From the first moment I saw THE PALM BEACHES, 30 years ago, it had a magical effect on me. And it still does.From the Atlantic to the Everglades, from swanky hubs like Boca Raton and West Palm Beach to funky seaside towns like Jupiter and Lantana, The Palm Beaches features a potpourri of authentic Florida experiences found nowhere else.

And now, more than ever, there are exciting new things to see, do, eat and experience.

Dine

James Beard Award-nominated chef Clay Conley recently opened Grato, a classic Italian trattoria in West Palm Beach. At downtown’s newly opened Wine Scene, patrons get a dose of great art with their wine. Also new is Christopher’s Kitchen, a vegan restaurant whose first location, in Palm Beach Gardens, has a loyal following. For a great local foodie sampler, take the Taste History Culinary Tour.

Experience

Launched just one year ago, West Palm Beach’s Arts & Entertainment District is booming with new cultural centres and galleries, and landmarks such as the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, the Flagler Museum, Palm Beach Dramaworks, and the Society of the Four Arts on Palm Beach. It is also home to CityPlace, an open-air, Mediterranean-style plaza offering a mix of 80 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, as well as a vibrant nightlife and dining scene on Clematis Street.

The county’s newest experience, Manatee Lagoon, just opened. An FPL Eco-Discovery Center, this family attraction offers spectacular views of the region’s beloved “sea cows.” You can actually observe herds of manatees basking in the warm-water outflows.

Stay

The Palm Beaches are seeing an unprecedented boom in new hotels, while existing hotels are undergoing stunning facelifts.

The new Hilton West Palm Beach opened in January—steps from CityPlace—and home to Manor, a restaurant serving creations by celebrated local chef Matthew Byrne. Coming this summer is the Hyatt Place Boca Raton. The brand new Residence Inn West Palm Beach Downtown/CityPlace Area is another excellent extended-stay property, boasting spacious suites with kitchens. 

After an $8-million renovation, The Spa at Palm Beach’s prestigious Breakers resort re-opened last winter, more “luxe” than ever. The Breakers also recently launched The Flagler Club, a 25-room boutique hotel-within-a-hotel.  

In the northern part of the county, the Sports and Racquet Club facility at PGA National Resort & Spa recently underwent an impressive facelift. In South County, the Wyndham Boca Raton just finished an extensive two-year upgrade, which included an upscale tea lounge and yoga studio.

Where else but in The Palm Beaches can you dip your toes in the water on a secluded moonlit seashore fringed by waving palms one minute, and dine or dance in a trendy urban nightspot a few minutes later?

Travel Planner

Plan your perfect Florida getaway in The Palm Beaches at PalmBeachFL.com.