Top Attractions in West Palm Beach: Everything You Need to Know
May 5, 2025
Tucked along Florida’s scenic Atlantic coast, West Palm Beach is a city that effortlessly blends laid-back coastal living with cosmopolitan charm. With its sun-soaked streets, thriving arts scene, vibrant downtown, and year-round events, it’s no surprise that this destination is one of the most popular spots in South Florida. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a solo adventure, West Palm Beach offers an irresistible mix of attractions that cater to every type of traveler.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore the top attractions in West Palm Beach, answer frequently asked questions, and share insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Table of contents
- Top Things to Do in West Palm Beach
- Why West Palm Beach Is Worth Visiting
- What West Palm Beach Is Known For
- Free Things to Do in West Palm Beach
- Is Rosemary Square the Same as CityPlace?
- Best Time to Visit West Palm Beach
- Family-Friendly Attractions in West Palm Beach
- How Close Is the Beach to Downtown?
- Events and Festivals in West Palm Beach
- Is West Palm Beach a Walkable City?
- Conclusion
Top Things to Do in West Palm Beach
There’s never a dull moment in West Palm Beach. Start your exploration downtown, where Clematis Street serves as the city’s social and cultural heartbeat. This lively street is lined with eclectic restaurants, trendy bars, live music venues, and unique shops. Day or night, it’s a great place to soak up the city’s energy and catch local events like Clematis by Night.
Just a few blocks away, Rosemary Square (formerly known as CityPlace) offers a pedestrian-friendly experience filled with upscale dining, boutique shopping, street performers, and art installations. The atmosphere is both chic and welcoming, making it a top destination for visitors looking to enjoy the city’s modern side.
Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Norton Museum of Art, which features an impressive collection of American, European, and Chinese artwork. The museum also hosts special exhibitions and community events, making it a must-see cultural stop.
For those traveling with kids or nature lovers, the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is another top-rated attraction. With over 550 animals, lush tropical landscaping, and a fun splash pad area, it’s a family favorite that offers both entertainment and education.
Why West Palm Beach Is Worth Visiting
West Palm Beach is more than just a pretty place, it’s a city with substance. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice the city's unique ability to merge luxury with a relaxed, tropical vibe. Its blend of scenic waterfronts, cultural landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods creates a diverse and enriching experience for visitors.
Accessibility is another huge plus. Located just off I-95 and home to the Palm Beach International Airport, getting to West Palm Beach is quick and convenient. Once you’re here, you’ll find a well-planned city that’s easy to navigate and full of surprises around every corner.
Whether you're here for the beaches, art, food, or festivals, West Palm delivers a well-rounded experience that caters to casual travelers and luxury seekers alike.
What West Palm Beach Is Known For
Ask any local or returning visitor what stands out about West Palm Beach, FL, and you’ll likely hear about the waterfront views and the city’s thriving arts and culture scene. The area along Flagler Drive, which hugs the Intracoastal Waterway, is particularly iconic, offering panoramic views of Palm Beach Island, luxury yachts, and palm-lined promenades.
In addition to its stunning natural beauty, the city is also known for its high-end shopping. Just across the bridge in Palm Beach, Worth Avenue offers a luxurious retail experience with designer boutiques, upscale galleries, and fine dining establishments.
Back in West Palm, neighborhoods like Northwood Village are beloved for their bohemian flair, antique stores, and colorful street murals. The city’s identity is built on this balance between the glamorous and the grounded, the artistic and the adventurous.
Free Things to Do in West Palm Beach
One of the best things about visiting West Palm Beach is that you don’t have to break the bank to have a great time. There are plenty of free things to do that showcase the city’s charm and character.
A walk along the Flagler Drive Waterfront is a must. This scenic pathway offers gorgeous views, public art installations, and shaded spots to relax. On Thursday evenings, make your way to Clematis by Night, a free outdoor concert series featuring local bands, food trucks, and a festive atmosphere.
If you’re in town on a Saturday between October and April, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket is a perfect morning activity. Voted the #1 farmers market in the country, it features local produce, artisan goods, fresh flowers, and live music, all set against the backdrop of the waterfront.
For art lovers, the Norton Museum of Art offers free admission on Friday nights during its Art After Dark program. This weekly event includes gallery tours, workshops, and performances that blend education and entertainment.
Is Rosemary Square the Same as CityPlace?
Yes, what was once known as CityPlace has undergone a major transformation and is now known as Rosemary Square. This rebranding wasn’t just cosmetic; the area was thoughtfully redesigned to focus more on experiential attractions.
Today, Rosemary Square is a hub for culture, community, and creativity. With open-air spaces, modern architecture, curated shops, and rotating art installations, it’s more than just a shopping destination, it’s a lifestyle center.
Visitors will find a dynamic blend of restaurants, entertainment options, and family-friendly programming that makes it an all-day destination.
Best Time to Visit West Palm Beach
The ideal time to visit West Palm Beach is during the dry season, which runs from November through April. This period brings mild temperatures, low humidity, and plenty of sunshine, perfect for beach days, outdoor dining, and festival-hopping.
Winter and early spring are also when many of the city’s most popular events take place, including SunFest, Art Palm Beach, and the Palm Beach International Boat Show. Accommodations may be pricier during this peak season, but the weather and events are well worth it.
If you’re looking for lower prices and don’t mind occasional afternoon showers, the summer and fall months (May to October) can offer more affordable travel. Just be sure to pack a rain jacket and check for any hurricane season updates.
Family-Friendly Attractions in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is a surprisingly kid-friendly city, with plenty of attractions that both entertain and educate. The Palm Beach Zoo is always a hit, offering interactive exhibits, wildlife shows, and shaded walking paths that make it easy to explore even on warm days.
Another top destination is the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, where hands-on science exhibits meet an impressive collection of marine life. Kids can explore a planetarium, dig for fossils, or enjoy the outdoor splash zone.
For an even wilder adventure, take a short drive to Lion Country Safari, Florida’s only drive-through safari park. Here, families can see zebras, giraffes, and rhinos roaming free, and then enjoy rides, a petting zoo, and water play areas in the walk-through section.
Nature lovers will enjoy Peanut Island, accessible by a quick ferry ride. This hidden gem is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking, and even includes a historic bunker built for President Kennedy during the Cold War.
How Close Is the Beach to Downtown?
One of the major perks of visiting West Palm Beach is how close the beach is to the city center. Downtown West Palm sits directly across the Intracoastal Waterway from the island of Palm Beach, which is home to some of Florida’s most pristine and picturesque beaches.
In just a 5–10 minute drive (or a scenic walk or bike ride across the Royal Park or Flagler Memorial Bridges), you can go from cityscape to sandy shores. Public beach access points like Midtown Beach and Phipps Ocean Park are clean, safe, and perfect for a day in the sun.
This proximity means you don’t have to choose between urban adventure and beach relaxation, you can have both on the same day.
Events and Festivals in West Palm Beach
If you love community events and live entertainment, West Palm Beach hosts dozens of events and festivals throughout the year, offering something for every interest.
SunFest, held in late spring, is the city’s signature event, a massive waterfront music and art festival featuring national headliners, art installations, and food vendors. It’s one of the largest of its kind in Florida.
Each Saturday from October to April, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket draws crowds to the waterfront with its local charm, artisanal vendors, and lively performances.
On Friday evenings, don’t miss Art After Dark at the Norton Museum of Art, which transforms the gallery into a vibrant social space with live music, art workshops, and drinks.
Additional events like Screen on the Green, 4th on Flagler, and seasonal holiday parades make West Palm Beach an exciting place to visit no matter the time of year.
Is West Palm Beach a Walkable City?
Yes, West Palm Beach is one of Florida’s most walkable cities, especially in the downtown and waterfront areas. Streets like Clematis and the blocks around Rosemary Square are designed for pedestrians, with wide sidewalks, crosswalks, and open public spaces.
The city also offers a free trolley system that connects popular neighborhoods and makes it easy to explore without a car. For visitors who prefer biking, there are plenty of rental stations and bike lanes throughout the downtown area.
In addition to being walkable, the city’s layout is compact, making it simple to get from hotels to restaurants, shops, and attractions within minutes.
However, if you prefer to travel around the city in luxury and style, we highly recommend Jano Coaches' services. They offer all kinds of top vehicles to drive you around, so you don't have to worry about planning and just relax.
5. Conclusion
West Palm Beach is more than just a sunny escape, it’s a destination with soul. Its mix of coastal beauty, rich culture, engaging family attractions, and walkable cityscapes offers a uniquely Floridian experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Whether you’re admiring art, listening to live music under the stars, or enjoying a perfect beach day, West Palm Beach delivers a vacation that’s as fun as it is unforgettable.
And if you want to make your experience even better, book today your luxury vehicle
with Jano Coaches and get to know the city from another perspective.
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