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10 Best Winter Things to Do in West Palm Beach

Woman eating

Sunny, warm and low humidity.

That’s winter in West Palm Beach—and exactly why this is our favorite time of year.

While much of the country is scraping ice off windshields and shoveling snow, we’re dining outside, riding bikes along the waterfront, shopping Worth Avenue, hitting the beach and wondering whether we need a sweater when the temperature dips below 70.

Sure, you can enjoy West Palm Beach year-round, but some things are simply more fun in the winter.

Here are 10 of our favorites.

10 Best Things to Do in West Palm Beach in Winter

1. Shop Outside

Leave the mall behind. Winter is the perfect time to explore West Palm Beach and Palm Beach’s beautiful outdoor shopping districts.

Antique Row & Design District
Browse antique stores, design shops, galleries and boutiques along South Dixie Highway.

CityPlace
Shopping, restaurants, public art, fountains and entertainment come together in one beautiful open-air neighborhood.

Worth Avenue
Palm Beach’s legendary shopping street is worth visiting even if Chanel isn’t in the budget. Explore the hidden vias, admire the architecture, people-watch and keep an eye out for some seriously impressive cars.

Why winter is better: You can stroll for hours without melting.


2. Spend Saturday Morning at the GreenMarket

Winter means GreenMarket season!

The West Palm Beach GreenMarket takes over the downtown waterfront on Saturday mornings from October through May.

Expect 130+ vendors, tropical fruits, baked goods, international foods, flowers, plants, live entertainment and plenty to eat for breakfast or lunch.

Even better, experience it like a VIP on the Mornings in the Market Food Tour. You’ll skip the lines, meet vendors, enjoy exclusive demonstrations and eat plenty for brunch.

Why winter is better: It’s GreenMarket season—and Saturday mornings on the waterfront are glorious.


3. Ride the Palm Beach Lake Trail

Rent a bike and head across the bridge to Palm Beach.

The Lake Trail runs along the Intracoastal Waterway past gorgeous homes, tropical landscaping and some spectacular views of Downtown West Palm Beach.

Make a stop at the Society of the Four Arts Gardens or Flagler Museum along the way.

Why winter is better: Sunshine + low humidity + a bike ride = perfection.


4. See the Manatees

Winter is actually the best time to see Florida’s manatees.

When ocean temperatures drop, manatees seek warmer water, making Manatee Lagoon one of the area’s best places to spot them.

The free eco-discovery center also has exhibits, observation areas and educational programs.

Why winter is better: Cold fronts bring the manatees in.


5. Take a Food Tour

Okay, food is delicious in every season.

But walking from restaurant to restaurant is particularly lovely when it’s 74 degrees and sunny.

A West Palm Beach Food Tour combines locally owned restaurants with history, culture, street art, tropical flavors and plenty of food for a full meal.  Add to that, they’re the #1 Food Tour in the United State (USA Today).

Why winter is better: Perfect walking weather.


6. Take a Scenic Drive Along A1A

Put the top down if you’ve got a convertible.

Start in Palm Beach and head south along A1A for ocean views, beautiful homes and plenty of places to stop along the way.

Turn it into a day trip by continuing to Delray Beach for lunch and shopping along Atlantic Avenue.

Why winter is better: Windows down. Ocean breeze. Enough said.


7. Explore West Palm Beach’s Street Art

Downtown West Palm Beach is filled with colorful murals and public art.

Make a morning of wandering downtown, snapping photos and stopping for coffee or lunch along the way.

Don’t miss the famous Einstein mural near Subculture Coffee.

Why winter is better: Exploring on foot is much more enjoyable without summer heat and humidity.


8. Enjoy Winter’s Biggest Events

Winter is event season in Palm Beach County, so check the calendar before your visit. Depending on when you’re here, you may catch:

Why winter is better: This is when Palm Beach County’s social and events calendar really comes alive.


9. Get Outside

This is the season to explore South Florida’s parks, beaches and wildlife.

A few favorites:

Peanut Island
Clear water, snorkeling, beaches and picnic areas.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Beach, boardwalks, nature trails and kayaking.

Palm Beach Zoo
A beautiful tropical zoo near downtown West Palm Beach.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Head north to Juno Beach to learn about and see rescued sea turtles.

Why winter is better: You can actually enjoy being outside all afternoon.


10. Dine Al Fresco

This might be my favorite.

Winter evenings were made for dinner outside.

A few favorites:

Pistache – French food overlooking the waterfront.

Hullabaloo – Tropical patio, Airstream trailer and craft cocktails.

Elisabetta’s – Huge waterfront patio and yacht views.

Spruzzo – Rooftop cocktails and gorgeous views.

The Blind Monk – Intimate outdoor garden.

Why winter is better: Twinkle lights, cocktails and 70-degree evenings. This is why we live here.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is winter a good time to visit West Palm Beach?

Absolutely. Winter is one of the best times to visit West Palm Beach thanks to warm temperatures, lower humidity, less rain and a packed calendar of seasonal events and outdoor activities.

What is there to do in West Palm Beach in winter?

Winter is perfect for visiting the GreenMarket, taking a food tour, biking the Palm Beach Lake Trail, dining outdoors, spotting manatees, enjoying the beach and attending seasonal festivals and sporting events.

Can you go to the beach in West Palm Beach in winter?

Yes. South Florida winters are generally warm enough for beach days. Our average high in the winter is 79 degrees.

When is the West Palm Beach GreenMarket open?

The GreenMarket runs on Saturdays from October through May, 8:30 AM–1:30 PM.

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Trade Your Snow Boots for Flip-Flops

There’s a reason winter is our favorite season in West Palm Beach.

The humidity disappears, the outdoor dining tables fill up, the GreenMarket returns, the manatees arrive, and suddenly there’s something happening every weekend.

So pack your sunglasses, leave the heavy coat at home and get outside.

Life really is more fun when it’s sunny and 79. ☀️

 

updated:  8/10/26