Palm Beach has been one of America's toniest getaways since the Gilded Age, yet the 16-mile long island (and the surrounding areas that make up the Palm Beaches) is continually reimagining itself—just like railroad mogul Henry Flagler did in 1902 when he turned the swampy backwater of Florida into his glitzy winter hideaway. Today, there is a fresh slew of tasteful additions to the enclave that specifically call to New York City's elite like never before with warmer temperatures and iconic outposts like La Goulue and Monkey Bar, plus cultural activities like Lincoln Center showcases at the Kravis Center. Follow along for a perfect weekend in sunny, chic Palm Beach, the resort town that has it all—culture, culinary excellence, golfing, and—of course—miles of powdery white-sand beaches.
Where to stay in Palm Beach
The buzziest place to stay in Palm Beach is the masterfully refreshed, pink paradise that is The Colony. The playful design harkens back to the Tiki era with wicker furniture, global influences, and hand-painted wallpaper featuring animal scenes and the property's playful mascot Johnnie Brown (a monkey named after the pet of famous architect Addison Mizner) with a martini in hand—it feels like walking into a White Lotus opening theme. Each of the historic property's 89 rooms is custom designed to make the style set of Worth Avenue (which is just paces away) feel at home. But you won't spend too much time in your room, as the onsite restaurant Swifty's is the place to see-and-be-seen enjoying crisp rosé and live music.
Friday: Shopping and rooftop cocktails
If you're coming from New York, you'll hop on a quick three-hour flight and arrive just in time to check into The Colony and shop until sunset. There's a reason why the aforementioned Addison Mizner (and his pet monkey) make appearances throughout the town—Mizner singlehandedly dreamed up Palm Beach’s aesthetic. And there’s no better example of his Mediterranean Revival master planning than Worth Avenue. It’s aptly named, as this is one of the most high-end shopping strips in the country, where Tiffany, Gucci, Chanel, et al jostle for space. Instead of a simple throughway, Mizner punctuated the main drag with hidden courtyards and alleyways in a determined attempt to create an ersatz Old World vibe; he was known for his love of theatrical staircases to nowhere, and local legend says he went as far as using inexperienced workmen who’d lay artfully wonky roof tiles.
The best of his folly-style offshoots are the so-called Vias at the westernmost end, a collection of interlocking courtyards originally home to his apartment—and now where you’ll find a fabulous selection of restaurants and shops. There’s an outpost of Bottega Veneta designer Tomas Maier’s namesake line, plus a branch of preppy velvet slipper specialist Stubbs & Wotton, and interior designer Walker Zabriskie’s showroom filled with antique and one-off pieces produced at his base in Bali.
Palm Beach’s winter gowns-and-galas season results in a treasure trove of consignment and vintage stores, many packed with barely worn top-tier designer labels. Attitudes is one of the largest options, and even sells secondhand ski suits; determined deal hounds should zip across the causeway to West Palm Beach for ballroom dancer Peggy-Sue Middleton’s Avenue Revue, which is crammed with full-length fur coats, designer bags, and last season’s catwalk castoffs.
Once you've shopped to your heart's content, head to Spruzzo for aperitivo hour; the beachy rooftop spot offers incredible views overlooking the backwater and yacht harbor, perfect for sunset vibes with expertly crafted cocktails. After, look across the street to Elisabetta's Ristorante for al fresco pizza and pasta—the ideal carbo-load antidote to those rooftop cocktails.
Saturday: Museums, art, and golf
Dive deep into the life of railroad tycoon Henry Flagler at his namesake museum, which repurposes the magnate’s erstwhile mansion, called Whitehall. Flagler splurged much of his enormous fortune building this winter home, and his largesse remains evident—whether in the grand Marble Hall, with its enormous green Russian-marble table, or the ornate trompe l’oeil ceiling work throughout. Docents are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, but don't expect them to dish on Flagler’s colorful personal life.
The other major local institution is West Palm Beach's Norton Museum of Art, which recently underwent a major transformation courtesy starchitect Sir Norman Foster. The museum offers an impressive roster of treasures, which takes in everything from amber carvings to Old Masters, but is especially strong on Americana—look for first-rate work from Norman Rockwell and Edward Hopper. If you’re in a buying rather than a browsing mood, head for Sarah Gavlak’s contemporary gallery: The effervescent gallerina is one of the art world’s secret weapons, and reps an impressive roster of artists, from Wade Guyton to feminist photographer Marilyn Minter. The lush gardens at the Four Arts Library date back to the 1930s, and include Chinese- and Spanish-themed planted areas; check the garden’s website for upcoming movie screenings of classic films.
Two sports define the local lifestyle: golf and polo. The Breakers has two championship courses open to guests, including a par 70 right on the Atlantic Ocean. But our pick would be to play a round at one of the completely top-to-bottom reimagined PGA National Resort's six courses. After working up a sweat, indulge in an elaborate seafood tower, or better yet a 50-ounce Carrera Farms “Tomahawk Experience” at celebrity chef Jeremy Ford's newly opened Butcher’s Club on site.
Sunday: Massages and polo brunch
Prior to catching an afternoon flight, relax and indulge at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. The personalized Biologique Recherche facial followed by a 90-minute massage is just the way to end an active weekend. After, enjoy Sunday brunch at Florie's by chef Mauro Colagreco, the man behind what's been named the world’s best restaurant Mirazur. Experience the Mediterranean through live-fire cooking and earth-conscious offerings to round out an ideal weekend.
Or if you're coming during the winter season, catch a match at the International Polo Club. It hosts the highest goal polo in the world across its nine polo fields, and is open to the public—just remember to wear flat shoes if you want to participate in the half-time divot stomp out on the turf. The best perch for watching the action is on Sunday at the Pavilion’s champagne brunch.
