West Palm Beach & Palm Beach Travel Guide (2026): Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Planning your first trip to West Palm Beach?

Before you book your hotel or start building your itinerary, there’s one thing almost every first-time visitor gets confused about…

West Palm Beach doesn’t actually have a beach.

The beach is across the Intracoastal Waterway on the island of Palm Beach, just a quick drive—or even a pleasant walk—across one of several bridges.

That simple distinction makes planning your vacation much easier.

This guide covers everything you need to know before you arrive, including where to stay, the best time to visit, transportation tips, and the local experiences that make Palm Beach County unforgettable.

What’s the difference between West Palm Beach and Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach is the vibrant downtown city on the mainland, known for its restaurants, nightlife, museums, and walkable waterfront. Palm Beach is the barrier island across the Intracoastal Waterway, famous for its beaches, luxury resorts, historic mansions, Worth Avenue, and elegant atmosphere. The two are connected by several bridges and are only minutes apart.

Where Should You Stay?

Where to stay? You’ll find plenty of hotels in both West Palm Beach and Palm Beach albeit the prices are higher on the island. If your vacation is all about the beach, stay on the island and splurge to stay at The Breakers. If you’re looking for a nice mix of activities and night life, choose a hotel in downtown West Palm Beach, and our top choice is The Ben Hotel – a Marriott Autograph Collection propoerty.

Stay in Palm Beach if you want

Beach vacation

Luxury

Resorts

The Breakers

Stay in West Palm Beach if you want

Restaurants

Nightlife

Walkability

Better value

Best Time to Visit

Is it always sunny? We have a very distinct wet & dry season, but don’t worry, wet season does not mean it rains all day. During wet season (May thru October) expect brief thunderstorms. During dry season (November thru April) expect near perfect weather every day! By the way, the average high in the winter is 79 degrees with low humidity and very little rain.

A winter vacation certainly sounds tempting, but don’t rule out a summer vacation if you’re looking for a bargain. Hotel and restaurant deals abound during the summer, and especially in the hot sticky months of August and September.

Winter, Spring, Fall

Perfect weather

Busy

Expensive

Summer

Deals

Afternoon rain

Fewer crowds

Local Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

Now that you’ve got a better picture of your vacation destination, let us help you put together your itinerary. Our list does not include the big attractions like museums and watersports that you’ll find in most any guide book. Instead, this list focuses on places that are unique to West Palm Beach & Palm Beach; the places that will make your vacation memorable.

Get off the beaten tourist track, and follow a local to the best things to do in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach

• • Visit the West Palm Beach Greenmarket if you’re in town on a Saturday morning (October thru May). Named the best farmer’s market in the country by USA Today, it’s the place to be in Downtown West Palm Beach. Expect more than just local produce, expect ethnic eateries, tropical plants, bakeries and more. Don’t miss the Venezuelan Arepas at the Toc Toc Arepas booth. Of course, the beautiful waterfront location, live music and bottomless mimosas add to the fun.  Experience the West Palm Beach GreenMarket like a VIP on the Mornings in the Market Food Tour.

• • Explore the island of Palm Beach, on a self-guided driving loop that hits all the highlights including the Four Arts Botanical Garden, Flagler Museum, The Breakers, Worth Avenue and Mar-a-Lago. If you’re short on time, and can’t make all the stops…don’t miss The Breakers, and make sure to enjoy a cocktail at the Seafood Bar with beautiful ocean views and a bar that’s an aquarium.

• • Taste authentic Cuban cuisine at Havana Restaurant’s ventanita – it’s a 24 hour walk-up window that’s open 365 days a year! You can’t leave town without trying Cuban coffee, guava and cheese pastelitos and croquetas.

• • Enjoy the view and a cocktail from Spruzzo on the rooftop of The Ben Hotel. It’s magical at night, trust us!

• • Dine in a retro Airstream trailer at Hullabaloo located in the 500 block of Clematis Street in Downtown West Palm Beach. This block is known as the locals block, so get off the beaten tourist track! While you’re exploring the funky 500 block, take a picture with our famous Einstein mural.

• • Experience a West Palm Beach Food Tour and taste the flavors of South Florida as you get you off the beaten path! From the best fish taco and key lime pie in town to authentic Cuban food and refreshing tropical fruits, we’ll make sure you taste and learn about our iconic foods! Along the way, you’ll meet chefs, admire colorful street art and hear crazy stories about our past. Bottom line…you’ll discover great locally owned restaurants to enjoy during your visit.

• • Spend a day on Peanut Island! You came for the beach, but you’ll remember us for Peanut Island. Located in the intracoastal waterway, Peanut Island is known for clear blue water, beaches, snorkeling and picnics in tiki huts. The Peanut Island Shuttle Boat will get you there, and on weekends you’ll see flotillas of locals anchored all around the island.

• • Explore West Palm Beach Design District & Antique Row, and pop into Hive Bakery & Cafe for breakfast or lunch – the owner is an interior designer, so quite fitting for the neighborhood.  The Norton Art Museum is also in the neighborhood, and it’s one of the largest in the state of Florida.

• • Dine at Buccan on Palm Beach for a memorable meal. It’s also the perfect place to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. Chef Clay Carnes is a 7x James Beard nominee, and if you’re not familiar with the James Beard award, it’s like the Oscars of the restaurant industry. Buccan is always very buzzy, and reservations are a must!

• Hop on Brightline for a day trip to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale without all the traffic! Brightline is our luxurious high-speed train, and they’ll get you there in about an hour. Added bonus? Cocktails are served on board!

Welcome to Paradise

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, escaping winter for sunshine, or visiting South Florida for the very first time, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach offer far more than beautiful beaches.

You’ll discover award-winning restaurants, fascinating history, colorful neighborhoods, tropical flavors, luxury shopping, hidden local gems, and experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else.

Take your time. Explore both sides of the bridge. Talk to locals. Try something you’ve never eaten before.

And don’t be surprised if you’re already planning your next visit before this one ends.

updated:  8/5/26