Palm Beach’s claim to fame is its year-round warm weather and presence as a premier resort town, making it an ideal location for a winter escape. Home to exclusive social clubs, iconic hotels, and sprawling mansions, the city’s reputation for decadence makes for a luxurious destination. That said, there’s more to Palm Beach than its affluence. Visit the city to take advantage of its sunny weather and enjoy its picturesque beaches, natural parks, unique shopping, and its arts scene. Discover the city’s interesting past with a visit to a historical mansion and enjoy the city’s nightlife in its vibrant downtown.
Norton Museum of Art
Art lovers can look no further and visit the Norton Museum of Art. With a collection of over 7,000 pieces, the museum hosts artwork separated into five exhibits: European, American, Chinese, Contemporary, and Photography. It is currently the largest museum in Florida and the building itself is a piece of art. Walk up the museum’s cantilevered spiral staircase and spend the afternoon looking at art from all over the world.
Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
Palm Beach as it is known today can thank Henry Morrison Flagler who made the island accessible with his Florida East Coast Railway. Learn about Flagler and tour his former home, the Gilded Age mansion called Whitehall. The mansion now serves as a museum with exhibits featuring the house itself, art, materials related to Flagler, and America’s Gilded Age. Visit the mansion to see why it was so revered at the time of its construction and serves as an iconic symbol of Palm Beach.
Grassy Waters Nature Preserve
Spend some time in nature and explore the expansive wetlands of the Grassy Waters Preserve. Discover the Florida Everglades and see the fascinating ecosystem home to different bird specifies, otters, deer, alligators, and more. Enjoy a walk along the Cypress Boardwalk Trail that takes you through the marsh and swamp or bike along the Owahee Trail. Canoe, kayak, or catch and release fish for a stimulating adventure throughout the preserve.
McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary
Have a different Palm Beach experience and tour the McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary to get up close and personal with animals being rehabilitated to re-enter the wild. Caring for more than 170 creatures, the sanctuary hosts educational programs and tours of the facilities. Have the chance to touch and interact with small animals like tortoises, alligators, snakes, or even tarantulas. Make sure to book your tour ahead, though, as reservations are required.
Antique Row
Meander through Palm Beach’s charming antique district and browse through shops to search for treasures from the past. Discover timeless and vintage pieces in shops devoted to decorative art, jewelry, and furniture. Stores of special interest include Faustina Pace Antiques for French antiques or Kofski Antiques known for their tag sales. Antique Row isn’t just limited to antique shopping but also features specialty boutiques, art galleries, and fine eateries.
Clematis Street
Head into West Palm Beach’s Downtown to enjoy the vibrant nightlife on Clematis Street or spend the day visiting the Norton Museum of Art. If you’re looking for fun for the whole family go on a Segway tour of the area and see its many sights or go bowling at a 20-lane alley. Enjoy the warm south Florida weather even in the middle of winter while watching live performances at Centennial Square every Thursday night. With many shopping and dining options to try, steamy nightclubs and blues venues, Clematis Streets offers a wide variety of activities. During the winter months, you also have the chance to browse its local farmers market.
