Skip the Miami hubbub – Palm Beach should be on your radar as a long-weekend destination. Here you can balance the ocean, culture and history all in a few days. And I’m saying this as someone who isn’t a beach person. So you know there’s more to do than enjoy sun and sand here!
So going to Palm Beach isn’t your typical beach vacation, and the people there would probably say as much. A long island off the Atlantic coast of Florida, Palm Beach became iconic with tourists following the introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century. Henry Flagler is a big name here, having invested personally in the development of much of the state. He is responsible for one of the hotels we’ll get to here in a bit, a personal favorite called The Breakers.
This is a Florida trip where tie-dye t-shirts aren’t the feature. Let’s get into some logistics, itinerary highlights and history that will make for a memorable long weekend on the island!
Why Palm Beach for a Long Weekend?
The island is easy to get to thanks to a travel detail I’m always grateful for: a nearby airport. Palm Beach International (PBI) is where I’d recommend you fly in and out of, if you can. Fort Lauderdale’s much larger airport is only about an hour away, so that’s an option. However, going small is going to fit the relaxed, more intimate vibe you want for this weekend!
You can cover a lot of ground fairly quickly on the island. Traffic exists, but if you avoid those typical commuting hours, it shouldn’t impact you too much. So you’ll get to enjoy the activities you want to without spending a ton of time in the car. Properly coordinated, you can enjoy a long weekend rich with culture, minus the club scene.
Stay in Style
I mentioned The Breakers earlier and I stand by that being an amazing choice for your Palm Beach weekend. You roll up a wide drive lined with palm trees to a beautiful seven-story structure inspired by the Italian Renaissance that has been standing for almost a hundred years. Inside you’ll find a long lobby with a hand-painted ceiling, brightly decorated, window-lined corridors, and massive floral arrangements.
When you check-in, you can choose from one of their guest rooms, spacious suites, or even plus up your stay even more by booking club level with them, which they call the Flagler Club. This option includes a chauffeured car service, a food and beverage spread throughout the day, and access to a private lounge and terrace, among other benefits!
Available to all guests, you will enjoy a private beach, four pools, a spa, 10 restaurants, shopping, golf, daily resort activities, tennis and pickleball courts and clinics, and complimentary overnight valet parking. That’s not an exhaustive list, so you can see how staying at The Breakers could be a long weekend all on its own, if you wanted it to be!
A favorite of mine at this property: the bartop at the Seafood Bar, a restaurant facing the ocean, is an aquarium!
And if this doesn’t sound like quite the right option for you, there are plenty of other lovely options on the island to consider!
Savor the Dining Scene
With a history spanning over a hundred years, there are a variety of dining venues to choose from on the island. Whether you’re looking for an upscale dinner or an ice cream parlor, here are a few highlights!
- Le Bilboquet – Located on Worth Avenue, this elevated dining experience keeps you fueled for shopping at Tiffany’s and Chanel. Expect a French-inspired menu with Floridian touches — and as their website will remind you, dress to impress!
- PB Catch – If fresh seafood is your thing, this is your spot. They also focus on sustainability, which sets them apart. Stop by for happy hour and settle into the friendly, semi-casual vibe.
- Sprinkles – For a sweet finish, Sprinkles is a local institution. With more than 40 years on the island, they serve a wide variety of flavors, plus dairy-free options, Italian sodas, and specialty coffees.
In Your Free Time: Culture & Leisure
Choosing to do as much or as little as you care to, here are some ways to enjoy Palm Beach’s culture on your long weekend!
- Tour Whitehall, Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age mansion, chock full of Florida history.
- Explore the Norton Museum of Art for a thoughtful dose of culture.
- Stroll or shop along Worth Avenue, where Mediterranean architecture frames elegant boutiques and art galleries.
- Enjoy outdoor leisure — beach walks at sunrise, boating on calm waters, a round of golf surrounded by tropical scenery, or strolling part of the 5.5-mile Palm Beach Lake Trail.
The Feel of the Place
What stays with you after a weekend in Palm Beach isn’t just the activities — it’s the calm, unhurried pace. The island has earned a quiet confidence: polished without being showy, inviting you to take things at an easy rhythm. Whether you’re sipping coffee on a shaded terrace or walking along the beach before dinner, Palm Beach gives you room to breathe and enjoy a few days that feel genuinely restorative.
Make it Your Own
Your next long weekend doesn’t need to be ordinary. Let’s design a Palm Beach escape that gives you sun, style, and soul — something on your calendar to carry you through the busy season!
Book your refreshing Palm Beach getaway! ⬇️
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