West Palm Beach in South Florida attracts a diverse crowd to its postcard perfection of a landscape. A quick hour’s flight from Miami makes it a convenient destination within America—but its climate, activities, and warm people make it a flawless tropical getaway.
In West Palm Beach, your days begin with the simple pleasure of sipping coconut water beneath towering palm trees. As the sun sets, residents and visitors seek out swanky restaurants and dreamy rooftop views to let loose and connect with one another. Beyond dining, there’s a plethora of cafes, museums, galleries, and nightclubs for entertainment, as well as plenty of outdoor activities amidst nature. In short? West Palm Beach has it all, and we at Sunrise Vacation Homes want to help you savor every minute of your time here.
Want to craft your itinerary with advice from seasoned locals? Keep reading as we bring you closer to the pulse of this sun-dappled heaven with our carefully curated list of 10 must-see spots.
1. Experience Nightlife on Clematis Street
Clematis Street is Downtown West Palm Beach’s historical heart with artisan boutiques, historical landmarks, and quaint, square-paved roads peppered with palm trees. But it’s also a must for your nighttime plans.
After sunset, the popular street switches from daytime colorful apparel to a suave, little black dress and pumps. The party hub offers a mix of dive bars, live music venues, cozy cafes, and high-end clubs. Hop on the free trolley and get off at spots that pique your interest. Go on a hunt for the best craft beers, or pick a club blaring your favorite music to sway the night away.
Grease is the place to be for sports TV, big pints of beer, and succulent, juicy burgers to soak up all that alcohol. And if you’re craving Mexican fare? Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar calls your name with spicy beef nachos and refreshing mojitos. For a quieter, upscale evening, grab a few expertly crafted cocktails at the elegant 215 Speakeasy—we recommend the Espresso Martini.
2. Shop and Walk at Rosemary Square
The Square’s palm-lined shopping and entertainment hub caters to people of all ages and preferences, making it a family-friendly destination. Rotating art installations extend through the area, inviting your awe as you walk and talk in the sunshine and meander through the indoor-outdoor mall’s many outlets and trendy boutiques. Get ready for that weekend golf match with a trip to Greyson Clothiers, or take your ladies out for some pampering at Anushka Spa.
Everyone could use a little retail therapy, right? Once you’ve worked up an appetite, choose from one of the numerous restaurants like IL Bellagio Italian Restaurant for a hearty Italian pasta dish or City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill for Mediterranean flavors. Sloan’s awaits your belly’s last little bit of room for dessert.
Almost ready to head back to your vacation rental to unwind? Don’t forget to stop for one last look at the enchanting Wishing Tree, which starts to glow in the evening hours.
3. Revel in Art at the Norton Museum of Art
If you’re a lover of art galleries, this next itinerary item is just for you. A cornerstone of West Palm Beach, the Norton Museum of Art features a carefully curated collection of Chinese, European, and American art, emphasizing photographic works and contemporary pieces.
You’ll find over 8,000 pieces by iconic artists like Hopper, Picasso, Monet, Matisse, Pollock, and more. Art enthusiasts could easily spend hours reading each plaque and spotting their favorite pieces. If you’re visiting on a Friday, don’t miss the museum’s Art After Dark experience, featuring tours, workshops, lively performances, and jazz nights.
4. Shop Sophisticated on Worth Avenue
Uncover the unparalleled shopping experience awaiting you on Worth Avenue. This four-block strip in West Palm Beach invites shopaholics worldwide to its collection of upscale boutiques and glitzy luxury stores.
With gorgeous Mediterranean-inspired architecture and patio restaurants, Worth Avenue is a must-stop, even for non-shoppers. Secure a spot at an outdoor café or capture some photos beneath the clusters of flowers adorning the pastel storefronts.
Need more shopping hotspots? Antique Row district is brimming with kitschy vintage finds, while Northwood Village is ideal for shoppers with a refined taste.
5. Spend a Day at the Lion Country Safari
This expansive Lion Country Safari wildlife sanctuary is located less than an hour by car from West Palm Beach, but the drive is well worth the ride. This drive-through safari lets you get up close to rhinos, lions, zebras, giraffes, and more, all from the comfort of your vehicle.
You can expect to spend about two hours on the drive-through safari. Those traveling with kiddos will likely want to extend their visit to the adventure park, which features rides, a water park, and even a petting zoo. Food options inside are limited, so make sure to bring snacks and beverages to keep you energized.
6. Enjoy the Water at Phil Foster Park and Peanut Island
North of the city is Phil Foster Park, a 14.7-acre oasis promising unforgettable marine adventure. Enjoy old-school fishing or go underwater and follow the snorkeling trail. Spot marine life like starfish, stingrays, and even a manatee if you’re lucky. Bring your snorkeling gear or rent one from the nearby Pura Vida Divers.
Phil Foster Park
Looking for more water activities? We’ve got you covered with Peanut Island, a mini man-made isle surrounded by turquoise waters just south of Phil Foster Park. A short ferry or water taxi from the mainland’s port takes you there. Adventurers can also reach the island via kayaking or using stand-up paddle boarding. The weekend sees a big crowd, so try to go on a weekday instead. Picnic tables with grills are all around the island, making it easy to spend a day lazing in the sun, in the water, and eating a meal by the water. Just leave your alcohol at the rentals, as it’s not permitted on the island
Peanut Island
If you prefer to stay above the waters, rent a boat or charter a luxury yacht for a sunset cruise. The sweeping views of the West Palm Beach skyline glittering under the moonlight is a special sight.
7. Spot Rare Wildlife at Palm Beach Zoo
For those with limited time or looking for a more budget-friendly option compared to the safari, the Palm Beach Zoo is an excellent choice. Just a 20-minute drive from the downtown area, it’s easily accessible.
You can expect to see a variety of animals, including big cats like panthers and tigers, adorable otters, capybaras, and koalas — a rare find on this side of the globe! A slow-paced walk allows you to explore the entire zoo in under 2 hours.
Throughout the year, Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society hosts a range of special events. So check their calendar before planning your visit.
8. Beach Hop
While West Palm Beach lacks its own sandy shores, a quick trip from our rentals will take you to beach areas kissing the Atlantic Ocean. Start your beach day at Lake Worth Beach, located south of downtown, just a 20-minute taxi ride away.
Enjoy a slow lunch at one of the local eateries before heading to Riviera Beach on Singer Island. This serene beach is ideal for a tranquil post-lunch stroll. As evening approaches, make your way to the soft shores of Palm Beach Island, where you can bask in the vermilion hues of the sunset before retiring to your rental in West Palm Beach.
9. Visit Manatee Lagoon
Along the Intracoastal Waterway in West Palm Beach, you will find Manatee Lagoon, where you can observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. This waterfront educational center allows visitors to witness manatees up close, especially during the cooler months when they gather in the warm-water outflows from the adjacent Florida Power & Light plant.
10. Stroll Through Mounts Botanical Garden
At the heart of West Palm Beach lies Mounts Botanical Garden, a lush oasis offering an escape from the glamor and clamor of the city. Carefully tended and brimming with tropical and subtropical flora, this 14-acre garden is a sight for sore eyes. Inside, a charming koi pond and a playful maze delight both young and old. Don’t forget to pick up a plant from the on-site nursery, a living memento of your West Palm Beach vacation.
11. Make a Splash at Rapids Water Park
Nothing feels better than an afternoon spent at Rapids Water Park on a hot summer day. This sprawling water park covers acres of sunny terrain, with tons of attractions like thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. Trust us; the kids will be tired out after a day here—leaving you to enjoy a glass of wine with your beau on our Sands rental’s granite countertop or bubbling hot tub.
12. Marvel at Beautiful Murals
- Eduardo Kobra’s Einstein’s Theory of Love: 509 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach
- Danny Doya’s Eris, and the Golden Apple: 326 Fern Street, West Palm Beach
- Lonac’s I Lost My Shoe When I Saw You: Near Quadrille Blvd. and Clematis Street., West Palm Beach
Homegrown creatives and international artists have transformed areas of West Palm Beach into art-filled hideaways. And while wandering aimlessly is always a pleasure, we recommend a mural walk to see the city’s three beautiful artworks. Here are some of our favorites and where you can find them:
13. Explore Cox Science Center and Aquarium
Explore the world of science and marine life at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium. This educational center is mainly aimed at kids and offers a hands-on learning experience with interactive exhibits, an in-house planetarium, and several saltwater marine creatures on display.
Take the self-guided tour and wander through the exhibits. At present, there is a Titanic Exhibit, which alone makes the center worth a visit. Plus, there’s a mini-golf course outside that visitors can use for free.
14. Take a Self-Guided Food Tour of West Palm Beach
- Pistache French Bistro: 101 N Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL
Okeechobee Steak House: 2854 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL - Leila Restaurant: 120 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL
- City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill: 700 S Rosemary Ave, West Palm Beach, FL
West Palm Beach has no shortage of incredible restaurants to choose from. Start your day with a hearty brunch at Pistache French Bistro, savor a legendary fine-dining lunch at Okeechobee Steak House, or indulge in Mediterranean cuisine at Leila Restaurant. For dinner and drinks, you can’t go wrong with American food served at City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill.
Soak up the Sun in West Palm Beach with Sunrise Vacations
Whether you’re in search of a thrilling holiday packed with activities, a deep dive into centuries-spanning art, or a luxury getaway indulging in meals at upscale eateries with the finest vino, West Palm Beach is poised to meet your needs.
To ensure a complete experience, book your stay with Sunrise Vacation Homes. Our stellar rentals promise an ultra-relaxing indoor retreat. Slip into a deep slumber to prepare your mind and body for another day of exploring the must-see sights of West Palm Beach.