City Population: 9,500
Across the Intracoastal Waterway from West Palm Beach lies the town of Palm Beach. This exclusive enclave on a barrier island hardly needs an introduction, but its well-known name belies a small, family-friendly town that lays claim to only 9,500 full-time residents and an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 more who call it home during the winter season.
From its birth more than 120 years ago as a playground for the rich, the town honors the man with the original vision, Standard Oil founding partner Henry Morrison Flagler. His ambitious transportation system included the original railroad that brought goods and tourists from the Northeast to Palm Beach and the entire east coast of the state. As the town grew, it retained its small-town charm and much of the Mediterranean-style architecture made famous in the 1920s by Addison Mizner. Visitors can tour the winter home of Flagler, now a museum, or stroll around the town soaking in the tropical European vibe of the well-preserved architecture.
Stretching from the Atlantic to the Intracoastal, a visit to Worth Avenue—one of the most iconic streets in the United States—is a must. Perhaps the most famous shop on the avenue is that of Lilly Pulitzer, whose comfortable, brightly colored, tropical cotton shifts came to epitomize ’60s-era Florida and the ease of affluent life in the tropics. Other venerable stores include Greenleaf & Crosby, Maus & Hoffman, and Gucci.
The Royal Poinciana Plaza, affectionately called “The Royal” by locals, is home to popular dining spots, such as Palm Beach Grill and Italian eatery Sant Ambroeus. They join an eclectic mix of 50 brands including Hermès, Veronica Beard, and Oscar de la Renta, as well as beauty and wellness services, including a Pilates studio.
On the opposite side of the street, in what was originally the center of town, Via Flagler by The Breakers is a vibrant, Mediterranean Revival–style, mixed-use development boasting a restaurant operated by The Breakers Hotel. It is also home to various shops and casual eateries flanking the charming vias that lead to courtyards where people gather and relax.
In Palm Beach—a town that can be walked in an hour—visiting a five-star hotel, window-shopping along Worth Avenue, and stopping to dine al fresco are unique experiences that cannot be missed.
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