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From shopping to street art, The Square to sandy shores, there are plenty of fun things to do in West Palm Beach.
WPB is a popular South Florida city offering entertainment, arts, dining, drinking, and historic architecture throughout its diverse districts like Downtown and Northwood Village.
Surprise! West Palm Beach does not actually have a beach, but there is an island packed with them called Palm Beach, only two miles away, which we’ll discuss below, too.
You may also find our guide to neighboring Jupiter useful.
Best Things to Do in West Palm Beach For All
As with all of our Florida guides, we have grouped the West Palm Beach attractions below, which means you will find them in close proximity to each other.
This makes planning your own itinerary so much easier!
Let’s kick off our guide Downtown.
Note: The Square is formally known as CityPlace.
Things to Do Downtown West Palm Beach
Wander Along Rosemary Avenue
Take a slow walk along leafy Rosemary Avenue and admire the architecture; remember to look up!
This pretty upmarket street is home to businesses, hotels, stores, and restaurants with indoor and al fresco dining.
It divides the famous entertainment hub, The Square.
Whilst walking down South Rosemary Avenue, you’d be forgiven if you thought you were strolling through a Spanish or Italian town, not a city in Florida!
Wine and Dine at The Square
If you are looking for a central entertainment area in the city, The Square (700 S Rosemary Ave) is a decent contender.
Deck chairs hidden under canopies offer a front-row seat to the 2,000-square-foot water fountains designed by Berlin-based Jeppe Hein, while stores branch off from under a tunnel of palm trees; it really is as idyllic as it sounds.
Architecture leans towards Mediterranean and Venetian influences, with buildings hosting around 60 restaurants and businesses.
The Square calls itself a lifestyle center, and it puts on weekly events that you can keep up with on the official website.
If you’re looking for things to do in West Palm Beach for couples, this area is a great starting point for meals, drinks, and people-watching; perfect date night activities!
Harriet Himmel Theater Landmark
Built as a Methodist church in 1926 during the Spanish Colonial Revival era, Harriet Himmel Theater (700 S Rosemary Ave) is now a West Palm Beach landmark and social events venue.
Look out for the building’s clock from The Square.
See the Stunning Steps
Close to The Square and Harriet Himmel Theater is a set of stairs that are tiled in a beautiful mosaic.
The backs of the steps feature pastel colors and nature designs.
The stairs lead to the top of The Square, where you’ll find many of the best West Palm Beach activities.
Rosmery Fontaine Feature
While the modern Water Pavilion may steal the show, the historic Rosmery Fontaine (620 S Rosemary Ave) is not to be snubbed.
The traditional fountain has four water basins, descending from small at the top to the largest at the bottom, which is tiled.
The very top of the fountain features a pineapple.
Hop Aboard the Free Trolley
Skip the midday sun or avoid a Florida downpour by taking a seat on the WPB Trolley.
The free service saves your feet and stops at all the main West Palm Beach sightseeing spots, such as Clematis Street and the Kravis Center.
Fern Street Theatre Shows
Fern Street Theatre (500 Fern St) is occupied by the Palm Beach Atlantic University, and this is where students put on modern and classic shows throughout the year.
Previous performances include The Wizard Of Oz, Little Women, and The Taming of the Shrew.
Clematis Street Entertainment
An iconic area of Downtown West Palm is Clematis Street, which is a long road lined with bars, restaurants, and stores.
Dine on tacos or Southern food, then sip a drink at an outdoor table or rooftop bar!
This is where you’ll also find many of West Palm Beach’s nightclubs, from casual to bottle service.
Clematis By Night
If you ask locals what to do in West Palm Beach, they’ll probably point you in the direction of Downtown’s weekly pop-up event, Clematis By Night.
Shop at local vendors, listen to live music and enjoy the buzz around Centennial Square.
Fill Your Belly and Feed Brain During the Downtown Food Tour
Learn about the history of West Palm Beach through its culinary scene during this 2-hour 45-minute tour.
The tour features five stops at foodie institutions and lesser-known restaurants, where you’ll sample five savory dishes and one dessert (Key Lime Pie!)
You really do get to travel the world one bite at a time with this tour as you dine on tacos, pastelitos, monsieur, and noodles.
You also get the chance to walk off some calories between restaurants.
Special dietary requirements will be met where possible.
Reserve a seat at Viator or GetYourGuide.
Be Amazed at the Street Art
Turn onto South Rosemary from Clematis Street to meet the colorful Einstein sitting on top of a rock by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra, then turn around to see 3D butterflies and a striking portrait.
Not far from this canvas is a huge high-rise mural of a young boy and girl called I Lost My Shoe When I Saw You, by Lonac (Quadrille Blvd. and Clematis St).
As always with street art spotting, this is one of the coolest free things to do in West Palm Beach for culture fans.
Street Art Revolution
Across the road from Einstein is a huge multi-person mural titled Icons of the Civil Rights Movement (518 Clematis Street), which is a collaboration between Street Art Revolution, Tracy Guiteau, Nate Dee, and Dalhia Perryman.
The mural features portraits of Martin Luther King, John Lewis, Kathleen Cleaver, Fannie Lou Hamer, Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, Augusta Savage, and Ella Baker.
Award-Winning Green Market
Start the weekend on the right foot by stopping by to support local at the Green Market, which runs through spring and summer, or the Farmers’ Market, which takes the city through fall and winter.
Its central location at Centennial Square makes it a popular weekend activity in WPB for locals and visitors alike.
Expect fresh produce as well as cooked food to take away.
Norton Museum of Art
Explore over 8000 works at the Norton Museum of Art (1450 S Dixie Hwy).
Exhibitions feature pieces from European, American, and Asian art in a variety of mediums such as paint, drawings, photography, and AI.
To get the best out of the permanent displays, avid art fans will want to join one of the gallery’s docent-led tours.
This is one of the best indoor activities in West Palm Beach for those who need to get out of the afternoon sun or avoid the rain.
However, you won’t want to miss the lush 37,200-square-foot Pamela and Robert B. Goergen Garden, where you’ll find hidden sculptures among the subtropical plants.
Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
From Broadway to ballet, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd) is the place to go for live performances such as Chicago, Six, and Hamilton.
The center also puts on a healthy dose of classical music performances featuring orchestras.
There are multiple spaces within the center, including two halls and one playhouse.
Parents of budding stars can take advantage of the kids’ classes and courses at the Kravis Center too.
The building is named after geologist and philanthropist Raymond F. Kravis, who wintered in Palm Beach; he was much loved by his friends, who donated $7 million for the title.
Things to Do Northwood Village, “The Village”
Interesting Architecture in One of the Oldest Neighborhoods
For a handful of 1920s (Old Northwood) and even more post-WWII buildings, plan a trip to Northwood Village.
Now occupied by residents and businesses, this neighborhood has lots of street art and independent stores, perfect for those who prefer to see the lesser-known side of a city.
Northwood Road is the area’s ‘main street’, and it was listed on the West Palm Beach Register of Historic Places in 2016 to protect its architecture, character, and authenticity.
Street Art
The Village’s walls began to spark interest back in 2014, when the CRA commissioned a handful of murals through the Northwood Village Mural Project.
Look down for the rainbow crossing and up at the walls for nautical-themed murals.
Support Local Shops
The Village is really proud of its ‘one-time’ store ethos, which means you’ll find that the majority of shops and restaurants are independent, small businesses.
Shout out to Will at Day By Day Shoppe, who is so helpful, and pop into Diane’s next door; it’s the people of Northwood that really make it.
Parasailing at Riviera Beach
For a slight change in pace, witness West Palm Beach, Peanut Island, and beyond from the sky during this 1-hour parasailing experience.
The tour starts at Riviera Beach, where participants sail off in a boat before the instructors hook you up and let you drift off into the sky, attached by a cord, of course!
Visitors absolutely love this West Palm Beach activity.
Things to Do at Palm Beach
Since West Palm Beach is so close to the Atlantic Ocean, it would be rude not to find out what attractions are on its neighboring barrier island, Palm Beach.
Sunbathe on the 12 Miles of Beachfront.
Palm Beach offers a mix of public, private, guarded, and unguarded beaches, as well as no entry after sunset restrictions.
There are a number of public access points along Palm Beach but not all have parking.
If you’re arriving by foot, get on the sand from the Dunbar Road Public Beach Access, Sunset Avenue Public Beach Access, or Clarke Avenue Public Beach Access.
There is limited paid parking at the Brazilian Avenue Public Beach Access and Mid-Town Municipal Beach; the latter is close to Worth Avenue Clock Tower.
Phipps Ocean Park (2201 S Ocean Blvd) is an oceanfront recreational area offering free and paid parking, lifeguards, restrooms, and outdoor showers.
R. G. Kreusler Park (2882 S. Ocean Blvd) has 450 feet of guarded beach, where fishing and surfing is not permitted.
Park amenities also include paid parking, restrooms, and covered picnic tables.
There is an ongoing conflict between Palm Beach oceanfront residents and citizens who live on the other side of the bridge and feel the privatization of public beaches shuts them out.
Taking this into consideration, there are 47 miles of sandy shores along the Palm Beaches, and public access is also located at Carlin Beach, DuBois Park, and Juno Beach in Jupiter; Ocean Reef Park in Riviera Beach; Lake Worth Beach; Gulfstream Park in Delray Beach; and Delray Beach.
Do The Lake Trail
If you prefer to be active but aren’t quite as adventurous as the local kite surfers, consider The Lake Trail!
This 5.5-mile walking route takes in the western side of Palm Beach and has views over Lake Worth Lagoon and West Palm Beach.
Start at South Lake Drive, near Peruvian Avenue North, where you’ll find paid parking, and walk along the trail until you reach the Sailfish Club.
If you plan to visit The Society of the Four Arts, the event space is just off this trail.
Note: there is a lack of public restroom access during the walk, so make a stop before you start!
Mansion Shopping at Billionaire’s Row
The first thing that usually pops into people’s minds when they hear the name Palm Beach is money.
And South Ocean Boulevard is where you will see the most extravagant private accommodation in all shapes and sizes.
Look to the oceanside for the matching beach houses and garages!
The Breakers
Live the lux life, temporarily, by booking a stay at The Breakers (1 S County Rd).
This oceanfront hotel was built in 1896 by oil tycoon Henry M. Flagler as a destination for the rich and famous to enjoy the fresh air and tropical climate of the Sunshine State.
Fires caused the original hotel’s closure, but Flagler was never one to be defeated, reopening again in 1926, this time with influence taken from Villa Medici in Rome; be sure to look up at the ceiling of the 200-foot-long main lobby on arrival.
Today, patrons can stay in guest rooms with ocean views and private suites with personal concierge.
Check rates and dates at Expedia or Booking.
Opulent Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
Step back in time to the Gilded Age when parties were glitzy, and nobles rubbed shoulders with Hollywood stars at the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum (1 Whitehall Way).
Located in the 1902 Flagler home called Whitehall, this grand complex is akin to a European palace.
Enter through the Doric columns, look in awe at the Grand Hall ceiling’s central dome – Pythia, the priestess of the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi- and appreciate the influence of the Italian Renaissance on the Library.
Top off the visit by making reservations for an afternoon tea experience at the Café des Beaux-Arts, one of the more unique things to do in West Palm Beach!
Sunset Cruise
One of the most magical things to do in West Palm Beach at night is hopping aboard this sunset cruise and sailing by the Downtown skyline, Palm Beach, and Peanut Island Park as the day turns to dusk.
The catamaran has an on-site bar, so you can say cheers to the sunset as night falls, keeping an eye on the ocean for dolphins and manatees, of course!
Play Golf
The Palm Beaches is renowned for being the Golf Capital of the US, with hundreds of courses to choose from.
While many are private access, Palm Beach does have some public golf courses, such as Sandhill Crane Golf Club, North Palm Beach Country Club, and Par 3.
The Society of the Four Arts
The Society of the Four Arts (Four Arts Plaza) is not simply an art gallery.
Its Esther B. O’Keeffe Gallery Building is where you will find ever-changing art exhibitions, its 700-seat Gubelmann Auditorium puts on shows, and the Dixon Education Building hosts cultural education programs.
It has two libraries open to the public, one of which focuses on kids’ literature.
Founded in 1936, this prominent part of the Palm Beach landscape is loved by all the family.
Mar a Lago ‘Sea to Lake’ Secret Club
It doesn’t get any more opulent than Mar a Lago at Palm Beach.
Built for businesswoman, cereal company heiress, and socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post in the 1920s, Post hosted a variety of private and charitable events throughout its grounds.
The-square-foot mansion has 126 rooms.
Today, at 62,500 square feet, it is the second biggest mansion in Florida, but you’ll need an invite to this private members club with hotel amenities.
Things to Do Near West Palm Beach
Peanut Island Park
Peanut Island Park is a remote 79-acre island at the mouth of the Lake Worth Inlet, close to West Palm Beach.
It is reached by local ferry on a first come, first served basis.
If planning a day trip, you need to pack a picnic as there are no cafes or restaurants on the island.
However, this is why people visit!
The island offers beaches and lagoons, an observation deck, picnic pavilions, grills, restrooms, and a fishing pier.
Remember to pack your snorkel kit, Peanut Island Park’s waters are clear as glass!
Jupiter
Jupiter is a small town with a massive appeal, so big it boasts being home to Celine Dion, Michael Jordan, and Burt Reynolds.
Its beaches, diving sites, and golf attract outdoors fans who can’t get enough of the town’s ocean, reefs, and greens.
From West Palm Beach to Jupiter, it is around 22 miles.
Find out more in our guide, things to do around Jupiter.
Where to Stay in West Palm Beach
Before booking accommodation, you’ll need to decide whether you want to be among the city attractions and take day trips to the beach or step out of your hotel to the shore and head into town for day-to-night activities.
We’ve included accommodation in both West Palm Beach and Palm Beach to help with the decision.
Hotels in West Palm Beach
Hilton West Palm Beach is at the tip of Downtown’s entertainment hub, The Square, and has its own private outdoor pool.
Check rates and dates at Expedia or Booking.
Hyatt Place West Palm Beach is just blocks away from The Square and Royal Park Bridge, which connects the city to Palm Beach. Guests love the location.
Check rates and dates at Expedia or Booking.
Hotels at Palm Beach
Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa has an exclusive private section of Palm Beach, as well as a private outdoor pool. Rooms are designed to give an urban city feel.
Check rates and dates at Expedia or Booking.
Palm Beach Historic Inn offers a ‘home from home’ stay, and guests love that it is only a five-minute walk from Worth Avenue and the beach.
Check rates and dates at Booking.
Condos at Palm Beach
This studio is ideal for couples who require private space within walking distance of the beach.
If visiting in a larger group, check out this 2-bed apartment for its epic ocean views and balcony.
Travel Information
It is easy to explore on foot or by trolley, and Palm Beach International Airport is a mere three miles from the center of the city.
Extending Flager’s dream of opening up Florida’s tourism industry by rail, West Palm Beach is easily accessible from Miami using the Brightline train.
