Upscale and Ultra-Chic: Experience Palm Beach Like a Local

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Advisor - Leslie Fisher
Curated By

Leslie Fisher

  • Palm Beach

  • Florida

  • Boutique Travel

  • Local Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Shopping

Advisor - Upscale and Ultra-Chic: Experience Palm Beach Like a Local
Curator’s statement

There’s something about Palm Beach that stays with you long after you leave—its charm, its style, its light. Palm Beach is a bright, chic paradise where each corner feels like stepping into a picture-perfect Slim Aarons snapshot from the past. My love for this sun-drenched, bougainvillea-wrapped haven began with a childhood passion for Lilly Pulitzer and blossomed further when my parents first brought me here for my 16th birthday. I was even lucky enough to get both engaged and married here, deepening my connection to this beautiful place. Now, with family living locally, we are fortunate enough to enjoy glimpses of how to experience Palm Beach like locals. From pink hotels, courtyard cocktails, and convertible drives down Ocean Boulevard, Palm Beach calls back to a different era… one of effortless glamour, sun-soaked afternoons, and classic elegance where every moment feels like a celebration of style and grace. For me, Palm Beach is more than a destination—it’s a place of cherished memories and timeless charm, and I am excited to share its magic.

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Where to stay in Palm Beach

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Things to do in Palm Beach

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Shop Worth Avenue

This is an obvious one, but a must. Worth Avenue is an iconic shopping destination, but don’t just stop at the main street. Make sure to explore all the charming vias where hidden boutiques and treasures await.

The Royal Poinciana

Begin your day soaking up the sun on the beautiful St Ambrose courtyard over brunch or a long lunch, then explore the vibrant shopping scene nearby. Check out the wonderful shops and curated pop-ups like Zimmermann, La Vie Style House, Hill House, and Marissa Collections.

Beach days & picnics

An easy and delicious lunch for a beach day is a sandwich from Buccan’s sandwich shop window. Their Italian and Beef Carpaccio sandwiches are both favorites of mine. Pair one with house-made chips, an Arnold Palmer, and a homemade chocolate chip cookie and you have the perfect beach picnic. We also enjoy grabbing these to take down to the intercostal docks, where we can relax and watch the beautiful boats pass by.

Shopping along Dixie Highway

West Palm’s interior boutiques like Meg Braff Designs, Casa Gusto, The Hive, Mario Lopez Torrez, and Palm Beach Regency are a dream come true for design lovers, offering a stunning selection of style and creativity. The Hive’s bakery and variety of women, men, kids, and home goods shopping make it a perfect all-in-one stop.

Places to eat & drink in Palm Beach

Sweet Corn Agnolotti at Buccan

  • Buccan: Dinner here is a must. I dream of their Short Rib Empanadas, Hamachi Tiradito, and Sweet Corn Agnolotti. Don’t skip the Watermelon Martini—even Taylor Swift has had one!

  • Renato’s: A Palm Beach classic featuring impeccable service, genuine Italian dishes, and a seemingly endless wine list in a romantic, orchid-drenched courtyard. Their vodka pasta remains a personal favorite.

  • Lola 41: Perfect for a long lunch. My go-to meal is the Green Light Roll, Maruko Roll, fries for the table, and a Frose—a combination that’s one of my favorite meals of the year.

  • St Ambrose: Whether it's brunch, lunch, or a quick coffee and pastry, I love taking in the day on their umbrella-covered courtyard.

  • Swifty’s at The Colony: Start your day enjoying people-watching out front with a coffee or smoothie. Their sunshine breakfast wrap is amazing, and the chic poolside patio is perfect for brunch. One of my favorite afternoon snacks is the Crushed Avocado—think sopapillas with fresh avocado—trust me on this one!

  • Le Bilboquet: The perfect spot for a date night, tucked away just off Worth Avenue. Don’t miss the artichoke appetizer. They’ve also opened a new gourmet market as of Fall 2025 on Cocoanut and Peruvian, offering coffee, pastries, and grab & go meals. I cannot wait to try it!

  • Cafe Flora: A hidden gem tucked away in a quaint via off of Worth where locals come to enjoy a warm and welcoming dinner. I love the zucchini noodle pasta, and my husband claims they serve one of the best filets he’s had.

  • Pizza al Fresco: Casual pizza and appetizers make this a dependable spot for lunch or snacks… or a spritz!

  • The Brazilian Court: For an upscale pre-or post-dinner cocktail, I absolutely love the White Cosmo and unwinding in their lush courtyard.

Need to know

  • For the best weather, visit from October to May. Summers get hot and humid and hurricanes can hit late summer.

  • Whenever possible, eat outside—the gorgeous scenery, architecture, and lush landscaping are part of what makes Palm Beach so special.

  • Buccan reservations fill quickly, usually by 10 am, 30 days out. Set your reminders or let me take care of it for you!

  • For nightlife, visit Cucina (a late dinner reservation grants nightclub entry) or Bradley’s for a lively vibe. Mary Lou's, a new club over in WPB, is worth checking out. For a more sophisticated nightcap, Le Bilboquet and Swifty’s are my personal top picks. Swifty’s also hosts bingo every Sunday night, adding a fun twist.

  • After dinner, take a peaceful stroll through the Worth Avenue vias to experience the magic of Palm Beach by night.

Accommodation tips

We stayed in the beautiful, perfectly decorated Aerin villa at The Colony for our wedding and it was truly magical. These two-bedroom, two-bathroom villas are perfect for families staying for extended periods of time. Each villa is carefully curated by different world-renowned designers, so you can choose the one that speaks most to your personal style!

The Colony is also extremely dog friendly, offering beds, water bowls, and even gift shop goodies for furry friends.

I’ve stayed at The Breakers, which is grand and family-friendly with large rooms. Many Palm Beach hotels have rooms on the smaller side, so The Breakers is a great option for those with space concerns.

While there is plenty to do with multiple pools, beach access, a golf course, amazing spa, and more... for me, it’s hard to beat the location of hotels like The Colony, Brazilian Court, and the soon-to-open Vineta Hotel—all just steps away from Worth Avenue and its fantastic restaurants.

I am so looking forward to a stay at The Vineta, the Oetker Collection’s first Masterpiece Hotel in the US. Formerly The Chesterfield, which was my very first hotel stay in Palm Beach, this beautifully reimagined property promises to bring a vibrant new energy to the long-standing iconic location.

Advisor - Leslie Fisher

Travel Advisor

Leslie Fisher

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