Overview
West Palm Beach is a mid-sized city of 117,000 residents (2020) in the Greater Miami (Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach) Metropolitan area.
3 sights · 2 things to do · 6 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 10 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about West Palm Beach
Norton Museum of Art
its permanent collection features American Art, Chinese Art, Contemporary Art, European Art and Photography. Its masterpieces of 19th- and 20th-century painting and sculpture include works by Brancusi, Gauguin, Matisse, …
The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is one of the premier performing arts centers in the Southeast with a growing national and international reputation.
Henry M Flagler Museum
This National Historic Landmark was built as a wedding gift for Henry M. Flagler's new wife. The 55-room winter retreat became more than a winter home and held many of the most modern pleasures of the time. Inside the mu…
Lion Country Safari
Just west of the city. There used to be several of these safari parks, but this is the only one to remain. Includes rides for children.
McCarthys Wildlife Sanctuary
At this non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center, you can see over 90 animals and have a close encounter with over 22 large cats lions, tiger, panther, snakes and more. Money raised goes towards the care of the animals.…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Nov–Apr. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 58°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jun.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DJT President Donald J. Trump International Airport, West Palm Beach — 3 mi away (major hub). Directions
- FLL Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, Fort Lauderdale — 45 mi away (major hub). Directions
West Palm Beach is easily accessible by Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $79–$195 a night (typical $130), from 9 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$120, mid-range ~$200, comfortable ~$360.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Norton Museum of Art, The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, McCarthys Wildlife Sanctuary
- Lunch King Super Buffet
- Afternoon Lion Country Safari, Henry M Flagler Museum
- Dinner Sushi Jo
- Evening O'Shea's Pub
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
West of the smaller, more famous town Palm Beach, West Palm Beach is mostly commercial but has some attractions and landmarks worth visiting.
Get in
By plane
Go Donald J Trump International Airport (DJT) (formerly Palm Beach International Airport (PBI))
This is a small, yet highly adequate airport. While the Miami and the Fort Lauderdale airports are busy with international and domestic traffic, DJT is easy to get in and out of for travelers from other cities in the U.S. and Toronto, and is about five minutes from downtown West Palm Beach. Travelers flying into South Florida, Treasure Coast, or the Bahamas should strongly consider DJT. The airport serves airlines and general aviation aircraft. The airport has a 24-hour control tower and a U.S. Customs & Immigration port of entry facility. The general aviation traffic at DJT has a choice of three fixed base operators. North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport (F45) is in the north portion of the county and provides easy access to the Florida Research Park, Jupiter, and Palm Beach Gardens. The #44 bus connects the West Palm Beach Station (see below) to the airport.
By train
Go West Palm Beach station ((WPB))
Served by Amtrak via its Silver Meteor and Silver Star trains, running from New York City to Miami via Washington, D.C., Savannah, Orlando, Tampa, Lakeland, Kissimmee, Sebring, Okeechobee and other cities along the eastern coast. The commuter rail service Tri-Rail between Miami and West Palm also calls here. The Tri-Rail continues north from the West Palm Beach Station to Magnolia Park as its northern terminus.
Go Brightline (operated by Virgin Trains USA)
Brightline is an inter-city between West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and Miami. As of June 2023 the Brightline trains continue west towards Orlando International Airport with plans to continue the Brightline route towards Tampa via Walt Disney World from Orlando.
By car
West Palm Beach is easily accessible by Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike.
By bus
The West Palm Beach bus stations are at the Lakeworth Service Plaza on the Turnpike and the West Palm Beach (bus) Station at 205-209 S Tamarind in downtown West Palm Beach. See the below as to where the bus companies stop in:
Go Marty 20x (Martin County Public Transit)
Marty #20x bus continues up from the VA Medical Center (7305 N Military Trail) and Palm Beach Gardens Mall to Hobe Sound in Martin County on the Treasure Coast. Passengers transfer to Marty #1 bus at the Cleveland Clinic/Indian River College in Hobe Sound to continue north to Stuart and Port St Lucie. Palm Tran #1 bus goes up to Palm Beach Gardens Mall while the #31 bus goes to the VA Medical Center from West Palm Beach Station.
By boat
Get around
By car
The easiest way to get around West Palm Beach and South Florida is by car. The city is set up on grid system, and is fairly easy to navigate. Downtown is roughly 2 miles north east of Palm Beach International Airport. Palm Beach County is served by Interstate I-95 and U.S. Highway 1 and US 441. It is also served by Florida's Turnpike.
In-Airport car rental companies include:
By taxi
Taxis are generally expensive, but available at almost any time and place.
By bus
By train
Place Tri-Rail
Commuter train which runs north and south parallel to I-95, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Tri-Rail provides access to South Florida's three major airports, and links to Miami's Metrorail. Local West Palm Beach stations are in Magnolia Park (northern terminus of Tri-Rail), (Downtown) West Palm Beach, and Lake Worth which are served by Palm Tran buses and local shuttles.
See
See Norton Museum of Art
its permanent collection features American Art, Chinese Art, Contemporary Art, European Art and Photography. Its masterpieces of 19th- and 20th-century painting and sculpture include works by Brancusi, Gauguin, Matisse, Miró, Monet, Picasso, Davis, Hassam, Hopper, Manship, O'Keeffe, Pollock and Sheeler. The museum presents special exhibitions, lectures, tours and programs for adults and children throughout the year.
- Graffiti Street Art you will find one of the most beautiful and biggest graffiti street art of Florida if you walk around wpb downtown
See Henry M Flagler Museum
This National Historic Landmark was built as a wedding gift for Henry M. Flagler's new wife. The 55-room winter retreat became more than a winter home and held many of the most modern pleasures of the time. Inside the museum you can see many of the antiques from their time in the home, as well as, walk through Flagler's own private railroad car. Also learn about his many contributions to American history and Florida.
Do
There are over 40 miles of beautiful beaches in Palm Beach County. The proximity of the Gulf Stream keeps the waters warm year-round although many miles are private a nearby public beach in the city of Palm Beach has lifeguards during the day, and is easily accessible. Flags by the lifeguard announce hazardous conditions (red for dangerous surf conditions, and purple for dangerous sea life).
For snorkeling, two places might satisfy. One is John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, on the north end of Singer Island. The beach contains a shallow reef full of fish. Be careful, shark and barracuda are seen occasionally. This park also has kayaking, music on Sundays, and some short hiking trails. Kayaking is popular in a calm inlet in the park, which is surrounded by mangrove swamps.
Another snorkeling spot is the 'Breaker's reef on Palm Beach. The reef is nestled right behind the Breakers hotel. This reef is one long stretch that juts out into the ocean. You can park on the side roads near the Breakers, although it is illegal and police often tow out of town cars from this wealthy neighborhood.
A beach activity unique to Florida is watching space shuttles launch out over the ocean. Shuttles lifting off from Cape Kennedy are visible during daylight and night hours, although night and early morning launches are significantly more impressive. From most beaches, looking directly north up the coast will orient you correctly. Launches are visible from anywhere in Florida, but the ocean guarantees a clear view and night launches often reflect in the water.
There are bicycle paths throughout the area. One of the nicest is on the West (Intracoastal) side of Palm Beach. It runs from the middle bridge to the inlet that separates Palm Beach from Singer Island. This path is also suitable for roller blading.
Do McCarthys Wildlife Sanctuary (McCarthys Wildlife)
At this non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center, you can see over 90 animals and have a close encounter with over 22 large cats lions, tiger, panther, snakes and more. Money raised goes towards the care of the animals. Bring your camera. A fun and educational experience.
Buy
Shopping is a popular activity in West Palm, not least because the weather is so mild year-round. There are a number of places to shop, including:
- CityPlace, two renovated blocks in downtown West Palm that now features dozens of high-end shops, including Brookstone; Pottery Barn; White House, Black Market; and more.
- Clematis Street runs perpendicular to CityPlace, and is the older, trendy shopping district, featuring Ann Taylor and several unique, eclectic shops and some pubs, nightclubs and restaurants.
- South Dixie Highway provides several blocks of second-hand shops, from thrift stores to high-end antiques.
- Worth Avenue on Palm Beach Island is home to many luxury boutiques.
- Downtown at the Gardens in Palm Beach Gardens has many restaurants, along with other stores selling clothing, like urban outfitters, and other shops. Includes Cobb movie theaters.
Eat
Budget
Eat Whole Foods Market
Full grocery and cafe offering fresh and local produce, fresh and local seafood, grass fed beef as well as a butcher in the house, enticing array of salads and entrees prepared to eat-in or take-out, brick oven pizzas, custom sandwiches, full scale bakery, unique coffees, great wine and beer selections, nutritional supplements and spa products, and cheeses from around the world.
Eat King Super Buffet
Chinese food; large seafood variety.
Mid-range
Eat Sushi Jo
Best sushi around; always ask for market price!
Eat Rhythm Cafe
The menu changes regularly -- in an eclectic setting.
Eat ER Bradley's Saloon
Decent bar food at the end of Clematis St in sight of the Intracoastal.
Eat Havana Restaurant
Authentic Cuban cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner, with an all-night take-out window.
Splurge
Drink
- Clematis by Night, sponsored by the City of West Palm, is a lively event each Thursday on Clematis Street until 9PM. There's live music, and the audience can purchase beer and wine -- poured by a (rotating) area non-profit, who gets to keep the profits.
Drink O'Shea's Pub
A traditional Irish pub with a great beer garden on Clematis.
Sleep
Budget
Stay Studio 6 West Palm Beach
Very much a budget hotel; don't expect luxury or even much in the way of comfort, but if you're on a tight budget it's a private place to sleep.
Stay Quality Inn Palm Beach International Airport
Mid-range
Stay Hotel Biba
A funky, sea-foam-colored hotel with colorful, ultra-modern decor about 3 miles south of Clematis Street. Hotel Biba bills itself as "a 43-room historic landmark boutique hotel." The hotel features Biba Bar, a hip nightclub featuring live music on the weekends.
Splurge
Stay Embassy Suites West Palm Beach - Central
Across the street from the Palm Beach Airport and minutes from the Palm Beach Convention Center, the Kravis Center and many of Palm Beach's famous golf courses. The property features complimentary breakfast, free high-speed internet access, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, and shuttle buses which go downtown and to the airport.
Stay safe
- Driving -- Florida has "no fault" auto accident laws, which means you are responsible for up to $10,000 in damage to your car, even if you are not responsible for the accident. Make sure your rental car comes with collision insurance, or obtain separate insurance. Florida also has a very high rate of auto fatalities, so take extra care on the roads.
- Crime -- Despite a dropping crime rate, the crime is very high for a city the size of West Palm Beach, it has been rated as the 14th most-dangerous city in the United States, but the areas of high crime are not anywhere near the areas that would be traveled by the everyday tourist.
Go next
The Tiki Bar is a casual bar on the Intracoastal about 2 miles north of West Palm, in Riviera Beach just off US 1. They feature live music 7 days a week. If you go, try the Grouper Tacos, an unforgettable taste treat. One plate serves 2 people.
Heading north about 5 more miles takes you to Blue Heron Blvd. Turn right, and cross the bridge. You'll find yourself on Singer Island, a small beach community that wants to be the next Cocoa Beach. Featuring clean, wide, white sandy beaches, several open-aired beachside restaurants, and a few large surf shops, this is a very relaxing place to get away from the trendy shopping and nightlife of West Palm.
There are a lot of other interesting cities surrounding West Palm, including Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens to the north, Royal Palm Beach to West, Atlantic Ocean to East and Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Boynton Beach to the south.
Nearby
Palm Beach
City / town · 14 listings · 1 mi away
Riviera Beach
City / town · 12 listings · 5 mi away
Lake Worth Beach
City / town · 11 listings · 7 mi away
North Palm Beach
City / town · 4 listings · 7 mi away
Jupiter
City / town · 26 listings · 15 mi away
Delray Beach
City / town · 45 listings · 18 mi away
Boca Raton
City / town · 91 listings · 24 mi away
Hobe Sound
City / town · 1 listings · 26 mi away
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