PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
Palm Beach is beautiful, the food’s great, the vintage shopping is great (surprisingly) and… the beach.
I find eating in the States is a huge hit or miss and they, at a federal level, need to address portion size, but I’ve spent every winter here for the past three years, so I’m bestowing this guide on you. You’re welcome.
Oh, one last thing. I’d rent a car because everything is like 20m from each other.
STAY
I’ve never stayed at these hotels, but some friends/family have when there’s not enough room in the house, so here are the recos:
Tideline
My mom has stayed here a few times and she’s really liked it — and one thing to note about Madam Fiani is that she’s DISCERNING. The modern hotel is right on the beach.
The Chesterfield
Again, mom has stayed here and it’s very cute and historical.
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
Family from North Carolina has stayed here and loved it. I have spent a day there at the spa and it’s v expensive, but v worth it.
The Ray Hotel in Delray Beach
Delray is a 30m drive from Palm Beach and such a great place to eat and go to the beach. We’re in Delray all the time and it’s got this charming surfer vibe to it.
EAT
Palm Beach, West Palm Beach and Delray are so close to each other that I’m just going to amalgamate all restaurants in those areas in this section.
Gary Rack’s
Go for buck-a-shuck oysters and wine in Delray Beach. The happy hour menu is ok, but it tends to be heavy/greasy. I liked the mac n cheese if you’re into that.
El Camino
Could eat these tacos every day in Delray Beach. Everything is made fresh in the kitchen and their hot sauces are so good!
Tramonti
Likely the best Italian I’ve had in the area — it’s authentic and more of an upscale environment.
Kapow Noodle Bar
We were craving noodles and were pleasantly surprised — I like their cocktails too.
Amar
Underrated in West Palm Beach! I love Mediterranean food and the owners are Lebanese, so it’s pretty authentic. The small plates are delicious and ideal to share.
Fern Street Wine & Kitchen
Farm-to-table restaurant, they cook many dishes on the outdoor wood oven — in a bit of a secluded area, but really good.
Bradley’s
BEST place for a nightcap or going out with friends. There’s live music and hammocks are you’re right by the water. It’s a good time.
Benny’s on the Beach
This is near Lake Worth, but likely my favourite brunch. It’s on the pier so you’re eating right on the ocean.
Pizza Al Fresco
FAVE place in Palm Beach on Worth Avenue. Not only is the location beautiful, the food is great.
Sant Ambroeus
Best dirty martini in FL — don’t @ me!
La Goulue
Such a hit or miss… if you’re picky about French food, I’m not sure this is for you.
DO
Beaches
There are so many nice beaches in the area, but here are my favourites:
Palm Beach
Delray Beach
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park — it costs $5.00 per vehicle (up to 8 people in a car) and $4.00 for a single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle to enter the park, but it’s the nicest beach in the area.
WPB Beach Green Market
A great weekend market to get food and farm goods.
Centennial Square
Especially cute during the holidays with the 100ft Christmas tree.
SHOP
I actually have found SO many things while vintage/consignment shopping. I’m not sure why I was so surprised, but it makes sense given the history of the city.
City Girl Consignment
My favourite, small and curated — you can find high-end CHANEL, but also great, affordable finds.
Palm Beach Vintage
Fashionista Palm Beach
Definitely on the more high-end.
The RealReal
New location on Worth Avenue in PB! This is overpriced, but if you’re ready to spend the extra $ for the ease of shopping, TRR is for you. I’m just saying, you could probably find the same things on eBay (my guide to eBay shopping is on TIkTok) if you had the patience to hunt!
Kismet Vintage
OHHHHHHH I regret not buying this very cool cowboy shit from Kismet. You live and you learn.
Second Time Around
Palm Beach Gardens
Honestly, this place has great stores and I usually pop into Ulta and WholeFoods while I’m there.