Guide to Palm Beach

A couple of weeks ago, my family decided to load up our car with embarrassingly over-packed suitcases and drive north to stay at my grandpa’s apartment. The staycation destination: Palm Beach, Florida, a town I grew up thinking was boring, old, and strictly for snowbirds. I’ll happily report that today it’s a burgeoning, warm-weather, Hamptons meets Nantucket vacation destination. Looking for a different city in South Florida to frequent on the weekends besides Miami? This place is for you.

I think you only need a day or two in Palm Beach to get the gist; it’s glitzy yet quiet, beautiful from afar because it could drain your wallet. If you’re looking to crash for a night or two, you might as well go all out and stay at the White Elephant Hotel or the Colony Hotel. Both hotels gave me Beverly Hills vibes with their open-air lobbies, striped pool furniture, and hanging lights. Don’t be fooled by appearances; the hotels still have their South Florida charm with lots of tourists and background tropical music. The White Elephant, the newer of the two hotels, is right off of the main street in Palm Beach. It’s within walking distance of the beach, the Publix, and the local shops. Stay here if you’re looking for easy access to town during the day and a social scene at night. If you’re more interested in a more relaxing atmosphere, stay at the Colony Hotel. It has a poolside restaurant, a Bluestone Lane cafe and is right next to the beach and Worth Avenue. 

I had the lovely opportunity to dine at Swifty’s POOL, underneath a green canopy, looking out at the Colony Hotel pool, drinking a bellini. Although the Swifty’s cuisine is not my favorite (it was very club sandwich and caesar salad vibes), it’s worth going for the people watching. I wish I would’ve brought a bathing suit with me because you can purchase a day pass for the hotel and use all the amenities, including the pool! They even had a live DJ the day I went, which I thought was dope for a Palm Beach pool. After lunch, I got an iced oat latte from Bluestone to give me a taste of NYC. 

I’m a sucker for a coffee shop latte, so I had to visit the San Ambroeus in Royal Poinciana Plaza while I was in town. I’ve yet to eat at the restaurant, but I can attest that the coffee is delicious. Once you have your coffee, I encourage you to walk around the plaza and strictly window shop. You can also watch fitness junkies do an outdoor SoulCycle class located in the plaza parking lot. It’s not nearly as beautiful as the South Beach location, but it’s a good option if you miss the group fitness vibe and live up north. 

If you’re dressed comfortably, you might as well continue walking down Lake Shore Drive Trail after window shopping in Poinciana Plaza. It’s a very long trail that goes along Lake Worth Lagoon. You’ll get beautiful waterfront views on one side and Palm Beach’s mega-mansions as your view on the other side. I wouldn’t recommend biking or running along the trail since it’s quite populated. But people definitely do it, so don’t be shy if you’re trying to exercise with a view.

If you’re looking to continue window shopping in Palm Beach, head over to Worth Avenue, Palm Beach’s main shopping and dining area. I take a stroll down the avenue every time in Palm Beach without fail. I’ve never purchased something on Worth Ave, but that’s ok because I love any excuse to stroll mindlessly. Most shops are located along the main street, while the restaurants are nestled away along the vias. I encourage you to wander down the side streets, so you temporarily feel like you’re in the streets of a small European town. One evening, my family dined at Ta-boo on Worth Avenue. It’s the opposite of a quaint European restaurant nestled away. It’s more like a Houstons with an older crowd and an even bigger menu. It might not sound so great, but I promise it’s a very local spot worth visiting. 

I’d also recommend going to Henry’s for dinner if you’re looking for a trendier restaurant that still has the old school Palm Beach vibe. It’s a pricey spot with earth-toned 70s decor and a contemporary menu. I enjoyed a delicious lobster roll as my main, along with a fruity cocktail. Henry’s has plenty of outdoor dining and indoor tables that look out onto the Palm Beach main street. After dinner, make sure to walk around and check out the other restaurants in town.

Lastly, you must visit the beach when in Palm BEACH! I love going to the beach up by the Palm Beach Beach Club. But if you don’t have a beach membership, you can visit the beach by Worth Avenue. It also has a boardwalk you can stroll. There’s plenty of parking along the street and has access to the restaurants and shops of Worth Avenue. Make sure you bring everything because it really is just a beach (chairs, towels, umbrellas, etc.)