Palm Beach Area
Palm Beach
It’s a great way to see how the ultra-rich lives, in their sleek yachts and multimillion dollar estates, and walk the sidewalks of their playground, Worth Avenue and environs. With its wide streets and elegant dining, Palm Beach is fun to see, but they intend for you to move right along. The Donald lived here on Ocean Blvd until he sold his spot for a hundred million dollars, in 2008. The stretch of coastline here has been compared to the famous Pebble Beach, Ca. coast where most of it is gated, and is for the exclusive use of millionaires down for the “season”, December to April. Best beach bet is Midtown Beach, at the east end of Worth Ave. No restrooms. Have a fabulous meal or two here, and then move on down to West Palm Beach, where attitudes and attractions will thrill you.
West Palm Beach
Flagler’s “staff” had to live somewhere, so West Palm was created when he moved “all that” off island. But West Palm has come into its own, with reasonable accomodations and good restaurants. For instance, you’ll be thrilled with Clematis Street, a hip mix of cultural attractions, shops, restaurants and small cafes, upbeat street activities, like noon concerts, and a farmer’s market on Saturdays. Wouldn’t surprise us if matrons from Palm Beach cross the bridge to see all the fun. Plenty of nightlife happens here. Cityplace, a shopping and entertainment center that once housed crack houses, is now the gem of a renewal effort, pretty, relaxed, good if on a rainy day you and the kids need a movie and ice cream. The world’s most well known glass blower, Dale Chihuly, has a 700 pc ceiling exhibit at the Norton Museum of Art, Florida’s largest museum. If you’ve never seen his creations in glass, now’s your chance.
Lion Country Safari with 500 acres of freely roaming animals (you’re in your car quite safely) plus a petting zoo and rehab center for injured anjmals is a good day safari-ing.
There are good walking paths along the Intracoastal Waterway on Flagler Dr. Parks have suitable running and biking trails. You’ll see markers. It’s easy to find an outdoor activity in West Palm.
Restaurants:
John G’s On the Beach: $ Cheap on the beach in Palm Beach? Yup. Real good breakfasts, lunches, and seafood, but the line will wrap around the corner during prime times.
10 S Ocean Blvd, Lake Worth, (561) 588-7733
Dune Deck Cafe: Great location with a great view of the beach. Perfect breakfast place with 5 star chefs at prices a human can afford. Good fresh fish at lunch, with a frozen mojito? Life is good.
100 S Ocean Blvd, Lantana, (561) 582-0472
Pizza & Italian:
Pizza Al Fresco: Sit outside and enjoy good pizza and Italian dishes in Palm Beach at affordable prices for the beachside.
14 Via Mizner, Palm Beach, (561) 832-0032
Pizza Girls: They ain’t on the beach, but these gals put out a great pie with a fine sauce and the biggest slices in town.
114 S Clematis St, West Palm Beach, (561) 833-4004
City Pizza: Great pizza and salads at good prices and they deliver. What’s not to like?
632 Hibiscus St, Ste 110, West Palm Beach, (561) 833-2323
Brewzzi: Great brewery and pizza and a good place for people watching.
700 S Rosemary Ave, West Palm Beach, (561) 366-9753
Barbecue:
Park Ave Bbq & Grille: $ Who knew? Good affordable barbecue in the Palm Beaches.
525 US Highway 1, North Palm Beach, (561) 842-7427
Bakery:
Colombino Italian Bakery & Deli: Great breads, pastries, pizzas, and subs. No seating.
4439 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, (561) 642-4544
General Goodness:
Nick and Johnnie’s: $$$ This place hit the ground running on the beachside with real good food in a very nice, fun setting where you can people watch and gorge on good stuff and good drinks
207 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480
Palm Beach Grill: Big portions and great service in a casual setting, but with hot hand towels!, in old Palm Beach. The grilled artichoke is a favorite as are their steaks or a good hot dog. What!?! A hot dog in Palm Beach!?! Live a little why don’t ya?
340 Royal Poinciana Way, #336, Palm Beach, FL 33480, (561) 835-1077
Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar: Cool decor and large serving of good Mexican food. Lots of fun.
224 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, (561) 650-1001
Tiki Waterfront Sea Grille: Good, funky tiki bar with frozen drinks, seafood, burgers and all the rest in a very laid back atmosphere.
Riviera Beach Marina, 200 East 13th Street, Riviera Beach, (561) 845-5532
Singing Bamboo Chinese Restaurant: Good dimsum, good prices, and lots of Chinese folks.
2845 N Military Trl, West Palm Beach, (561) 686-9100
Market:
Village Marketplace: Good Whole Foodsy market out at the beach with a pretty good deal on big deli sandwiches.
220 S Ocean Blvd, Manalapan, (561) 238-0360
Watercolor by Peter Bailey