The Palm Beaches are a timeless escape on Florida’s Atlantic Coast where elegance meets sun-drenched serenity.
Renowned as America’s first resort destination, The Palm Beaches have long drawn discerning travellers in search of elegance, sunshine and tranquillity. With nearly 50 miles of pristine coastline and a vibrant cultural calendar, this corner of South Florida has been perfecting the art of warm-weather getaways for over 125 years. Here, the spirit of the Golden Age of Travel lives on, refined yet relaxed, with cleaner sands, fewer crowds and warmer waters than you’ll find anywhere else.
Comprising 39 characterful cities, The Palm Beaches offer more than just beautiful shores. Dubbed both Florida’s cultural capital and its golf capital (home to 160 courses, no less), this is a destination that knows how to balance indulgence with inspiration. Think world-class shopping and dining, family-friendly adventures, galleries galore, open-air wellness, and luxury hotels that have hosted everyone from royalty to Hollywood legends (all mere steps away from the shoreline).
Our cream of the crop for where to stay here is The Breakers, an icon of The Palm Beaches. Whether you’re chasing the sun, seeking the arts or simply in need of a place where time seems to slow, discover our top picks for a week spent on this storied stretch of South Florida coastline.
Arriving at The Breakers in Palm Beach, the resort exudes a blend of modern elegance and relaxed sophistication, effortlessly complementing its beachfront surroundings. Each room and suite are thoughtfully designed with bespoke furnishings, marble bathrooms, and views over the resort or ocean. More than just a base to come back to after a day of exploring, The Breakers plays host to many of the experiences you’ll have throughout your week here.
Explore this hotelYour morning begins with coffee at Main Street, The Breakers’ very own café and boutique located in Via Flagler; coffee and pastry in hand, there’s plenty to peruse on a morning stroll. Next, it’s onto the iconic Worth Ave, The Palm Beaches’ answer to Rodeo Drive and shopping hotspot. Home to fashion houses such as Chanel and Gucci, a walking tour of this historic district is a must. When you’ve walked up an appetite, sandwiches at popular spot Buccan are the perfect restorative lunch (we recommend ordering in advance). If you’re not all shopped out yet, head over to The Royal Poinciana Plaza, an open-air shopping centre in the heart of Palm Beach. Later, it’s back towards The Breakers for dinner at Henry’s, where elevated comfort food sates after a day of retail therapy.
While you’re bound to spend plenty of time on the county’s sandy shores throughout your stay, a day dedicated to being on the beaches is definitely called for. While there are no end to choose from, for a real taste of Florida’s tropical beauty, head to Boca Raton’s Red Reef Park. Make tracks early for a morning of sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling. It’s back to The Breakers for lunch in the sun at The Surf Break, an easy-going outdoor bar serving up light bites and refreshing drinks poolside. The afternoon is yours to be spent in the water, whether that be in one of the resort’s four pools or back out on the sand on The Breakers’ private beach.
Today is for time spent as a family. While we’re sure the kids have loved shopping sprees and gorgeous gardens, there’s even more fun to be had. Up bright and early, it’s time to meet some of the locals at Manatee Lagoon near Riviera Beach – the eco discovery centre here is all about educating its visitors on these gentle marine mammals. Next, it’s onto Delray Beach, a hub of activity for kids of all ages. When you’re ready for a break from the sunshine, the Silverball Retro Arcade is a trip back in time, featuring games going back to the 1950s. When tummies start rumbling, nearby PopStroke hits the spot, combining food and drink with putting fun – if you wanted to freshen up before dinner, PopStroke also has another location closer to The Breakers.
No matter the age, there are golfing activities for everyone across The Palm Beaches. For the young ones, it’s off to the Cox Science Center & Aquarium, where the conservation-themed mini-golf course educates about Florida’s nature and habitats as you putt. And there are plenty more activities to while away the day here, from discovering the aquarium’s marine-life residents, to scanning the skies in the observatory. For the grown-ups, you (of course) won’t even have to leave the confines of The Breakers for time out on the green. The legendary Ocean Course is Florida’s oldest golf course. A haven for players, it offers TifEagle Bermuda greens, 56 bunkers, six lakes, lush tropical landscaping, extensive cart paths, large putting and practice greens, and a variety of challenging hole directions.
Heading over to West Palm Beach this morning, Mounts Botanical Garden is an inspiring start to the day surrounded by nature and history – this is the county’s oldest botanical garden after all. From a tropical forest to a tranquillity garden, you could easily spend a whole day here taking in the sights and scents. Back east, The Norton Museum of Art’s collection features works from across the globe. Not to be missed is the sculpture garden, a sub-tropical gallery space that makes the most of South Florida’s climes. The Flagler Museum is the afternoon’s last stop, set in the Gilded Age estate home to Henry Morrison Flagler, a key figure in Palm Beach’s history. This evening’s entertainment is dinner and a show at Palm Beach Dramaworks, just across the harbour.
It’s time to wind down your trip by winding down mind, body and soul. Start the day right with yoga on the terrace at Ocean Fitness – The Breakers’ in-resort wellness centre – with views of the Atlantic just beyond. An ideal way to take in more of the sights, make your way to the south end of the Palm Beach Lake Trail, stopping in at Celis Juice Bar along the way for a healthy refreshment. Rent a bike and head out on this peaceful trail, taking it as fast or slow as you’d like. You could easily spend hours taking in the full trail, but if an afternoon of relaxation is calling you, cycle the south section before heading back to The Breakers for some you time in the spa to restore your balance.
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