With its warm breezes, palm-lined boulevards, and sparkling coastline, West Palm Beach is one of Florida’s most exciting and underrated destinations. Whether you're after art and culture, beautiful green spaces, great food, or simply a place to unwind, this vibrant city offers a diverse mix of activities to suit every traveller.
Here’s a guide to some of the best things to do in West Palm Beach that go beyond the ordinary - ethical, enriching, and genuinely unforgettable!
First things first: with a city so active and foot-friendly, accidents can occasionally happen - whether you're cycling, walking along the trail, or even browsing at the market. If you ever find yourself in a difficult situation, a trusted West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer can provide guidance and help ensure you’re treated fairly under Florida law.
At the heart of downtown West Palm Beach lies Clematis Street, the city’s beating pulse. Lined with independent shops, eclectic eateries, and vibrant murals, it’s a fantastic place to explore on foot. On Thursday evenings, the street transforms with live music, food trucks, and an electric community atmosphere known as Clematis by Night.
Whether you’re popping into a vintage record shop or enjoying a street-side espresso, the area exudes a relaxed charm that’s hard to beat.
A jewel in West Palm Beach’s cultural crown, the Norton Museum of Art is a must-visit for art lovers. With collections spanning American, European, Chinese and contemporary art, the museum also features rotating exhibitions from globally recognised artists.
The museum's peaceful sculpture garden and minimalist design make it a wonderful space to reflect and unwind. Admission is free on Fridays, making it perfect for travellers on a budget.
Every Saturday morning, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket comes alive with local vendors offering fresh fruit and vegetables, handmade crafts, baked goods, and delicious plant-based meals. Set along the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s the perfect way to spend a sunny morning.
While some stalls do sell non-vegan items, there are plenty of options for those who prefer ethical and sustainable choices - including locally baked sourdough, fresh juices, organic produce, and cruelty-free skincare products.
Stretching alongside the water in neighbouring Palm Beach, the Lake Trail is a scenic 5½-mile path perfect for walking, jogging or cycling. It runs past historic homes, banyan trees, and offers peaceful views of the West Palm skyline across the Intracoastal.
First Things First: Know Your Rights as a Visitor or Resident!
First things first: with a city so active and foot-friendly, accidents can occasionally happen - whether you're cycling, walking along the trail, or even browsing at the market. If you ever find yourself in a difficult situation, a trusted West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer can provide guidance and help ensure you’re treated fairly under Florida law.
1. Stroll Along Clematis Street!
At the heart of downtown West Palm Beach lies Clematis Street, the city’s beating pulse. Lined with independent shops, eclectic eateries, and vibrant murals, it’s a fantastic place to explore on foot. On Thursday evenings, the street transforms with live music, food trucks, and an electric community atmosphere known as Clematis by Night.
Whether you’re popping into a vintage record shop or enjoying a street-side espresso, the area exudes a relaxed charm that’s hard to beat.
2. Explore the Norton Museum of Art!
A jewel in West Palm Beach’s cultural crown, the Norton Museum of Art is a must-visit for art lovers. With collections spanning American, European, Chinese and contemporary art, the museum also features rotating exhibitions from globally recognised artists.
The museum's peaceful sculpture garden and minimalist design make it a wonderful space to reflect and unwind. Admission is free on Fridays, making it perfect for travellers on a budget.
3. Enjoy the Waterfront GreenMarket!
Every Saturday morning, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket comes alive with local vendors offering fresh fruit and vegetables, handmade crafts, baked goods, and delicious plant-based meals. Set along the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s the perfect way to spend a sunny morning.
While some stalls do sell non-vegan items, there are plenty of options for those who prefer ethical and sustainable choices - including locally baked sourdough, fresh juices, organic produce, and cruelty-free skincare products.
4. Walk or Cycle the Lake Trail!
Stretching alongside the water in neighbouring Palm Beach, the Lake Trail is a scenic 5½-mile path perfect for walking, jogging or cycling. It runs past historic homes, banyan trees, and offers peaceful views of the West Palm skyline across the Intracoastal.
You can hire a bike from a number of eco-conscious local businesses or take it slowly on foot. Either way, it's a great way to take in the natural beauty without a motor in sight.
For something a little less polished than Worth Avenue but just as charming, head to Northwood Village. This bohemian district is known for its colourful art galleries, second-hand bookshops, and indie boutiques. You’ll also find vegan cafés, vintage furniture stores, and small creative studios tucked into every corner.
Keep an eye out for community events - Northwood hosts frequent outdoor art walks, open mics, and handmade markets that showcase the spirit of the neighbourhood.
The soft sands and clear waters of Palm Beach are only minutes from downtown. Bring a book, pack a picnic, and enjoy a calm, low-impact day in the sun. Areas like Phipps Ocean Park and Mid-Town Beach are public, clean, and generally quiet - especially in the early morning.
Skip the motorised water sports and opt for a gentle paddle, beach yoga, or just a mindful swim. You'll leave feeling truly refreshed.
Instead of the usual high-speed boat tours, consider booking a sustainable sailing experience. Several local companies offer low-emission sunset cruises that rely mainly on wind power. It’s a tranquil and more environmentally conscious way to explore the coastline.
As the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll have stunning views of the city and sea - ideal for couples, solo travellers, or anyone craving stillness.
This hidden gem combines art, architecture, and nature in one peaceful spot. The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is set within the former home of the artist and features over 100 works nestled among tropical foliage. With no animals in captivity and a mission focused on artistic legacy and conservation, it’s a beautifully ethical attraction to support.
The gardens are also a lovely location for sketching, photography, or simply enjoying a quiet moment away from the bustle.
More than just a library, the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach is a cultural hub offering workshops, rooftop yoga classes, and rotating exhibitions. It's a peaceful space to read, work remotely, or join a community event.
Bonus: The rooftop terrace offers one of the best free views in town.
West Palm Beach is full of ethical and exciting things to do, without needing to compromise your values. From art and culture to sun-drenched coastal walks, the city proves that fun, relaxation, and compassion can go hand in hand.
5. Browse the Shops and Cafés of Northwood Village!
For something a little less polished than Worth Avenue but just as charming, head to Northwood Village. This bohemian district is known for its colourful art galleries, second-hand bookshops, and indie boutiques. You’ll also find vegan cafés, vintage furniture stores, and small creative studios tucked into every corner.
Keep an eye out for community events - Northwood hosts frequent outdoor art walks, open mics, and handmade markets that showcase the spirit of the neighbourhood.
6. Relax on the Beach!
The soft sands and clear waters of Palm Beach are only minutes from downtown. Bring a book, pack a picnic, and enjoy a calm, low-impact day in the sun. Areas like Phipps Ocean Park and Mid-Town Beach are public, clean, and generally quiet - especially in the early morning.
Skip the motorised water sports and opt for a gentle paddle, beach yoga, or just a mindful swim. You'll leave feeling truly refreshed.
7. Take a Sunset Cruise on a Sailboat!
Instead of the usual high-speed boat tours, consider booking a sustainable sailing experience. Several local companies offer low-emission sunset cruises that rely mainly on wind power. It’s a tranquil and more environmentally conscious way to explore the coastline.
As the sun dips below the horizon, you’ll have stunning views of the city and sea - ideal for couples, solo travellers, or anyone craving stillness.
8. Visit the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens!
This hidden gem combines art, architecture, and nature in one peaceful spot. The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is set within the former home of the artist and features over 100 works nestled among tropical foliage. With no animals in captivity and a mission focused on artistic legacy and conservation, it’s a beautifully ethical attraction to support.
The gardens are also a lovely location for sketching, photography, or simply enjoying a quiet moment away from the bustle.
9. Stop by the Mandel Public Library!
More than just a library, the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach is a cultural hub offering workshops, rooftop yoga classes, and rotating exhibitions. It's a peaceful space to read, work remotely, or join a community event.
Bonus: The rooftop terrace offers one of the best free views in town.
Final Thoughts
West Palm Beach is full of ethical and exciting things to do, without needing to compromise your values. From art and culture to sun-drenched coastal walks, the city proves that fun, relaxation, and compassion can go hand in hand.
So whether you're planning a weekend away or making a longer stay, West Palm Beach invites you to slow down, explore mindfully, and connect with a vibrant local community! (Image source: Unsplash)
