The Glamorous, Palm Beach Island
Palm Beach is a place where glamour is both costume and lifestyle—where you half-expect a camera crew from Palm Royale to leap out from behind a hibiscus hedge. During my stay at a health convention, the historic side of the island piqued my interest, and I decided to follow the whim of chasing a bit of West Palm Beach glamour for myself. From Gilded Age interiors to fine dining and oceanfront clock towers, Palm Beach offers a swanky, sun-drenched delight—even for the budget-minded traveler.
In Palm Royale, Kristen Wiig—utterly hilarious as always—plays a small-town woman desperately trying to elbow her way into high society through exclusive garden-club invitations, country-club poolside chatter, and a commitment to social performance that borders on athletic. Her world may be fictionalized, but in Palm Beach, that whisper of old-money drama and polished perfection is obvious.
To illustrate this world, picture a time when families like the Vanderbilts, Astors, Carnegies, and Flaglers built homes that were less “homes” and more modern palaces, borrowing architectural language from Italian villas, French châteaus, and English manors.
Ornate interiors, verdant gardens, fine clothes and society circles are very alive and apparent in every shop, restaurant, coffee shop and plaza.
Palm Beach is a place where plastic surgeons are made, pinstripe linen blazers qualify as casual, velvet dinner slippers are decidedly designer, and residents can identify you as a tourist the very moment you cross the bridge.
If you’re in town for a conference—like I was, this is a place that rewards curiosity, good walking shoes, and just a touch of willingness to play along.
Top Historic Sites in Palm Beach Island
1. Flagler Museum
This is the crown jewel of Palm Beach history. Built in 1902 by Henry Flagler, this Gilded Age mansion showcases marble halls, crystal chandeliers, and exhibits on America’s early luxury rail system. The cost is $28 and worth every penny.
A must-see for architecture lovers, history buffs, and Instagram girlies alike. Surprisingly, the museum was very quiet, with only a few other visitors drifting through the halls. It’s wild to imagine that people actually lived like this—and, of course, some still do… though you can’t help but wonder, do they really?
I walked through the house three times before I felt ready to let it go. The nostalgic pull of old-world elegance and eccentricity lingering in every nook and cranny. The art, the portraits, the drapery, the gold… can you even imagine calling this your home?
Just outside the gift shop is the Flagler’s very own train station. Imagine arriving home on your own personal railroad car, on a railroad you built and then walking a up a staircase to your bedroom. Oh the way’s one can live! Don’t miss the fashion archives on the second floor; lace, velvet, and petticoats galore.
2. The Circle at the Breakers
Commissioned by Henry Flagler and rebuilt in 1926 after a fire, The Breakers is a masterpiece of Renaissance Revival architecture. The frescoed ceilings, Venetian-style dining room, and grand lobby make it feel like stepping into a European palace.
The breakfast here is one of a kind, and not to be skipped! Mimosas, lobster, pastries, cakes and a raw bar. Divine!
3. Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
Palm Beach’s oldest church (est. 1889). Known for its Gothic Revival architecture, serene cloister gardens, ponds, stone arches, and peaceful chapel.
The church is open for visitors. The memorial gardens and koi ponds offer calm spots to sit, read, or wander quietly.
4. Worth Avenue Clock Tower
At the foot of Worth Avenue stands the iconic Clock Tower, a Palm Beach signature. On Worth Ave., everything is immaculate: the arches, the hidden courtyards, the bougainvillea cascading over limestone, and the secret garden parties behind giant buttonwood hedges.
Located at the gateway to Worth Avenue, one of America’s most historic luxury shopping streets.
It’s a place where you feel the unspoken dress code—but also where the charm is undeniable: iron gates, stone horse fountains, dense green hedges protecting quiet terraces and gardens.
5. Lake Trail & North Lake Way Historic Homes
A scenic trail tracing the Intracoastal Waterway, lined with 1920s–1930s Mediterranean Revival estates, old banyan trees, and Flagler-era architecture. One of the most charming historic walks on the island.
Along the trail, closer to the Flagler museum you’ll find the giant Kapok tree. Its roots curling into the earth like something out of a fairytale. It’s the kind of tree that stops you in your tracks and silently asks you to consider your place in the universe.
6. The Colony
Swing by The Colony for a coffee or cocktail. The entire hotel is a love letter to vintage Palm Beach chic—pink, patterned, and unapologetically fabulous.
Opened in 1947, this iconic hotel is a glamorous throwback to mid-century Palm Beach. Known for its classic Palm Beach Regency style, lively lobby, and gift shop. After getting in my morning steps, I was able to enjoy a cappichiono with a side of tip top people watching.
Where to Eat in Palm Beach:
Palm Beach is stacked with incredible restaurants, each one with its own personality, and each one with a fashion show of the latest frocks and accessories of the season. Nothing about Palm Beach is casual. It’s a full glam charade, and the dining room is the stage.
1. Lola 41
Global influences, moody lighting, and a polished crowd. Tucked inside the White Elephant Palm Beach, the bar is so popular that you’ll be lucky to find an open seat. The menu is eclectic, featuring sushi rolls and Korean Beef Bulgogi. The bar stools are a rotating carousel of chatter and Palm Beach characters who are ready to chat you up about the who’s who and what’s what island gossip.
2. Imoto at Buccan
Soft lighting, impeccable service, and dishes that feel both comforting and elevated. I arrived early enough to snag a table without a reservation. The dining room is small and intimate, with attention to detail, excellent tea cocktails and spicy tuna. The owner introduced himself to me after asking, Are you okay, you’re alone? To which I replied, Haven’t you ever seen woman eating alone at a restaurant? Service was excellent and this place draws a very stylish crowd.
3. Felice
The pasta is abundant in Palm Beach and I chose to eat at Felice. I chose the Gnocchi al Pesto, a fresh basil, green bean and burrata masterpiece. Service at the bar was excellent.
4. Henry’s
Henry’s feels like classic American dining with a Palm Beach twist. The interior is buzzing with Palm Beach socialites, first dates and fashion. I had the branzino and broccolini which was prepared to perfection, followed by a flourless chocolate dessert.
5. Le Bilboquet
For intimate dinners and rose-colored evenings, follow the long corridor into the elegant courtyard of Bilboquet. Giving off that tourist vibe in my teddy brown Adidas sneakers and blue jeans, I attracted a few discerning glances from other patrons and I took an empty seat at the bar. So fun to mix worlds, I think.
6. Pura Vida
Healthy bowls, bright smoothies, fresh wraps—the perfect counterbalance to conference food overload. Just a 10 minute brisk walk from the Hilton, this lively little health cafe has all the breakfast and lunch offerings you need. Fresh pressed juice, coffee, pastries and very good breakfast sandwiches.
7. Restoration Hardware Rooftop
You know that feeling when you walk into a Restoration Hardware, the soft luxury, bold design and the joy of pretending to be couch shopping just so you can soak in the aesthetic? The restaurant, located on the rooftop of Restoration Hardware gives all that gilded modern mix, but with dinner and cocktails.
Shopping: High, Low, and Eccentric
You could easily lose half a day wandering City Place, checking out H&M, RH Rooftop, and the mix of boutiques and restaurants sprinkled throughout.
But the unexpected highlight?
1. The Church Mouse Resale Shop
Let’s clarify: this is not a thrift store in the traditional sense. But this is where you find:
- Cloisonné tea cups
- Fine crystal tumblers
- Italian-made blazers
- Vintage suits
- Delicate china
- Silk blouses
- home decor
It’s an experience—and a social study.
Nature in West Palm
If you need a break from the gloss, Palm Beach gives you plenty of reasons to step into nature:
1. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Mangroves, boardwalks, and stretches of quiet beach. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a significant nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, with nesting season running from March to October.
2. Manatee Lagoon
A free viewing center where you can spot manatees gliding through warm waters. The website has a manatee cam, with a live feed updated every 30 minutes or so.
Thinking about a trip to Palm Beach?
Palm Beach is a place to play, whether you’re sightseeing or stepping out for the evening—save this post for later and share it with a friend who needs a little luxury getaway.
Next stop, Miami!
Take the Brightline train for an easy ride into Miami, and explore the Wynwood District. I got you covered here.
