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The Ultimate West Palm Beach Bucket List

a woman sitting on a table

From must-do attractions to iconic South Florida foods, start checking off the best things to do in the West Palm Beach area.  Word of warning, the list is long, so if you’re only in town for a weekend, you’ve got a good excuse to plan another West Palm Beach vacation.

Note: If you’re a first-time visitor, West Palm Beach is the big city, but there’s no beach.  The beach is just a few minutes over the bridge in Palm Beach.  Our bucket list focuses on things to do in both West Palm Beach and Palm Beach.

 

EXPERIENCE

  • Brightline – there’s plenty to do in West Palm Beach, but a day trip to Miami on Brightline is a must-do. A luxurious high-speed train. Tip: buy a first-class ticket and enjoy unlimited cocktails and snacks on the train and in the station.
  • Flagler Museum – Henry Flagler’s winter home that he built as a wedding gift for his third wife. If you like museum houses, prepare to be impressed…this is the gilded age at its finest. Tip:  schedule your visit to arrive for a docent led tour.
  • Four Arts Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – beautiful, free and don’t miss the sausage tree! Tip: pick-up sandwiches at Buccan Sandwich Shop and enjoy a picnic.
  • Hakuna Matata Catamaran Sunset Cruise – does it get any better than relaxing on a catamaran at sunset? Tip:  plan your cruise on a Thursday evening, so you can enjoy the free concert near the dock before or after your cruise.
  • Lake Trail – rent a bike and explore Palm Beach Island on this beautiful trail. Tip: The City of West Palm Beach has a bike share program with Bright Bike stations located throughout the downtown area.
  • Norton Art Museum – one of the largest art museums in Florida! Tip: check their website for free admission days.
  • Peanut Island – a quick 10-minute shuttle boat will take you to this island that’s a favorite among locals. The island is in the intracoastal waterway at the Palm Beach inlet, so expect clear water but minimal waves. Tip:  pack a picnic and go snorkeling.
  • The Breakers Resort – built by Henry Flagler in the early 1900’s, it is one of the most beautiful resorts in the world rivaling European palaces. Tip:  enjoy a drink at the Seafood Bar overlooking the ocean, and the bar is an aquarium.
  • West Palm Beach GreenMarket – named the best farmer’s market in the country the past 3 years, this is the place to be on Saturday mornings (October thru mid-April). Tip: arrive early for the best selection and fewer crowds, and take the Mornings in the Market Tour to experience the West Palm Beach Greenmarket like a VIP.
  • West Palm Beach Food Tours – the only tour you’ll need with food, history, street art, culture and FUN! Tip:  book this tour at the beginning of your vacation, so you’ll have time to go back to your favorite restaurants. Save $5 with promo code:  delicious

 

EAT

  • Bakery Loic – a French owned bakery with to die-for croissants. Tip:  order the white chocolate pistachio croissant.
  • Buccan – As the Wall Street Journal said, “close your eyes and point to any item on the menu, you won’t be disappointed.” Tip: reservations are tough to get; make them 1 month in advance.
  • Cholo Soy Cocina – recently featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, this taco shop is a local favorite. Tip: save room for dessert, their churros with dulce de leche are amazing!
  • Havana – you’re in South Florida, so you’ve got to try authentic Cuban food, and this is as good as it gets. Tip: experience their ventanita, a walk-up window that’s open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • Hive Bakery & Café – expect beautiful food and beautiful décor. Tip: buy some breads, sweets and breakfast treats to take with you.
  • Hullabaloo – a local favorite with an Airstream dining room on the back patio. Tip:  order the fire-roasted brussels sprouts with bacon aioli.
  • Kitchen – owned by Tiger Wood’s former personal chef, this intimate restaurant is a hidden gem. Tip:  get their famous coconut cake.
  • Nomad @ Sean Rush – a wine bar that’s also a design store and art gallery. Expect an entirely shoppable space from the chair you are sitting in, to their olive dishes from Morocco. Tip:  we highly recommend their wine tasting experiences.
  • Pistache – French and fabulous! Overlooking our beautiful waterfront park.  Steak Frites anyone?
  • Rhythm Cafe – a 1950’s drugstore turned fine dining restaurant. Quirky, artsy and delicious.  Don’t miss:  dessert!  All desserts are made in house, and they even make their own vanilla.  Tip:  try their coconut quiche and chocolate layer cake.
  • Salento Coffee – if you’re a coffee lover, don’t miss this small local coffee shop with the best Colombian coffee and a nice assortment of traditional Latin American pastries. Tip:  experience tinto coffee with pandebono.
  • Salty Donut – with donut flavors like white chocolate tres leches and guava and cheese, this is South Florida’s favorite donut shop. Tip:  order several donuts and share because it’s too hard to choose just one.
  • Sloan’s Ice Cream – what’s a vacation without ice cream, right??! It doesn’t get any better than Sloan’s, and you’ll feel like a kid again in this bright pink ice cream paradise.  Tip:  taste coconut storm ice cream or splurge on a kitchen sink sundae!
  • Spruzzo Rooftop – cocktails on the roof…this is the spot!  Tip:  the $200 seafood tower and $100 Bloody Mary are both a worthy splurge.
  • The Blind Monk – off the beaten tourist track in downtown West Palm Beach, this intimate wine bar will win you over. Tip:  let them recommend a wine since they specialize in unusual varietals.

  

SHOP

  • Antique Row & Design District – with over 40 high end antique stores, design stores and galleries, prepare to spend the day. Tip:  grab a quick lunch at Cholo Soy Cocina.
  • The Square – a beautiful neighborhood filled with shops, restaurants, fountains to play in and the wishing tree light show. Tip:  check their calendar of events, you’re sure to find something fun to do.
  • Worth Avenue – considered the Rodeo drive of the east coast…expect fancy shops, fancy people, fancy cars! Tip: make sure to visit the Lily Pulitzer flagship store. Afterall, Lily hails from Palm Beach.

 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for new adventures, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach offer a diverse range of experiences, delectable cuisine, and unique shopping opportunities. From exploring historic landmarks and art museums to indulging in culinary delights and strolling through charming neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant corner of South Florida.

So, start planning your West Palm Beach getaway and get ready to check off the best attractions, savor mouthwatering dishes, and discover hidden gems. Whether you choose to cruise along the stunning coastline, immerse yourself in art and culture, or simply relax on the beach, West Palm Beach and Palm Beach are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Don’t forget to share your experiences, favorite spots, and delicious meals with friends and fellow travelers. And remember, with so much to see and do, you might just find yourself planning another visit to this captivating destination in the near future.

So, what are you waiting for? Embark on your West Palm Beach adventure and let the magic of this sunny paradise unfold before your eyes. Get ready to make lasting memories, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and immerse yourself in the best that West Palm Beach and Palm Beach have to offer. Happy exploring!

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