Can you believe that I’ve lived in Florida for most of my life and I have never really explored Palm Beach?!
Recently, my husband and I drove and enjoyed the perfect little weekend stay-cation in Palm Beach. We spent 48 hours exploring Palm Beach and captured some of its iconic charm. Although 48 hours isn’t nearly enough time to explore any city, it does give you enough time to experience plenty in Palm Beach. Keep reading as I share how to spend 48 hours in Palm Beach.
How to Get to Palm Beach
Getting to Palm Beach clearly depends on where you’re coming from. If you’re flying in then you will most likely fly into either Palm Beach International Airport or Ft. Lauderdale Airport.
Book a flight through Kayak for the best prices! I love Kayak because they scan for prices on hundreds of travel sites in seconds and gather flight deals from across the web and put them in one place with no extra fee from KAYAK.
Since I live in Florida, I decided to drive to Palm Beach. If you’re driving from Ft. Lauderdale it will take you about 45 minutes, Miami about an 1.45 hours and from Orlando will take about 2.5 hours.
When driving from neighboring cities, it is possible to drive up for the day if staying the night is not an option, however if you don’t want to be rushed and really see Palm Beach then I suggest getting a hotel for the night. We decided to stay the night and drive our car, making it easier to get around without having to depend on alternate means of transportation.
If you don’t have a car, prefer not to drive or just want to take a day trip to Palm Beach, the BrightLine train is a great way to get from Miami or even Ft. Lauderdale (FTL) to West Palm Beach (WPB). Orlando and Tampa are currently in the works. The train takes 1 hour from Miami to WPB and 30 minutes from FTL to WPB. Click here for tickets, info and pricing.
Where to Stay
THE BEN
A luxury waterfront hotel that is part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. Offering prime views of the Palm Harbor Marina and scenic Intracoastal Waterway, the hotel’s amenities include a stunning rooftop lounge with an expansive heated saltwater pool and adjacent bar.
Enjoy poolside cocktail service and nightlife vibes. Situated at the northeast quadrant of Olive Avenue and Banyan Boulevard, the hotel is one block from Clematis Street, West Palm’s “Main Street,” and within walking distance of lifestyle hub Rosemary Square.
THE BREAKERS
You can’t mention Palm Beach without mentioning the Breakers, and once you visit, you will see why. It is SO lavish and swanky and if budget ain’t no thang, then you should definitely stay here!
THE PINEAPPLE PAD
The Pineapple Pad is a vacation rental in the Palm Beach Hotel, created by the Palm Beach Lately sisters Beth Aschenbach and Danielle Norcross in 2012. They completely transformed 400 sq. ft. space into the most adorable place you have EVER seen equipped with a kitchenette, living room, bedroom and bathroom. Amenities include a swimming pool, laundry room, gym on property and more. To book you stay click here.
THE BRAZILIAN COURT
Right in the heart of downtown and minutes from shopping and restaurants, this is a fabulous option if you are looking for luxury with a little personality.
RESIDENCE INN WEST PALM BEACH
This hotel in the heart of West Palm Beach and offers spacious suites with full kitchens and a living room. You will be in a great location, walking distance to restaurants/shops and close to the beach. Would recommend this hotel for the value, location and amenities.
THE COLONY PALM BEACH
The colony hotel is a beautiful hotel that is perfect for a fabulous girls weekend or a romantic weekend getaway. It’s sophisticated without feeling overly stuffy, and I just love this hotel so much. The staff is so sweet and welcoming and the decor is EVERYTHING!
Palm Beach Activities
Lay on the Beach: While there’s a lot to do in this town, make sure you give yourself at least a few hours to enjoy the gorgeous beaches.
Rent Bikes: Go to the Palm Beach Bicycle Trail Shop and rent a bike. You can bike along Lake Trail, basically a large sidewalk with the ocean on one side and beautiful estates on the other. If you’re there in the summer months you must go early in the morning to avoid the extreme heat. Bikes cost $20 an hour.
Visit Downtown WPB/Clematis Street: It is enjoyable to visit the downtown city center of most cities. The urban lifestyle of Palm Beach’s Clematis Street is exciting and eclectic. Check out the large mural art work featuring Albert Einstein on the corner of Clematis Street and Rosemary Street.
Visit the Breakers: You can’t visit Palm Beach without seeing the Breakers Hotel! You can take a tour, pop in for a cocktail/bite to eat or enjoy their spa.
We decided to visit HMF AT THE BREAKERS for happy hour cocktails and an appetizer around 6 pm. The vibe is very Mad Men with cocktail waitresses, carrying trays of Manhattans and martinis. The menu is tapas style so prepare to share. It opens Daily at 5 PM and I definitely think it’s worth a visit.
Flagler Museum: You don’t even have to be a history lover to appreciate the impact that Henry Flagler has had on the state of Florida. While the house was a gift from Henry Flagler to his second wife, it does still bore an imprint of the man as he resided there. Admission is $18.
Worth Avenue: Palm Beach’s version of Rodeo Drive. The avenue is lined with designer boutiques including Lilly Pulitzer, Chanel and Tiffany’s. Hidden behind every alleyway is a little bit of history- from Lilly Pulitzer’s original juice stand to her new flagship store across from Tiffany’s.
Cocktail Stop at Palm Beach Hotels: Palm Court at the Colony is another old-school situation, the Palm Court at The Colony Hotel is pretty great for people watching and a stunning setting. Enjoy a cocktail and play outdoor games like corn-hole by the pool.
PLACES TO EAT:
BUCCAN – An Italian restaurant with amazing food. It’s one of the most popular and lively spots in Palm Beach, with an equally great bar scene. Opens at 5 pm daily. Address: 350 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480
SOURBOUN – Contemporary European dining experience in a sleek, botanical dining room and cocktail bar on Clematis Street. You must check out the secret , not so secret speakeasy, The Lab, hidden in the back of the restaurant. The cocktails are phenomenal. The Lab is only open Wednesday through Saturday evenings starting at 7:30 p.m. DJ/live entertainment is offered on select nights and weekends.
PROPER GRIT – Amazing spot for food and cocktails. They have a whiskey library and beautiful ambiance whether you dine for brunch, lunch or dinner. Highly recommend this spot and don’t leave without eating their crème brulee! Address: 251 N Narcuissus Ave, West Palm Beach, Fl 33401
SPRUZZO – Spruzzo brings together Mediterranean cuisine and raw bar, craft cocktails and expansive Intracoastal views. You can find this spot on the rooftop of The Ben. I love that they play live music and during the evenings there is a DJ for a more nightlife vibe. Address: 251 N Narcuissus Ave, West Palm Beach, Fl 33401
EL CAMINO – One of my favorite Mexicans in town! If you’re looking for a decent margarita and some tacos, this is the spot! El Camino is located in The Square, which is perfect if you want to shop or take a stroll after your meal. Address: 700 S. Rosemary Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
CAFE BOULUD – Nestled inside Brazilian Court, Cafe Boulud is world renowned for its exquisite French cuisine. Pop in for lunch (as a break from the hot sun while shopping on Worth Avenue) or brunch on weekends to get the full experience. Address: 301 Australian Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480
PIZZA AL FRESCO – It’s beautiful and the pizza is amazing, AND it’s right off of Worth Avenue. They have gluten free pizza options. Address: 14 Via Mizner, Worth Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480
TA-BOO – Located on Worth Avenue- this is THE place to go with friends for brunch, lunch or dinner. Address: 221 Worth Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480
BICE – A lovely Italian restaurant located on Worth Avenue. Elegant with a great ambiance. Dinner at Bice is like stepping into a restaurant in Rome. Everything from the greeting when you arrive, the service, cocktails, food and the final arrivederci is authentically Italian. Address: 313 Worth Avenue Palm Beach, FL 33480
RESTORATION HARDWARE ROOFTOP – The RH Rooftop Restaurant offers a great selection of foods, wine vault and barista bar. The restaurant is located at the top of the grand staircase on level 4. Address: 560 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
POLO BAR – A casual but refined space, the Polo Lounge features a dining room separated from the bar by a baby grand piano. Address: 155 Hammon Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480
THE CIRCLE AT THE BREAKERS – Wear your Sunday’s best and get a taste of Old Florida luxury at this historic hotel. This is a complete splurge at $120 a person plus tax and gratuity, but the opulent buffet offers selections including a raw bar with Alaskan king crab legs, lobster, oysters, shrimp and caviar. Meanwhile, the dessert station is stacked with artful pastries and cakes. Sunday Brunch is from 11 AM – 2:30 PM. 1 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480
GRANDVIEW PUBLIC MARKET – GPM is located in the warehouse district, showcasing 12 chef-inspired vendors. Really fun place to walk around and sample different style of food. 1401 Clare Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
FIELD OF GREENS – Great for breakfast and lunch. Can order everything from acai bowls, smoothies, juices to breakfast sandwiches, salads, or sandwiches, and they have a huge make your own salad bar option as well. 412 N Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, Fl 33401
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