Home to a breathtaking waterfront, bustling entertainment districts and scenic neighborhoods, West Palm Beach is a lot more than just palm trees and beaches. With sunny skies, picture-perfect weather, and exciting outdoor and cultural attractions, this vibrant destination offers visitors a paradise of year-round entertainment.
Here are 15 things to do in West Palm Beach…
1. Clematis Street & Downtown West Palm Beach
Clematis Street is the historical heart of Downtown West Palm Beach. Starting at Flagler Drive on the Intracoastal Waterway, walk west to experience the indigenous flavor of the area’s colorful boutiques, nightclubs, live music, restaurants and historical landmarks.
Grab a wood oven pizza at Lynora’s, or stop at Grease for the ultimate burger. If you’re craving Mexican food, check out Roccos’ Tacos & Tequila Bar and make sure to order their fresh guac. Or, stop at the botanical-inspired restaurant Sourbon Kitchen and head upstairs to The Lab, a speakeasy offering handcrafted cocktails. Later at night, check out Clematis Social, an upscale nightlife venue in the heart of Clematis Street.
Thursday nights come alive from 6 to 9 p.m., when the popular event Clematis By Night features live music by the area’s best bands, food and drink specials, and an unmatched social scene.
2. CityPlace
CityPlace is West Palm Beach’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. Just a free trolley ride or walk from Clematis Street, you can shop in this popular West Palm Beach attraction where old-world architecture, beautiful fountains, and sidewalk cafes create a striking atmosphere reminiscent of a European town center.
Shop your favorite clothing, home, and beauty brands. Retailers include H&M, Lululemon, Natuzzi Italia and more. Dine at Planta, City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill, El Camino, City Pizza, Harry’s Il Bellagio, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and other wonderful eateries. After that, enjoy a gluten-free, dairy-free ice cream at the Angie’s Epicurean pop up.
3. Norton Museum of Art
Norton Museum of Art is internationally known for its distinguished collection, which includes masterpieces of 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculptures by European and American artists, and Chinese jade and bronze artifacts that are considered among the best in the world. Each Friday night, The Norton Museum organizes Art After Dark, a cultural event open to anyone that mixes art and entertainment, including live performances, film screenings, art workshops, and more.
4. Antique Row Art & Design District
Discover more than 50 antiques and specialty shops on one street along West Palm Beach’s famed Antique Row. This charming district offers an impressive selection of 17th- to 20th-century antiques, fine and decorative arts, period deco and modern furnishings, and much more—all within walking distance.
This charming shopping enclave has been featured in Architectural Digest, The New York Times, Art & Antiques, and House Beautiful as one of the east coast’s premier antique shopping districts. Visit West Palm Beach Antique Row Art & Design District and see where the world’s best interior designers have been shopping for more than 30 years.
5. Northwood Village
Located just north of Downtown West Palm Beach, Northwood Village has a terrific selection of enjoyable dining, small galleries, and a monthly wine stroll. Explore Northwood’s bohemian vibe as you venture through the small town’s underexplored artistic gems. From edgy art galleries to fine dining and eclectic shops, this destination is perfect for the urban adventurer.
Stop at Harold’s Coffee House and take a selfie with their colorful murals! This hip space in West Palm Beach’s Northwood Village neighborhood specializes in Kyoto‑style cold brew coffee, but they also serve fresh‑pressed juices, kombucha, and a variety of teas and baked goods.
6. Cox Science Center and Aquarium
The Cox Science Center and Aquarium provides a hands-on, minds-on experience for the whole family, making it a top thing to do in West Palm Beach! Serving Palm Beach County since 1961, the Science Center’s goal is to “Open Every Mind to Science” by providing schools and visitors a new set of science programming and tech ventures based on computer coding, robotics, and other educational programs.
The center features 100-plus educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon aquarium, a full-dome digital planetarium, a theater, a new science laboratory, a quarter mile-long science trail, traveling exhibits, and much more. In 2016, the center completed an 18-hole miniature golf Conservation Course designed by local legends Gary Nicklaus and Jim Fazio. It was developed as a green space to provide recreational and environmental benefits to visitors while educating people about Florida’s native habitats and was named one of the “Top Thirteen Miniature Golf Courses in the Nation” by Travel Magazine.
7. Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
As Palm Beach County’s top-rated zoological experience, the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is home to more than 550 animals on 23 shaded tropical acres. The lush grounds include an interactive play fountain, a Conservation Station that includes a Wildlife Carousel and Safari Train for children to ride, and interactive wildlife presentations.
Be sure to check out the John and Carole Moran Panther Prowl habitat and meet Sassy, the zoo’s Florida panther. Additionally, this West Palm Beach attraction sponsors conservation projects in numerous parts of the world. The majority of this work deals with species that are represented in the Zoo’s collection.
8. Tanger Outlets Palm Beach
Tanger Outlets Palm Beach feature more than 100 stores, including brand favorites such as Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Banana Republic Factory Store, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, J.Crew | crewcuts Factory, Kenneth Cole, Nike Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour and Vera Bradley.
The outlets offer an array of amenities and services to provide guests with the best shopping experience possible, including Customer Service, complimentary Wi-Fi, ATMS located in the Food Pavilion, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, a Visitors Center, and complimentary wheelchairs available at Customer Service in the Food Pavilion.
9. Mounts Botanical Gardens
Mounts Botanical Garden is a beautiful oasis unexpectedly located near Palm Beach International Airport. With a mission to “inspire and educate through nature” and a history spanning more than 40 years, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden.
It features 14 acres of gardens with more than 6,000 tropical and subtropical plants from around the world, including flowering trees and shrubs, fruit trees, bromeliads, palms, herbs, a vegetable garden, butterfly garden, rose garden and reflection pond. Do not miss Mounts Botanical Garden’s fun, healthy, educational, and awesome eco-focused open-air events and workshops.
10. CACTI Park of The Palm Beaches
The FITTEAM CACTI Park of The Palm Beaches is the newest Spring Training destination home of the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals. The 160-acre complex features a fan-friendly 7,700 capacity stadium as its centerpiece, along with 6 practice fields per team. Fans will find shade, a 360-degree concourse, the Enterprise Lawn, suites and party decks in which to enjoy an all-encompassing Spring Training experience.
Beyond Spring Training, The Ballpark of The Palm Beaches hosts elite destination tournaments, community walks, corporate functions, concerts and festivals among other events. The complex is just minutes from the beach and is surrounded by golf courses, entertainment complexes and plenty of family-friendly activities, making it a popular thing to do in West Palm Beach.
11. Rooftops with a View
There’s nothing quite like taking in the sights in a glamorous setting with a drink in hand and delicious food. If you’re itching for dinner with a panorama, the Palm Beaches has plenty of options for rooftop dining, like Spruzzo, complete with a modern ambiance and a Mediterranean-inspired menu packed with bold flavors. If you’re feeling a party vibe with experimental cocktails, the Treehouse Lounge & Bar is where it’s at! Their event calendar is full of activities and special menu items to keep things fun and fresh.
Are you craving Italian eats? Head over to Elisabetta’s Ristorante West Palm Beach to taste Classic Italian fare kicked up a notch. They also offer late-night pizza until 1 am—who doesn’t love that?!
You might be familiar with premier furniture store Restoration Hardware, but what might surprise you is that they have a supremely chic restaurant at their West Palm Beach Location. The RH Rooftop Restaurant boasts an extensive wine selection and European-inspired dishes for a fantastic meal in a meticulously curated space.
However, if tacos, karaoke, and tequila are more your speed, you must head to the Banko Cantina. Superb Mexican cuisine, dancing, and cocktails come together to create an unforgettable night!
12. Boat Rental on The West Palm Beach Waterfront
Experience the beauty of the Intracoastal Waterway with a scenic tour or get up close and personal with the local wildlife on one of Visit Palm Beach’s eco-tours. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, there are plenty of water sports to choose from, like jet skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding.
If your vibe is more laid-back and relaxed, Visit Palm Beach also offers sunset cruises, sip-and-dip activities, and more! They also offer private boat rentals for special events like weddings and corporate outings.
With experienced captains and top-of-the-line boats, you can rest assured that your time on the water with Visit Palm Beach will be safe, enjoyable, and memorable.
13. Grandview Public Market by City Foodhall
Are you searching for an unforgettable gastronomic experience? Look no further than City Food Hall Grandview! This bustling food hall offers a vibrant atmosphere and an impressive array of international cuisine. From mouth-watering sushi rolls to Cajun-inspired dishes, the vendors at City Food Hall Grandview have something to suit every taste and budget.
It’s more than just a place to eat—it’s a destination! With live music and events throughout the year, you can end the day on the right note! City Food Hall Grandview for an unforgettable food experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
14. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Are you a lover of the performing arts? If so, you need to add a visit to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts to your itinerary. One of the premier performing arts centers in the Southeast, it boasts three venues: the Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall, the Rinker Playhouse, and the Helen K. Persson Hall. From big Broadway productions to intimate dance performances, the Kravis Center offers a diverse range of shows that leave thrilled, moved, or breathless from the laughter.
The Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall is especially renowned for its superb acoustics, which have attracted some of the world’s most renowned orchestras and soloists. And with friendly staff and a convenient location, the Kravis Center is the perfect attraction for anyone seeking an unforgettable cultural experience in West Palm Beach. Take advantage of this gem of the Southeast’s cultural scene!
15. Shark Wake Park
Are you ready for an unforgettable vacation adventure? Head to Shark Wake Park! This thrilling water sports destination offers wakeboarding, knee boarding, and water skiing for everyone.
Don’t worry about bringing any equipment—Shark Wake Park has everything you need, from wetsuits to helmets and life jackets. With two cable systems, Shark Wake Park has something fun for everyone.
The park also boasts a stunning beach area where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful views while others ride or grab a bite to eat at the Shark Shack. Shark Wake Park also offers private events for birthdays and other festivities, as well as Summer, Winter, and Spring Break camps for kids 7–15.
Make the most of your vacation and visit Shark Wake Park—a must-visit destination for water sports enthusiasts and families looking for a thrilling day on the water in West Palm Beach.
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