PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

Palm Beach, Florida is on the east coast barrier island across from West Palm Beach.  It is a separate town considered by many sources the richest town of its size in the state.

Palm Beach has a population of about 9,000 and is very different from its larger neighbor, West Palm Beach.

Royal Poinciana Hotel, Palm Beach, 1900

Even though I can't afford to live there, I still love to visit and see how the so called one percent live.  It's a great place for sight seeing and ogling.

Aerial Photograph of Town of Palm Beach
Spring 2011 Photo Courtesy of the Palm Beach Proper and Michael Kagdis

The Jaega were a tribe of Native Americans who lived on the island that is now Palm Beach at least 3,000 years ago.

Like other original Florida tribes, they disappeared from the area after the long ownership of Florida by Spain and England.

The first white settlers began moving to the island in 1872.  The sparsely populated island saw its first exciting event in 1878. 

That the year a ship, the Providencia, was wrecked off the coast with a cargo of 20,000 Trinidadian coconuts. 

Coconut Palms

The settlers  salvaged them.  After eating a bunch of them they planted the others all along the coast.

The coconut palms are not native Florida palm trees, but they thrived along this coast, and still do today.

Read More About the History of Palm Beach

Palm Beach is a very wealthy community with a median home price in 2021 of almost $1.8 million.

The town boundaries are the Atlantic Ocean on the east, the Intracoastal Waterway (known locally as Lake Worth) on the west, Lake Worth Inlet on the north, and the city of Lake Worth in the south.

West Palm Beach and Palm Beach
Photograph by D Ramey Logan, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

There are four bridges from West Palm Beach across Lake Worth to Palm Beach:

Flagler Memorial Bridge, the north bridge, connects North Quadrille Boulevard in West Palm Beach to Royal Poinciana Way in Palm Beach, which is part of State Road A1A.

Royal Park Bridge, the middle bridge, connects Okeechobee Boulevard in West Palm Beach to Royal Palm Way in Palm Beach.

Bingham Island Bridge, the southern bridge, connects Southern Boulevard (aka US-98) in West Palm Beach to Southern Boulevard in Palm Beach.  This route forms the southern boundary of the Mar-a-Lago Club property.

Lake Avenue Bridge is near the town's southern boundary which is an extension from Lake Avenue in the city of Lake Worth.

Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach

The Breakers Hotel is as elegant as ever and still the scene of many balls, conventions, weddings, and other events.

Shops Along Worth Avenue, Palm Beach

Today Worth Avenue is a world class shopping district with some of the priciest shops in the world.

Hotel Chesterfield, Palm Beach

Tourists enjoy wandering around the beautiful streets looking at the mansions of the rich and famous and enjoying the splendid architecture of Addison Mizner.

Home on Worth Avenue, Palm Beach

Palm Beach is also a great place to park your car and ride your bike.

The architectural styles of Addison Mizner are prominent in Palm Beach, including the Via Mizner section of Worth Avenue.

Palm Beach Via Mizner
By Ebyabe - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12230662

You can access information about Worth Avenue shops, restaurants, lodging at more at the link below.

WORTH AVENUE DIRECTORY

Today the "old money" represented by the tycoons, financiers, and heirs of the gilded age still have homes in Palm Beach.

Rush Limbaugh Home, Palm Beach

They have been joined by more recent self made wealthy people such as the late Rush Limbaugh, former President Donald Trump, and former Canadian President Brian Mulroney.

Realtor.com $110 Million

I don't know who owns this home, but it is currently (2021) for sale and is the most expensive home on the market in Palm Beach at this time.

Palm Beach Lake Trail
By CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz, Wikipedia

One of the favorite things this poor boy loves to do is walk or bike along the Palm Beach Lake Trail. 

This public path hugs the shoreline of Lake Worth and you get to see the yards and other details of all the fantastic homes along the way.

The path extends north from Royal Palm Way all the way to Whitehall and the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. 

It then continues a short distance north at Royal Poinciana Way and keeps going almost all the way to Lake Worth Inlet. 

If you want to have some fun, you can learn about the many famous people who were born in Palm Beach, have lived here, or live here now.  

Wikipedia List of People from Palm Beach, Florida

THINGS TO DO IN PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

The Breakers Palm Beach
One South County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480 | (833) 200-7196

The Breakers Palm Beach, pictured and discussed briefly earlier, is a luxurious and historic oceanfront resort. We enjoy the stunning architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Visitors appreciate the range of amenities, including world-class dining, a private beach, and championship golf courses. The resort also offers a fantastic spa and multiple swimming pools.

The Breakers has a rich history dating back to 1896, adding to its charm. The elegant atmosphere and top-notch service make it a favorite for both relaxation and adventure.

Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480 | (561) 655-2833

The Flagler Museum, also known as Whitehall, is a magnificent Gilded Age mansion turned museum in 1902. We enjoy exploring the opulent rooms and learning about the history of Henry Flagler.

Visitors appreciate the beautifully preserved interiors and the fascinating exhibits. The museum offers a glimpse into the life of one of Florida’s most influential figures.

The grand architecture and stunning details make it a visual delight. It’s a great place for history buffs and those interested in art and architecture.

Society of the Four Arts
100 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach, FL 33480 | (561) 655-7227

The Society of the Four Arts is a vibrant cultural center offering a variety of artistic programs. We like the beautiful gardens and the impressive art exhibits.

Visitors can enjoy the range of events, including concerts, lectures, and workshops. The center is a great place to experience different forms of art and culture.

The library and gallery provide a quiet place to explore and learn. It’s a wonderful destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the arts.

Lion Country Safari
2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470 | (561) 793-1084

Lion Country Safari is an exciting drive-through safari park and walk-through amusement park in nearby Loxahatchee, about 16 miles from Palm Beach. We enjoy seeing the variety of animals roaming freely in their natural habitats.

Visitors appreciate the close-up encounters with giraffes, zebras, and lions. The park also offers a range of rides and attractions for all ages, including a water park.

It’s a great place for a family adventure and a fun day out. The friendly staff and well-maintained facilities enhance the experience.

Hotel Chesterfield
363 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach, FL 33480

The Hotel Chesterfield, pictured earlier, has unfortunately closed down in the past year or two. It has been purchased by the Oetker Collection, as their first United States hotel. They’ll be restoring it and calling it The Vineta Hotel in Palm Beach.

The property was initially opened as the Lido-Venice during the 1926 real estate boom. It was soon renamed The Vineta and retained this name for the next fifty years. It briefly operated as a condo in the 1980s before being rebranded as The Chesterfield in 1989.

Known for its distinctive pale-pink façade, the building exemplifies the Mediterranean Revival architecture that Palm Beach is famous for. The Vineta Hotel is scheduled to open in the second half of 2024.

The Church of Bethesda-By-The Sea
141 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480 | (561) 655-4554

Bethesda-by-the-Sea is an Episcopal Church located by the Lake Worth Lagoon in Palm Beach, Florida. As part of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida, it is the oldest continuing congregation in Palm Beach.

The church, which opened in 1889, is a stunning example of the Gothic Revival style and features a picturesque courtyard. The church and gardens are open to visitors from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday; 9am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

Photographs may be taken during this time, unless a service is in progress, in which case no photography or videography is permitted on the grounds at all. Proper dress for church attendance is required.

Historic Kapok Tree
315 Chapel Hill Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Along scenic Palm Beach inlet stands a timeless and iconic landmark – the Historic Kapok Tree. Resembling something from a fantasy movie, this immense tree has a storied past that captivates both locals and tourists.

Its impressive trunk measures over 30 feet in circumference and reaches upwards of 60 feet in height. Conveniently located near the Flagler Museum, the stunning Kapok Tree invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll along the inlet and admire its majesty.

R. G. Kreusler Park
2882 S Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach, FL 33480 | (561) 966-6600

R.G. Kreusler Park is a lovely beachside park that welcomes dogs, making it a perfect spot for pet owners. We enjoy the clean, sandy beach and the beautiful ocean views. Visitors appreciate the picnic areas, restrooms, and showers.

It's an ideal place for swimming, sunbathing, and leisurely walks along the shore. The park’s pet-friendly policy and well-maintained facilities ensure a pleasant experience for all who visit.