Top 5 Things to Do in Palm Springs

Palm Beach is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and exclusive destinations in all of Florida. Long associated with America’s elite, this island town feels less like a typical beach community and more like a European resort transplanted onto the Atlantic coast.

As I walked down Worth Avenue beneath swaying palms and past pastel villas, I felt as though I had been transported somewhere between Italy and the French Riviera. Mediterranean architecture, manicured gardens, and grand estates line the streets, creating an atmosphere that is both timeless and refined.

The unmistakable pink facade of The Colony Hotel stood out like a postcard from another era, while the gated grounds of Mar-a-Lago quietly reminded me that this small island has long been home to both glamor and power.

Palm Beach is a place where history, wealth, and natural beauty intersect—and these five experiences are the best way to appreciate its unmistakable character.

1. Shop and Stroll on Worth Avenue

Worth Avenue is Palm Beach’s crown jewel, a glamorous boulevard of luxury boutiques, art galleries, and cafés set against Mediterranean-style architecture. Often compared to Rodeo Drive or Fifth Avenue, it is just as much about atmosphere as it is about shopping.

What makes Worth Avenue truly enchanting are its hidden pedestrian passages known as vias. These vine-covered walkways feel like small European streets tucked away behind the main avenue. Every turn reveals something new; stone archways, trickling fountains, and shaded courtyards that evoke Greece or Italy.

Wandering these elegant corners feels like discovering secret gardens, and it’s easy to lose track of time while sipping on a latte and people-watching beneath palm trees.

2. Visit The Breakers

The Breakers stands as one of Palm Beach’s most iconic landmarks, a symbol of grandeur and ambition. The resort was originally developed by Henry Morrison Flagler, the oil tycoon whose wealth and vision helped transform Palm Beach into a world-class destination for high society.

Stepping into the lobby feels like entering a living museum of luxury. Towering ceilings, ornate frescoes, and polished marble floors surround you. Yet what is most striking is the modern energy of the place. Everywhere you walk, you see business deals unfolding throughout, men and women in tailored suits seated with laptops and espresso. There is little flash or color here; just power, presence, and purpose.

The Breakers is not only a historic resort; it is a gathering place for today’s decision-makers. The outdoor grounds are just as impressive, stretching along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and creating a scene that is truly breathtaking.

3. Explore the Flagler Museum

The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, also known as Whitehall, is a 60,000-square-foot Gilded Age palace that once served as Flagler’s private winter residence. Built in 1902, this mansion is now open to the public and stands as a monument to the legacy of the man who helped shape modern Florida.

Walking through its marble halls and chandelier-lit rooms feels like stepping back into the height of America’s Gilded Age; you could swear you are in one of the palaces in Paris or Vienna. The estate features pretty ballrooms and intricate ceilings that reflect the wealth generated by Flagler’s success in the oil and railroad industries.

Whitehall tells the story of how Palm Beach evolved from a quiet barrier island into a luxurious retreat for the nation’s most powerful families.

4. See the Worth Avenue Clock Tower

At the eastern end of Worth Avenue stands the picturesque Worth Avenue Clock Tower, overlooking the ocean. With its pale stone, arched windows, and waterfront setting, it feels more like a coastal monument in southern Europe than a structure in Florida.

From here, you see the turquoise waters crashing into the rocks by the shore. The clock tower serves as a perfect meeting point and photo stop, anchoring Worth Avenue between luxury shopping and the open sea.

5. Hang out at the Beach

Palm Beach’s beach feels different from most places. The waves crash into the rocks, then stretch out across the golden sand, and everything feels open and peaceful instead of packed and loud.

Whether you’re walking by the water, watching the waves, or just soaking up the sun, it feels like the perfect break from the polished world of mansions and resorts. It’s a simple reminder that no matter how luxurious the town is, the ocean is what really owns the view.

The Way I see It

Palm Beach is more than just a beach town; it is a destination shaped by legacy, elegance, and vision. From the European charm of Worth Avenue to the commanding presence of The Breakers and the historic splendor of the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, every corner tells a story of ambition and refinement.

Add to that the timeless beauty of the Clock Tower and the raw power of the Atlantic shoreline, and it becomes clear why Palm Beach remains one of Florida’s most exclusive and admired places.

t is a place where history meets luxury; and where every walk feels like stepping into another world. I’m totally coming back. ||