weekend, a family vacation, or simply looking for a fun Florida getaway, there is something here for every age and travel style.
Between the beautiful hotels, incredible food scene, waterfront activities, luxury shopping, and surprisingly fun nightlife, you can make your trip whatever you want it to be.
My biggest recommendation? Get out on the water, make a few dinner reservations, explore Worth Avenue, and leave yourself enough time to enjoy everything this beautiful part of Florida has to offer. West Palm Beach is a gem, and I think it deserves a lot more attention as a Florida vacation destination.