Prim, posh, and tinged with scandal, the Town of Palm Beach has been the choice destination for tycoons and politicos since its founding at the turn of the twentieth century. And with a culture of tropical leisure, stylish excess, and delightful decadence, what’s not to love? Our guide to Palm Beach’s must-visit attractions will help you navigate the scene like the seasoned social butterfly that you are.
Though some interesting characters might have marred its pristine veneer as of late (Donald Trump and Howard Stern we’re looking at you), the Town of Palm Beach still has a glamorous allure that we love to indulge in. Whether you’re looking for an excuse to get out of the house and take a drive or making a little weekend jaunt of it, there’s plenty to see and do.
From yacht hopping to Birkin shopping, from tea time after tee time, there is no shortage of opportunities to display your "chic" in Palm Beach. Whether you’re planning on staying in Palm Beach for the “season” (classified as November to Easter, and not a second longer) or only for the weekend, we present to you the official Jacober Creative list of the essential places to eat, stay and play in the Town of Palm Beach.
151 County Road
Straight out of the 50s, Green’s Pharmacy keeps locals fueled with great comfort food and copies of Palm Beach’s glossy newspaper, while also functioning as a pharmacy and general store. It was where the Kennedy’s would indulge in burgers and milkshakes after Mass across the street. Order a coffee milkshake á la JFK with a side of extra kitsch.
221 Worth Avenue
Celebrating 60 years on Worth Avenue, Ta-boo is a taste of history with continental classics like Dover sole and aged steaks. Enjoyed by the likes of Sinatra and other celebrities past and present, this restaurant continues to be a revered establishment in Palm Beach’s dining scene. Request a table at the window for prime swanning.
350 S County Road
Buccan never disappoints. This chic spot run by James Beard Award-nominated chef Clay Conley boasts incredible food (dubbed imaginative global fare), great service and cool ambiance. Order something from every part of the menu – the sweet corn agnolotti artfully combines textures and flavors – and save room for dessert. There is also an artisan sandwich shop for a more casual lunchtime fix on the go.
340 Royal Poinciana Way
This West Village see-and-be-seen hot spot has brought its Italian swag down to the glam Royal Poinciana Plaza in Palm Beach. It’s the perfect place to brunch al fresco after you’ve finished picking out color combos at Hermes next door. Sant Ambroeus has the kind of pressure that can only be assuaged by famous gelato, you know?
245 Worth Avenue
When the “snobbiest restaurant in New York” (per the New York Post) decides to fly south for the winter, we take notice. The Upper East Side institution Le Bilboquet gets a resort wear makeover on Worth Avenue, complementing the sea of Pucci and Lilly Pullitzer at its tables, but you’re mistaken if you think that dulls its pretentious appeal. Indulge in the signature Le Poulet Cajun, or the Salade Niçoise, if you’re prepping for a photoshoot later (and really, who isn’t).
87 Via Mizner
After working up an appetite from shopping along Worth Avenue, relax in the romantic courtyard at Renato’s for heaps of deliciously good Spaghettini FraDiavolo and bites of Fritto Misto. Their beautiful outdoor space is the ideal place to enjoy some sun with a glass of chilled rosé. You deserve it, honey.
301 Australian Avenue
Cafe Boulud Palm Beach, located in the heart of the Brazilian Court Hotel, features a lush dining terrace that transports you to another era. For an al fresco meal, enjoy a light breeze and a view of the South Courtyard fountains while indulging in Daniel Boulud’s award-winning French-American cuisine. They’ve even started offering DB Drive-Thru with a variety of family-style meals and platters available for pick-up, with brownies, cookies and macarons by the dozen, which is just downright dangerous.
340 Royal Poinciana Way
Palm Beach formal meets beachside casual. Drop by for a night of continental classics done well at the Palm Beach Grill. Small bites and craft cocktails at this elegant restaurant exude style on all four cylinders. It’s very popular amongst locals, so when we say ‘drop by’ we mean with a reservation. And a mask.
No visit to Palm Beach is complete without a proper parade down Worth Avenue. Spanning the entire width of Palm Beach Island, it’s the ultimate luxury-shopping destination. Channel Jackie O at Chanel, classic Americana at Ralph Lauren, or put your Art History degree to use at the many galleries and antique stores that line the serpentine hidden ‘vias’ along Worth Avenue. Even if you don’t participate in consumer culture (isn’t it pretty to think so?), you can still admire the Mizner architecture and details that permeate Palm Beach.
374 South County Road
Church Mouse can only be classified as the holy grail of thrift shops. Indulge in the thrill of the hunt by perusing their selection of pre-loved clothing and furniture from the island’s donor base. Operated by the Church of Bethesda-By-The-Sea, the revenues from the shop fund contributions to those in need. Will you find Tom Ford, a Galliano gown, or Melania’s Gucci kaftan? You know what they say, “one woman’s IRS write-off is another woman’s treasure.”
2345 South Ocean Blvd.
Palm Beach is known for its golf culture, and although there are quite a few courses to choose from on the island, none offer quite the scenic views that Par 3 Golf Course does. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the Intracoastal Waterway to the West, there are no shortages of Insta-worthy angles, which should always be your main priority when scouting your next shot.
155 Hammon Avenue
Another way to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors in a socially distant way, this guided bike tour (old school or electric) is put on by Island Living. Longtime resident Leslie Diver has the tea, providing private tours around famous waterfront mansions while telling you about the island’s storied (and sometimes sordid) past.
1 Whitehall Way
Whitehall, now known as The Flagler Museum, is a National Historic Landmark that was built in 1902. What was once Henry Flagler’s luxe estate during the glamorous Gilded Age, this 75-room mega mansion is open to the public with rotating art exhibitions and self-guided tours. It has reopened with social distancing, and tickets are available for pre-purchase online prior to visiting.
294 Hibiscus Ave
Our favorite stop for those quintessential "Palm Bitch" gifts, The Kemble Shop is where it's at. An extension of Kemble Interiors, from renowned Palm Beach Interior Designer Celerie Kemble — the shop is filled to the brim with all the accoutrements befitting an ambitious career in poolside lounging. Here you'll find a treasure trove of kaftans, kitschy earrings, and rattan home accessories. It'll have you saying "drinks on the lanai" in no time.
500 Australian Avenue
Leave it to the Town of Palm Beach to graciously embark on a $36 Million renovation to better accommodate more super yachts in their marina, set to reopen in November 2021. As the only marina in the heart of Palm Beach, the new Palm Beach Marina (formerly known as the Town Docks), will have new floating docks, advanced security and tech upgrades, and access to the Town’s recreational amenities. Best of all, you’ll be steps away from Worth Avenue shopping and dining. Brilliant.
If you’re still awaiting delivery of your superyacht, join Captain Jason Smith on the "Legacy" 36' Hinckley Picnic Boat for a sunset cruise around the waterways. Take in the architecture of the Town’s palatial waterfront houses and their pristine landscaping while enjoying the ethereal hues that only a South Florida sky can provide.
155 Hammon Avenue
Host to U.S. Presidents, the Windsors, Hollywood stars and corporate czars, The Colony Hotel has been the center of Palm Beach society for more than 50 years. And its central location makes it the perfect spot from which to explore everything the island has to offer. Design-wise, we fell in love. It has the flair of preppy British colonial meets Lilly Pulitzer (a Palm Beach native), and its perfectly pink custom de Gournay wallpaper absolutely dazzles.
301 Australian Ave
If The Colony is for the fun Insta-selfie crowd, The Brazilian Court is for posh sophisticates and romantics. Think intimate New World luxury with Old World charm – Spanish architecture with dark wood furnishings, breezy palms, tropical courtyards and elegant fountains. This secluded boutique hideaway is a historic landmark, and home to Café Boulud and a spa.
1 S County Road
A trip to Palm Beach is not a trip to Palm Beach without a visit to the historic Breakers Hotel. Henry Flagler was behind this Italian-designed beachfront hotel that has a magnitude and elegance all its own. Whether staying overnight, dining at one of the many restaurants or enjoying the golf course, this expansive resort is brimming with possibilities.
2800 S Ocean Blvd
The newly revamped five-star hotel, the Four Seasons Palm Beach, is the epitome of ‘quiet luxury’ on the beach. The resort, re-done by interior designer Martin Brudnizki, exudes laid-back sophistication — oversized sun hat and a sleek black bathing suit required. A stay at this stunner comes with a multitude of amenities and services to help you enjoy Palm Beach effortlessly and to the absolute fullest. Talk about beach chic.
