The Ultimate West Palm Beach & Palm Beach Bucket List (2026 Guide)

65+ Amazing Things to Do, Eat, See & Experience

Most visitors discover something surprising the moment they arrive—West Palm Beach doesn’t actually have a beach.

The beach is across the Intracoastal Waterway on the island of Palm Beach, just a few minutes away. That’s why this guide includes the very best experiences on both sides of the bridge.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a cruise extension, spring training, or a winter escape, this local bucket list features the attractions, restaurants, hidden gems, and experiences that belong on every itinerary.

As the team behind USA Today’s #1 Food Tour in America, we’ve spent years introducing thousands of visitors to the best of West Palm Beach. These are the places we recommend most often.

West Palm Beach FAQs

What is West Palm Beach known for?

West Palm Beach is known for its walkable downtown, waterfront parks, award-winning GreenMarket, excellent restaurants, historic architecture, street art, shopping, and easy access to Palm Beach Island’s beaches and luxury resorts.

Is two days enough in West Palm Beach?

Yes. A weekend gives you enough time to enjoy downtown, visit Palm Beach Island, take a food tour, relax at the beach, and enjoy several excellent restaurants.

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

West Palm Beach is the city on the mainland. Palm Beach is the barrier island directly across the bridge, famous for its beaches, Worth Avenue, The Breakers, and historic mansions.

Best Things to Do in West Palm Beach & Palm Beach

• 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

Best Restaurants in West Palm Beach

Best Breakfast

• Bakery Loic – a French owned bakery with to die-for croissants. Tip:  order the white chocolate pistachio croissant.
• Hive Bakery & Café – expect beautiful food and beautiful décor. Tip: buy some breads, sweets and breakfast treats to take with you.
• 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.

Best Lunch

• 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!

Best Dinner

• 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.
• 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.
• Kitchen – owned by Tiger Wood’s former personal chef, this intimate restaurant is a hidden gem. Tip:  get their famous coconut cake.
• Pistache – French and fabulous! Overlooking our beautiful waterfront park.  Steak Frites anyone?

Best Dessert

• 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.
• 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!  

Best Shopping

• 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.
• City Place– a beautiful neighborhood filled with shops, restaurants, fountains to play in and live music. 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, Lilly hails from Palm Beach.

Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, a winter escape, or your very first visit, West Palm Beach offers far more than beautiful weather. From historic mansions and award-winning museums to waterfront dining, hidden neighborhood gems, and unforgettable food experiences, there’s always something new to discover.

If you want to experience the city like a local, start with a food tour. You’ll leave with a full stomach, a deeper appreciation for West Palm Beach, and a list of restaurants you’ll want to revisit before heading home.  There’s no better way to experience 5+ restaurants in 1 day plus learn a bit of history and culture.

One trip is rarely enough—which is exactly why so many visitors find themselves planning their next visit before the first one is over.

updated 8/3/26