Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Palm Beach, FL

  • Published 2022/05/14

Palm Beach, in all its glory, is a tropical paradise for all.

With beautiful sunny weather, pristine beaches, and a sophisticated atmosphere, Florida’s Palm Beach is a lovely and popular getaway for many people from all over the globe.

This town on the gentler side of Florida is full of luxurious hotels that line its famous beaches with pure white fine sand, and clear waters.

Palm Beach is a playground for the rich and famous, but there is so much to experience beyond all the glitz and glamour.

There is plenty of sunshine, great shopping, places to visit like museums and theaters, and public parks with beautiful beaches, ideal for romantics to spend a few days alone or with family or friends.

Whether it’s the gourmet dining scene, cultural attractions, packed beaches, or pleasant amenities, Palm Beach offers extraordinary experiences no matter your budget.

Ready for a luxurious trip to the beach?

Check out the 15 best things to do in Palm Beach, FL.

Discover Gilded Age America at the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum

Exterior of Henry Morrison Flagler Museum

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The Gilded Age is a historical period in the development of the United States.

What’s a better way to immerse yourself in this era than visiting the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum?

Between 1865 and 1929, the US saw a significant improvement in economic status, leading to new developments in art, culture, traditions, and technology.

Ballroom inside Henry Morrison Flagler Museum

Khowald, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Henry Flagler’s home, called Whitehall, is a national historic landmark that houses the Gilded Age’s numerous wonders.

Upon entering the museum, you can join a narrated tour in several languages and read self-guided brochures to avoid missing any valuable information.

Spend time at the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the perfect spot to learn more about America’s history.

Welcome sign of Henry Morrison Flagler Museum

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Play Golf at the Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course

If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing day at the course, look no further than the Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course.

Every hole on the course is designed with varying lengths and angles, so you must think your way around the course.

The holes also challenge your short game, so you’ll need good control over your irons and wedges.

The Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course isn’t just for beginners or those who want to work on their short game.

It’s also ideal for seasoned players looking for a challenge or anyone who wants to improve their short game skills without putting themselves in danger by hitting off a tee box.

You don’t need any experience in golf at all.

You can attend clinics led by a team of experienced professionals to learn the basics.

Playing a game of golf surrounded by picturesque tropical views and a cool ocean breeze might be the kind of vacation you need.

Have a Worthwhile Experience at Worth Avenue

Buildings along Worth Avenue

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An avenue for shopping, dining, and spectacular views is waiting for you at Worth Avenue.

The area covers three blocks of eye-catching art exhibits, boutiques, delicious restaurants, and beautiful resort hotels from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Name sign of Worth Avenue

ddmirt / Shutterstock.com

This avenue’s captivating “vias” showcase architectural marvels and sights inspired by Mediterranean structures, proving that there’s more to it than shopping and dining.

Alongside the previous experiences, the area also hosts several activities such as pet parades, jewelry shows, and beach cleanups.

Visiting Worth Avenue is a no-brainer; this captivating destination is genuinely worth your time.

The grounds of Worth Avenue

Thomas Barrat / Shutterstock.com

Wander the Royal Poinciana Plaza

The Royal Poinciana Plaza is a charming shopping center located along Royal Poinciana Way, home to 50 hand-selected high-end stores and restaurants.

The architect John Volk built the historic shopping plaza was built in the 1950s.

Volk designed several buildings for America’s royalty, such as the Vanderbilts, DuPonts, Fords, and Pulitzers.

The Royal Poinciana Plaza has been restored and redesigned into a stylish and luxurious destination for visitors.

You’ll find unique boutiques and shops and restaurants, bars, and cafes that are sure to provide you with a shopping experience unlike any other.

There are also a few high-end jewelry stores and antique shops for those looking for something special to bring home.

After a day of browsing the shops, the Royal Poinciana Plaza’s garden courtyards are perfect for relaxing while you take in the lush scenery.

However, the real highlight of the plaza is just walking around and taking in all the gorgeous architecture.

Splash in the Waters of the Municipal Beach

Aerial view of Municipal Beach

FloridaStock / Shutterstock.com

What could be more relaxing than a stroll along the beach?

Municipal Beach is a great place to take your dog for a walk or sit back and relax while you enjoy the view.

The beach is along South Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach.

A sailboat on Municipal Beach waters

Bill Perry / Shutterstock.com

It’s just minutes from Worth Avenue, making it easy to get to by car or bicycle.

Access to the beach is free and open to everyone.

The beach itself is clean and quiet, perfect for a day out in the sun, but you may need to go early to find parking.

If you feel like grabbing a bite to eat or looking around for souvenirs, restaurants, and shops are only a few steps away.

Visit the Palm Beach Boys Club for Surf-related Goodies

The Palm Beach Boys Club is a surf-inspired lifestyle brand serving the community for 27 years.

The company designs and produces high-quality beachwear inspired by Florida’s surf culture.

They also have a great selection of surfboards, boogie boards, and stand-up paddleboards.

Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable about all things related to surfing.

If you’re looking for information on surfing in Palm Beach County or beyond, they can steer you in the right direction.

Don’t hesitate to ask for lessons on surfing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.

Make the most out of your vacation and start riding those waves.

Spend Your Time Wisely at the Worth Avenue Clock Tower

Scenic view of Worth Avenue Clock Tower

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

The Worth Avenue Clock Tower is a must-see when you visit Palm Beach.

The Worth Avenue Clock Tower is known for its superb design and beautiful architecture that make it recognizable from afar.

Its location at the end of the iconic Worth Avenue, with the vast Atlantic Ocean as its background, makes for the perfect sunset views, especially when the sunset colors the town in beautiful shades of pink.

Beach view from Worth Avenue Clock Tower's arch

ddmirt / Shutterstock.com

Several palm trees also stand within a few feet of the clock tower, adding to the picturesque view of the horizon.

Many visitors enjoy taking photos of the historical landmark that you can find on several postcards in the area.

Stop by and take the perfect shot of the Worth Avenue Clock Tower.

Worth Avenue Clock Tower's night scene

Ndevars / Shutterstock.com

Listen to the Waves at the William O. Lockhart Municipal Pier

If you’re looking for a place to relax, unwind, and listen to the waves at the beach, then the William O. Lockhart Municipal Pier is ideal.

The pier gets its name from William O. Lockhart, a long-time activist and city commissioner in the late 1980s.

This spot is excellent for fishing and watching sunsets as the pier has an observation deck that extends over the water.

You can walk out of this historic landmark and enjoy the view of the Florida coastline from above and below the waterline.

You can also enjoy splashing your feet in the calm waters of this clean and quiet beach or grabbing a bite in the restaurants nearby.

Follow Your Feet along the Lake Trail

The paved Lake Trail

B V Nickel / Shutterstock.com

Palm Beach, Florida, is one of those places with it all; it’s beautiful, chic, and full of luxury.

But if you look beyond the glamour, you’ll discover a hidden gem.

The Lake Trail is a gorgeous trail that takes you through some of the most scenic parts of Palm Beach.

It’s also a great place to get away from the crowds and enjoy peace.

The Lake Trail is near the western end of Palm Beach and runs for about five and a half miles on either side of Lake Worth Lagoon.

The trail is flat, paved, and perfect for jogging or biking when you want to break a sweat.

As you travel the sweeping curves of the Lake Trail, keep an eye out for modern art installations, lush green trees, and a majestic view of sailboats in the distance.

Immerse Yourself in the Culture of Palm Beach at the Society of the Four Arts

Entrance of Society of the Four Arts

Thomas Barrat / Shutterstock.com

With its historic buildings, lush gardens, and beautiful galleries, the Society of the Four Arts is a hidden gem in Palm Beach.

The nonprofit organization was founded in 1936 with a mission to promote a greater appreciation for the arts, humanities, and education.

Today, it operates as a museum and gallery space that hosts exhibitions year-round.

Exterior of a building at Society of the Four Arts

Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com

Located along the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach, the area comprises a performance hall, an art gallery, a modern education center, a library, a children’s library, and botanical and sculpture gardens.

Visitors can enjoy everything from concerts and lectures to art exhibitions and campus programs.

The museum features a permanent collection of historical paintings, sculptures, and fine crafts that reflect the development of American taste.

In addition, there’s always something new on display at this cultural center, so keep an eye out before your visit!

Building exterior at Society of the Four Arts

Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com

Have a Beach Picnic at the Phipps Ocean Park

A beach picnic is one of the most romantic ways to spend an afternoon with your sweetheart or simply a great way to bond with friends and family.

The Phipps Ocean Park is a quiet area, so you can peacefully enjoy plenty of sunshine and fresh sea air.

The beach is perfect for snorkeling and has lots of shells for you to check out.

Trees are also abundant in the area, shading you against the summer heat.

The park has picnic tables and benches scattered around and barbecue pits and cabanas.

You can bring your food and drinks and enjoy them while you relax on the beach or take a walk along the shoreline.

Look Up at the Giant Kapok Tree

Night view of Giant Kapok Tree

Volkan Yuksel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Giant Kapok Tree, on the grounds of the Royal Poinciana Chapel, is an iconic landmark in Palm Beach, Florida.

As you follow the Lake Trail, just as you approach the Flagler Museum, you’ll see this magnificent tree towering over you.

It’s about 102 feet tall and 305 inches in circumference.

To completely hug this tree, you would need to gather a bunch of your friends.

The majestic tree has stood there for over 180 years.

Kapok trees are said to live up to 300 years on average.

Besides its size, tourists marvel at the beautiful flow of its root structure.

Decorate Your Trip with Il Papiro’s Notecards

Il Papiro is a charming shop in Palm Beach, Florida, specializing in stationery and gifts for the home since 1994.

When Il Papiro’s New York location closed in 2015, the Florida location became its only branch, so you’ll only find these unique works of art in Palm Beach.

The Palm Beach branch continues Il Papiro’s traditions to produce high-quality letter writing accessories inspired by Florentine craftsmanship.

Il Papiro is a great place to shop for hand-crafted notecards to send to friends and family, a selection of journals to keep track of your daily activities, and photo albums to keep precious memories.

If you need help finding something unique at Il Papiro, ask one of the friendly staff members who are always ready to assist customers.

They’ll be happy to show you what’s new or recommend something they think would make an excellent gift for someone special.

Join a Palm Beach Day Tour

Cruising Palm Beach's waters

Thomas Barrat / Shutterstock.com

The most memorable way to experience Palm Beach’s beauty is to embark on an excursion with a cruise or a boat tour.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing cruise or an adventure-filled outing, there is a tour that will suit your needs perfectly.

The best part about these tours is that they allow you to explore all the sights and attractions that make this place unique.

You’ll get an opportunity to see everything on the island in just a day, including some of the most affluent homes in all of South Florida.

After you’ve had your fill of celebrity spotting, head back toward the land, where you can stop at different shops and restaurants for lunch or dinner before heading back to your hotel room for a nightcap.

Spend the Evening with Films at the Brazilian Court Hotel

What better way to enjoy a summer evening than watching your favorite movies in a beautiful garden, surrounded by lush greenery and live music?

The Brazilian Court Hotel is a historical structure infused with 1920s style and glamor, which hosts al fresco movie nights open for all.

The films they usually screen star Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Marlon Brando, and Cary Grant, all former guests of the Brazilian Court Hotel.

These movie nights are complimentary for hotel guests.

You will need to make reservations if you aren’t staying in the hotel, but each ticket does come with two specialty beverages and snacks from Café Boulud.

Final Thoughts

Palm Beach has some of the best places to visit and the finest beaches in the world.

The rich history and beautiful weather make this area an ideal destination no matter what time of year.

It’s a magnet for tourists from all over the world who love it for its picturesque beaches, fabulous restaurants, relaxing spas, adventurous activities, and much more.

From the sightseeing to the nightlife and the shopping, there is something for everyone when it comes to visiting Palm Beach.

What’s your first stop?

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