Palm Beach, Miami is an incorporated town within a 16-mile long barrier island at the easternmost area of Florida. Also referred to as simply “The Island,” Palm Beach was originally built by Henry Flagler at the turn of the century, earning it the title of ‘America’s First Resort Destination’.
Unsurprisingly, Palm Beach got its name from the lush grove of coconut palm trees that provide shade and picturesque charm to this barrier island. Curiously, the cocos nucifera is not native to Florida at all, nor anywhere else in the United States. The island’s stately palm trees are an accidental gift from the Spanish Ship Providencia, which sank nearby in 1878. The sea vessel contained a cargo of coconuts that were then salvaged and planted.
Since then, the iconic trees on the shores of Palm Beach have been used to name a host of other areas within Palm Beach County. This includes the cities of Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach, the towns of Palm Beach Shores and South Palm Beach, and the villages of North Palm Beach and Palm Springs.
Despite this, the town of Palm Beach continues to be a uniquely wonderful destination to behold. The town exudes opulence and glamor without losing its small-town character and natural, breath-taking beauty. Here are five reasons to visit this beautiful island paradise.
1. Flagler Museum
Palm Beach is known for the being a hideaway for the filthy rich, such that it rivals opulent neighborhoods like the Hamptons, Aspen, and Beverly Hills. A short drive around the town’s stately districts reveal an impressive concentration of mansions and world-class amenities, which personalities like Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Jimmy Buffett are known to call home.
Of course, the first estate of this caliber in the area is the home of Henry Flagler himself. It was turned into the Flagler Museum for everyone to see, and it has been proclaimed a National Historic Landmark. Other centers of luxury in the town are the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, the Colony Hotel, and the Brazilian Court Hotel, and more.
2. The Society of the Four Arts
For those looking for a dose of art and culture, the Society of the Four Arts is the place to be. As one of the best-loved art destinations in Florida, The Four Arts hosts concerts, film screenings, and exhibitions. It is also home to the Four Arts Children’s Library, the Fitz Eugene Dixon Education Building, and the grand Philip Hulitar Sculpture Gardens.
3. The waters
No list of reasons to visit Palm Beach is complete without highlighting its beautiful sugar-fine sandy beaches. Visitors can soak under the sun or ride the waves at R.G. Kreusler Park, which is home to 450 feet of dreamy beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy salt-water fishing within the premises as well.
On the other hand, the swift and twisting Loxahatchee River is dubbed as Florida’s ‘First National Wild and Scenic River’. It has a state-designated paddling trail that goes through preserved river swamps lined with beautiful bald cypresses, orchids, and ferns.
4. The fine cuisine
Visitors can take a break from their activities by enjoying fresh seafood at The Seafood Bar on County Road, or sample from the diverse menu of Polo Steaks and Seafood Restaurant at The Colony Hotel.
Wine connoisseurs will also enjoy a trip to The Circle at the Breakers, which has an excellent wine selection that can rival some of our favorite picks featured in a past FWT post.
5. Shopping at Worth Avenue
Shopaholics and occasional buyers alike will be at home at the world-renowned district of Worth Avenue. It’s comprised of four blocks’ of upscale shopping and dining options, from Lake Worth all the way to South Ocean Boulevard, which is only steps away from the Atlantic. From luxury bag and shoe brands to high-end swimwear, Worth Avenue has something for everyone.
In addition, the avenue is lined with smaller, picturesque pedestrian streets called “vias,” which are marked by archways overflowing with flowers. All these make Worth Avenue truly a special place to shop.
