A whistle-stop tour of Palm Beach post-boat show

The countdown to the Palm Beach International Boat Show is on, kicking off on Thursday 21 March and running until 24 March 2024. While you're all set for your boat show stay, you may be considering staying an extra day to see all the sights and tick off the top activities the Floridian city has to offer. Don't worry about mapping your route – BOAT has curated the ultimate itinerary for what to do in Palm Beach. We cover everything from picturesque lake trails to high-end shops and, crucially, where to try the Sunshine State's infamous key lime pie.

Kickstart your day with locally roasted coffee

Courtesy of Blue Mountain Coffee House

Post-boat show, the first thing on the agenda is coffee (strong). Coffee aficionados rejoice, Palm Beach is packed with roasteries and cafes. Visitors can enjoy a cup of locally roasted coffee from the likes of Common Grounds Brew & Roastery, while Blue Mountain Coffee House is conveniently located steps away from the bustling Downtown West Palm Beach. Boasting Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, pancakes and an assortment of onsite-baked pastries, Blue Mountain Coffee House will set you up for a day on the move...

Location: Blue Mountain Coffee House, 540 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33401

Go yacht (and house) spotting on the Lake Trail

Credit: Rafael Figueroa on Unsplash

Decompress after the buzz of the boat show in one of Palm Beach's most scenic locations, Lake Trail, located on the western edge of Palm Beach. See the sights by foot or bike on a 5.5-mile trail, starting at South Lake Drive and ending just north of Sailfish Club (another staple in Palm Beach's history). Rent a bike from Palm Beach Bicycle Trail Shop, or opt for a guided tour, and don't be surprised if you bump into a celebrity or two – after all, Tommy Hilfiger and wife Dee's humble abode can be found on the trail itself by Lake Worth Lagoon, overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. The route is also the perfect spot for yacht-spotting, where you can soak up numerous members of the fleet against the West Palm Beach skyline.

Distance: 7 minutes by car from Blue Mountain Coffee House.

Tick off a cultural activity at the Society of the Four Arts

Credit: Richard Sagredo on Unsplash

Just minutes away from Lake Trail, it's worth paying a visit to The Society of the Four Arts – one of Palm Beach's oldest cultural destinations. The non-profit was founded in 1936 and is located on the Intracoastal Waterway, now home to beautiful gardens and two libraries, as well as a performance hall, art gallery and education centre. Alternatively, the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum is just over a ten-minute walk – a mansion railroad tycoon Henry Flager once bought as a wedding gift for his wife, but is now open to the public.

Distance: 2 minutes on foot from Lake Trail.

Grab brunch at the Breakers

Credit: @thebreakers on Instagram

After all that activity, it's time for an immersive brunch experience. Dine at The Circle, located in the Breakers – a famous Italian Renaissance-style resort. The restaurant's arched windows offer sea views against a backdrop of palm trees, while inside guests can soak up impressive murals of the Villa Medici (near Florence) and the famous Tivoli Gardens, south of Rome. Breakfast is served until 11am Monday - Saturday, while brunch runs until 2:30pm on Sundays. No worries if you're too late, there are plenty of other restaurants located in The Breakers. While you're there, check out the country's longest-operated golf course, the Breakers' Ocean Course.

Distance: 5 minutes by car from the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum.

Go shopping on Worth Avenue

Credit: Hannah Lindahl on Unsplash

Worth Avenue is Palm Beach's equivalent of Beverly Hill's Rodeo Drive, boasting approximately 250 designer and luxury boutiques, as well as a range of al fresco dining options. Step back in time and pop into the oldest shop on Worth Avenue, Kassatly's, which opened in 1923, and be sure not to miss an infamous landmark located between the avenue and the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. A picture-perfect Palm Beach scene, The Clock Tower is a monument nodding to the Palm Beach Pier, which once stood there before a hurricane in 1930 destroyed it.

Distance: 6 minutes by car from The Breakers. 

Sundowners and key lime pie at Florida's oldest restaurant

Spot the The Clock Tower just off Worth Avenue
Credit: Tessa Edmiston on Unsplash

What better way to round off your day than at a beach bar by the water's edge? A little further south of central West Palm Beach, Old Key Lime House is simultaneously the oldest restaurant in Florida and the second-oldest house in Lantana. The house itself is a treasure trove of historical memorabilia and out the back, you'll find the tiki bar on the Intracoastal Waterway with beautiful views and award-winning food. The Florida beach bar is a popular spot for Gator's fans and occasionally there is live music from local talent, while popular dishes include the chowder and, of course, the infamous key lime pie.

Distance: 22 minutes by car from Worth Avenue.

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