The Palm Beaches, Florida: A Brooklynite from Italy’s Insider Guide

If you’re looking for a destination that combines European elegance, world-class experiences, hidden gems, stunning ocean views, and genuine beauty – all within a 3-hour flight from NYC – The Palm Beaches, Florida might be one of the most underrated getaways in the U.S.

I spent weeks researching what to actually do in the Palm Beaches (so you don’t have to), and I woke up on Saturday morning at 4 AM to my canceled 7am flight, and a rebooked one for 2:30 PM… almost an entire day of my itinerary was gone 🫠

Knowing I’d arrive by 10 AM, I originally planned to rent a car, hit the “Vias”, and visit the Flagler museum even before checking in… Landing at 5:30 PM instead messed up all my plans, and yet I still made it to visit all the places I wanted to – plus the unexpected ones!

I typically plan 3-night getaways to be able to fully experience everything the destination has to offer, though since I was able to squeeze everything into 2 and half day instead, you can actually use my itinerary even if you can only commit to 2 nights!

I fell in love with all the super charming courtyards that whisper South of France, Italy, Germany, Monaco, Portugal… all at once! Fascinating history and elegance you usually find in Europe, and a local food scene that goes so far beyond what any tourist guide will tell you. We have to thank the Palm Beaches tourism board, and my dear friend Tara – a Palm Beach local and expert – who showed me amazing places I would have never found on my own!!!

This is my honest, insider guide to The Palm Beaches, Florida: a complete 3-day itinerary with what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and what most visitors completely miss. ✨

✨ Before you dive into the full Palm Beaches experience, here are my go-to tools to plan your trip effortlessly:

📌 This trip was hosted by Discover The Palm Beaches. While I may receive a commission on your purchases made through the links on VivereNewYork, all experiences, opinions and genuine obsessions are entirely my own. [Click here to learn more about our editorial guidelines.]

Palm Beach vs West Palm Beach: What’s the Difference (and Where to Spend Your Time)

Palm Beach and West Palm Beach are two completely different worlds, and understanding this before you go will change everything about how you experience the trip.

Palm Beach is the island: elegant, quiet, and experience-driven.
West Palm Beach is the mainland: more local, more vibrant, and better for nightlife.

Palm Beach is a barrier island, just 16 miles long and less than a mile wide, connected to the mainland by a series of bridges. This is where you’ll find Worth Avenue, The Breakers, the Flagler Museum, the hidden Vias, and that unmistakable old-Florida-meets-European-glamour feeling. It’s quiet, manicured, and moves at its own pace.

West Palm Beach is the mainland city right across the water. More urban, more diverse, more alive at night. The NORA District, Clematis Street, the street art, the Pumphouse… that’s all WPB. Both are essential. Neither is a substitute for the other.

As an Italian Brooklynite, I like to think of Palm Beach as Manhattan and West Palm Beach as Brooklyn… and the connection will make even more sense when you’ll get to Juliana’s Pizza in the NORA District – yup, opened by the same owners of the legendary Patsy Grimaldi of Grimaldi’s Brooklyn!!! Think of Nora district as Dumbo 😏

Other fun facts:

• TooJay’s Deli, Florida’s most beloved NYC-style deli, was actually born right here in Palm Beach in 1981 and never left the state.
• The Breakers‘ architects trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris: the same firm behind the Waldorf Astoria, The Pierre, and the Sherry-Netherland.
• The Flagler Museum has SO much in common with the Frick Collection!!! The Flagler Museum (Whitehall) and the Frick Collection mansion on Fifth Avenue were both designed by the same architectural firm: Carrère and Hastings, trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. If you love the Frick, Whitehall will blow your mind. 🤯

New York and Palm Beach have been in conversation for over a century. You’ll feel it everywhere.

Best Time to Visit The Palm Beaches (Weather + Seasonal Tips)

Peak season runs from January through April. The weather is usually warm and dry, and the island is at its most beautiful. March is usually one of the best months to visit The Palm Beaches… still firmly in season, slightly less crowded than February, temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s°F, and bougainvillea in full bloom everywhere. 🌺

Full disclosure: I was there March 14–17 and the weather had other plans for us. Saturday was gorgeous, while Sunday evening brought heavy rain, and Monday was a full-on weather event… the National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, a Flood Advisory, and even a Tornado Warning for Palm Beach County. This was not a typical March day – locals told me they hadn’t seen anything like it in years. I guess I got lucky – lol 😅

If you’re coming from NYC, direct flights to Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) are available on JetBlue, Delta, and American, typically under 3 hours. Easy enough for a fantastic long weekend.

Where to Stay in The Palm Beaches

I stayed at the Belgrove Resort & Spa, along Lake Mangonia, and I really loved every single second of it.

The stunning gate at the entrance makes you feel like entering a European palace, the palm tree lined street that leads to the resort lobby gives you British-Caribbean lifestyle vibes, the valet service and the check in are excellent, the bright and light interior design makes you immediately feel relaxed and chill, three beautiful pools give you the opportunity to choose your perfect cabana or umbrella spot, a Racquet club where you can play pickleball, padel, and tennis, a beautiful golf club, and a beach shuttle with private chairs available!

My personal highlights on top of all these:

• First and foremost: the people!!! Every single person made me feel welcomed and taken care of. I spent 3 minutes talking to Jeffry at the gate when I first got in and he always remembered my name!
• Morning Yoga classes, everyday at 8 AM – the perfect way to connect with your soul and feel grateful as you wake up 🧘‍♀️
• Light-flooded gym
• The Spa – I had a 50-minute Spring Renewal Massage with Shannon and felt BRAND NEW after hours of walking, biking and visiting the destination… I didn’t even know how much I needed it!!! So good!
• Society 48, The Belgrove’s Modern American Brasserie – the delicious resort’s in-house restaurant. I loved having breakfast and dinner in its outdoor space.
• My spacious king room with pool (and sunrise!) view, with a separate living room area and a huge balcony connecting both areas
• The jungle wallpaper elevator – really super cool… I seriously want to ask my neighbors in Brooklyn if we could have the same wallpaper in our building elevator! 😂

If you’re looking for a non-pretentious luxury resort in West Palm Beach, this is where I would stay again:

Other Hotels in The Palm Beaches

I can only fully vouch for where I stayed, and The Belgrove had my whole heart. That said, if you’re looking for other options on the island, The Breakers, The Colony, and Palm House are three of the most iconic names in Palm Beach and consistently top every luxury travel list.

👉 Browse all hotels in The Palm Beaches 

📍 Map of the Best Things to Do in Palm Beach & Jupiter

To help you visualize where everything is, here’s a map of all the best things to do in Palm Beach and Jupiter I’ll be sharing in this guide.

Day 1: West Palm Beach Itinerary (NORA District + Juliana’s Pizza)

Day 1 at a glance:
• Check-in at your hotel
• Explore the NORA District
• Dinner at Juliana’s Pizza
• Optional: drinks or nightlife in West Palm Beach

Pro tip: rent a car. Palm Beach and West Palm Beach are easy to navigate, and having your own wheels, especially for Day 3 when you head north to Juno Beach and Jupiter, makes everything so much smoother. I recommend booking through Discover Cars – think of it as the Expedia for car rentals. It compares all the major rental companies in one place so you always get the best price. You book online, then at PBI airport just follow the signs to the rental car area, then a shuttle takes you directly to your chosen company. Easy, fast, done.

My original plan was to land by 10am, pick up my rental car, and be on Worth Avenue before noon – Vias, Clock Tower, maybe even the Flagler Museum before check-in. I had it all mapped out.

I woke up at 4am to my flight canceled, and rebooked for 2:30pm. Half a day gone, just like that. 😩

I made it to The Belgrove around 6pm and I met my dear friend Tara, a fantastic creator and Palm Beach local, in the lobby. We dropped all our bags, gave our names to the front desk to then get personalized (and stunning!) water bottles in the room later, and headed straight out to the NORA District.

Your First Stop: The NORA District

Make the NORA District your first stop when you arrive in West Palm Beach, one of the newest and most exciting areas to explore. NORA stands for North Railroad Avenue, a historic industrial corridor just north of downtown that just completed a $1 billion transformation into one of the most exciting new neighborhoods in South Florida. Just like Dumbo, Brooklyn, when it was still becoming the Dumbo we know today. Cobblestone streets, warehouse architecture, chef-driven restaurants, boutique wellness studios. It’s brand new and already buzzing. Get in early and stay for the night if you want to party!

Dinner at Juliana’s Pizza 🍕

Your first dinner in WPB: Juliana’s Pizza… I Flew to Florida and Ended Up in Brooklyn – LOL!

Why Juliana’s Pizza matters:
One of the most iconic New York pizzerias, originally from Brooklyn, now has a location in West Palm Beach, bringing authentic coal-fired pizza to Florida.

We had the pleasure of meeting Matthew Grogan, one of the co-founders, and he told us everything… I’m passing it all on to you because the story behind this place makes the pizza taste even better.

Matthew is a former Wall Street investment banker who fell in love with Grimaldi’s Pizzeria back in 1990 – the legendary coal-fired spot under the Brooklyn Bridge in Dumbo, back when Dumbo was still rough around the edges. He became close friends with Patsy Grimaldi and his wife Carol, the couple behind it all.

Later, Patsy and Carol sold Grimaldi’s and retired, and like so many people who sell something they built with their hands, they regretted it. So in 2012, the restless Grimaldis came back, partnering with Matthew to open Juliana’s Pizza, named after Patsy’s mother, Maria Juliana Lancieri Grimaldi, who was born in Melfi, Italy. They reclaimed the original location at 19 Old Fulton Street, the exact spot where it all began, with the original coal-fired oven still inside. Grimaldi’s, now owned by someone else, is right next door. The two iconic pizzerias, side by side in Dumbo. Only in Brooklyn.

During the pandemic, Matthew moved to Palm Beach and couldn’t find a single pizza that tasted like New York. So he called the Grimaldis and said: “we need to open a location here.” And that’s how Juliana’s Palm Beach was born.

Fun Facts Matthew shared with us:

• The brother swap – Juliana’s in Brooklyn and Juliana’s in Palm Beach are both run by Matthew and his brother. Normally his brother stays in Brooklyn and Matthew stays in Florida, but every so often, they switch, just to surprise the staff and the regulars. You never know which one you’re going to get. 😄
• The Ring Ding story – Ring Dings were a childhood favorite of Matthew’s, and one day at Smorgasburg he spotted a stand selling a homemade, modern take on the Ring Ding made by a young vendor’s mother in Tribeca. Matthew tracked her down, fell in love with her version, and now those Ring Dings are sold at Juliana’s in both Brooklyn and Palm Beach.

What to order:
• Margherita – as an Italian, I always use it to test the dough. If the Margherita is good, everything is good (and yes, it passed the test).
• No. 1 – mozzarella, smoked scamorza, pancetta, scallions (no tomato). Matthew’s personal favorite and now mine too.

📍 Juliana’s Pizza, 8West Palm Beach, Florida (875 N. Railroad Ave)
📞 561-766-6200

Day 2: Exploring the Palm Beaches (Vias, Flagler Museum & The Breakers)

Day 2 at a glance:
• Sunrise + Worth Avenue Vias walk
• Coffee at Pumphouse Pouratorium
• Explore Palm Beach by e-bike
• Visit The Breakers
• Tour the Flagler Museum
• Spa + dinner at The Belgrove

Start your morning early – seriously, set that alarm. The island before 9am is a completely different place. Quieter, beautiful, and entirely yours.

I woke up to a beautiful sunrise from my room balcony facing the pool and got to Worth Avenue before 8am…. A perfect start!

Walk the Vias Early- Worth Avenue Guide

Cross the bridge to Palm Beach island and park in front of Via Mizner just across Renato’s – on Sunday morning you can park for 45 min for free.

Start with the insta-famous blue door framed by stunning bougainvillea… it is totally worth the hype!!!! Then stroll through all the hidden courtyards and get lost. Hit Via Mizner, via Parigi, the Brazilian Court Hotel, Peruvian Avenue, Worth Avenue…

I felt like I was straight out of a movie. Cobblestones underfoot, arched doorways, terracotta tiles. It reminded me of Europe. Suddenly I was just back home 🫠

NOTE: all shops will still be closed at that hour, and even if you can peek through the windows, you might want to come back for shopping later. That was actually my original plan for Saturday morning before my flight got canceled! So build in time for a second pass if shopping is on your list. 🛍️

Pumphouse Pouratorium – One of the best coffee spots in West Palm Beach. The Hidden Gem Only Locals Know

Before you get on the bikes, make my friend Tara’s detour yours too: go to the Pumphouse Pouratorium. I would have never found this on my own. It took a true local to take me there, and now I’m passing it on to you. This is one of the perks of being part of the VivereNewYork community. 😉

Located at 1016 Clare Avenue in WPB’s Warehouse District, this place is 8,000 square feet of roastery, brewery, café and lab inside a repurposed warehouse. You walk in through a long corridor that feels almost exclusive, then the main space opens up to a very spacious chic-industrial coffee shop… it’s super cool!

Get a cappuccino and one of their pastries – the almond croissant and the chocolate croissant are both excellent. Sit at the bar overlooking the roasting floor below and just breathe it in. If you’re a remote worker or a digital nomad, this is your perfect office for the morning. The vibe, the coffee, the space… all extraordinary. ✨

The story behind it makes it even better. Brothers Alex and Christian Le Clainche started Pumphouse in 2016, grinding at green markets and events, offering free samples, building something from nothing. Their grandfather had a coffee farm in Jamaica that he dreamed about until the end of his life. That dream planted a seed in his grandsons. Today, Pumphouse is one of the most beloved spots in WPB and almost no tourist knows it exists. Now you do. 😉

📍 Pumphouse Pouratorium, 1016 Clare Ave STE 5A, West Palm Beach
🕐 Open 7 days a week from 7am to 5pm

Palm Beach by E-Bike – HANDS DOWN The Best Way to EXPLORE the Island

Rent an e-bike from Palm Beach Ebike Rentals, This is not optional – lol.

Run by the extraordinary Robin and her sister, they’ll set you up with pink bikes (or black ones, for those who wouldn’t dare “wearing pink”) and give you all the tips for the most cinematic route. Book in advance, check in 15 minutes early, and just go. You can also reserve a guided tour!

I blindly followed Tara (who also consulted with Robin to make sure I’d get the best experience ever) and I loved every second of it!!!

We past the corner of Quadrille Blvd and Clematis Street and a giant 6-story mural, a boy and a girl sitting together, butterflies flying out from under his baseball cap got my attention. Painted by Croatian street artist Lonac, it’s called “I Lost My Shoe When I Saw You”, a tribute to the creative expression of childhood and first love.

⚠️ Note: as of March 2026, the city was in the process of painting over this mural during garage renovations. I may have caught it in its final days, which makes it even more special that I did.

We turned the motor off while on the Lake Trail (and still got yelled at from a few passerby who thought we were e-biking – bike is allowed, e-bike is not), and fully enjoyed the Intracoastal shimmering and mega-yachts on one side, mansions on the other, royal palms overhead, and the whole island moving at exactly the right pace.

📍 Palm Beach Ebike Rentals, 510 Evernia St, West Palm Beach
⏰ Check in 15 minutes before your tour

PHIPPS ESTATE RD: ANOTHER HIDDEN GEM ONLY LOCALS KNOW

We kept exploring the island on e-bikes and Tara played her magic again. We moved through so many beautiful areas!!! This is one that made my jaw dropped.

I also LOVED a palm tree lined street we passed by while riding on N County Rd, between S Woods Rd and Tangier Ave, and I now regret not having taking pictures there too… if you do, please share it with us here 🫶

The Breakers – One of The Most Legendary Hotels in America

The Breakers is one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Palm Beach, and you can visit even if you’re not staying there. You don’t need a reservation. You don’t need to be a guest. Just walk in. 🤩

Bike down the tree-lined majestic street toward The Breakers and feel the grandeur before you even arrive. Walk through those doors, admire the stunning fresh flowers in the lobby and look up at the painted 200-foot lobby ceiling – 75 Italian artisans brought from Italy specifically to paint it by hand – and take a moment to let it sink in. Everything is epic.

The Breakers opened in 1896, founded by Henry Flagler. Burned down twice, in 1903 and 1925, and rebuilt both times, more magnificently each time. The current building opened in December 1926, modeled after the Villa Medici in Rome. The Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, Astors and Carnegies called this their playground. It has been welcoming guests for over a century without ever losing its soul.

Insider tip: if you can, go with a local. Tara, who has attended weddings and events here over the years, walked me through parts of the hotel most visitors never see. Elegant rooms kept as private event spaces, hallways that whisper a hundred years of history. I was genuinely speechless. So beautiful, so rich. The lobby alone is worth the detour, and I’d suggest you to explore deeper.

📍 The Breakers, 1 S County Rd, Palm Beach

Bethesda-by-the-Sea — The Church Most People Miss

It’s only two minutes from The Breakers by bike. Don’t miss it.

Bethesda-by-the-Sea is a Gothic Episcopal church surrounded by purple bougainvillea, with a small cemetery and a fish pond tucked into the garden. Step inside the garden, slow down for five minutes, and let it surprise you. 🌿

📍The Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, 141 S County Rd, Palm Beach

Royal Poinciana Plaza – The Palais Royal of Palm Beach

Don’t just walk through Royal Poinciana Plaza, explore it. Built in 1957 and landmarked in 2008, it was designed by architect John Volk to echo the Palais Royal in Paris.

Two gorgeous courtyards, European-style colonnades, Cartier, Hermès, Oscar de la Renta, Sant Ambroeus. It’s not a mall. It’s a destination, and one of the most beautiful open-air spaces in Palm Beach. ✨

Look for the Wee Free Library, a pink SMEG fridge filled with books and popsicles for kids, sitting right there in the plaza. Only a local would know. Tara showed it to me and now you know too.

Lunch at TooJay’s Deli 🥪

Lunch stop: TooJay’s, right inside Royal Poinciana Plaza [I found myself back in NYC again!].

I ordered avocado toast and the potato pancakes with applesauce and sour cream and everything was delicious!!!! Exactly what you need after a full morning of biking. Born right here on Palm Beach island in 1981 and never actually left Florida.

📍Toojay’s, 340 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach

The Flagler Museum – Is It Worth Visiting?

Yes, it’s one of the most impressive historic mansions in Florida and a must-see in Palm Beach.

Block out at least2 hours for the Flagler Museum. And go slowly. I honestly had high expectations, and I walked out completely blown away. 🤯

Whitehall was built in 1902 by Henry Flagler, co-founder of Standard Oil (the man who essentially built Florida), as a wedding gift for his third wife, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler. 75 rooms over 100,000 square feet. The New York Herald called it “more wonderful than any palace in Europe.” Flagler entertained the greatest industrialists and thinkers of the Gilded Age here — setting the stage for Palm Beach becoming the destination of world leaders and celebrities for decades to come.

The architects, Carrère and Hastings,  trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, the same firm behind the Frick Collection mansion on Fifth Avenue. If you love the Frick the way I do, Whitehall will feel like a reunion with something you didn’t know you missed!

Little-known details that will blow your mind:

🕰️ Ten clocks – there are ten impressive working clocks spread throughout the rooms, all in complete working order. Museum staff wind them every single week following a specific procedure. Still ticking after over 120 years.

🚧 The fence – that stunning 1,000-foot iron and bronze fence surrounding the property is completely original. Designed by Carrère and Hastings in 1901, it has survived salt air and windstorms for over 121 years and still looks impeccable.

🏊 No pool – Whitehall was built without a swimming pool and didn’t have one for its first five decades. With the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Lake Worth Lagoon to the west, Flagler apparently didn’t feel he needed one. Very Palm Beach. 😄

What not to miss inside:

• The Tiffany clock in the atrium
• The painted ceiling fresco
• Railcar No. 91 in the Flagler Kenan Pavilion – Flagler’s private 1886 railcar, fully restored. This is how the Gilded Age traveled. 🚂

📍 The Flagler Museum, 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach
🕐 Tue–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun Noon–5pm
💰 $28 adults, $14 ages 6–12

The Spa at The Belgrove – The Perfect Reset You Didn’t Know You Needed

After such an intense day, all the biking, the Vias, the Breakers, the Flagler, book a 50-minute Spring Renewal Massage at the Belgrove Spa. I had mine with Shannon and walked away with my entire nervous system completely reset. She used botanical aromas, British-Caribbean wellness rituals and a beautiful mix of mango and honey. Pure bliss.

After your treatment, take time to enjoy the relaxation room and the eucalyptus steam room. Don’t rush out. That’s part of the experience.

💰 Check their full menu for current offerings and pricing.

📍 The Spa at The Belgrove, 2020 Banyan Resort Way, West Palm Beach
📞 (561) 766-8100

Dinner at Society 48 – EAT in the Garden

Get a table in the outdoor garden pergola at Society 48, The Belgrove’s in-house modern American brasserie. It feels like being in the Caribbean. Lush greenery all around, warm air, golden hour light filtering through the trees. You forget you’re at a hotel restaurant entirely. 🌴

What to order: start with the burrata… it’s really, really good, don’t skip it!!! Then go for the shrimp pasta. Get a glass of red wine. Let the evening unfold slowly.

🕐 Breakfast daily 6:30–10:30am | Lunch daily 11am–3pm | Dinner daily 5–10pm | Weekend brunch 11am–2pm
📍 Society 48, 2020 Banyan Resort Way, West Palm Beach

Day 3: Juno Beach & Jupiter Itinerary (Beaches, Nature & Hidden Spots)

Day 3 at a glance:
• Morning reset + check-out
• Visit Loggerhead Marinelife Center
• Explore Juno Beach + nearby parks
• Lunch in Jupiter
• Visit Blowing Rocks Preserve
• Sunset at Worth Avenue

Start your last full day slowly… you’ve earned it.

I woke up to one last sunrise from my balcony, made it to 8am yoga class at The Belgrove, then did a quick workout at the gym, and spent half an hour in the pool completely quiet, just me and the morning light, before checking out and heading north.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center – Free, and Unforgettable

Is Loggerhead Marinelife Center worth visiting?
Yes, it’s one of the most meaningful and family-friendly experiences in The Palm Beaches.

Get ready to have your heart melted. It’s a non-profit sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center, and admission is completely free. If you feel moved to donate, you absolutely can, and they will put every dollar to work. 🐢

The moment I walked in, I was welcomed by a volunteer; a man so passionate about the work they do that you feel it immediately. He told me about how they rescue and rehabilitate injured sea turtles, how they care for them on-site in their hospital, and how dedicated they are to educating kids about ocean conservation. It was so genuine, so sweet, that I found myself completely moved without expecting it.

Inside: sea turtles in rehabilitation, a shark, colorful fish, jellyfish, learning exhibits, aquariums. Beautiful experience for kids, and simply incredible for everyone.

📍 Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 US Highway 1, Juno Beach
🕐 Campus opens at 10am
💰 Free admission, donations welcome

Things to Do in Juno Beach (Beyond Loggerhead)

Juno Beach Park & Pier – right behind the Loggerhead Center, literally a 2-minute walk. Clean, beautiful, uncrowded beach with a pier perfect for a stroll or some fishing. Completely free and a wonderful way to decompress after the emotional experience of the Center.

Pelican Lake Park – a quiet lakeside gem almost no tourist knows about. Walking paths, benches, wildlife, white ibises grazing by the water. Go slow, breathe it in.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park – just a short drive south. Snorkeling, kayaking, hiking through dunes and mangroves. One of the most beautiful and underrated state parks in South Florida. Worth a half-day if you have it.

Turtle Nesting Season Note: if you visit between May and October, you can witness sea turtles nesting in the wild right on Juno Beach at night. One of the most magical wildlife experiences in all of Florida, and almost no other beach offers it this accessibly. Check with Loggerhead Marinelife Center for guided turtle walks during nesting season!

Lunch at Lucky Shuck Oyster Bar – With a Lighthouse View

After Loggerhead, head north to Jupiter for lunch at Lucky Shuck Oyster Bar. 🦪

Raw bar, fresh seafood, craft beer, towering ceilings with vintage nautical design, and a beautiful view of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse framing everything like a postcard. It’s casual, local, and excellent. Needs to be on your list. You’ll thank me later 😏

📍 Lucky Shuck Oyster Bar, 1116 Love St, Jupiter

Blowing Rocks Preserve – PURE FORCE OF NATURE

Blowing Rocks Preserve is one of the most unique natural attractions in Jupiter, Florida Located on Jupiter Island it’s limestone rock formations stretching along the Atlantic shoreline, and at high tide, the waves crash against them with a force that takes your breath away. Water shoots up through the natural holes in the rock. The sound is incredible. The power is humbling.

And then there’s the smell of the ocean. In Italian we call it salmastro – that wild, briny, smell of the sea that hits you before you even see the water.

I was born and raised in a small town by the sea in Tuscany. Water has always been home for me. Standing at Blowing Rocks, watching the Atlantic crash and surge against those rocks made me cry.

Go at high tide if you can, that’s when the blowholes shoot water dramatically into the air. Check tide charts here before you go.

📍 Blowing Rocks Preserve, 574 S Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, Jupiter Island
📞 561-744-6668
💰 Free – suggested $2 per adult
🕐 Open daily 9am–4:30pm (last entry is 4:15pm)
⚠️ No food or beverages allowed inside the preserve

Worth Avenue at Blue Hour – The PERFECT ENDING

Before heading home or to your airport hotel, drive back to Worth Avenue for one last stroll on the beach behind the Worth Avenue Clock Tower. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Palm Beach to end your trip.

If you have time, you can also walk by the Colony’s pink facade for a quick photo opportunity (or walk in for a drink), and cheer to all the beautiful memories you just created.

📍 Worth Avenue Clock Tower, Palm Beach
📍 The Colony, 155 Hammon Ave, Palm Beach

Day 4: One More Sunrise From Delray Beach (Optional Extension to Your Palm Beaches Itinerary)

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, when I explore a new destination I usually plan for a 3-night stay to fully dive into everything it has to offer. In this case, after checking out of The Belgrove on Monday morning, I booked one extra night at a hotel near the airport through Marriott Bonvoy points. Convenient, easy, and it gave me the chance to plan a sunrise on the beach before flying home on Tuesday.

I woke up to rain. Heavy, persistent, not-going-anywhere rain… The universe had other plans. 😄
So I headed straight to the airport to return my car and fly back to NYC, and while waiting at the Delta Lounge, a phone memory popped up… a golden and impossibly beautiful sunrise I shot exactly three years ago today, Delray Beach. Florida.

The Palm Beaches had been part of my story longer than I realized. And they will absolutely be part of it again. 🫶

Add Delray Beach to Your List

If you have extra time, make sure to also visit Delray Beach. Atlantic Avenue, the arts scene, the beach, the restaurants, the energy. It’s different from Palm Beach island, different from West Palm Beach, and completely worth exploring. I’ll be going back, and I’ll be writing about it in full when I do.

Let me write the Practical Guide first — all the logistics Emily needs in one clean section.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About The Palm Beaches – Your Practical Guide to The Palm Beaches

Getting to The Palm Beaches from NYC

Fly direct to Palm Beach International Airport (PBI): JetBlue, Delta, and American all offer direct flights from NYC. Flight time is under 3 hours. Easy enough for a long weekend, far enough to feel like you’ve actually escaped. ✈️

Pro tip: book through Google Flights and set a price alert. PBI fares fluctuate and you can often find great deals 3–6 weeks out.

How to Get Around The Palm Beaches

Rent a car, it’s the best decision you’ll make. Book through DiscoverCars – think of it as the Expedia for car rentals. It compares all major companies in one place so you always get the best price. Pick up at PBI airport. Just follow signs to the rental car area, a shuttle takes you to your chosen company. Easy, fast, done.

On Palm Beach island: use the Circuit app: an electric golf cart shuttle that covers Worth Avenue, The Breakers, and the main island spots for just $2–4 per ride. Fun, fast, and very Palm Beach. 🛺

For the island mornings: rent an e-bike from Palm Beach Ebike Rentals – the best way to experience the Lake Trail, the Vias, and the hidden streets nobody drives through.

Where to Stay in The Palm Beaches

The Belgrove Resort & Spa was my base and my top recommendation. Full review in the post above. Book early. It’s gorgeous, and word is getting out fast.

👉 Browse all hotels in The Palm Beaches 

What to Wear in Palm Beach

Palm Beach has a dress code – lol. Elevated always. Pretty dresses, caftans, linen blazers, elegant sandals. Dinner means a proper outfit; not necessarily formal, but intentional. Comfortable shoes for the Vias and e-bike morning are a must. And always some cute swimsuits.

How Many Days Do You Need in The Palm Beaches

3 nights is the sweet spot, enough to cover Palm Beach island, West Palm Beach, and the Jupiter/Juno Beach area without rushing. If you only have 2 nights, use my itinerary and skip Day 4. You can still see everything that matters. If you have 4+ nights, add Delray Beach and you’ll leave completely obsessed.

Best Time to Visit The Palm Beaches

January through April is peak season: warm, dry, and beautiful. March is my personal sweet spot: still in season, slightly less crowded than February, bougainvillea in full bloom, temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s°F. Just pack a light rain jacket as I learned firsthand, Florida can always surprise you. 😄

Is Palm Beach worth visiting for a weekend? 

Yes, Palm Beach is absolutely worth visiting for a weekend.Palm Beach packs an extraordinary amount of beauty, history, food and hidden gems into a very small island. Two to three nights is all you need to feel completely transformed. It’s one of those destinations that makes you wonder why you waited so long.

What is the difference between Palm Beach and West Palm Beach? 

Palm Beach is a barrier island, quiet, manicured, home to Worth Avenue, The Breakers, the Flagler Museum and the hidden Vias. West Palm Beach is the mainland city right across the bridge, more urban, diverse, alive at night, and home to exciting new neighborhoods like the NORA District. Both are essential. Neither is a substitute for the other.

How far is Palm Beach from Miami? 

About 70 miles north of Miami, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by car depending on traffic. It’s also connected to Miami and Fort Lauderdale via Brightline, Florida’s high-speed train, making it an easy add-on if you’re combining destinations.

Is Palm Beach good for couples? 

It’s honestly one of the most romantic destinations I’ve ever visited. The Vias at sunrise, candlelit dinners in hidden courtyards, spa days, sunset walks on the beach. Palm Beach does romance effortlessly and without trying too hard. 💕

What is Worth Avenue known for? 

Worth Avenue is Palm Beach’s world-famous luxury shopping street, often called the Rodeo Drive of the East. The real magic though, is the hidden Vias… charming pedestrian courtyards just off the main avenue, filled with bougainvillea, cobblestones, fountains and one-of-a-kind shops. Go early before the crowds arrive.

What are the best hidden gems in Palm Beach? 

While many would claim that the Vias behind Worth Avenue is a hidden gem… they are now actually super popular! Real hidden gems to note are the Pumphouse Pouratorium in WPB’s Warehouse District, the Wee Free Library pink SMEG fridge at Royal Poinciana Plaza, the Gothic Church Bethesda-by-the-Sea, and Phipps Ocean Park on the island’s southern end. Follow a local like my friend Tara, and follow this guide. 😉

Is The Breakers Palm Beach worth visiting if you’re not a guest? 

100% yes. Walk through the lobby, look up at that 200-foot hand-painted ceiling, wander the corridors. The Breakers has been welcoming guests since 1896 and the grandeur is absolutely real. You don’t need a reservation. Just walk in.

What is Blowing Rocks Preserve? 

Blowing Rocks Preserve is a 73-acre nature preserve on Jupiter Island, owned by the Nature Conservancy. It protects Florida’s largest Anastasia limestone shoreline — at high tide, waves crash through natural holes in the rock and shoot sea spray up to 50 feet in the air. One of the most dramatic and unexpected natural experiences in South Florida. Entry is $2 per adult, children under 12 free.

Can you do Palm Beach on a budget? 

More than you’d think. The Vias, the Worth Avenue Clock Tower, the Lake Trail, the Breakers lobby, Bethesda-by-the-Sea, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Blowing Rocks Preserve, Juno Beach Park: all free or under $5.

Where you’ll spend is on food and accommodation. TooJay’s and Juliana’s Pizza are both excellent and very reasonable. The Belgrove offers incredible value for a luxury resort, especially with Marriott Bonvoy points.

Final Thoughts

Why should The Palm Beaches be on every New Yorker’s radar? Because it’s close enough for a long weekend and rich enough in art, culture, elegance and beautiful architecture to genuinely reset you. The Flagler Museum, The Breakers, the Vias are genuinely, deeply, extraordinarily beautiful places.

I’m not into luxury for the sake of luxury. I believe in intentional luxury, spending intentionally on what truly matters to you. I’ll happily fly economy from NYC to Palm Beach while I’ll invest my money in a business class flat bed to fly back to Italy, to wake up in Milan feeling completely rested and ready for a new day.

Confession and fun fact: thanks to my Delta SkyMiles, I usually get upgraded to Comfort Plus automatically anyway, and for this specific trip, I got upgraded all the way to first class and ended up sitting next to (and had the pleasure of getting to know better) Stephen Pagliuca, owner of Atlanta’s soccer team!!! I love all the Italian connections!!!

Palm Beach fits perfectly into that world. You don’t need to spend a fortune to experience it beautifully. You just need to know where to look… and now you do. 💜,