Craving sunshine, beaches, and a splash of luxury? Head to West Palm Beach! This vibrant Florida city blends cultural flair with tropical fun—think world-class museums, palm-lined avenues, and Atlantic beaches just minutes away. Whether you're looking for family fun or upscale relaxation, West Palm Beach has it all.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit West Palm Beach is from November through April for warm, dry weather perfect for beach days and outdoor events. Summer months are hotter and more humid but offer fewer crowds and deals on lodging.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: West Palm Beach is located along I-95 and US-1, about 70 miles north of Miami and 45 minutes from Fort Lauderdale.
- By Air: Fly into Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), just minutes from downtown and the beach.
- By Train: Brightline and Amtrak offer service to West Palm Beach from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando.
- By Bus: Greyhound and FlixBus offer routes into the city; Palm Tran provides local service.
Where to Stay
- The Ben, Autograph Collection – Luxury boutique hotel with rooftop pool and Intracoastal views.
- Hilton West Palm Beach – Upscale option connected to the convention center and near CityPlace.
- Grandview Gardens Bed & Breakfast – Quaint, tropical-style B&B in a peaceful historic neighborhood.
Top Attractions
1. Norton Museum of Art
Rating: ★★★★★
The Norton Museum of Art is well known for its diverse and engaging collection of both local and international works. Located in Downtown West Palm Beach, the Norton Museum of Art showcases over 7,000 pieces with an emphasis on European, Chinese, and American artists. The museum has gained popularity due to its unique approach to attracting visitors through specialty programs and events. With a bursting calendar of events that features attractions for people of all ages (including families) and programs, workshops, and classes throughout the week, the museum is both an art collector and engaging community epicenter.
1451 S Olive Ave, West Palm Beach, Florida, Phone: 561-832-5196 After enjoying the art, head to the beach, stroll through the Antique Row Art & Design District or visit the West Palm Beach Green Market. At the end of the day, dine at one of these outstanding West Palm Beach restaurants.
2. Mounts Botanical Garden
Mounts Botanical Garden is West Palm Beach’s largest and oldest public garden, home to nearly two thousand types of tropical plants deriving from six continents. The various plant species are housed in several distinct gardens, including an exotic trees garden, tropical fruit garden, herbs garden, and citrus and palms garden. Additionally, a variety of other gardens, of which there are over 20, are on site, and they feature a diverse range of ecosystems and natural habitats from butterflies to extremely rare and unique plants, a rose garden, a begonia garden, and a Mediterranean garden. Each area comes with literature and interpretive education on the unique qualities of each garden, including its growth and maintenance requirements.
531 N Military Trl, West Palm Beach, Florida, Phone: 561-233-1757
3. McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary
McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary treats hundreds of native South Florida animals every year. Through guided on site tours, visitors are able to experience the facility and interact with several different animals. Visitors can learn about the rescue process, including how the sanctuary aids local wildlife officials to capture wounded animals, and take a peak into the rehabilitation center, including a treatment clinic and recovery room for the orphaned or injured creatures.
If you are wondering what to do in West Palm Beach, Florida with kids, this is a great place to visit. Finally, McCarthy’s offers an outreach program to educate the public on how to interact with wildlife, and advocates for measures to advance the protection of animals in the wild.
12943 61st St N, West Palm Beach, Florida, Phone: 561-790-2116
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
4. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a hub of cultural and entertainment options, and it is known as a premiere community center in the Southeast United States.
Popular for attracting famous performances, high profile acts, and renowned shows, there is no lack of entertainment options at the Kravis Center, and the calendar of events is often filled with the names of the best and brightest in show business.
The website of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts provides information on upcoming shows, concerts, and performances on its online calendar, along with ticket purchasing options. If you are looking for romantic date night ideas in West Palm Beach, watch a performance at the Kravis Center.
701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, Florida, Phone: 561-832-7469
Recommended Activities for Families
5. Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
A historic West Palm Beach feature, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens are situated on the grounds of the former home of Ann Weaver Norton.
The property is open to the public and displays over 100 sculptures created by the artist between 1905 and 1982.
The structures are placed around the property, and they are located in the home, the gardens, and the studio. Information on each piece, including its materials and date of conception, is also provided. Interpretive education is also available on site, allowing visitors to learn more about this iconic American artist, including her early life, education, artistic endeavors, and her long-lasting legacy.
253 Barcelona Rd, West Palm Beach, Florida, Phone: 561-832-5328
If you are traveling with kids:
6. Cox Science Center and Aquarium
With a mission to open the public’s minds to science through interactive participation, engaging events, and community-based interaction, the Cox Science Center and Aquarium is a premiere educational and recreational facility. The museum boasts over 50 diverse hands-on exhibits, including 8,000-gallon salt water and fresh water aquariums that house both exotic and local marine life.
Additionally, a state of the art planetarium that screens educational and feature length films and an interactive exhibit hall, complete with an Everglades exhibit displaying the rich and diverse Everglade ecosystem, provide visitors with no shortage of opportunities for engaged learning and entertaining educational pursuits. If you are looking for best things to do in West Palm Beach with kids, this is a great stop.
4801 Dreher Trail N, West Palm Beach, Florida, Phone: 561-832-1988
7. The Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum
The Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum is a cultural history museum operated by the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, opened to the public in 2008. The museum is housed within the city's historic 1916 Courthouse building, which also serves as the historical society's official headquarters. It strives to make local history accessible to all visitors, showcased interactive digital exhibits related to the people, places, and events in Palm Beach County's history.
Exhibits feature artifacts from the region's pre-Columbian and post-colonization cultural groups, including Seminole indigenous groups, early area pioneers, and influential business and political leaders. The region's natural history and ecology are also detailed. A gift shop sells unique book titles, handmade local art, and home goods.
300 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 3340, Phone: 561-832-4164
8. Taste History Culinary Tours
Centered on the multicultural population of the West Palm Beach area, the Taste History Culinary Tour dedicates itself to providing guests with an immersive and comprehensive experience. Touching on the variety of flavors that exist in the area, each tour features a cultural array of food tastings, along with an entertaining and engaging background on food history and culture.
With a goal to get tourists away from the touristy areas of the city, the bus-led tour takes visitors to food centric neighborhoods in areas like Lake Worth, Delray Beach, and more, where the ethnicity of food ranges from Cuban to French to Italian and beyond.
Plan Your Trip