Discover This Charming Florida City Near Palm Beach: A Chic Hidden Gem

When I headed south for college, I didn’t expect to fall head over heels for West Palm Beach and adopt it as my second hometown. However, I’ve visited four continents and nearly 50 countries since then and still haven’t found any city more picture-perfect and livable than this sunny, tropical small-town-slash-big-city on Florida’s southeast coast.

West Palm Beach is centrally located, fabulously diverse, filled to the brim with things to do and new restaurants, bars, shops, arts, and culture happenings that emerge regularly. It’s home to world-class creatives, artists, and musicians eager to share their talents with the community. Your social calendar can be filled every day of the week if you choose. Moreover, it’s also the ideal place to relax thanks to the colorful flora and fauna, serene Intracoastal Waterway, and nearby beaches.

Planning a visit to this historic but ever-youthful hotspot? Here’s everything you need to know.

What’s New in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is growing rapidly, but unlike many boomtowns, the growth here is purpose-driven, thanks to a vision established by urban planners in the early ’90s. In 1994, revitalizing its modest downtown and developing a “24-hour, live-work-play environment” was set as the primary goal of the Downtown Master Plan. Consequently, that goal has been accomplished thanks to West Palm Beach’s increasing popularity and the influx of billions in development dollars over the past 20 years.

Offices, restaurants, shops, and new buildings seem to emerge daily; for instance, one developer, Related Companies (of Hudson Yards fame), has $1 billion in the development pipeline in West Palm Beach alone. Therefore, there are many other happening cities within a small radius, but with Broadway shows, celebrity chefs, and award-winning galleries here, you never really have to leave.

Even though West Palm Beach is often grouped under “the Palm Beaches” umbrella, which spans Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach as a destination can stand alone—especially these days. The city’s on the rise, getting better by the day. Below, here’s one longtime resident’s take on what to do, where to eat and drink, and how to make the most of your stay in West Palm Beach.

What to Do in West Palm Beach

Let’s clarify right away: There’s no actual beach in West Palm Beach. The nearest beaches are found at Palm Beach just across the Intracoastal Waterway, Singer Island to the north, and Lake Worth Beach to the south. But in West Palm Beach proper, there’s no Atlantic Ocean shoreline.

Most visitors’ first stop in West Palm Beach is The Square, and for good reason. This idyllic dining and entertainment destination features interactive art like the illuminated Wishing Tree and the splashy Water Pavilion (beloved by kids) as well as shops, a movie theater, a comedy club, and a variety of trendy restaurants.

For something a bit less polished, wander outside the downtown core to the Warehouse District, an industrial neighborhood being transformed into a must-visit destination with unique retailers, offices, and a local brewery and distillery. The main attraction here is Grandview Public Market, a food hall boasting a large outdoor dining patio, live music, and weekly brunch and bingo.

In the heart of downtown, Clematis Street serves as one of the main drags of West Palm Beach. The mile-long main street is filled with restaurants, bars, stores, and Subculture Coffee, one of the city’s favorite home-grown coffee shops. Other popular spots include Composition Coffee House, The Pumphouse Pouratorium, and several others, which contribute to the vibrant coffee scene in the area.

Another highlight on Clematis Street is Respectable Street, a live music venue popular with the alternative crowd. Just next door is Lost Weekend, a lively bar packed with billiard tables and vintage video games. Above Lost Weekend, you’ll find Voltaire’s Lair, offering vintage arcade games, pinball, duckpin bowling, and skeeball. Toward the eastern end of Clematis, you can explore Roxy’s Pub, among others, for lively nightlife.

If you’re still at the eastern end of Clematis when day breaks after a rowdy night, you’re in luck: the West Palm Beach GreenMarket attracts thousands every Saturday. Taking place weekly from October through May, the GreenMarket features more than 100 local vendors selling various homemade goodies. It’s best to arrive early (the market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) to avoid the lines—and you won’t want to resist the smell of freshly baked cider donuts.

As the GreenMarket winds down, spend the afternoon strolling along Flagler Drive. Regardless of the time of day, you’ll find locals and visitors jogging, rollerblading, and walking dogs with an unbeatable view of the Intracoastal Waterway and the waterfront mansions of Palm Beach across the way. Be sure to work up an appetite because stopping for happy hour and live music at E.R. Bradley’s, a staple of local dining offering waterfront views, is a must.

At the northern end of the city, you can visit Northwood Village, which offers a funky bohemian feel with a mix of shops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. Notable mentions include Malakor Thai and Harold’s Coffee Lounge, famous for its Kyoto-style cold brew. The area is also being transformed into an arts and entertainment district.

If you’d like a day on the water without renting a boat, hop on the 10-minute shuttle boat to Peanut Island, where you can snorkel, soak up the sun, or even book a sunset sail on the Hakuna Matata catamaran.

Besides the vibrant downtown and its continuous activities, there are also parks and preserves, a fantastic outlet mall for discount shopping, amazing vintage finds along Antique Row, and a plethora of cultural institutions to explore, including the Norton Museum of Art and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. For those with a vehicle, be sure to check out the unique Lion Country Safari—a cageless drive-through safari experience.

Where to Eat and Drink in West Palm Beach

Choose any restaurant in The Square, Grandview Public Market, Clematis Street, or Northwood, and you won’t be disappointed. However, as every foodie knows, some of the best meals are found off the tourist-beaten path.

One such spot is Grato, a casual yet refined Italian-inspired restaurant by James Beard-nominated chef Clay Conley, featuring house-made pasta and wood-fired pizzas among an ever-evolving selection of seasonal options. If you visit any given night for dinner, you’ll likely see tables full of locals indulging in their favorite dishes.

Other local favorites include Celis Juice Bar and Field of Greens for healthy daytime eats, while Havana and Cholo Soy Cocina offer delicious Latin American comfort food. For a more upscale experience, Table 26 is perfect for an elegant evening out, and Kitchen feels like dining in your friend’s home, hosted by an all-star chef.

If you’re looking for a place to start your day with breakfast, fresh pastries, or a delightful lunch, Hive Bakery & Cafe features beautiful gastronomic delights, or consider Johan’s Joe for Swedish treats. The French artisan behind Loic Bakery crafts the best croissants outside Paris.

Finally, Serenity Garden Tea House offers a unique experience for high tea in a charming, historic cottage dating back to 1919.

Where to Stay in West Palm Beach

Accommodation options in West Palm Beach are somewhat limited; however, the available choices range from charming bed-and-breakfasts to luxurious hotels boasting hundreds of rooms.

There are numerous fabulous options just over the bridge in Palm Beach, but if you want to stay local, you can consider a few prominent choices. While there are chain hotels scattered throughout West Palm Beach, your best bet is to select accommodations in the heart of the action east of I-95.

One of the most popular hotels for visitors is the centrally located Hilton West Palm Beach, situated next to the Palm Beach County Convention Center and featuring a lively pool scene and delightful restaurant, Galley. Nearby is Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown, also conveniently located with a rooftop pool and lounge.

Another popular spot is The Ben, located along Flagler Drive, offering a rooftop pool and bar with stunning views of the Intracoastal. This whimsically decorated hotel highlights the fascinating history and bright future of the area.

If you wish to experience living like a local, consider Casa Grandview, a five-suite property nestled in the Grandview Heights Historic District. For extended stays, the Residence Inn by Marriott West Palm Beach Downtown offers centrally located and suitable accommodations for longer visits, providing walking access to all main downtown areas.

Additionally, you’ll find many charming Airbnbs, including one owned and designed by me: The Palm Penthouse, and many others in the historic neighborhoods north and south of the downtown core, like this top-rated home in Flamingo Park.

The Best Time to Visit West Palm Beach

There’s no bad time to visit West Palm Beach. Known as the Sunshine State, Florida embodies brightness and liveliness throughout the year. Visitors may perceive that every day feels similar—expect generally warm, sunny weather; however, some seasonal nuances are worth noting.

Springtime is nothing short of glorious, showcasing warm days, cool breezes, low humidity, and flowering trees and flowers throughout the city. It’s also the high season, which runs from late fall; from November through April, anticipate higher prices, more people, and limited availability compared to the off-season. Still, seeing Sandi Tree during December makes the visit worthwhile.

May through October experiences a slower pace in both West Palm Beach and neighboring Palm Beach. During this time, travelers often benefit from better deals and reduced traffic, although the weather can be hot and humid, particularly at this height of summer. Despite these conditions, it’s a prime period for beach days, albeit not ideal for long walks in the midday sun. For instance, August and September, coinciding with Flavor Palm Beach, represent the slowest months of the year.

It’s also worth noting that the Atlantic hurricane season spans June to November, presenting a chance of storms that may impact your plans during these months.

How to Get to West Palm Beach

Locals often praise Palm Beach International Airport as a truly wonderful destination; the experience at this small aviation hub is so hassle-free, you might forget you are in an airport. (I’ve clocked a personal record of just 15 minutes from my front door to my boarding gate.)

If necessary, accessing larger airports is also quite straightforward. A drive or Brightline ride-plus-shuttle bus to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport takes about an hour; allow about two hours for Miami International Airport. Soon, the Brightline service will establish direct links from West Palm Beach to Orlando International Airport as well. Budget-conscious travelers can choose the TriRail for convenient, though less luxurious, travel.

For drivers within a reasonable distance of West Palm Beach, simply use I-95 or the Florida Turnpike for direct access to this beautiful coastal city. By car, West Palm Beach is approximately an hour north of Miami, two-and-a-half hours southeast of Orlando, and three-and-a-half hours southeast of Tampa.