10 Best Things to Do in West Palm Beach: A Local’s Guide

If you’re wondering what to do in West Palm Beach, you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve lived here long enough to play tour guide more times than I can count, and these are the places and experiences I recommend again and again.

Our list includes a little food, history, culture, shopping, sunshine and plenty of time outdoors. And because you can’t really experience West Palm Beach without hopping across the bridge to Palm Beach, we’ve included a few island favorites too.

If you’re visiting for a long weekend, consider this your West Palm Beach bucket list.

1. Favorite Outdoor Activity: Walk or Bike the Waterfront

Best for: Outdoors • Exercise • Views
Time: 1–2 hours
Cost: Free or Rent a Bike

Start along the Downtown West Palm Beach waterfront, then cross the Royal Park Bridge to Palm Beach and explore the beautiful Lake Trail.

Expect Intracoastal views, tropical landscaping and glimpses of some spectacular Palm Beach homes.

When you’re finished, reward yourself with a rooftop cocktail at Spruzzo or Bar Capri.

2. Favorite Way to Get on the Water: Boat, Paddle or Jet Ski

Best for: Adventure • Families • Couples
Time: 1–3 hours

You came to South Florida. You need to get on the water!

Rent a kayak, paddleboard or jet ski, or let someone else do the driving on a catamaran cruise.

A sunset cruise is one of my favorite ways to experience West Palm Beach, especially when you’re gliding past mega-yachts and waterfront mansions with a cold drink in hand.

Peanut Island is another must if snorkeling and clear water are calling your name.

3. Favorite Tour: West Palm Beach Food Tours

Best for: First-time visitors • Foodies • Couples
Time: About 3 hours

I’m admittedly biased, but there’s a reason I recommend taking a food tour at the beginning of your vacation.

You’ll discover locally owned restaurants, taste South Florida foods, meet chefs, learn about our history and culture, see colorful street art and leave with a long list of places you’ll want to revisit.

West Palm Beach Food Tours was named the #1 Food Tour in the U.S. by USA TODAY in 2026.

4. Favorite Saturday Activity: West Palm Beach GreenMarket

Best for: Foodies • Families • Locals
When: Saturdays, October–May
Time: 1–2 hours

The West Palm Beach GreenMarket is one of the best reasons to get out of bed on a Saturday morning.

More than 100 vendors fill the downtown waterfront with tropical fruits, baked goods, international foods, flowers, plants and plenty of breakfast and brunch options.

And don’t bury this fact:

The West Palm Beach GreenMarket has been named the #1 Farmers Market in the U.S. by USA TODAY for three consecutive years.

If you want to experience it like a VIP, take the Mornings in the Market Food Tour.

5. Favorite Way to See Palm Beach: Take a Scenic Drive

Best for: First-time visitors • Sightseeing
Time: 3–5 hours with stops

Cross the bridge and explore Palm Beach with your Self-Guided Palm Beach Tour.

Make stops at:

• Society of the Four Arts Gardens
• Flagler Museum
• The Breakers
• Worth Avenue
• Palm Beach Municipal Beach

You can drive the loop quickly, but don’t. Palm Beach is much more fun when you get out of the car.

6. Favorite Museum: It’s a Tie

Flagler Museum

Best for: History • Architecture • Gilded Age glamour
Time: 1–2 hours

Henry Flagler built Whitehall as a wedding gift for his third wife, and modest it is not.

If you love historic homes, architecture or Florida history, put this one high on your list.

Norton Museum of Art

Best for: Art • Architecture • Rainy days
Time: 1½–2 hours

One of Florida’s major art museums, the Norton is worth visiting for the art, architecture and gardens.

And yes, the restaurant is actually worth eating at.

7. Favorite Free Activity: Four Arts Gardens

Best for: Couples • Picnics • Photography
Time: 30–60 minutes
Cost: Free

The Society of the Four Arts Botanical and Sculpture Gardens is one of Palm Beach’s prettiest hidden gems.

Stroll through the gardens or make an afternoon of it by picking up sandwiches from Buccan Sandwich Shop and having a picnic.

Don’t miss: The sausage tree!

8. Favorite Beach Adventure: Peanut Island

Best for: Beach • Snorkeling • Families • Adventure
Time: Half day

Peanut Island is one of those places visitors don’t expect to find in the middle of the Intracoastal.

Pack a picnic, bring your snorkeling gear and spend a few hours enjoying the clear water.

It’s one of the places that makes you think, Yep, I’m definitely in Florida.

9. Favorite Palm Beach Experience: The Breakers

Best for: Architecture • Luxury • Cocktails • People watching
Time: 45–90 minutes

You don’t have to stay at The Breakers to experience one of Palm Beach’s most iconic landmarks.

Walk through the spectacular lobby, explore the shops and stop at the Seafood Bar for a cocktail overlooking the Atlantic.

Don’t miss: The bar itself—it’s an aquarium.

10. Favorite Shopping: Worth Avenue + CityPlace – it’s a tie

Worth Avenue

Palm Beach glamour at its finest.

Explore designer boutiques, hidden vias, bougainvillea-covered courtyards and the iconic Clock Tower.

Even if you’re only window shopping, go.

CityPlace

Back across the bridge, CityPlace offers a completely different experience with shopping, restaurants, entertainment, public art and beautiful outdoor spaces.

Worth the Short Drive

I’d keep this section because it’s useful without diluting the West Palm Beach focus.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Head north to Juno Beach to see rescued sea turtles and learn about their rehabilitation and conservation.

Delray Beach

About 30 minutes south, Atlantic Avenue is lined with restaurants, shops and nightlife leading all the way to the beach.

Brightline

Turn your West Palm Beach vacation into a South Florida adventure with a day trip to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton or even Orlando.

FAQs

How many days do you need in West Palm Beach?

Three days is enough for a great introduction to West Palm Beach and Palm Beach. You’ll have time for downtown, the beach, a food tour, Palm Beach Island and a few memorable meals.

What’s the best thing to do for a first-time visitor?

Take a food tour early in your trip. You’ll get an introduction to the city while discovering locally owned restaurants you can return to during your stay.

What can you do in West Palm Beach for free?

Walk the waterfront, bike the Lake Trail, visit the Four Arts Gardens, explore Worth Avenue, admire downtown street art and visit the beach.

Do you need a car?

Not necessarily. Downtown West Palm Beach is walkable, Palm Beach is just across the bridge, and rideshares make it easy to get around.

Is Palm Beach the same as West Palm Beach?

No. West Palm Beach is the city on the mainland, while Palm Beach is the island just across the Intracoastal Waterway.

updated:  8/10/26