A Perfect Day in Palm Beach
Written by: Claire Smith
Whether it’s your first time in Palm Beach or Palm Beach is like a second home to you, a perfect day wouldn’t be complete without a few key elements. Palm Beach is an island off of West Palm Beach accessible by bridge or boat. The town’s shopping, food, and beaches make it a go-to destination. Follow along for the insider scoop on what to eat, drink, and do in the area.
Whether it’s your first time in Palm Beach or Palm Beach is like a second home to you, a perfect day wouldn’t be complete without a few key elements. Palm Beach is an island off West Palm Beach accessible by bridge or boat. The town’s shopping, food, and beaches make it a go-to destination. Follow along for the insider scoop on what to eat, drink, and do in the area.
Workout
A 45-minute full-body spin class at SoulCycle is an excellent start to your morning. You can expect high-intensity cardio, strength training, and fun choreography paired with loud music. This workout is a fun and energetic experience that will get you sweating. Wear your workout gear; everything else you need is provided! SoulCycle is located at 700 S Rosemary Ave #132, about a 12-minute drive from downtown Palm Beach. You can schedule a class on their website or app; one class is $32.
Thinking about an outdoor experience instead? Try the Palm Beach Lake trail. It’s a scenic bike and walking path with views of Intercoastal and West Palm Beach. This paved trail backs up against the backyards of beautiful Palm Beach homes, lined with tall royal palms and a picturesque landscape design. You can enjoy a peaceful morning walk, run, or bike ride watching sailboats and yachts glide on the waterway. The trail is five and a half miles long and starts at S Lake Drive and ends at the north end of Palm Beach. Best of all, it’s free!
Coffee Celis Juice Bar might seem like just a smoothie bowl spot, but it has terrific coffee, too! Tucked away in the Royal Poinciana Shopping Center, Celis Juice Bar is an excellent spot for all things coffee, smoothies, smoothie bowls, and more! Surrounded by upscale boutiques in a lush courtyard, you can enjoy breakfast on the outdoor benches and seating areas outside the shop. They have all kinds of coffee drinks, including cappuccinos, americanos, and my favorite, iced lattes. Located at 340 Royal Poinciana Way C4, Celis offers the ideal morning coffee and breakfast foods, with my favorites being the avocado toasts, egg sandwiches, and delicious smoothie bowls. Breakfast and smoothie options start at $10. Perfect for after a workout!
Chik.Monk is a small coffee shop with specialty coffee from Balekol and Balupet family farms in India. Founder, owner, and fourth-generation coffee grower Nandini Jayapreasad will greet you with a smile as you walk in. Delicious pastries, including cinnamon buns and croissants, will pair perfectly with your sustainably grown coffee. Make sure to grab one of the high stools or tables outside to enjoy or take your breakfast on the go. You can find Chik.Monk at 139 N County Rd #12 for moderately priced coffee and sweets.
Beach
After a workout and coffee, it’s time to hit the beach! The Municipal Beach of Palm Springs spans the island and is accessible from multiple entrances. Although it’s a popular destination, it’s not overly crowded, and you’ll be able to enjoy a clear view of the ocean from your spot along the beach. Lifeguards are on duty during the day for an added layer of safety. Located right in the center of town, you can easily come and go from the beach. The only fee to consider would be the possibility of a parking meter, but street parking is available.
If you are looking for a more private beach experience, head into the north end of Palm Beach to the residential paths down to the beach. Although accessible on foot and bike, there isn’t consistent parking near the beach entrances, making it a more secluded oceanfront area. The north end offers a more peaceful experience, with opportunities to admire the boats and yachts that park near the shore. Springtime can bring larger crowds, but fall and wintertime give the sense that you are on a private beach.
Shopping
After your afternoon at the beach, head to the intersection across from the beach entrance to Worth Avenue for some shopping. You could say that Worth Avenue is the Rodeo Drive or 5th Avenue of Palm Beach. Walking along the avenue, explore the small side paths (vias) filled with hidden boutiques, shops, and restaurants that make the experience beautiful and unique. Saks 5th Avenue, Chanel, Gucci, Van Cleef, and Ferragamo are just a few of the stores that line Worth Avenue, and you can get inspiration from shoppers dressed to impress.
Avenue for some shopping. You could say that Worth Avenue is the Rodeo Drive or 5th Avenue of Palm Beach. Walking along the avenue, explore the small side paths (vias) filled with hidden boutiques, shops, and restaurants that make the experience beautiful and unique. Saks 5th Avenue, Chanel, Gucci, Van Cleef, and Ferragamo are just a few of the stores that line Worth Avenue, and you can get inspiration from shoppers dressed to impress.
The Royal Poinciana Plaza, located at 340 Royal Poinciana Way, is another essential shopping stop in Palm Beach. Offering a high-end shopping experience, visitors can window shop and admire the Hermez, LoveShackFancy, and Jimmy Choo options, or find their next fashion or art piece at Cartier, Oscar De La Renta, Pace Gallery, and so many more. The luxury stores face toward an oasis-like fountain courtyard, blending indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. If you happen to get hungry while exploring, stop by Palm Beach Grill or Honor Bar.
Restaurant
Once you’re done shopping, head to Bice, located in one of the Worth Avenue vias at 313 Worth Ave. The tranquil spot has outdoor seating with twinkle lights and greenery that makes visitors feel as if they are transported to Italy. The authentic Italian food keeps you coming back for more. The Caprese Salad, followed by the pasta and clams, paired with Aperol spritz, is my favorite combination. Finish your meal off with hazelnut gelato for the perfect evening.
Looking for a more intimate setting? Head to Buccan for the proclaimed “inventive American cuisine.” Sharing plates are popular, and the Sweet Corn Agnolotti never disappoints. Buccan has a dimly lit atmosphere and is quite popular among natives of the island and visitors. Located just in the center of town at 350 S County Rd. Buccan is a restaurant you don’t want to miss. Make sure to check out their sandwich shop that is attached to the main restaurant for a Caprese sandwich or turkey club.