West Palm Beach Travel Guide
It used to play second fiddle to its more popular sibling, Palm Beach. Not anymore. West Palm Beach is now a vacation hub all on its own. With over 40 miles of warm beaches, there is plenty of fun in the sun in this vibrant city that forms part of the South Florida Metropolitan area (along with Miami and Fort Lauderdale). Some of our favorite West Palm activities: swimming at Riviera Beach or snorkeling and kayaking at the John D. MacArthur Beach State Park.
Things to Do
There's more to West Palm than just the beach. Young and old alike will marvel at the panthers, snakes, tigers and other creatures at the McCarthys Wildlife Sanctuary and the Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park. If you and your family are in the mood for adventure, take a trip in your own car to Lion Country Safari, the only remaining animal park in the area that boasts over 1,300 creatures. When it's time to wind down, head to the serene Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, where you can enjoy the many masterpieces on display. If you want to beat the heat, the Flagler Museum and the Norton Art Museum offer a dose of history and culture – plus they are air conditioned! For great entertainment, head out to the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, which holds more than 800 events annually. There's also a planetarium, aquarium and other interactive exhibits at the South Florida Science Museum.
Restaurants
Outdoor cafes and restaurants can be found in abundance on Clematis Street. This lively road runs east to west from Dixie Highway to Flagler Drive, and is crawling with pubs, nightclubs, and party-goers. Make sure to check out Clematis by Night every Thursday for live music, good food and great drinks. Other popular dining spots can be found at CityPlace, one of the city's top destinations for shopping, dining and entertainment. Downtown at the Gardens, another trendy mall, also has a variety of good eating places to choose from.
Shopping and Entertainment
Shopping is a favorite of tourists and residents alike in West Palm. CityPlace, a European style mall that has risen from a row of dilapidated apartments is now home to high-end shops, an IMAX theater and other clothing and home decor stores. There are also shops and boutiques in Clematis Street. If second-hand shops and antique stores are your thing, head to Antique Row off South Dixie Highway. For luxury shopping, go straight to Worth Avenue, known as the "Rodeo Drive" of Florida and the Palm Beaches.
Where to Go in West Palm Beach
