Palm Beach Travel Guide {48-Hours in Palm Beach}

If you have been following along on my blog or Instagram recently, there is no way you could have missed all of the colorful photos from our infamous girl’s trip to Palm Beach. My favorite blogger friends and I spent a long weekend this summer exploring, eating and drinking our way through one of the cutest places on the planet. We had a blast and I can not wait to go back! Even though we were only there a couple of days, I spent a ton of time researching and asking all of the locals where to go during our stay. We weren’t able to hit them all, but per my unofficial Palm Beach locals poll, these are the must-do’s during your next stay in Palm Beach.

Where to Stay in Palm Beach:

The Colony Palm Beach

The Colony is where we stayed for our long weekend and it was pure perfection! You can read my whole review here, but there wasn’t a detail missed at this classic Palm Beach hotel. The rooms are a bit older but the service was top-notch and the location couldn’t be beat. The hotel is filled with palm leaves and pink details and would be perfect for couples, singles, a girl’s trip or even a family! They even allow your furry friends and have the cutest pup accessories to complement their stay. We stayed off-season and paid about $250/night for our room, and felt like it was a great value!

The Breakers Palm Beach

If you want to splurge on your Palm Beach trip, The Breakers Palm Beach is where you do it. This luxury resort sits right on the beach and offers a ton of on-site amenities. Home to Florida’s oldest golf course and one of the most exquisite indoor/outdoor spas, you really can’t go wrong booking your trip at The Breakers. Probably a more family-friendly option, the resort offers kids activities and camps throughout the year and encourages kids from 3-12 to “explore, create and discover.” You will spend a bit more at The Breakers but it will definitely be a trip you won’t forget.

Where to Eat in Palm Beach:

Renatos 

Renatos was one of the restaurants we were able to get into and it was ah-mazing. Located right off of Worth Avenue, this adorable Italian restaurant has a large menu filled with traditional favorites and fresh, seasonal ingredients. The wine list is extensive and the service is impeccable. The grilled octopus appetizer was worth the 3-hour drive and the lovely outdoor setting was perfect for a special night out.

The Seafood Bar

If you are looking for the freshest seafood on the island, The Seafood Bar at The Breakers is where you need to be. Located right on the Atlantic Ocean, this “cozy but sophisticated spot” is home to a great list of curated cocktails and the best crab cakes you will find. Make sure to watch the sunset while enjoying some oysters on the half shell and their signature Flirtini.

Palm Beach Grill 

Located in The Royal Poinciana Plaza, Palm Beach Grill is a Palm Beach staple. Everyone who I spoke with told us that Palm Beach Grill was an absolute must-visit and their consistent and delicious meals could not be missed. The atmosphere is relaxed but upscale and everything down to the burger is pure perfection. If planning to visit Palm Beach Grill, make sure to book a reservation in advance.

Buccan

Buccan is another restaurant that was recommended time and time again. Locals and visitors alike love the carefully curated menu full of fresh ingredients and unique and delicious small plates. Do yourself a favor and after making a reservation (the place gets packed!), try the Sweet Corn Agnolotti and the Short Rib Empanadas.

Ta-boo 

Originally opening in 1941, Ta-boo is a Palm Beach staple. “The restaurant drew the likes of John F. Kennedy, Frank Sinatra, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and other celebrities. Today you might see Rod Stewart, James Patterson or Hoda and Kathy Lee enjoying a casual meal.” Ta-boo has a great bar scene and has a relaxed atmosphere for lunch or dinner. Don’t leave without trying the desserts – especially the Ta-Boo Lust!.

Pizza Al Fresco 

Pizza Al Fresco was the first place we ate after arriving in Palm Beach and it did not disappoint. Nestled right off of Worth Avenue, its adorable courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh, wood-fired pizza and a crisp glass of Rose. I had the lobster salad and it might have been the best thing I had all weekend!

Sant Ambroeus

If you are looking for an amazing and unforgettable lunch experience while in Palm Beach, look no further than Sant Ambroeus. Their 3-course $35 prix fixe lunch option is a clear winner with everyone I talked to. The menu includes an appetizer, entree and dessert and the most recommended dishes were the Artichoke Salad, Bolognese and the Black Forest Cake. Make sure to check out their dessert display before leaving and snag some additional homemade cakes and pies!

Green’s Pharmacy

Another Palm Beach staple, Green’s Pharmacy has been around since 1938 and is open every day of the year “rain or shine.” Still sporting the retro diner vibe, the Luncheonette fills your belly with classic comfort foods and malted milkshakes. Only open for breakfast and dinner, Green’s Pharmacy is a must-visit during your next Palm Beach getaway.

What to Do in Palm Beach:

Shopping at Royal Poinciana Plaza

Classic John Volk Palm Beach architecture, the Royal Poinciana Plaza is a hub for shopping, dining and beautiful design. Home to upscale boutiques and unique eateries, the plaza is definitely a must-do when visiting Palm Beach. Stroll through the beautiful landscaping and pop in Hermès or Saint Laurent after enjoying a coffee and gelato at Sant Ambroeus.

Dancing at Cucina Palm Beach 

One of the things we really wanted to do while we were in Palm Beach was to experience some fun night-life. We were so excited that The Colony driver recommended Cucina for late-night dancing and drinks. During the day, Cucina serves “Southern Italian cuisine,” but at night, the DJ and fog machines come out and the party starts. We had a blast dancing the night away and we will definitely be back!

Shopping on Worth Avenue 

Palm Beach is known for its upscale shopping and dining and you can’t visit Palm Beach without a walk down Worth Avenue. Lined with an abundance of palm trees, Worth Avenue is home to local boutiques, upscale brands and chic restaurants – and my personal favorite, the flagship Lilly Pulitzer store. Make sure to swing by during your visit and create your own custom Lilly Pulitzer shift dress!

Visit the Beach

A pretty obvious choice might be to visit the beach, but with so many other wonderful things to do during your stay, you might forget about the beautiful beaches Palm Beach has to offer. If staying at The Colony, they will even set up chairs, umbrellas and pack deliver a packed cooler for your day in the sun and sand.

Sailboat Charter

Even though we were unable to make this happen during our trip, taking advantage of a sailboat charter while visiting Palm Beach would be an absolutely amazing experience. Mike with Palm Beach Sailboat Charters is your man and he can accommodate up to 6 passengers for a lovely sunset cruise or even a family snorkeling adventure.

Pool and Boozy Brunch at The Colony Hotel

While staying at The Colony Hotel, we were able to experience this fun, family-friendly event. The pool at The Colony is the perfect place to mix, mingle and enjoy your favorite cocktail. The brunch was filled with hotel guests and locals and they even had a small bounce house and cornhole for the kiddos. It was the perfect place to relax and enjoy endless mimosas before shopping on Worth Avenue.

Enjoy a day at the spa

If all of the shopping and dining has you a little tired, make sure to visit Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa for a plethora of relaxing options. After being greeted with a glass of champagne, this Forbes Five-Star spa will pamper you and spoil you in their “spa wonderland.”  Their glamorous retreat is designed for ultimate indulgence, complete with water gardens, private villas and luxurious treatment rooms.

Flagler Museum

“When it was completed in 1902, the New York Herald proclaimed that Whitehall, Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age estate in Palm Beach, was ‘more wonderful than any palace in Europe, grander and more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world.’ Today, Whitehall is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public as the Flagler Museum, featuring guided tours, changing exhibitions, and special programs.”

Have you been to Palm Beach? What are some of your favorite places to shop, eat and explore? Make sure to share them below! There are so many hidden gems and I hope to return soon with the whole family! Also, thank you to all of the Palm Beach locals that helped me put together this fantastic list!