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A Local’s Guide to West Palm Beach: Where to Eat, Shop & Explore

Melissa Naman  |  August 23, 2025

By a Lake Worth Beach local + Palm Beach County real estate pro—welcome to your perfect West Palm day.

Discover the best of West Palm Beach with a local’s guide to restaurants, shopping, and things to do—plus where to stay and neighborhood tips. Thinking of moving? Explore homes and area guides.


At a Glance

  • Vibe: Palm-lined waterfront, colorful street life, art & culture, easy beach access over the bridges

  • Hot zones: Clematis Street & the Waterfront, The Square (formerly Rosemary Square), Antique Row (South Dixie), Northwood Village

  • Perfect for: Foodies, art lovers, shoppers, beach walkers, families, and anyone scouting a future Palm Beach County home base

Want a deeper feel for the area? Start with my West Palm Beach Neighborhood Guide


Where to Eat (By Mood)

Morning fuel ☕️ + 🥐

Start downtown near the waterfront and Clematis for specialty coffee and pastries, or slide into The Square for bright cafés with outdoor seating. If you’re brunch-obsessed, look for spots with shaded patios—great people-watching and close to shops.

Local tip: Brunch fills up fast in season—grab a res before noon and wander the waterfront after.

Casual & coastal mid-day 🥗 🐟

For lunch, stick close to Clematis and Flagler for lively patios, or cruise South Dixie for chef-driven neighborhood gems. If you’re beach-bound, hop over the bridge to the island for breezy, al-fresco options and then stroll Worth Avenue.

Dinner with a scene 🍝 🍷

Evenings shine downtown and at The Square—think handmade pasta, wood-fire, raw bars, and rooftops with skyline views. If you prefer a quieter vibe, Northwood Village brings indie charm and creative menus just minutes away.


Where to Shop

The Square (Downtown)

Open-air shopping with national brands, home design showrooms, public art, and plenty of snacks between stores. Ideal if you want a walkable afternoon that blends bites + buys.

Worth Avenue (over the bridge)

Palm Beach classic. Mediterranean courtyards, luxe boutiques, and storybook vias—don’t miss a golden-hour photo under the palms.

Antique Row (South Dixie Highway)

Design lovers, this is your happy place—vintage to mid-century treasures, galleries, and décor shops all in a strollable stretch.


What to Explore

Waterfront + Clematis Street

Palm trees, fountains, boats, and live events—easy to fill a few hours meandering, ducking into cafés, and catching sunset over the Intracoastal.

Arts & Culture

  • Norton Museum of Art for rotating exhibits

  • Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens for jungle-meets-art magic

  • Flagler Museum (over the bridge) to time-travel through Gilded Age glam

Family Favorites

  • Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society

  • Cox Science Center & Aquarium

  • South Cove Natural Area for a quiet boardwalk and skyline views


A Perfect West Palm Beach Day (Sample Itinerary)

  1. Coffee + stroll along the Waterfront → peek at weekend pop-ups/markets when in season

  2. Late brunch near Clematis or The Square

  3. Art hour at the Norton (or courtyard garden time at Ann Norton)

  4. Shop-hop Antique Row or head to Worth Ave

  5. Sunset on Flagler Drive → Dinner downtown or rooftop nightcap


Planning a Move or Scouting Neighborhoods?

Start with my West Palm Beach Neighborhood Guide for area flavor, lifestyle stats, and real listings, then set up a custom Home Search when you’re ready to tour. 

Want help narrowing down the best pockets for walkability, schools, or short-term rental potential? Text me and I’ll map your options.


Visiting? Stay Like a Local

My team runs SoFlo Coastal Stays—a collection of design-forward homes with pools, game rooms, and beach gear so your trip is easy from the start. Browse SoFlo Coastal Stays and pick your dates. 


Investor Corner (Optional Reads)

If you’re exploring West Palm Beach as an investment market, these quick reads will help you run the numbers and strategy like a pro:

Prefer the big picture? Visit our Investors hub for our “purchase-to-profit” process. 
And if you want hands-off ownership, see our Airbnb Property Management overview. 


Ready to Make West Palm Home?

I’m here to help—from first walk-through to closing (and beyond).
Call/text Melissa Naman: 732-754-9323
Prefer email? Reach out via the Let’s Connect page.

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