· US

Palm Beach

Palm Beach, Florida, United States

Palm Beach, Florida, located in the southeastern part of the state, is a luxurious and vibrant destination that beckons to both the elite and leisure-seeking travelers alike. Known for its pristine beaches, upscale shopp…

#beachfront#luxury#golf#resort#exclusive

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Palm Beach.

Top Hotels in Palm Beach

Top Flights to Palm Beach

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Palm Beach.

Tours

Visit the Flagler Museum

Explore the Gilded Age mansion of Henry Flagler, with exhibits showcasing the history of Florida and its development.

Shopping

Shop on Worth Avenue

Explore high-end shops and boutiques on the famous Worth Avenue, known for luxury shopping.

Outdoor

Relax at Palm Beach

Enjoy a day at the beautiful sandy beaches of Palm Beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Palm Beach.

Currency
$ | USD | US Dollar
Population
As of recent estimates, the total population of Palm Beach, Florida is approximately 9,300.
Languages
English, English
Average weather
Palm Beach
Jan
sun
23°15°
Feb
sun
24°16°
Mar
sun
25°17°
Apr
sun
27°19°
May
sun
29°22°
Jun
hot
31°24°
Jul
hot
32°25°
Aug
hot
32°25°
Sep
hot
31°24°
Oct
sun
29°22°
Nov
sun
26°19°
Dec
sun
24°16°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Palm Beach.

What people love

There are several pros to traveling to Palm Beach, Florida:

  1. Beautiful Beaches: Palm Beach is famous for its pristine, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim, sunbathe, or engage in water sports like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

  2. Luxury Lifestyle: Palm Beach is known for its upscale lifestyle, luxury resorts, and high-end shopping destinations. Visitors can indulge in fine dining, shop at designer boutiques, and experience the glamorous atmosphere of this exclusive destination.

  3. Golfing: Palm Beach is home to several world-class golf courses that attract golf enthusiasts from around the world. The lush green fairways, stunning views, and challenging layouts make Palm Beach a popular destination for golfers of all skill levels.

  4. Cultural Attractions: Palm Beach offers a rich cultural scene with art galleries, museums, and historic sites to explore. Visitors can visit the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, Norton Museum of Art, or enjoy performances at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

  5. Outdoor Activities: In addition to beach activities, Palm Beach offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and nature walks in its beautiful parks and nature reserves. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the area and enjoy the pleasant weather year-round.

Overall, Palm Beach offers a luxurious and relaxing getaway with beautiful beaches, upscale amenities, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Palm Beach, Florida, include:

  1. High Cost of Living: Palm Beach is known for being an affluent area with a high cost of living. This can make accommodations, dining, and activities more expensive compared to other destinations.

  2. Crowds and Traffic: Palm Beach is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak seasons. This can lead to crowded beaches, restaurants, and attractions, as well as heavy traffic congestion.

  3. Weather: Florida's weather can be hot and humid, especially during the summer months. This may not be ideal for everyone, especially those who prefer milder climates.

  4. Hurricane Risk: Florida is prone to hurricanes, and Palm Beach is no exception. Visitors should be aware of the potential risks and be prepared in case of severe weather.

  5. Limited Public Transportation: Palm Beach may not have a robust public transportation system, so visitors may need to rely on rental cars or ride-sharing services to get around.

Please note that these are general considerations, and individual experiences may vary. It's always a good idea to research further and consider your own preferences and circumstances before traveling to Palm Beach.

Palm Beach, Florida, is a town located on an island in Palm Beach County. It has a rich and colorful history marked by significant events, historical figures, and notable landmarks.

Early History and Development

  • Native Inhabitants: The area that is now Palm Beach was originally inhabited by the Jaega people before European contact.
  • 19th Century: In the late 1800s, settlers began arriving in the area. The island was largely undeveloped until the late 19th century.

Gilded Age and Henry Flagler

  • Henry Flagler: The transformation of Palm Beach into a resort destination began with the arrival of Henry Flagler, a key figure in the development of Florida’s east coast. Flagler, a co-founder of Standard Oil, extended the Florida East Coast Railway to West Palm Beach in 1894, making the area accessible to wealthy northerners.
  • The Royal Poinciana Hotel: In 1894, Flagler opened The Royal Poinciana Hotel, which became one of the largest wooden structures in the world and a major winter destination for the rich.
  • The Breakers Hotel: In 1896, Flagler built The Breakers Hotel, another luxury resort that remains a landmark today. It was rebuilt twice, after fires in 1903 and 1925.

20th Century Growth

  • Early 20th Century: Palm Beach continued to grow as a resort town for the wealthy. The town was incorporated in 1911.
  • Mar-a-Lago: In the 1920s, Marjorie Merriweather Post, a cereal heiress, built Mar-a-Lago, a 126-room mansion that later became a significant landmark. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1980.
  • The Great Depression: The town, like much of the country, was affected by the Great Depression, although it remained a haven for the rich.

Mid to Late 20th Century

  • Post-War Era: After World War II, Palm Beach continued to thrive as a luxury destination. The town attracted a mix of old money and new wealth, including business magnates and celebrities.
  • Development and Preservation: Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, there was a balance between development and preservation, with many historic buildings being protected.

Notable Residents and Visitors

  • Palm Beach has been home to numerous prominent figures, including the Kennedy family, who owned a compound there.
  • In more recent times, Donald Trump purchased Mar-a-Lago in 1985 and later used it as a winter White House during his presidency.

Important Landmarks

  • The Breakers Hotel: A historic luxury hotel that remains a symbol of Palm Beach’s opulence.
  • Mar-a-Lago: Now a private club and residence, it remains one of the most famous landmarks in Palm Beach.
  • Flagler Museum (Whitehall): The former home of Henry Flagler, now a museum open to the public.
  • Worth Avenue: A historic shopping street known for its luxury boutiques.

Cultural Impact

  • Palm Beach has long been associated with wealth, luxury, and exclusivity, often featured in literature and media as a symbol of the high life.

Palm Beach remains a vibrant and exclusive community, continuing to attract wealthy and influential individuals from around the world.