Palm Beach: Fun In The Sunshine State’s Treasure Coast

There’s no doubt that there are plenty of Long Islanders both former and current populating the sunny shores of Florida at any given moment. There’s always been a connection between Long Island and the Sunshine State, and what better area for this connection to be fostered than an East Coast island town like Palm Beach?

Palm Beach is an incorporated town located on a barrier island in southeast Florida’s Palm Beach County. The area’s first American settlers arrived in 1872, and it wouldn’t be long before it was transformed into the gorgeous tropical getaway it is today, thanks in large part to the vision of railway and real estate developer Henry Flagler.

Through Flagler’s efforts, and the efforts of many who followed, Palm Beach became known as America’s first resort destination. On top of some of the finest resorts in the country, the area also offers an endless array of family-friendly activities, world-class restaurants, luxury shopping experiences, pristine beaches, and more.

If you’re planning on paying Palm Beach a visit this winter, be sure to check out some of the following can’t-miss destinations.

Phenomenal Food and Drink

The amazing food options in Palm Beach are almost too numerous to catalog, but rest assured you’ll find a venue for every appetite during your stay. Below are just a few of the area’s finest.

If you’re looking for something fast, affordable, and fantastic, then stop by Surfside Diner (314 S. County Rd., 561-659-7495, www.surfsidediner.com). They’ve got all the classic American diner dishes and more, and they specialize in one of the most classic of them all: the all-American burger.

Being that Palm Beach is renowned for its world-class hotels and resorts, it should come as no surprise that some of the best places to grab a meal are located right in the heart of some of the best hotels and resorts in the area. Swifty’s (155 Hammon Ave., 561-655-5430, www.thecolonypalmbeach.com) is one of those places. It’s located at the Colony Hotel, and much like many residents of Palm Beach, it’s a New York transplant. The southern sister of this iconic New York City eatery offers indoor and outdoor dining and a full menu of eclectic options.

The Breakers is a legendary luxury hotel that’s listed on the National Register of Historic places. It’s also the location of four of the area’s finest restaurants. There you’ll find Seafood Bar, HMF, The Italian Restaurant, and The Circle at The Breakers (1 S. County Rd., 877-724-8188, www.thebreakers.com). Each of these eateries offers something unique, and all of them are unified not only by their address but by their dedication to top-flight service and top-notch meals.

World-class Shopping in Paradise

Palm Beach offers every kind of shopping experience, from funky Florida-flavored gift shops to diverse boutiques to all your favorite big name brands and more. However, without a doubt, the area’s specialty is luxury. These are just a few of the essential stops.

You’ll want to stop by The Royal Poinciana Plaza (340 Royal Poinciana Way, 561-440-5441, www.theroyalpoincianaplaza.com) for the scenery alone, but that’s far from all this 180,000-square-foot shopper’s paradise has to offer. Among the lush gardens and stunning courtyards you’ll find an array of luxury clothing stores, along with plenty of specialty shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more.

For perhaps an even more stunning and opulent shopping experience, take a stroll down Worth Avenue. Located right along the immaculate shores of the azure Atlantic, this iconic Palm Beach destination offers the striking beauty of a Fresco painting and enough unique boutiques and upscale shops to keep you occupied for the duration of your stay.

Serene Shores and Pristine Parks

You’ll want to revel in the tropical weather as much as possible during your stay in Palm Beach, and there are countless places to do just that. Add these outdoor destinations to your itinerary and you won’t be disappointed.

Being that the town of Palm Beach is located on a barrier island, you’ll never be far from a gorgeous shoreline where you and your family can spend an idyllic day in the sun. The area’s three most notable shores are Mid-Town Municipal Beach, Palm Beach Island, and the eponymous Palm Beach, and they’re all located on South Ocean Boulevard.

You’ll also find some gorgeous little parks in Palm Beach that are all within walking distance of one another.

Mayor Lesly S. Smith Park (400 S. County Rd.) is a small but beautiful outdoor area with a fountain, benches, and plenty of quintessential Florida palm trees.

Palm Beach Memorial Park & Fountain (360 S. County Rd) is a stunningly curated place where one can sit and rest among the greenery and visually arresting water displays.

There’s also Earl E.T. Smith Preservation Park (356 S. County Rd) which offers an equally stunning combination of fountain and flora.

Amazing Art and Endless Entertainment

There’s no shortage of amazing destinations for lovers of art and culture in Palm Beach, and you won’t have any trouble finding great live entertainment, either. Plan a day trip or a night out at one of these locations and make your stay one that you won’t soon forget.

Flagler Museum (1 Whitehall Way, 561-655-2833, www.flaglermuseum.us) is located in Whitehall, the spectacular Gilded Age estate of Palm Beach founding father Henry Flagler. You’ll likely get just as much out of taking in the palatial building—a National Historic Landmark—itself as you will the fascinating exhibits they have to offer.

Society of the Four Arts (100 Four Arts Plaza, 561-655-7226, https://fourarts.org) is another breathtaking architectural spectacle to behold. The official campus of this nonprofit organization offers art exhibitions, two libraries, film and documentary screenings, a concert hall, botanical gardens, and much more.

Lovers of the silver screen won’t want to miss an opportunity to visit the Paramount Theatre Building (145 N. County Rd., 561-835-0913). This former movie palace and theater has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. Built in 1926, the building was once a popular destination for silent film screenings. You may not be able to catch a Charlie Chaplin flick there anymore, but you can still stop by to soak in the incredible history it continues to radiate all these years later.