The Breakers Hotel is a luxury hotel founded in 1896 by Henry Flagler, who built the hotel for the railroad guests (he also built the railroad!). It was named The Breakers after the waves that crashed and sprayed on the beach next to the hotel. The original Breakers Hotel was destroyed by fire , twice, and the current hotel – re-opened in 1926 – is modeled after the Villa Medici in Rome. It’s a grand affair with beautiful courtyards, vaulted ceilings and delightful floral displays year round. The hotel has hosted many US presidents and European nobility, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana (when they visited Palm Beach back in the 1980’s!). Even if you don’t stay at The Breakers, it’s worth a visit to see the lovely architecture and snag a photo in the courtyard. If you are visiting, I highly recommend a walk along the beach right by the hotel and it’s worth indulging in a cocktail at the Seafood bar. The Seafood Bar faces the beach and the bar is a live aquarium! I found the food to be a little expensive for me, but if you want to splurge, the oysters are a must!
Worth Avenue & Clock Tower
The place to shop and be seen. Worth Avenue is lined with designer stores and palm trees. At one end of worth Avenue is the Clocktower, right in front of the beach! It’s the Rodeo Drive of Palm Beach! Make sure you explore the little courtyards that are just off Worth Avenue, as the architectures makes you feels like you are in Europe!
Via Mizner
One of the little courtyards off Worth Avenue. There are so many beautiful steps to take photos on and little stores to explore! The locals told me that in Spring there are many bougainvillea flowers here and it’s very romantic, so if you are here in Spring.. you know where to go! On a side note, Renato’s is an Italian restaurant that is on Via Mizner, and is a great place for a little bite to eat and more often frequented by locals than visitors, as it’s tucked away from the main Worth Avenue. Ask for a table outside, if it’s not too hot.
Delray Beach
The premier ice cream store in Palm Beach, there are a few locations in the palm beach area. They are all bright pink. If you love very sweet ice cream this is THE place to go. The interiors are a hot pink fever dream. In addition to selling ice cream they also stock a variety of unicorn themed/pink products. If you have a 5 year old (or any age really) who is crazy about hot pink, you cannot miss this place.
Avocado Grill
This little restaurant, just oozes charm and is the perfect place to stop after a beach day, it helps that it’s right next to Sloanes! The food here is delectable and I thoroughly enjoyed my Fish Tacos, the interior is thoughtfully decorated in a tropical theme. If you do visit, make sure to get there early to get your ‘gram, as it gets busy!
Tips
Golden Hour Sunrise vs. Sunset
Everyone knows about golden hour; When we can get the best soft light at sunrise or sunset. Well, East Florida (where Palm Beach is) is known for the astounding sunrises, the sunsets are lovely – but really nothing compared to the sunrise. It’s actually hard to find good places to catch the sunset where the sun is not obscured by something. So if you plan on catching that elusive golden hour light, with the sun on the horizon, you need to plan to rise early and set yourself up to catch that light!
Planning activities
