By Lori Stacy
Palm Beach had me from the moment we pulled up to the hotel. The pink, I might add, hotel, perched at the edge of the shopping district and what might be the most stunning stretch of homes I’ve ever seen, all neatly tucked behind tall, manicured hedges that offered enough of a glimpse to know we were somewhere special.
By the time the valets open the rental car doors to welcome us into this buzzy, beautiful pink palace, I was already under its spell, ready to make the most of a long weekend of soaking it all in, one perfectly planned stop at a time.
This is how to do Palm Beach right in three days: where to stay, what to book, and the spots that are actually worth your time.
Day 1: Check In a Pink Palace and Stroll Worth Avenue
Check into The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach’s most iconic address and, quite possibly, the prettiest hotel in Florida. Everything here leans into the fantasy: pink-on-pink interiors, palm prints, and a playful take on old Palm Beach style.
Settle into your Florida-chic room, admire the design, and get ready for some pool time. Your hair a little frizzed from the humidity? No worries. They have Dyson hair dryers in each room.
Put on your most colorful coverup and a sun hat and head downstairs. Grab some free print magazines from the pool desk and get your seats.
You’ll notice immediately that the pool is mere inches away from the hotel restaurant, Swifty’s, very much a ladies-who-lunch and dealmakers-who-dine kind of place. It’s as chichi a pool atmosphere as I’ve ever seen. (You might want to rethink that boisterous game of Marco Polo you were planning in the pool.)
After an afternoon of pool lounging and people watching, you’ll be ready to grab a bite and go exploring. Opt for the casual, on-site Pink Paradise Cafe, where you can grab sandwiches, salads, drinks and coffees, and something sweet. Sit on their lovely patio and admire the beautiful architecture.
Shopping Worth Avenue
After lunch, head straight to Worth Avenue, the heart of Palm Beach luxury shopping. Designer storefronts like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Lilly Pulitzer line the main street, but the real magic is tucked just beyond it.
Slip into the vias, narrow, hidden courtyards like Via Mizner and Via Amore, where you’ll find small galleries, and restaurants, and tucked-away boutiques like Lake (known for their ultra comfy pajamas) and Frances Valentine, which seems right at home in Palm Beach.
Continue through Via Parigi on the west end of Worth till you reach Piccolo Gelato, a nice afternoon stop for a scoop.
Before heading back, make a quick detour to Pan’s Garden, a small but peaceful botanical space just off the avenue. It’s quiet, free, and feels like a hidden escape.
Dinner that night should be at Buccan, but you’ll need to book early. They have an extensive menu, from veggie options, like a luscious wood-grilled carrot salad, to indulgent faves like a prime beef burger served on a brioche bun and served with fries to grilled Wagyu short ribs with lemongrass, eggplant, and Thai basil. (If you can’t get a dinner reservation, the Buccan Sandwich Shop is a nice place for a hearty bite.)
After dinner, shift to a quieter scene at The Brazilian Court, a short walk away. Tucked away and lush, it offers an intimate spot for a nightcap under the palms.
Day 2: Island Hopping and a Happening Dinner Scene
Grab breakfast at Surfside Diner, a short walk from the hotel. It’s unfussy and offers all the breakfast classics. Even though it’s super casual, you get the sense that it’s the kind of place Palm Beach billionaires hang out in to feel like they are still just another regular at the counter.
Since you’re right there, you may as well pop into Julia Amory for beautiful (and reasonable) boutique clothing, then cross the street and visit Lori Jayne for pristine home accessories and custom monogrammed linens.
Then back your beachbag, some snacks from the Pink Paradise Cafe, and have the valets at the Colony arrange a ride to the marina where you can catch a boat to Peanut Island.
Peanut Island is close by, but accessible only by boat. It’s about a 10-minute ride, but it feels like you’ve landed somewhere far more remote. No cars, no hotels, no restaurants—just clear, almost Caribbean-blue water and a low-key, beachy atmosphere that’s a completely different side of Palm Beach.
It’s one of the best spots in the area for snorkeling. You’ll see tropical fish, and if you’re lucky, even sea turtles or a manatee. There’s a calm, shallow lagoon that’s perfect for floating or swimming, plus a paved path that loops the entire island if you want to walk it off for a bit.
Just over the bridge, ease back into the island with a quick stop at the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, a Gilded Age estate that offers a glimpse into the glamour that shaped Palm Beach. From there, it’s a short hop to Royal Poinciana Plaza, where a beautifully curated mix of boutiques, cafés, and breezy courtyards makes for an easy, elegant introduction to the island’s signature style.
That evening, no one will fault you if you want to stay at The Colony, but don’t worry: You won’t be missing out, as the Palm Beach scene comes to the Colony in the evenings. Get a table outdoors at their restaurant, Swifty’s, for dinner. With any luck, there will be entertainment on offer, like Bingo Night or Trivia Night. Marvel at just how many people love a good trivia or bingo challenge.
After dinner, grab a drink and settle into the Living Room (the hotel lobby), where there may be a flamenco guitarist playing. Play a round of backgammon, browse the Versace boutique, or pick up Colony-logo merch or their signature LAFCO scent at The Colony Edit before calling it a night.
Day 3: Grand Sights and a Grande Dame
Grab breakfast at the hotel. Get something healthy like the delicious crushed avocado on nine-grain toast or indulge in sinfully delicious vanilla pancakes with Blueberry Compote, Cream Cheese, Lemon Curd and White Chocolate Feuilletine. (Don’t worry, you’re about to walk it all off.)
Put on your sneakers and take a walk around the neighborhood. Meander your way through the residential streets near the hotel as you make your way to the coast. This is one of the best things to do in Palm Beach: tree-lined roads, perfectly manicured hedges, and some of the most beautiful homes you’ll see anywhere. Prefer to pedal? No problem: The Colony offers free (pink!) beach cruisers you can take instead.
We walked from the hotel down the Jimmy Buffet Memorial Highway admiring the beautiful homes and landscapes until we reached South Ocean Blvd…. and a police-manned roadblock. Turns out we’d made our way too close to President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago. No worries, we turned the other direction and walked back to town along S. Ocean. Note: there aren’t many sidewalks and certainly no public paths to the sand in this area so walk carefully.
Find your way back to the beautiful Worth Avenue Clock Tower to catch a better glimpse of the water and as much of a beach as Mother Nature offers during your stay.*
Got more mileage in you? Make your way to The Breakers, a grande dame hotel that’s as one of the most iconic landmarks in America. Opened in 1896, the property is massive, historic, and meticulously maintained. It’s equal parts resort and landmark. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth walking through just to experience the scale and setting.
After you’ve explored the property, make your way to their Seafood Bar, one of the most unique dining setups in town. The bar wraps around a live aquarium, and nearly every seat looks out over the ocean. There are no reservations, so be prepared to wait. They offer a varied seafood menu, but whatever you do, start with an order of the soft, buttery, and warm Parker House Rolls.
If you’re up for crossing the bridge your final night in town, head into West Palm Beach and catch a performance at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, which regularly hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and touring productions.
*Beach conditions in Palm Beach can vary due to ongoing erosion and restoration efforts. In some areas, the shoreline may be narrower than expected or temporarily inaccessible. Check with the hotel concierge for the best nearby access points during your stay.
When to Visit Palm Beach
Winter and early spring are peak season in Palm Beach, when the weather is warm, dry, and reliably sunny. This is when the town feels most alive, though it also comes with higher prices and more crowds.
Late fall is another strong option, offering warm temperatures with a slightly quieter atmosphere. Summers tend to be hot and humid, with a higher chance of rain but a lower chance of crowds. .
Where to Stay
The Colony Hotel
Palm Beach’s signature pink hotel with a lively social scene and an unbeatable location near Worth Avenue.
The Breakers Palm Beach
A historic oceanfront resort with grand architecture, multiple dining options, and a full luxury experience.
The Brazilian Court
A discreet, Mediterranean-style hideaway tucked just off Worth Avenue, with lush courtyards, elegant rooms, and a more intimate, residential feel.
🛍️ Where to Shop in Palm Beach
Worth Avenue
Worth Avenue isn’t just a street, it’s an experience. With 250+ boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and hidden “vias” (courtyards), it feels more like Europe than Florida. Find stores like:
- Lilly Pulitzer Worth Avenue — The Palm Beach uniform
- Hermès Palm Beach — A classic luxury anchor
- Buru — Classy, colorful, and just plain fun fashions; don’t miss
- The RealReal Palm Beach — Designer resale, thoughtfully edited
Royal Poinciana Plaza
An open-air, beautifully restored shopping destination with a mix of heritage brands and fashion-forward boutiques.
- Hill House Home — Pretty, patterned pieces and multiple edits of their iconic Nap Dress
- Roller Rabbit — Colorful clothes and accessories plus their beloved PJs
- Sant Ambroeus Palm Beach — Chic stop for coffee or lunch
County Road & Surrounding Shops
A more relaxed, local-feeling stretch with some of the best under-the-radar finds.
- The Church Mouse — Upscale resale with ever-changing treasures
- Lori Jayne — Colorful, Palm Beach prints and monogrammed linens
- Julia Amory— A coastal-inspired boutique with some affordable finds
🍝 Where to Eat in Palm Beach
Classic Palm Beach (iconic & chic)
- Swifty’s at The Colony
Poolside and very polished, this is where Palm Beach happens. - Le Bilboquet
French bistro energy right on Worth; ideal for lunch and people-watching - Ta-boo
Old-school, buzzy, slightly clubby. It’s great after shopping on Worth
Elegant + European
- Café Boulud
Refined French cuisine in a courtyard setting inside the Brazilian Court - Renato’s
Romantic garden dining tucked into the Worth Avenue vias (feels like Italy and their staff was so nice!) - Bice Palm Beach
Classic Italian, very “ladies who lunch” energy - Sant Ambroeus Palm Beach
Milan-meets-Palm Beach—coffee, pastries, and chic lunch crowd
The Breakers Dining (must experience at least one)
- Seafood Bar at The Breakers
Ocean views + aquarium bar = one of the most unique dining setups in town - HMF at The Breakers
Glam cocktail lounge, great for evening drinks - Flagler Steakhouse
Elevated steakhouse with golf course views. Make a reservation early!
Trendy Spots (younger crowd, still chic)
- La Goulue Palm Beach
Upscale French with NYC energy - Buccan
One of the most consistently recommended spots—modern, lively, harder to get into - Cucina Palm Beach
More nightlife vibe—drinks + late energy
Casual but Worth It
- Surfside Diner
Diner fare and hearty breakfasts - Buccan Sandwich Shop
An offshoot of Palm Beach’s most happening spot with hearty, artisan sandwiches - Pink Paradise Cafe
Grab-and-go meals and snacks at The Colony, with a great patio for enjoying them
✈️ Plan Your Trip
Before you go, a few quick things to make the trip seamless:
- → Browse Palm Beach hotels
- → Find flight deals and rental car
- → Book Peanut Island boat ride and more
Final Thoughts
Palm Beach isn’t about packing your schedule. You’ll want plenty of time to walk, shop, explore, and relax. Give yourself time to wander and take in the beauty of the area so you can return home with the glow of Palm Beach.
Looking for other vacation travel Itineraries at fun beach towns? Check out Three Days in Kennebunkport and The Perfect 30A Florida vacation.
