a city with a river and a bridge at night

Palm Beaches

Palm Beaches Travel Guide

From upscale shopping and beautiful beaches to family attractions and quiet coastal towns, the Palm Beaches offer a relaxed side of South Florida. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or adding Palm Beach County to a longer South Florida vacation, this guide will help you discover the area’s highlights.

Why Visit the Palm Beaches?

Palm Beach County is home to more than 40 miles of Atlantic coastline, vibrant downtown districts, nature preserves, luxury resorts, and family-friendly attractions. Unlike Miami’s fast-paced atmosphere, the Palm Beaches offer a mix of sophistication and laid-back coastal charm.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a beach vacation, outdoor adventures, or great restaurants, there’s something here for every type of traveler.

Top Things to Do

Don’t miss these popular attractions:

  • Walk Worth Avenue in Palm Beach

  • Relax at Delray Municipal Beach

  • Visit Lion Country Safari

  • Explore Downtown West Palm Beach and Clematis Street

  • Stroll through Mizner Park in Boca Raton

  • Tour the Flagler Museum

  • Visit the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

  • Spend the day at Peanut Island

  • Shop and dine at CityPlace (The Square)

  • Visit the Palm Beach Zoo

Best Beaches

Every beach has its own personality.

Delray Beach

One of South Florida’s most popular beaches, known for its walkable downtown, restaurants, and lively atmosphere.

Boca Raton Beaches

Beautiful parks, clear water, and excellent snorkeling make Boca a favorite for families and couples.

Palm Beach Municipal Beach

A quieter beach near Worth Avenue with beautiful scenery.

Juno Beach

Known for its fishing pier and sea turtle nesting during the summer months.

Jupiter Beach

A spacious beach that’s popular for surfing, walking, and watching the sunrise.

Where to Stay

Choose your home base based on the type of vacation you’re planning.

Palm Beach

Luxury resorts, upscale shopping, and elegant waterfront views.

Delray Beach

Perfect for couples, nightlife, and walkable dining.

Boca Raton

Ideal for families, golf, shopping, and beautiful beaches.

West Palm Beach

Great for museums, entertainment, restaurants, and easy access to the Brightline station.

Jupiter

Best for outdoor enthusiasts, boating, and quieter beaches.

Where to Eat

The Palm Beaches have everything from casual waterfront seafood shacks to award-winning restaurants.

Popular local favorites include:

  • Fresh seafood

  • Waterfront dining

  • Farm-to-table restaurants

  • Cuban cuisine

  • Italian restaurants

  • Brunch cafés

  • Local coffee shops

Downtown Delray Beach, Mizner Park, Clematis Street, and Jupiter all offer excellent dining options.

Sample Itineraries

One Day

  • Morning at Delray Beach

  • Lunch on Atlantic Avenue

  • Afternoon exploring Morikami Museum

  • Sunset at Boca Raton Inlet

Weekend

Day 1

  • Worth Avenue

  • Palm Beach

  • Flagler Museum

Day 2

  • Lion Country Safari

  • Downtown West Palm Beach

  • Dinner on Clematis Street

Three Days

Add:

  • Peanut Island

  • Jupiter Lighthouse

  • Boca Raton beaches

  • Shopping at Mizner Park

Best Time to Visit

The Palm Beaches are a year-round destination.

Winter (December–February)

Comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and peak travel season.

Spring (March–May)

Excellent beach weather with warm temperatures and fewer crowds after spring break.

Summer (June–August)

Hot and humid, but great for beach vacations and hotel deals.

Fall (September–November)

Warm weather with lighter crowds. Travelers should monitor hurricane season forecasts.

Getting Around

A car is the easiest way to explore Palm Beach County, especially if you plan to visit multiple cities.

Other transportation options include:

  • Brightline (West Palm Beach and Boca Raton stations)

  • Palm Tran buses

  • Ride-share services

  • Bicycle rentals in several beach communities

Parking is widely available but may require payment near popular beaches and downtown districts.

Nearby Day Trips

The Palm Beaches are centrally located for exploring South Florida.

Popular day trips include:

  • Fort Lauderdale

  • Miami

  • Florida Everglades

  • Jonathan Dickinson State Park

  • Lake Okeechobee

  • Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

  • Deerfield Beach

Related Guides

Continue planning your visit with these guides:

  • Best Beaches in the Palm Beaches

  • Boca Raton Travel Guide

  • Delray Beach Travel Guide

  • West Palm Beach Travel Guide

  • Jupiter Travel Guide

  • Family-Friendly Things to Do in the Palm Beaches

Get Ready for Your Getaway

three pieces of pink luggage sitting in a roomthree pieces of pink luggage sitting in a room
woman in black and white bikini standing on rock formation near sea during golden hourwoman in black and white bikini standing on rock formation near sea during golden hour
black framed sunglasses on white surfaceblack framed sunglasses on white surface

*Coconut Creek Travel participates in affiliate programs, This means we may earn a commission when you make bookings through our links.

Explore

Miami

Fort Lauderdale

Palm Beaches

Florida Keys

Itineraries

Travel Tips

Popular Topics

Best Time to Visit

Where to Stay

Weekend Trips

Road Trips

Pcking List