Last updated: October 10, 2026.
West Palm Beach pairs a buzzing downtown waterfront with easy access to Palm Beach island’s mansions and beaches. It is a lively South Florida hub — and a Brightline stop — about 2.5 hours south of Kennedy Space Center. See our Florida travel guide for the full statewide picture.
A quick note before you plan: this guide contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps keep our launch coverage free.
1. Top Things to Do in West Palm Beach
Book these top-rated West Palm Beach experiences in advance:
- Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour — from $94 Rated 5.0/5 from 793 reviews.
- Craft Beer and Wine Sunset Cruise in Palm Beach — from $59 Rated 4.8/5 from 112 reviews.
- Palm Beach Catamaran Hakuna Matata Cruise — from $61 Rated 4.7/5 from 174 reviews.
- Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise — from $79 Rated 4.5/5 from 33 reviews.
- Jupiter Clear Kayak Tour — from $89: Small-group guided clear-kayak eco-tour through Jupiter’s mangroves and the Indian River Lagoon, with manatee and dolphin sightings. Rated 4.8/5 from 610 reviews.
- West Palm Beach Downtown Happy Hour Tour — Walking happy-hour tour of downtown West Palm Beach with cocktails, tasty bites, street art, and Prohibition-era stories. Rated 5.0/5 from 46 reviews.
- West Palm Beach: Private Boat Cruise with Captain — Private captained boat cruise around Peanut Island with swim stops, a floating mat, and Bluetooth sound system for your group. Rated 5.0/5 from 126 reviews.
- West Palm Beach Narrated Historic Boat Private Tour — from $390: Two-hour private narrated boat tour of Palm Beach’s historic waterfront from Riviera Beach Marina.
🛰️ Browse more West Palm Beach tours and attractions on Viator
2. Where to Stay: Top Hotels in West Palm Beach
These well-reviewed hotels cover the main areas visitors choose — book early around major launches and events, when rates spike and availability tightens:
- The Breakers Palm Beach (Palm Beach (island)) — Legendary oceanfront grand resort on Palm Beach island with a private beach, golf, spa, and nine restaurants.
- Hilton West Palm Beach (Downtown West Palm Beach) — Downtown hotel connected to the convention center with a resort-style pool, lawn games, and live music.
- The Ben, Autograph Collection (Downtown West Palm Beach (waterfront)) — Waterfront Marriott Autograph hotel with a rooftop pool and restaurant overlooking the Intracoastal.
- Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown (Downtown West Palm Beach) — Lifestyle hotel in the heart of downtown with a rooftop pool, the Treehouse lounge, and complimentary evening tastings.
- PGA National Resort (Palm Beach Gardens) — Golf resort in Palm Beach Gardens with five championship courses, a spa, and multiple pools.
3. Getting to West Palm Beach: Airports
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) — ~3 miles north of downtown, ~10-15 min. Minutes from downtown; served by all major US carriers.
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) — ~47 miles south, ~1 hr. Alternate for more flight options; Brightline and Tri-Rail both connect WPB to FLL.
- Miami International Airport (MIA) — ~75 miles south, ~1h15-1h30. Worth it for international or long-haul routes; Brightline runs WPB to Miami in about 72 minutes.
4. Getting Around West Palm Beach: Rental Cars & Transit
Downtown is walkable, but a car opens up Palm Beach island, the beaches, and day trips:
- Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National — PBI Level 1 of the terminal, courtesy shuttle to the rental lot
Save up to 50% on your West Palm Beach rental car
Book in advance — restrictions may apply.
🚗 Compare rental car prices in West Palm Beach on Booking.com — free cancellation on most cars, no prepayment needed.
Tip: reserve ahead in peak winter season. For car-free regional travel, Brightline’s downtown station reaches Fort Lauderdale and Miami; Tri-Rail is the budget option.
5. Best Time to Visit West Palm Beach
December through April is the season — sunny, dry, and lively on Clematis Street, with top hotel rates. Summer brings heat, humidity, and hurricane season (June–November), but also the year’s best deals. SunFest (May) and holiday boat parades (December) are festive anchors at the edges of peak season.
6. Where to Eat in West Palm Beach
Clematis Street and The Square pack in everything from food halls to white-tablecloth dining, reflecting the city’s diversity — Cuban, Haitian, Italian, and modern American all shine. The waterfront GreenMarket (Saturdays, October–April) is a local ritual. Palm Beach island across the bridge adds legendary old-school fine dining.
- For honest, detailed restaurant reviews from a local, check out Monkey Vacations — new Central Florida and Space Coast reviews are added regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in West Palm Beach?
Downtown near Clematis Street for nightlife and walkability, or Palm Beach island for luxury beachfront. The Brightline station downtown makes car-free regional travel easy.
How far is West Palm Beach from Kennedy Space Center?
About 150 miles (roughly 2.5 hours) south via Florida’s Turnpike.
Can I get from West Palm Beach to Orlando without a car?
Yes — Brightline rail runs direct between the two cities.
What is there to do in downtown West Palm Beach?
The Square, Clematis Street nightlife, the Norton Museum of Art, and waterfront parks.
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