Located on Florida's sunny Gold Coast, Palm Beach boasts a rich 100-year history as a leisure destination. Established as a resort town in the late 19th century by business magnate Henry Morrison Flagler, it quickly became the hotspot for American elite to escape the chillier winters of the North. Palm Beach remains a hotspot today, attracting notable residents such as Ivana Trump, Rod Stewart and Rush Limbaugh. Overall, Palm Beach is the 3rd most populous county in the state, home to over 1.3 million people within its 38 municipalities and unincorporated areas, which include West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Boynton Beach.
Occupying a staggering 2,578 square miles of lush landscapes and sun-drenched shores, Palm Beach certainly does not leave guests at a loss for things to do. Guests can start their visit with where it all began at Henry Flagler's opulent Gilded Age estate. Now, the Flagler Museum, this historic attraction has been hailed as "more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world." Visitors can continue to explore Palm Beach's past at the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, where they can see everything from Jack Nicklaus memorabilia to a re-creation of the palmetto shacks built by the first pioneers.
Along with its historical attractions, Palm Beach features approximately 200 cultural venues. Visitors can enjoy the graceful beauty of Ballet Florida or a Broadway show at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, or enjoy more than 4,000 works of art at the Boca Museum of Arts. Meanwhile, the well-reputed Norton Museum of Art features an internationally recognized collection of 19th and 20th century European, American, Chinese and Contemporary art, photography and works on paper.
Perhaps one of the best ways for guests to immerse themselves in Palm Beach culture is by making a trip to one of its dazzling shopping districts. From the Clematis Street District with its eclectic array of shops to the high-end boutiques of Worth Avenue, there is no shortage of enticing stores to explore in Palm Beach. In fact, the region is home to five shopping malls, including Boynton Beach Mall and the famed 1.4 million-square-foot Gardens Mall, as well as European-style town centers such as CityPlace and Mizner Park. For a breath of fresh air, Downtown at the Gardens is an open-air shopping center comprised of more than 70 retailers and restaurants.
Heading outdoors is always a pleasure in Palm Beach. With 47 miles of pristine beaches, Palm Beach offers an impressive array of aquatic adventures, from sunbathing at Coral Cove Park to swimming in Dubois Park. Thrill seekers and animal lovers will enjoy a trip to the famed Lion Country Safari, while golf aficionados can enjoy Palm Beach's title as Florida's Golf Capital at championship courses such as the Cypress Creek Country Club, the Delray Beach Golf Club and the PGA National Resort & Spa – home of the annual Honda Classic.
Once the sun sets, Palm Beach continues to shine in its impressive culinary scene. From the tastes of Tuscany at the famed Testa's Palm Beach to the decadent French-American flavors of Cafe Boulud, Palm Beach is brimming with elegant eateries to tempt the taste buds of even the most discriminating foodies. Pulsating dance clubs, sleek lounges and cozy pubs keep the party going after hours as well. Pull up a stool at the chic Blue Martini bar to sample more than 20 different specialty martinis.
