Your Weekend Getaway to West Palm Beach, Florida: Official Travel Guide
Discover the Ultimate West Palm Beach, Florida, Weekend Getaway
West Palm Beach, Florida, is the quintessential weekend escape: sun-drenched shores, a lively downtown pulse, and balmy skies that make it an irresistible antidote to winter gray. A quick drive from Miami, this coastal jewel balances metropolitan sophistication with relaxed tropical charm. Stroll Worth Avenue for upscale boutiques and gallery windows, then slip into island time with boating excursions along the Intracoastal or a round on immaculately maintained golf courses. Whether you seek chic shopping, seaside leisure, or a vibrant nightlife, West Palm Beach delivers a polished, sun-soaked retreat.
Savor West Palm Beach’s vibrant seafood scene at chic waterfront restaurants, roam the acclaimed galleries of the Norton Museum of Art, or dissolve stress in lavish spas and private-pool retreats—each a short drive from the city center for an effortlessly restorative escape. From pulse-raising outdoor adventures to serene, pampered downtime, West Palm Beach delivers unforgettable experiences without the need for long-haul travel.
What to See in West Palm Beach
Begin on Clematis Street, the vibrant downtown corridor of West Palm Beach: a palm-lined avenue filled with colorful murals, live music venues, and historic architecture that sets the city’s urban rhythm. From there, the city unfolds an irresistible mix of waterfront vistas, cultural landmarks, and charming historic neighborhoods — each a testament to South Florida’s relaxed sophistication.
A short stroll from downtown, the West Palm Beach Waterfront unfolds along the shimmering Lake Worth Lagoon, offering panoramic water views, landscaped promenades, and an ever-changing roster of public art and seasonal events that draw both residents and travelers alike.
Art and culture aficionados must put the Norton Museum of Art on their itinerary. Renowned for its distinguished holdings of American, European and Chinese masterpieces, the museum also presents a dynamic program of rotating contemporary exhibitions that continually refresh its narrative and appeal.
Just a short distance away, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens offer a serene, under-the-radar escape—where monumental sculptures emerge from a luxuriant tropical garden, creating a harmonious blend of art and nature.
For a taste of Old Florida elegance, wander the El Cid Historic District, where palm-shaded, tree-lined avenues showcase sun-drenched Mediterranean Revival homes—each one a portrait of timeless coastal charm.
Nature lovers should venture north to Grassy Waters Preserve, a hidden gem of elevated boardwalks and immersive wildlife viewing set within a restored Everglades ecosystem. It’s an elegant, unexpected counterpoint to the city’s coastal buzz.
Where to Eat in West Palm Beach
Dining at Society 48 is essential for culinary-minded travelers to West Palm Beach. Situated inside the sophisticated Belgrove Resort & Spa, the restaurant marries modern American brasserie fare with the polished, sun-drenched elegance of Palm Beach. Seasonal ingredients steer a menu that moves seamlessly from elevated breakfast and leisurely brunch to handcrafted pastas, Marra Forni–fired pizzas, and showpiece entrées such as a perfectly seared filet mignon.
Every dish reflects thoughtful sourcing and inventive technique, making Society 48 as much a dining destination as a hotel restaurant. Society 48’s menu unfolds like a carefully curated playlist of crowd-pleasers: fresh seafood and crisp salads, hearty steaks and wood-fired flatbreads built for sharing. From a laid-back lunch or an occasion-worthy dinner, each plate arrives with artful presentation and harmonized flavors—qualities that have cemented this hotspot as one of West Palm Beach’s must-visit dining destinations.
For a pre-theater cocktail, an intimate dinner, or a leisurely long brunch, Society 48 sets the tone with effortless sophistication. Polished cocktails, a thoughtfully curated menu, and attentive yet inviting service combine to create a dining experience that lingers. In West Palm Beach’s vibrant restaurant scene, Society 48 stands out—ideal for date nights, celebrations, or simply savoring an exceptional meal in refined style.
Things to Do in West Palm Beach
From sun-soaked shores to vibrant cultural pursuits, West Palm Beach, Florida, teems with year‑round attractions. Start with the beaches: Palm Beach Municipal Beach boasts powdery sand and crystalline surf mere minutes from downtown, while the tucked-away Peanut Island—reachable by water taxi or kayak—invites snorkelers, picnickers, and curious explorers to wander its historic World War II bunkers.
Shopping and dining enthusiasts will find much to love at CityPlace (aka Rosemary Square), a stylish, pedestrian-friendly district where upscale boutiques, al fresco dining, and regular live performances create a lively urban scene. For a more intimate, local flavor, head to Grandview Public Market, a bustling food hall where independent vendors dish up everything from artisanal coffee to inventive global street food.
Glide across the placid waters of the Lake Worth Lagoon by kayak or paddleboard, explore the scenic Lake Trail by bike, or cap the day with a sunset cruise that frames the skyline and teems with shorebird and dolphin sightings. For a greener, less-traveled experience, sign up for a guided eco-tour through the nearby mangroves to learn about local ecosystems, or immerse yourself in Palm Beach’s creative scene at the Armory Art Center, where rotating workshops, exhibitions, and cultural programs bring the community to life.
If you’re looking for serene relaxation, vibrant culture, or heart-pounding adventure, West Palm Beach, Florida delivers a sophisticated mix of experiences that redefine the classic Sunshine State escape. From tranquil waterfront retreats and world-class museums to lively culinary scenes and outdoor pursuits, this coastal city offers distinct, stylish reasons to linger longer.
Where to Drink in West Palm Beach
For an elegant, unmissable cocktail destination in West Palm Beach, head to the lounge at Society 48. Each evening it comes alive with a chic yet relaxed atmosphere — ideal for after-work drinks, pre-dinner cocktails, or a sophisticated nightcap in stylish surroundings.
Plush banquettes and an artfully veined marble bar set a scene that’s at once elegant and welcoming—no wonder this cocktail lounge has become one of West Palm Beach’s most buzzed-about destinations.
At Society 48, expert mixologists craft both timeless classics and inventive, refined cocktails that showcase top-shelf spirits and impeccably balanced flavors. If you’re sipping a signature aperitif before dinner or lingering over an elegant nightcap with friends, the lounge provides a polished, intimate setting—an essential stop in West Palm Beach’s lively dining and nightlife scene.
Where to Stay in West Palm Beach
Tucked along the sunlit shores of Palm Beach County, The Belgrove Resort & Spa, West Palm Beach, Autograph Collection, stands out as the city’s definitive luxury escape. Channeling a refined British–Caribbean aesthetic infused with contemporary Florida ease, the resort delivers an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere from the moment you arrive. Thoughtful design details permeate the property, while generously sized guestrooms—with private balconies that invite ocean breezes—offer a serene retreat. Add to that a curated collection of world-class amenities, and The Belgrove emerges as one of the most distinguished resorts in the region.
The Spa at The Belgrove emerges as a tranquil centerpiece of the property — an oasis of calm where luxury meets the restorative rituals of the tropics. Treatments here draw on island-inspired traditions, from mango-infused body wraps to salt-stone massages, each tailored to melt away tension after a day of Palm Beach discovery. Personalized wellness therapies compliment facilities that include eucalyptus steam rooms, a heated saltwater pool and vibroacoustic loungers that gently harmonize sound and vibration to soothe both body and mind. For many guests, a visit to this spa becomes the defining indulgence of their stay.
Beyond its wellness offerings, The Belgrove unfolds a world of recreation and indulgence. Lounge beside one of the resort’s glistening outdoor pools, cocktail in hand, or unwind in one of its chic poolside bars. Golfers enjoy privileged access to the acclaimed Jack Nicklaus–designed course on the grounds, while guests seeking local flavor can easily venture to West Palm Beach for pristine beaches, boutique shopping, and vibrant dining. When the day’s adventures wind down, the property returns a serene sanctuary for rest and renewal.
For a romantic retreat, a pampering spa escape, or a chic launchpad for discovering West Palm Beach, The Belgrove Resort & Spa is the definitive address. Elevated service, top-tier wellness amenities, and a guest experience that lingers long after checkout make it the standout choice for discerning travelers.
