Welcome to Like a Local, our series where writers share how to spend an ideal long weekend in their favorite towns. This time, Kim gives us an insider’s guide to Palm Beach, FL.
What started as yearly visits to Palm Beach turned into biannual trips, and no matter how often I went, I always had a great time. It wasn’t until I was lucky enough to get “stuck” in Palm Beach for months during the pandemic that I began to appreciate all this destination has to offer. Sure, it’s gorgeous ( like stepping into a Slim Aarons imagery time capsule), easy to get to (landing at PBI airport feels intimate, not intimidating) and its food rivals that of NYC and Rome. But living like a local made me appreciate all the nooks and crannies of this island. Here are my best bets for a perfect long weekend in Palm Beach.
Your budget will most likely determine where you stay in Palm Beach. If you want to skip the sky high prices of the luxury hotels, there are some nice condos on Airbnb—like this one—that will get you a place to hit the hay without burning a hole in your wallet. No turndown service with this option, but with the money you save, you can explore more of this extraordinary island.
507 for 3 nights in May; rates fluctuate depending on time of year.
For a full-service hotel with all the perks, you have many choices, but for a boutique stay reminiscent of the campy Palm Royale, go for the newly revamped Colony Hotel. Within walking distance of Worth Avenue’s high-end shops and the beach, this hotel has something for everyone (more of which, you’ll see below). And while you’ll pay a lot for your well-appointed room, not everything at this retro-chic hotel comes with a hefty price tag. There are first-come, first-served complimentary rides in the comfort of a hotel-branded Volvo to various spots on the island for meals, shopping, and more.
Pro-Tip for Pet-Lovers: For a fee, your pup will enjoy the comforts of this high-end hotel too, complete with a custom-branded bed and culinary treats.
Day 1:
Most people come to Palm Beach to enjoy the beautiful outdoors—and there are many options from tennis and golf to swimming,boating, and more. But there is plenty for the non-athletic as well. If Friday is your first full day in Palm Beach and the weather isn’t perfect, consider making this your shopping day. Take advantage of Worth Avenue and all it has to offer by exploring the island’s local boutiques and renowned multi-locale retailers. Whether it’s your first time or your twentieth, this activity never gets old. Make sure to get lost among the many villas along the way—you’ll see why this is the quintessential PB experience.
For lunch, many love Pizza al Fresco because the food is great, but for me, it’s the setting that makes this place a winner. You’ll feel like you’re in Europe as you sit—you guessed it—al fresco, enjoying pizza, pasta, and don’t forget a classic Aperol Spritz (theirs are particularly tasty).
Pro Tip for Ice Cream Lovers: If dessert is calling, you can avoid feeling like a tourist by stopping at Piccolo Gelato for sweet treats while strolling through the villas. Sure, people like Sprinkles, but I much prefer Piccolo for gelato that truly hits the spot.
After lunch, take beach cruisers to explore the island by bike, whether that’s to the nearby beach or to the Palm Beach Lake Trail. It’s a great way to see the sights, get some exercise, and really take in the beauty of this glorious destination. With different sections that show off the West Palm skyline, and landmarks like the Flagler Museum and various galleries, you’ll burn off that lunch and get excited for a delicious, scenic dinner in town.
You can easily walk into town for dinner and enjoy Bricktop’s. (If the menu reminds you of Houston’s, it’s no coincidence—but this is Palm Beach, so we’re talking indoor and outdoor seating, a lively bar, large banquettes, and local specialties like the Palm Beach Salad and Key lime pie.)
Day 2:
If it’s a Saturday between October and April, a visit to The West Palm Beach GreenMarket is your activity for the morning. Trust me, it’s worth spending time at what has been voted one of the best farmers markets in the country. With over 130 vendors, this mega market offers breakfast, lunch, and snack options, along with crafts, accessories, and fashion pieces..
When you’re done at the market, The Norton Museum of Art is just a short five-minute drive away. With permanent collections that include works by Georgia O’Keefe, Alexander Calder, and Paul Cezanne, and special exhibits that are constantly changing, you can stop by this staple multiple times and see something new each visit.
Pro Tip for Families: On select Saturdays, the museum offers programs for kids ages 5 to12 (with an accompanying adult), which include gallery viewing and an art-related workshop.
With everything you sampled from the GreenMarket you might be too full for a large lunch, so I recommend stopping by the Hive Bakery & Café right next to the museum.
After coming home and relaxing before dinner, you’ll want to order an Uber and head just off the island to Lake Worth Beach’s Oceano Kitchen. By far my favorite meal every time we come to Palm Beach, this place is loved by every member of my family, which at times has been as young as seven and as old as seventy. With a constantly changing menu (don’t worry, there are mainstays like straight shooter pizza for the less adventurous) this spot finally takes reservations and is delish from cocktails to dessert.
Pro tip: If you like lime in your bev, ask for the daily freshly squeezed lime juice from the bar—much better than your average lime wedge.
Day 3:
On Sunday, feel like a true local by grabbing breakfast at Green’s Pharmacy. This combo luncheonette/pharmacy/store feels like a trip back in time—it first opened in 1938. Whether you want a copy of the “shiny sheets” with the latest comings and goings of area socialites or just a basic bacon, egg and cheese, you’ll love this retro spot.
If you’re staying at The Colony, consider playing the local Par 3 golf course—staff can arrange for you to play what is usually reserved for residents. With ocean views and beautifully maintained landscaping, the course is manageable for beginners and just tricky enough for regular players, making it an ideal option for everyone in your group.
Pro-tip for Families: If you have a golfer under age 12, get the Youth on Course App, for rates as low as $5!
Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the beach or pool. Of course, The Colony’s pool looks like it’s right out of a fashion magazine (probably because it’s been the backdrop for many) where you can get some rays, go for a dip, or just people watch.
For dinner—an Italian favorite that’s popular with locals and visitors alike—go to Bice. (There’s an extensive menu, but I like going off-menu and getting the on-the-bone, pounded-thin Veal Parm.)
If you don’t mind venturing back off the island, in nearby West Palm is The Blue Door, and their Sunday night special, the roast chicken with salad and fries, is delicious and can easily feed four.
For those with more adventurous palates, head to Stage in Palm Beach Gardens for Indian-inspired, globally influenced, and award-winning small plates that are well worth the trip.
Day 4:
Make these stops on the way to the airport: head to Astrokids Outpost in nearby West Palm Beach for any fashions you need for the kids. You can get trendy items without breaking the bank at this not-so-well-known outlet.
Another Pro tip for Ice Cream Lovers: For any anti-shoppers (possibly some kiddos and husbands) Carvel is conveniently steps away.
Next, go to Drive Shack, where you can drive golf balls with video game components at every station. Perfect for many ages, it features 3 levels with private bays that include table service with a full bar and menu.Plus, it has an overhang if rain develops so you’re covered, rain or shine.
Lastly, head to the airport and plan your return trip to try out all the other things to see, do, taste and explore in Palm Beach.
Do you have a place like Palm Beach you like to visit? Tell us about it in the comments?
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