Why the World Atlas has put 2 South Florida downtowns on the map as top places to visit

Miami Herald Archives
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What makes a downtown great?

In South Florida, whatever Key West and Palm Beach have to offer. That’s according to World Atlas, which named both places to its list of cities with the best downtown areas in the state.

“For those looking for something different, the Sunshine State is ... home to numerous charming small towns eager to deliver great vacation and getaway experiences,” World Atlas said.

Here’s what to know:

Why these two South Florida downtowns are on the list

This is what World Atlas had to say about the two South Florida cities:

Key West: “Duval Street is pretty much downtown Key West and is famous for its always-busy restaurants and colorful bars like Margaritaville, made famous by Jimmy Buffett. The star attraction, though, is Mallory Square at the top end of Duval Street. This public space is packed at the end of the day with folks here to participate in Key West’s famed sunset celebration with its street performers and party atmosphere.”

Palm Beach: “Downtown Palm Beach largely consists of the aptly named Worth Avenue. Here, boutique shops and art galleries rub shoulders with luxury yacht sales rooms and high-end Realtors, making it a great spot for watching others spend money. This year’s an especially good time to visit as the Norton Museum of Art will host a major exhibition celebrating Florida’s artistic heritage featuring works inspired by the state’s unique landscape and culture.”

Top Florida downtowns

From World Atlas: “These eight delightful destinations offer a unique opportunity for visitors to sample everything that’s great about the Sunshine State, but (mostly) without the crowds. From ritzy shopping in Naples and Palm Beach to wandering the historic and well-preserved streets of St. Augustine and Micanopy, each location contributes uniquely to Florida’s appeal as a tourist destination. Visiting one or more of these eight towns in Florida with the best downtown areas is a must-do in 2024.”

▪ Naples

▪ St. Augustine

▪ Winter Park

▪ Winter Garden

▪ Key West

▪ Palm Beach

▪ Deland

▪ Micanopy

Key West’s main street

Here’s a look at Duval Street, Key West’s main downtown corridor, through the years:



Duval Street during Fantasy Fest.
Duval Street during Fantasy Fest.
Ernest Hemingway Look-Alikes parade down Duval Street during Key West’s version of the “Running of the Bulls” at the 2001 Hemingway Days Festival.
Ernest Hemingway Look-Alikes parade down Duval Street during Key West’s version of the “Running of the Bulls” at the 2001 Hemingway Days Festival.
In 2004, tourists clog Duval Street as they pass Sloppy Joe’s bar on Duval Street.
In 2004, tourists clog Duval Street as they pass Sloppy Joe’s bar on Duval Street.
In 1996, the former Fast Buck Fredie’s department store in the old Kress building on Duval Street.
In 1996, the former Fast Buck Fredie’s department store in the old Kress building on Duval Street.
In 1999, the Holiday Inn La Concha, one of Key West’s tallest buildings and a historic hotel dating back to the 1930s, gets new awnings along its Duval Street facade.
In 1999, the Holiday Inn La Concha, one of Key West’s tallest buildings and a historic hotel dating back to the 1930s, gets new awnings along its Duval Street facade.
THEY’RE BACK -- Despite the official cancellation of the annual Poker Run down the Overseas Highway to Key West, motorcyclists were still roaring into town on Friday, starting with a few on Duval Street in the morning and picking up in volume through the afternoon.
THEY’RE BACK -- Despite the official cancellation of the annual Poker Run down the Overseas Highway to Key West, motorcyclists were still roaring into town on Friday, starting with a few on Duval Street in the morning and picking up in volume through the afternoon.

Palm Beach’s main street

Here’s a look at Worth Avenue, Palm Beach’s main downtown corridor, through the years:

In 2010, a view of Worth Avenue with clock tower in the background and some of the 200 coconut palms that line the street after the completion of renovations in Palm Beach.
In 2010, a view of Worth Avenue with clock tower in the background and some of the 200 coconut palms that line the street after the completion of renovations in Palm Beach.
In 1994, a Rolls Royce sits outside The Colony Hotel off Worth Avenue.
In 1994, a Rolls Royce sits outside The Colony Hotel off Worth Avenue.

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