Planning a tropical getaway? Palm Beach — America’s First Resort Destination — offers beautiful beaches, elegant palm trees, and much more! This small barrier island used to be known as a prime vacation spot for the rich and famous. But over the years, it’s become a family-friendly town for guests from all walks of life! It’s also just minutes from West Palm Beach and other top travel destinations in the U.S.
We want you to make the most of your vacation to this tropical paradise, so we’ve put together the following Palm Beach travel guide for you. You’ll find info on when to go, how to get around, what to do and much more!
How to Get Around Palm Beach
Did you know that this beach town is around 4 square miles total? That makes it easy to get around on foot. But when the weather’s hot and humid, you may not feel like doing much walking. You can also drive around on your own or use the area’s transportation for hire, such as taxis.
Driving Around Palm Beach
Planning to rent a car when you fly into Palm Beach International Airport? Or are you taking a road trip here? Driving around the island is convenient and easy. You can reach Palm Beach via Royal Palm Way — lined with towering palm trees for a visually striking entrance — or take Flagler Memorial Bridge or Southern Boulevard to get here.
Once you’re on the island, the main roads you’ll be driving on include South County Road, South Ocean Boulevard, North County Road and North Ocean Boulevard. Love spending an afternoon shopping? Driving to Worth Avenue or Royal Poinciana Plaza off Royal Palm Way gets you to tons of retail spots!
Worth Avenue and other areas of Palm Beach have metered parking along the street. There’s also valet parking available at One Parking and the Apollo lot for a fee.
Walking and Biking
Visiting in milder weather? You can enjoy the sea air and sunshine while walking or biking around the island.
Rail Service
Heading into town from other areas of Florida? You can catch the Brightline, a high-speed rail service, from Orlando, Miami, Aventura or Fort Lauderdale to downtown West Palm Beach. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Palm Beach for your stay.
Flying into town? Tri-Rail offers service to the Palm Beaches area from Palm Beach International Airport. That’s a great option if you’re not planning on renting a car and driving around on your own! One-way fares start at $2.50.
Transportation For Hire
Bringing a large family or group to Palm Beach — or coming into town for a wedding, family reunion, or other event? Palm Beach has plenty of transportation options for these situations, including the Port of Palm Beach Private Transportation Services. You’ll also find taxis, trolleys and charter buses for hire to get you and your guests around town!
Best Time to Visit Palm Beach
These are a couple of things to think about when you’re planning on traveling to Palm Beach. The perfect time for a vacation here all depends on your budget, preferences, planned activities and other factors. We’ll walk you through the right times to visit, depending on various factors!
Are you trying to keep your overall costs low? Then plan your Palm Beach vacation for summertime. This is when you’ll find lower rates, as many tourists prefer visiting in winter to escape the cold. But note that you’ll be coming here when Palm Beach is at its hottest! So bring lots of sunscreen and plan on doing a lot of indoor shopping or outdoor swimming to beat the heat!
Do you want the best Palm Beach weather? Aim for a trip here in spring or fall, aka shoulder season. That’s when you’ll get pleasantly warm temperatures — and better rates overall! Spring brings SunFest and fewer crowds (save for spring break). Or head here in fall when it’s also less crowded, but keep in mind that fall is peak hurricane season!
Want to make the most of a trip here with tons of events and activities? Winter vacations in Palm Beach mean you can keep busy with holiday festivities and other seasonal events. The weather’s also cooler, making it easier to spend lots of time outdoors. However, this is also prime tourist season, and that means you'll find more crowds and higher rates!
Top Things to Do in Palm Beach
Don’t let Palm Beach’s small size fool you into thinking there’s not much to do! In fact, the area offers tons of ways to spend your time, with landmarks, outdoor adventures, shopping and so much more! Our guide to Palm Beach includes some of the best things to do during your vacation on this tropical South Florida island!
Palm Beach Sightseeing
- Duration: 2 hours
This fun tour takes you along the Intracoastal Waterway to explore Palm Beach’s historic landmarks and luxurious estates, all from the comfort of a spacious catamaran.
Get a Bird’s-Eye View of Palm Beach
- Duration: 1 hour
You’ll probably spend plenty of time swimming in Palm Beach’s surrounding waters. But what if you could see the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway (and Royal Palm Way’s towering palm trees) from up above? Go parasailing during your trip for breathtaking views of the area from the air!
Sunset Tour of West Palm Beach
- Duration: 2 hours
On this West Palm Beach sunset cruise, you’ll take in stunning views of the downtown skyline’s blend of historic and modern architecture from the comfort of a catamaran.
Enjoy a Breakfast Tour
- Duration: 2 hours
Looking for something to do in the greater Palm Beach County area? Take a breakfast tour to the region’s markets to sample coffee, croissants, arepas, tropical fruits, cheeses and other goods from local farms. Sip mimosas while enjoying a full breakfast at one of West Palm Beach’s top restaurants!
Go Snorkeling
- Duration: 1 hour
Want an adventurous way to explore the waters around Palm Beach? Go on a guided snorkeling tour! This gives you a great chance to watch fish, sea turtles and other marine life swimming around in their native habitat. Going snorkeling means you can get a better look at what’s in the ocean’s waters — for a greater appreciation of this environment!
West Palm Beach Day
- Duration: 4 hours
Arranging the perfect beach day — from Fort Lauderdale to West Palm Beach — without the hassle. Arrive to a fully prepared setup with everything you need, including umbrellas, loungers, towels, a Yeti cooler with ice, a JBL speaker and even a waterproof phone charger. Larger set-ups for large groups and game packages with gear for water sports are available for an extra fee.
Where to Stay in Palm Beach
Looking for an oceanfront hotel that’s just a few steps from the beach? Or maybe you prefer to stay closer to amenities and attractions in the heart of town, like shopping and dining? No matter what you’re looking for, Palm Beach offers several accommodations at varying price points. We’ll go over some of the top places we recommend for your stay in Palm Beach!
The Breakers
- Address: 1 S. County Rd., Palm Beach, FL 33480
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best for: Resort travelers
- Parking: Valet and on-site (fee)
- Amenities: Five restaurants, full bar, sauna, entertainment, on-site beach, cabanas, hot tub, swimming pool, health club, spa, snorkeling and self-propelled boats
Want to stay in one of the oldest hotels in the area? This historic resort hotel dates back to 1896! It’s got a seafood bar with a live fish tank and a candy shop for kids of all ages to enjoy. There’s also an activities center for family-friendly fun, multiple pools and guest rooms in varying sizes to accommodate families of all sizes!
The Brazilian Court
- Address: 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach, FL 33480
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best for: Travelers wanting to be close to Royal Palm Way
- Parking: Valet only
- Amenities: Heated outdoor pool, pet-friendly, fitness center, hot tub, beachfront-area transportation, valet laundry, spa, on-site art gallery
How about staying in a historic hotel that’s close enough to walk to Royal Poinciana Plaza for shopping and dining? The Brazilian Court — dating back to 1926 — offers vintage ambience and décor with modern amenities. It also has an art gallery on site to explore and a full-service spa to enjoy!
Hilton West Palm Beach
- Address: 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best for: Business travelers, leisure visitors, and those attending events at the convention center
- Parking: Valet only
- Amenities: Swimming pool, fitness center, business center, heated outdoor pool, 2 restaurants, recreation programs, lawn sports, valet laundry, airport transportation, room service, area transportation to downtown and the beach
Connected to the Palm Beach County Convention Center, this hotel is ideal for relaxation with its well-designed rooms featuring large TVs and bathrooms perfect for pampering. The pool area invites you to unwind with its cabanas, hot tub and outdoor bar. To enhance your stay, daily activities like yoga sessions and live music create a lively and engaging atmosphere.
Palm Beach Historic Inn
- Address: 365 S. County Rd., Palm Beach, FL 33480
- Diamond-designation: Approved
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers
- Parking: Street only
- Amenities: Wireless internet, bicycles, fridge and coffeemaker in room, snack pantry, flat-screen TVs in room
Trying to find budget-friendly accommodations in Palm Beach? This historic bed-and-breakfast puts you right in the downtown area for easy access to attractions and amenities. The Palm Beach Historic Inn offers a comfortable place to stay with basic amenities. You won’t get all the bells and whistles that come with an oceanfront resort here, but you’ll get more affordable accommodations!
PGA National Resort
- Address: 400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best for: Golf enthusiasts, luxury travelers and families looking for a resort-style experience
- Parking: On-site (fee) and valet
- Amenities: Swimming pools, 3 restaurants, full bar, cabanas, regulation golf, tennis, kids club, playground, game room, lawn sports, trails, health club, spa, valet laundry
This hotel features attractive rooms with velvet seating and furnished balconies or patios. Host of the PGA Tour's Honda Classic, the PGA National Resort offers fun places to go, including great pool area, tennis courts and bike rentals to explore the property. It's perfect for a luxurious and activity-filled stay.
Where to Eat in Palm Beach
What kinds of dining establishments does the island offer? A trip to Palm Beach means you have plenty of fine dining options to consider, including more casual options in nearby areas. Let’s go over a few of the best places to eat on the island and in neighboring areas, like West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens! Try to pick a AAA Diamond-designated restaurant for the best dining experience.
Cafe Boulud
- Address: 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach, FL 33480
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested for dinner
- Type: French
- Dress code: Business casual
Staying at the Brazilian Court Hotel? Then you’re conveniently close to Cafe Boulud! But it’s also easy enough to dine here no matter where your accommodations are. This upscale restaurant serves French cuisine in an elegant dining room. Outside seating is also available if you prefer. Dine on oysters, duck, or other entrées for dinner. Or stop by for afternoon tea or brunch!
Grato
- Address: 1901 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
- Type: Italian
- Dress code: Casual
Looking for a casual place to have pizza or pasta? Head over to Grato — just south of West Palm Beach’s downtown area. Grato offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and a menu filled with delicious options, from traditional pastas to burgers and chicken dishes.
La Goulue Palm Beach
- Address: 288 S. County Rd., Palm Beach, FL 33480
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
- Type: French, Bistro
- Dress code: Smart casual
How does gourmet French cuisine sound? La Goulue is a newer dining establishment in Palm Beach — modeled after La Goulue on NYC’s Upper East Side, but this establishment brings its own variety of entrées and other menu items, including steak, seafood and even gourmet burgers!
HMF
- Address: 1 S. County Rd., Palm Beach, FL 33480
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: No
- Type: International
- Dress code: Cocktail chic
Breakers’ guests have this upscale restaurant available on the premises. But you don’t need to be a resort guest to dine here! HMF offers a menu filled with an impressive range of items from around the world — from sushi and sashimi to salumi and cheese.
Coolinary and the Parched Pig
- Address: 4650 Donald Ross Rd., Suite 110, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
- Type: American
- Dress code: Casual
Looking for a farm-to-table restaurant that’s more on the casual side? This restaurant offers Southern comfort foods, like mac and cheese and deviled eggs for starters. Enjoy fried chicken and waffles, a chargrilled burger or another tempting entrée as your main meal!
Palm Beach Photo Spots
Where can you take the best photos during your trip? With Palm Beach being such a scenic place, almost anywhere works for getting amazing pics! But some spots give you iconic backgrounds to add an even bigger “wow factor” to your vacation photos. We’ve picked some of the best places to go for beautiful pics!
1. Fountain in front of The Breakers
You don’t have to be a guest here to take advantage of its stunning photo spots. But if you are staying here, you don’t have to go out of your way to snap some breathtaking pics! Stand in front of the resort’s fountain for a few pics — or take photos with the lobby’s colorful flower arrangement!
2. Royal Poinciana Plaza
Doing some shopping at the Plaza? Don’t forget to take some photos while you’re there! With rows of palm trees lining the street and the ocean in the distance, Royal Poinciana Plaza offers a tropical background that’s perfect for trip photos. For even more impressive pics, try to head there at sunrise or sunset!
3. Palm Beach Lake Trail
Planning a hike along the trail? Keep your phone handy to take photos of your picturesque surroundings! Palm Beach Lake Trail offers photo spots with West Palm Beach’s skyline in the background — and the Intracoastal Waterway. You can also take some amazing photos standing in front of walls covered in bougainvillea along the way!
4. Worth Avenue Clock Tower
Looking for a romantic spot for a photo? The clock tower with the Atlantic Ocean behind it provides a stunning setting for pics of you and your loved one! Take sunset or sunrise photos while posing in front of the clock tower for gorgeous keepsakes from your visit here!
5. Peanut Island
Want photos with Palm Beach itself as the background? Head over to Peanut Island! This tropical island gives you a great opportunity to snap some pics with Palm Beach’s architecture and palm trees in the distance, adding an eye-catching background! Or you can try paddle boarding to Peanut Island with the surrounding clear blue waters as your backdrop! Visit at high tide for the best water pics.
Day Trips from Palm Beach
With Palm Beach being a smaller place, you may want to do a day trip during your vacation. The island’s location will allow you to access other parts of South Florida for fun and adventure! We’ve already covered things to do in Palm Beach. Now, let’s take a look at where you can go and what you can do for memorable day trips!
1. Wellington
- Distance: 16 miles
Looking for great places to hike besides the Palm Beach Lake Trail? Head to Wellington to explore the Wellington Environmental Preserve’s scenic trails. Pack a picnic lunch for a relaxing day at Tiger Shark Cove Park. Or visit the Wellington Conservation Center to see sloths, lemurs and other endangered species. Love shopping? Stop at The Mall at Wellington Green for tons of retail options. Or visit the Lakeside Market for food trucks, live music and more!
2. Boca Raton
- Distance: 27 miles
Take a short drive over to Boca Raton for some of South Florida’s best dining, shopping and entertainment options! You’ll find tons of stores at the Town Center. Visit the Boca Raton Museum of Art — or take a stroll through Spanish River Park. Hang out with sea turtles at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Check out annual events in town, like the Festival of Arts BOCA or food festivals.
3. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Distance: 28 miles
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, located in Delray Beach just a short drive from Palm Beach, offers a peaceful space to explore Japanese culture and nature. Its six gardens reflect different periods of Japanese garden design, and the museum features exhibits highlighting traditional and contemporary Japanese life. Named one of AAA's recommended Japanese Gardens in the U.S. and Canada, it provides a quiet retreat for reflection and learning.
4. Zoo Miami
- Distance: 92 miles
Looking for somewhere to take the kids for a day trip? Head over to Miami to spend the day at Zoo Miami! It’s the state’s biggest zoo — and that means there are tons of animals to see from all over the world. Explore species from the Everglades to Asia and Africa, including elephants, camels, flamingos, crocodiles and much more!
Visiting Palm Beach on a Budget
A trip to Palm Beach isn’t just for the elite — as it was in the olden days. But staying here can still be on the expensive side. How can you stick to your travel budget and make the most of your stay on this tropical island? Let’s explore some top tips for visiting Palm Beach — while also keeping your expenses in check!
1. Take full advantage of being a AAA member! Your membership means you have access to hotels, tickets, and vehicle discounts. That gives you great ways to save some money on your trip and enjoy all that Palm Beach has to offer! See what’s available in town for accommodations, attractions, events, and transportation— and in nearby areas, like West Palm Beach.
2. Fly off season. Will you be flying into PBI for a stay in Palm Beach? If possible, avoid booking flights during the height of tourist season here — during winter. You’re more likely to find good airfare deals in off-peak times, such as fall or spring. You might even get deals on summer flights to the area. Don’t forget to check out airfare to other South Florida airports — like Miami and Fort Lauderdale. You can always take the Brightline to and from Palm Beach!
3. Use loyalty points from credit cards, airlines, and other vendors. Have you racked up lots of points from reward programs? Now’s the time to redeem them for your Palm Beach trip! See what you can get from loyalty or reward programs to help you reduce your vacation costs.
4. Compare accommodations in Palm Beach with neighboring areas. Yes, staying right in Palm Beach might be ideal for you — but it can also be more expensive overall! Look into accommodations in West Palm Beach or other nearby areas and compare rates. You might find lower rates at these hotels, such as the Hampton Inn by Hilton in West Palm Beach — a hotel with a Three Diamond AAA rating.
5. Check for free things to do in the area. Splurging on accommodations? Or just trying to keep travel expenses as low as possible? The Palm Beaches area is known for luxury. But it offers tons of free things to do! Bike along the Palm Beach Lake Trail for gorgeous surroundings. Visit local nature centers, like Daggerwing Nature Center in nearby Boca Raton. Head to West Palm Beach for free concerts, outdoor movies — and more!
Plan Your Palm Beach Vacation with AAA
Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Palm Beach trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or a la carte options.