It’s easy to feel disenchanted with where you grew up—at least, that was me in Fort Lauderdale. But moving slightly north to West Palm Beach for college helped me rediscover South Florida’s unique charm. If you haven’t explored West Palm yet, this summer’s the perfect time! You might just fall for the beauty in your backyard. Here are some of my favorite spots and tips for enjoying a day in West Palm Beach!

First Things First… Coffee Shops!

Coffee shops are more than just caffeine stops—they’re perfect for beginning your day, relaxing, or catching up with friends! 

  • Composition (Comp) is a stylish, industrial shop known for high-quality coffee and tea, served with intentionality and warmth.
  • Common Grounds is a cozy favorite among locals. Friendly staff and a full menu make it great for a sit-down or quick pick-up.
  • The Pumphouse Pouratorium (Pump) is in a warehouse where you can watch them roast their beans on-site while enjoying food and drinks. Pump is lively and often filled with people working and chatting.

    Don’t miss out on the cultural coffee gems–Salentos, Johan’s Joe, and Loic! Salentos is Colombian, Johan’s is Swedish, and Loic is French. Having met Loic himself, I assure you that the croissants are made fresh daily! Each spot offers delicious coffee and authentic baked goods from their respective cultures.

Good Food & Good Times

West Palm Beach offers a mix of charm, flavor, and activity. Here are three areas worth exploring:

  • Flamingo Park Area

Just south of Okeechobee Blvd and west of Dixie Hwy, Flamingo Park is a quaint neighborhood surrounded by hotspots. On Dixie, you’ll find Hive Collective—a stylish cluster of boutiques, home stores, a bakery, and a café. On the west side is The Warehouse District, home to Pumphouse. Don’t miss the Gypsy Life Surf Shop while you’re there!

  • Clematis Street
    Starting at the West Palm Tri-Rail station and ending at the Intracoastal, Clematis Street has restaurants, the public library, coffee shops, and nightlife. My favorites include Hullabaloo, Field of Greens, Elisabetta’s, and Banko Cantina—a three-story dancing spot with different music vibes on each level.
  • CityPlace
    Often seen as the heart of West Palm, CityPlace is a vibrant gathering spot. Whether you’re grabbing pizza from City Pizza, hitting happy hour at El Camino, cooling off with Sloan’s ice cream, playing pickleball at City Pickle, or enjoying the splash pad and live performances, there’s always something happening!

Escaping to The Island

No trip to West Palm Beach is complete without crossing the bridge to Palm Beach Island, known by locals as “The Island.” Its glamorous streets may feel intimidating, but embrace the experience and enjoy the escape!

  • The Society of the Four Arts

This beautiful art and culture spot sits just off the Okeechobee bridge along the Intracoastal. Enjoy free access to its art, quaint library, and sculpture gardens. Art lovers can also check out upcoming exhibitions or performances in advance.

  • Worth Avenue

This Palm Beach staple feels like a dreamy slice of Italy. Even if you skip the high-end shops, wander through its charming nooks and soak in the unique vibe. Don’t miss Raptis Rare Books, Piccolo Gelato, and a hidden Starbucks behind the stores.

  • Lake Trail & Bradley Park

The Lake Trail starts behind the Society of the Four Arts and runs north along the Intracoastal. Popular for walking, running, and biking, it briefly detours near the Flagler Museum before reconnecting at the Flagler Memorial Bridge and taking you past Bradley Park—a perfect picnic or photo spot accessible by car.

  • Flagler Museum

This stunning mansion features guided tours, a private railcar pavilion, and beautiful landscaped grounds. Admission is currently $28 for adults (13+), $14 for children (6-12), and free for children five and under. This is the spot for history buffs and architecture lovers. 

  • The Breakers Hotel

The Breakers is a stunning hotel on the water with magnificent views, indoor shops, restaurants, and an ice cream shop! It’s the perfect place to walk around, take photos, and rest. Whether you plan to dine or not, the views alone are worth visiting.

  • Best Beach Spots

Last, but certainly not least, don’t miss out on the beach! Worth Ave and nearby streets like Brazilian, Australian, Chilean, and Peruvian Avenues all lead to beach access through entry points or over the wall. Dunbar Road offers direct access, while Atlantic Ave has some nearby parking—check farther back for free 2-hour spots. Sunrise and Sunset Avenues also lead to the beach with paid parking, but the views are worth it!