The Best Things to Do in Palm Beach: An Insider’s Guide

I’ve spent a bit of time in Palm Beach over the past few years, and I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite places for a quick weekend getaway.

There are so many things to do in Palm Beach—from shopping on Worth Avenue to hitting up some of the best restaurants—and this guide has you covered.

Since I always like to get my recommendations from locals, I relied heavily on the advice of friends and acquaintances who own homes in Palm Beach or have spent a significant amount of time in the area.

Below you’ll find a list of the best hotels in Palm Beach, as well as the best restaurants, places for drinks, shopping, and things to do. 

WHERE TO STAY IN PALM BEACH

The Four Seasons Palm Beach
I recently stayed at this property, and I can NOT rave about it enough. I experienced some of the best service I’ve ever had in my life, and the hotel itself is gorgeous.

The hotel is located on an expansive stretch of beach that feels incredibly private, which I loved.

Design-wise, the property is also a home-run. I would recommend requesting the pink stripe Cabana Terrace room. Also: be sure to have dinner and a drink at Florie’s.

The Pineapple Pad
After seeing this place on Instagram, I just KNEW I had to experience it. If you’re into design—or obsessed with Instagrammable locations—the Pineapple Pad is a must.

The 400-square-foot condo, which was designed by the blogger duo @PalmBeachLately, is available for rent on VRBO and goes for around $300/night. Everything about it was adorable. It’s great for a couple or two girlfriends, but not big enough for a family as it only sleeps two. 

The Breakers
When I took a poll on my IG stories about where to stay in Palm Beach, everyone told me I had to stay at The Breakers. The problem is that they were sold out over my dates, and even if they weren’t—the rates can be insanely expensive.

That being said, people swear by the hotel. It’s the epitome of old school luxury. I spent the day here by the pool, then went back for drinks at night—suffice to say I would definitely try and book a room the next time I’m in town.

The Colony Palm Beach
I absolutely LOVED this place. Like a lot of Palm Beach, it has a very old school/retro vibe, so if you’re looking for something more modern, Eau Palm Beach or Four Seasons might be a better fit.

Personally, I adored everything about The Colony—from the people watching, to the branded golf cart, to the palm print decor EVERYWHERE.

The service was great, and they have Escalades that will take you to and from The Breakers all day for free, which we took advantage of. The crowd was definitely on the older side, but I think that’s par for the course here.

Other Top Hotels That I Didn’t Experience:
– Eau Palm Beach (designed by Jonathan Adler + people say the spa is to die for)
– The Brazilian Court
– White Elephant

Need help packing for your trip? Check out my Beach Vacation Packing Checklist.

WHERE TO EAT IN PALM BEACH

Shoutout to my good friend (and Palm Beach regular) Callie Stanton for helping to curate this incredible list.

Lola41
This new hotspot opened recently, and it’s definitely worth making your reservation in advance.

Nantucket-goers will recognize Lola41 as an outpost of the similarly-named ACK spot, which serves sushi and global cuisine in a bistro-style setting. Not to miss on the menu: the lobster fried rice, the Lola burger, and the tuna burger.

Buccan
If you only have time for one dinner in Palm Beach, this is the place to go. The food is great and it’s a fun scene.
Stalk them on Instagram: @buccanpalmbeach

Imoto
This is the sister restaurant to Buccan – right next door! Great spot for a sushi dinner or to have drinks after dinner at Buccan.
Stalk them on Instagram: @imotopalmbeach

Florie’s
The Four Seasons’ new restaurant in partnership with Mauro Colagreco, whose restaurant in France is currently number one in the world.

Whatever you do: you MUST order the tomato and persimmon carpaccio. I would literally travel back to Palm Beach just for this dish.

A little nook in the bar area of Florie’s Palm Beach.

Palm Beach Grill
A classic Palm Beach stop great for people watching.
Stalk them on Instagram: @thepalmbeachgrill

Renato’s
Perfect romantic spot for a date night; make sure to sit outside in the courtyard.
Stalk them on Instagram: @renatospb

Honor Bar
This spot is still pretty new and one of my favorite lunch places in Palm Beach.
Stalk them on Instagram: @thehonorbarpb

Cafe Boulud
Another great place for people watching located at the Brazilian Court Hotel; sit outside and try at least one of their White Cosmos (their Blood Mary is also delish!)
Stalk them on Instagram: @cafebouludpb

Other recommendations:

• Trevini
• Flagler’s Steakhouse (Patio)
• Sant Ambroeus
• Seafood Bar at The Breakers
• La Goulue
• Almond
• Henry’s
• High Dive (West Palm Beach)

BEST PLACES FOR A DRINK IN PALM BEACH

HMF at the Breakers
Pre or post-dinner drinks here is a definite must-do.
Stalk them on Instagram: @thebreakers

Cucina
This is the famous bar where everyone goes for late night drinks. Not sure what it’s like mid-week but it’s always hopping on the weekend. When I say hopping I mean hopping.

Think Rod Stewart climbing on the bar to sing and Billy Joel having a makeout sesh in the corner. They also serve amazing late night pizzas if you have yet to be convinced.
Stalk them on Instagram: @cucinapalmbeach

BEST SHOPPING IN PALM BEACH

Worth Ave
A must-do when you come to Palm Beach – lined with all the usual suspects: Intermix, Saks, Chanel, etc.

C Orrico
A Palm Beach classic with Lilly Pulitzer plus lots of cover ups, jewelry, etc.

Palm Beach Vintage
Always has so many amazing pieces, I can always find something fabulous here.
Stalk them on Instagram: @palmbeachvintage

Lilly Pulitzer
This is their newest store with hand-painted fitting rooms, an interactive pattern designer and—the best —a cocktail bar.

CJ Laing 
For the cutest jewelry, cover ups, etc.

Skinny Dip 
This recently opened in Palm Beach.  Their first was in Nantucket.  They have cute sun dresses, jewelry and cover ups.  Good stuff for guys too.

Restoration Hardware West Palm
Have lunch at the rooftop restaurant.

Lindroth Design
I LOVE their straw bags and all of their home stuff. Must go here!

Hive (West Palm)
One of the chicest home stores.  I always find the best stuff here.

Other highlights: Stubbs and Wootton (for custom smoking slippers), Aerin, the new boutiques at the Royal Poinciana Plaza, Lori Jayne Monogramming (monogram heaven), and Church Mouse is a fab thrift store.

Stoney Clover Lane
The adorable accessory brand’s original brick-and-mortar store where you can personalize pouches, duffels and more with their signature patches. Located at Royal Poinciana Plaza.
Stalk them on Instagram: @stoneyclover

 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PALM BEACH

• Bike ride on the lake trail or beach walk
• Go to the beach!
• Tour The Flagler Museum
• Spa day at The Breakers
• Mary Lily’s at Breakers is a new, yummy ice cream spot. 
• Sprinkles is still my favorite ice cream store!  It’s a PB icon.
• Gardens at the Society of the Four Arts is so beautiful and would be a good place for pics
• Celis Produce has smoothie bowls if you want to grab something healthy on the go or to have before your flight.  
• Christopher’s Kitchen is also a delicious, plant based spot that’s popular, but I would focus on the classics before you dive into this. 
• Meraki Juice Kitchen (in West Palm) has yummy, healthy juices, smoothie bowls, etc.

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