The 12 Best Things to Do in Palm Beach, According to ELLE Editors
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
There’s something about Palm Beach. Maybe it’s the namesake trees, or the prime people-watching—the relaxed island known for its exclusive members’ clubs and private beaches has re-entered the cultural conversation thanks in large part to a contentious presidential election and the Emmy-winning Apple TV+ series Palm Royale starring Kristen Wiig and Carol Burnett. Cruise around with the top down as you enjoy a truly niche part of Florida, synonymous with luxury and the lifestyle to match. For your next trip down south, we rounded up where the well-heeled snowbirds eat, drink, and shop.
What to See
Royal Poinciana Plaza
With stores like Zimmermann, Hermès, and Veronica Beard, restaurants, and a gelato stand at Sant Ambreous, you could spend your whole afternoon walking around the John Volk-designed Royal Poinciana Plaza and be totally content doing so. If you want to squeeze a workout in, check out Squeeze Pilates.
Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course
Golf and Palm Beach basically go hand in hand. If you’re a novice in the sport like I am, this scenic par 3 course overlooking the water is a good place to practice your swing—or just replay your regrettable bogeys over and over in your head.
Eau Spa
Upon entering the spa at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, you’ll understand why it’s worthy of being part of the hotel’s name. From the service to the treatments and top-tier facilities, the 42,000-square-foot space is the ultimate place to be pampered.
The Inca Bucket
Jersey Tennis Minidress
Cloud 5 Sneakers
Where to Eat
Café Boulud
With its picturesque outdoor terrace at The Brazilian Court, this much-talked-about Daniel Boulud-helmed restaurant lives up to the hype. Everything on the menu is good, but the White Cosmo—a mix of vodka, elderflower, and white cranberry, finished with an orchid ice cube—begs to be Instagrammed.
LoLa 41
Though LoLa 41 shares an address with the White Elephant Palm Beach, the Pan-Asian restaurant is a destination on its own, with an eclectic menu of sushi and Korean beef bulgogi over noodles, as well as a bar adorned with vintage coins sourced from all over the world. Fun fact: the name is a nod to the resort’s Nantucket property.
Le Bilboquet
Calling all displaced New Yorkers: For a South of France vibe on Worth Avenue, head to Le Bilboquet. The Upper East Side mainstay helmed by self-professed bon vivant Philippe Delgrange is known for its bistro fare and Cajun chicken in particular.
Mireya Bralette
Arla Midi Skirt
Preston Ankle Strap Heels
Miso Platform Sandal
Where to Drink
Swifty’s
A good choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Swifty’s, located poolside at The Colony Hotel, may be one of the more casual dining options on the island, but a satisfying one nonetheless. Take advantage of the live music—specifically, acoustic guitarists playing nothing but the hits. (No need for song requests here.)
HMF
The Breakers’ restaurant and lounge space, HMF, is a great place to grab a drink and wander the resort’s storied halls. There’s a reason it’s been named a Wine Spectator Grand Award winner each year since the list started in 1981.
The Blind Monk
West Palm Beach is experiencing a renaissance of sorts; a recent example is The Blind Monk. Once a rustic neighborhood haunt, it has rebranded as an all-day bistro inside the AKA West Palm, offering an extensive wine list, cocktails (try the Day Tripper, with tequila, lime, grapefruit, pawpaw, and prickly pear), bar bites like build-your-own charcuterie boards, and a full dinner menu.
Bellagarda Puff Sleeve Crop Top
Moon Raffia & Leather Shoulder Bag
Grass 18K Yellow Gold & Emerald Sunrise Leaves Hoop Earrings
$4275.00 at saksfifthavenue.com
Where to Stay
Palm House Hotel
Easily the most talked-about opening on the island, Palm House is the first hotel to debut in Palm Beach in four years. Located a block from the ocean, the picturesque property, awash with shades of pink, features 79 rooms, a sunset pool deck, a gym, a ballroom, and an on-site restaurant serving renowned dishes from Nobu like miso black cod and rock shrimp tempura.
The Belgrove Resort & Spa
Tucked away on Lake Mangonia in West Palm Beach, the newly opened Belgrove Resort & Spa is a welcome respite from other accommodations in the area. With a golf course, tennis courts, private balconies in each guest room, and a sprawling outdoor pool area, it has everything you could possibly need.
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
A bit off the beaten path and a 20-minute drive from town, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa makes up for its location with beach access, guest rooms designed by Jonathan Adler, two pools, a world-class spa, a beauty salon (offering manicures, pedicures, and blowouts), eight restaurants, and kid-friendly activities like childcare and an arcade. The amenities at the Eau begs the question: Why leave?
Airweight Jumpsuit
$118.50 at saksfifthavenue.com
Ginza Sandal
19 Degree International Expandable 4-Wheel Carry-On
Beauty Picks
Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil
For a face that gleams in the sunlight, pack this hydrating oil with vitamin C in your beach bag.
Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara
If you plan jumping in the pool, applying waterproof mascara is a must. Sweat- and water-resistant with a lengthening effect, this one pairs well with a cocktail.
Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 42
Just because you’re longing for a tan doesn’t mean you can skimp on the SPF. This Shiseido sunscreen is transparent and blendable, with a matte yet hydrating finish. I swear by it!
Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 42 - 30 mL - Protects, Hydrates, Mattifies & Works as Face Primer - Water Resistant for 40 Minutes - Non-Comedogenic
You Might Also Like
