On a golden stretch of the Atlantic shore lies glorious Palm Beach island. After the hectic time in Disney followed by the drive to Cape Canaveral to visit the Kennedy Space Center, our plan for the remaining five days was to totally chill out. Boy did this place hit the spot! While it’s a great destination for kicking back, there are also so many fun things to do in Palm Beach.
This Palm Beach travel guide covers some of the top things to do on Palm Beach island and in West Palm Beach. I’ve also included some handy restaurant and hotel recommendations to help you plan your trip. Let’s dive right in!
Tip: Looking to explore more of the Sunshine State? Consider some of these best day trips from Orlando, Florida.
Palm Beach island in Florida is a barrier island separated from West Palm Beach by the Intercoastal Waterway. This thin, verdant stretch of land boasts glitzy mansions, rows of palm trees (of course), and sandy shores. Here are some of the top activities worth putting on your Palm Beach itinerary.
What better way to see the beauty of Palm Beach than on a bicycle? The Palm Beach Lake Trail is a roughly five-mile-long path running along the Intercoastal Waterway. You’ll have great views of the opulent mansions as well as West Palm Beach across the water.
Stop by a rental shop like Palm Beach Bicycle Trail Shop and enjoy a scenic day of cruising through the neighbourhood. It’s a great way to get to many of the island’s sights, especially with the kiddos in tow.
Pop into P.B. Boys Club for all your beachside essentials — whether that be flip flops, beachwear, or sunglasses. This friendly one-stop local shop also offers surf and paddleboard rentals. So, why not rent a few boards and brave the waves with the little ones?
There’s a reason Palm Beach is known as the golf capital of Florida. There are over 170 golf courses in Palm Beach County alone! So why not enjoy the Florida air with a round on the greens?
Of course, golf may not be for everyone, especially not the younger ones. But there are a few great options perfect for some family fun. For older children, why not give the Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course a try? This course consists exclusively of holes that should be easy to sink within three swings. This means you could complete the course within 2–3 hours or less. Pair this with dreamy views of the ocean and Intercoastal Waterway, and you’re in for a memorable time.
World-famous Worth Avenue is one of the prettiest shopping precincts I’ve ever seen. Full of Florida old-world charm, it’s a great place to people-watch and see how the other 1% live.
Worth Avenue is lined with luxury vehicles parked in front of a backdrop of Chanel, Hermès, Van Cleef & Arpels, Gucci, and Cartier stores. You can do some serious damage to your credit card here!
While here, be sure to pop into the vias off the main avenue. These gems are full of hidden boutiques, restaurants and beautiful architecture decorated with gurgling fountains and rambling bougainvillaeas. You’ll also want to look out for the Worth Avenue Clock Tower. This historical clock tower faces the ocean and makes for a stunning photo opp!
West Palm Beach sits on the mainland and is just a bridge crossing away from Palm Beach island. You’ll find some great outdoor attractions in West Palm Beach ideal for the whole family.
Downtown West Palm Beach is beaming with colourful and thought-provoking murals by incredible artists. Stand-outs include Einstein’s Theory of Love by Eduardo Kobra and Eris and the Golden Apple by Danny Doya. Pack your camera and head out for a street art-spotting stroll. You’ll find some stunning, Insta-worthy murals to capture.
Tip: Pair your street art hunt with a guided downtown West Palm Beach food tour. This tour allows you to sample the flavours of South Florida while admiring street art in a group setting.
Looking for free activities near West Palm Beach? Take the kiddos to see Florida’s calm and quirky manatees at Manatee Lagoon! The Manatee Lagoon FPL Eco-Discovery Center is dedicated to educating the public about these endangered creatures.
You’re most likely to spot these gentle giants between mid-November and March. During these months, they move closer to the shore to wait the winter out in warmer waters. It’s one of the best family things to do in West Palm Beach, especially for the marine life-curious kiddos.
Get a different perspective of Palm Beach with a scenic Palm Beach catamaran cruise. You’ll learn about the history of the area while soaking up views of the mansions, yachts, and islands Palm Beach is known for. Your cruise on the Intercoastal Waterway will take you past the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, Peanut Island, and sandy shores.
If you’re visiting between October and April, be sure to add the West Palm Beach GreenMarket to your itinerary. Voted the best farmer’s market in the USA, GreenMarket boasts over 120 vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, baked goods and everything in between.
Head over on a Saturday morning to stock up on some fresh fruits and picnic essentials. Or simply indulge your sweet tooth with some of the delightful treats on offer.
The Norton Museum of Art was opened in 1941 by businessman and art collector Ralph H. Norton. Covering over 122,500 square feet and housing over 8,000 works, this museum is a must-see Palm Beach attraction.
The vast collection of art includes American, Chinese, and European works, as well as contemporary and photographic pieces. The museum hosts regular guided talks, workshops, and classes. There’s even a family studio where you can get creative with your little ones if they’re aged between five and 12 years.
Highlights of the museum include the 37,200-square-foot sculpture garden — a luscious landscape filled with impressive sculptures. The Chihuly glass ceiling is another mesmerising and Instagram-worthy sight.
South Florida is known for so many exciting dishes — including key lime pie, Cuban sandwiches, and Key West pink shrimp. And there are many excellent restaurants in Palm Beach Island and West Palm Beach where you can try these dishes. Here are just a few great options.
Fern Street Kitchen offers hearty, farm-to-table fresh food of the highest quality. All beef and pork on the menu comes straight from the restaurant’s own ranch. The warm atmosphere pairs perfectly with the comforting meals, including seafood risotto, the Rancher’s Reserve Burger, and shrimp fried rice.
The charmingly old-fashioned Greens Pharmacy boasts a lunch counter where none other than JFK used to escape for a quick bite. Open since 1938, it’s a Palm Beach landmark serving burgers and milkshakes as big as your face.
The eclectic, vibrant Buccan restaurant, led by famous chef Clay Conley, serves innovative, American-inspired cuisine. The short-rib empanadas and sweet corn agnolotti are crowd favourites. They also have a sandwich shop for Buccan goodness on the go. This spot can get ultra-busy, so be sure to make a reservation to secure a spot.
Still have a few questions while planning fun things to do with your kids in Palm Beach? Have a look at my answers to some frequently asked questions below.
Palm Beach is about 170 miles from Orlando, Florida. It took us about two and a half hours to drive from Orlando to Palm Beach.
Palm Beach is the ideal destination for a family trip. There are plenty of outdoor activities in West Palm Beach and on Palm Beach island to keep the little ones busy. While the delightful restaurants, museums, and galleries may appeal more to the parents and older family members.
Palm Beach is certainly on the pricier side. In fact, it’s known as the most expensive place to live in Florida, filled with celebrities and millionaires galore. This comes with a higher cost of living, so you can expect steeper prices.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Palm Beach — whether you’re travelling with or without the kids. From high-end shopping to gourmet dining and leisurely rounds of golf, Palm Beach is the ideal place to escape the everyday.
Our last few days in Florida could not have concluded in a better destination. You can read about our other Florida adventures in my Disney Magic Kingdom blog. And, if you’re a space enthusiast, have a look at my top Kennedy Space Center tips!
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Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says:
I love Florida! It looks like you’re all having so much fun.
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Florida was amazing. Only problem now is I want to go back. X
Rachel says:
It looks as though you are having the time of your lives and the hotel looks just stunning x
Sima Sthanakiya says:
It was a dream holiday Rachel. Coming back home to reality was a shock. X
Carol says:
Gorgeous photos – I want to go!
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Thank you Carol! Hopefully one day xx
Maggie says:
Wow what a read and such amazing photos!!! I’m googling Palm Beach as I type this as it looks like the perfect long weekend escape for when I’ll be in Florida in a couple of months time. The Four Seasons looks fantastic, I’m a sucker for Rodeo Drive type shops and boutiques and that milkshake! You have me seriously excited about Palm Beach Sima 🙂 xx
Sima Sthanakiya says:
So glad you enjoyed it Maggie! I hope you make it there, you’ll love it. X
Ana says:
Hi Sima,
Last month, I too went to Palm Beach and had an amazing time! I am working on an interesting project related to Florida for Huff Post. I couldn’t find your email id on your site. Please email me at ana.ojha.10@gmail.com and I will share you the more details!
P.S.- Your pictures are awesome!