City Population: 127,750
West Palm Beach is one of the oldest cities in South Florida, and the historic areas have a unique tropical ambience, combining the Spanish Colonial Revival influence of renowned 1920s architect Addison Mizner with sleek, contemporary buildings. The distinctive skyline is often photographed from the Intracoastal Waterway, and the city is instantly recognizable from the air as you fly into Palm Beach International Airport. From bohemian and artistic to urban and upscale, West Palm Beach is a pedestrian-friendly city where people walk, ride bikes, or push baby strollers while exploring the local shops, eateries, murals, and cultural gems. Getting around is a breeze. There are two public transit systems. The Tri-Rail commuter train makes downtown easily accessible from surrounding communities, while the Brightline system connects to downtown Miami—with stops in Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale along the way.
Downtown West Palm Beach is an arts and entertainment district—home to the Palm Beach Opera, Palm Beach Symphony, Norton Museum of Art, the regional Palm Beach Dramaworks theater, Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the Johnson History Museum, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, and much more.
The geographic center of urban West Palm Beach spans from Quadrille Boulevard to Sapodilla Avenue, and Evernia Street to the Hilton West Palm Beach. Known as CityPlace, its Mission Revival plaza and walkways are lined with two dozen shops and more than 30 restaurants, and live entertainment on weekends
Clematis Street, touting historic charm and lively murals, is considered the “city’s heartbeat” for its buzzing nightlife and unique restaurants. By day or night, it’s the go-to for culture, waterfront views, and community events, including the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, a pet-friendly event where you can buy farm-fresh produce and artisanal prepared foods each Saturday from October through May. At Halloween, MoonFest takes advantage of the cool fall air with a costumed street party along Clematis Street.
Other neighborhoods include El Cid, Flamingo Park, Northwood Village, and the Southend, or SOSO (south of Southern). The Nora District along North Railroad Avenue is newest hip hot spot—a $1 billion revitalized district growing with shops, dining, luxury condos, and the Nora Hotel (opening in 2026).
Life in West Palm Beach is all about the water, hugging the area near Flagler Driver. With the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean to the east and Clear Lake and Magnolia Lake to the west, this is a water-activities paradise. Head down to the waterfront to rent a kayak or Jet Ski, take a snorkeling cruise, or go for a sunset sail on a 50-foot catamaran. In March, the Palm Beach International Boat Show draws thousands of boats from around the world.
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