West Palm Beach Travel Guide

Discover all the top attractions, activities, and places to visit in West Palm Beach with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to West Palm Beach

Located in Palm Beach County in Greater Miami, West Palm Beach is a vibrant destination with a rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and plenty of opportunities for adventure. This bustling city is known for its pristine beaches, exciting nightlife, world-class museums, and thriving food scene.

List of Places to Visit in West Palm Beach

Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, avid shopper, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, West Palm Beach has something to offer for everyone. Here’s a list of the top places to visit in West Palm Beach:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
  • Norton Museum of Art
  • Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society
  • Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
  • The Breakers
  • Mounts Botanical Garden

Natural Attractions of West Palm Beach: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Okeeheelee Park
  • Grassy Water Preserve
  • Peanut Island Park
  • John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
  • South Florida Science Center and Aquarium

Hiking/Biking Routes of West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach has some of the best hiking and biking routes in Florida, offering visitors plenty of opportunities to explore its natural beauty. Here are some of the top trails:

  • Lake Trail
  • Owahee Trail
  • Apoxee Wilderness Trail
  • Pine Glades Natural Area Trail
  • Juno Dunes Natural Area Trail

Best Things to Do in West Palm Beach: Activities and Tours

There’s never a dull moment in West Palm Beach, with plenty of activities and tours to keep visitors entertained. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Visit the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society
  • Take a scenic boat tour along the waterways
  • Shop at CityPlace and Clematis Street
  • Go snorkeling, scuba diving, or jet skiing
  • Attend a concert or event at the Kravis Center

Week-Long Itinerary for West Palm Beach

Day 1: Visit the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, followed by a stroll along the Lake Trail

Day 2: Explore the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society, and then head to Peanut Island Park for a picnic and snorkeling

Day 3: Go on a scenic boat tour along the Intracoastal Waterway, and then shop and dine at CityPlace

Day 4: Take a hike at Owahee Trail, followed by a relaxing massage at a nearby spa

Day 5: Visit the Norton Museum of Art, and then head to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium

Day 6: Spend the day at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, and end the day with a sunset sailboat ride

Day 7: Visit The Breakers and Mounts Botanical Garden

Food and Drink Scene of West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach boasts a vibrant food and drink scene, with plenty of local flavors and international cuisine to choose from. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Conch fritters
  • Florida stone crabs
  • Key lime pie
  • Grouper sandwich
  • Cuban sandwich

Local Beverages

  • Key lime martini
  • Cuban coffee
  • Craft beer from local breweries
  • Orange juice from local farms

Where to Stay in West Palm Beach: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

West Palm Beach offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. Here are some top choices:

  • Hilton West Palm Beach
  • The Brazilian Court Hotel
  • Grandview Gardens Bed & Breakfast
  • Hotel Biba
  • Camping at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

What to Buy in West Palm Beach: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bring home a piece of West Palm Beach with these unique souvenirs and local products:

  • Sea glass jewelry
  • Citrus fruits and locally-made honey
  • Original artwork and sculptures
  • Beach towels and umbrellas
  • Handcrafted candles and soaps

Local Culture and Customs of West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach has a diverse population, with influences from different cultures, religions, and traditions. Here are some local customs to keep in mind:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or attending formal events
  • Respect local wildlife and habitats, and do not litter
  • Tipping is customary in restaurants and for certain services
  • Always use sunscreen when spending time outdoors

Best Time to Visit West Palm Beach

The best time to visit West Palm Beach is from December to April, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are plenty of outdoor activities and cultural events to enjoy. Summer months can be hot and humid, but also offer discounted rates and fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of West Palm Beach

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting West Palm Beach:

Do:

  • Explore the natural beauty and wildlife of West Palm Beach
  • Support local businesses and artisans
  • Visit historical sites and museums to learn about the city’s culture and heritage
  • Try local cuisine and beverages
  • Plan ahead and book tours and activities in advance

Don’t:

  • Feed or provoke wildlife
  • Litter or damage public property
  • Wear overly revealing clothing or beachwear in public places
  • Swim in non-designated areas or during hazardous conditions
  • Drink and drive

Safety and Health

Safety in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is generally a safe and welcoming destination, but visitors should take precautions to avoid pickpocketing, scams, and other crimes. Here are some safety tips:

  • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings when walking in public areas
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables
  • Use reputable taxi and transportation services
  • Follow traffic rules and wear a helmet when biking or skating

Health in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach has high-quality medical facilities and healthcare services, including hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers. Visitors should also take precautions to prevent sunburn, heatstroke, and insect bites, and stay hydrated when spending time outdoors.

Getting to West Palm Beach: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near West Palm Beach

The main airport serving West Palm Beach is Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), which offers domestic and international flights from major airlines. Other nearby airports include Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Miami International Airport (MIA).

Bus Stations Near West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is served by Greyhound Lines, which operates a bus station in downtown West Palm Beach. Other bus companies offering services to and from West Palm Beach include Megabus and RedCoach.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach West Palm Beach by car, train, or by taking a shuttle service or ride-sharing service.

How to Get Around in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach offers various transportation options for visitors, including:

  • Taxis
  • Car rentals
  • Public transportation (bus and trolley)
  • Bike rentals and bike-share programs
  • Walking

Where to Go Next from West Palm Beach: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time in West Palm Beach, there are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to explore, including:

  • Miami (about an hour’s drive)
  • Fort Lauderdale (about an hour’s drive)
  • The Everglades (about two hours’ drive)
  • Key West (about four hours’ drive and a ferry or plane ride)

Conclusion

West Palm Beach offers visitors a perfect blend of culture, nature, and adventure, with plenty of attractions and activities to suit every interest. Book your trip now and discover the beauty and charm of this vibrant Florida city!

A section of the West Palm Beach skyline with eponymous trees. A section of the West Palm Beach skyline with eponymous trees. Hotel Biba Hotel Biba