Palm Beach is one of those places where you settle in fast. It’s relaxed and very easy to get around, which makes it perfect for a short weekend getaway. Vanessa and I spent two days bouncing between Palm Beach Island and downtown West Palm, and the mix ended up being the ideal balance of beachy, historic, and local. You can experience a little bit of everything without rushing or feeling like you’re squeezing too much into one trip.
We stayed at AKA West Palm, which ended up being exactly what we needed. The hotel feels modern and clean, almost like staying in a stylish apartment rather than a typical hotel room. The rooftop pool has wide views of downtown, and being within walking distance of the marina, Subculture Coffee, Clematis Street, and several restaurants made the whole trip feel easy. We didn’t have to think too much about parking or logistics—we could just get up and go.
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DAY ONE: PALM BEACH ISLAND & SUNSET ON THE WATER
Here’s how we spent the first day of the 2-day Palm Beach itinerary.
Morning: Worth Avenue & the Clock Tower
Start your first full day by heading over the Royal Park Bridge to Palm Beach Island. It’s a quick drive from downtown, but the atmosphere feels completely different the minute you cross the bridge. The streets are lined with perfectly trimmed hedges, pastel buildings, and palms that look like they were placed on purpose. It’s quiet, clean, and has a slow, timeless feel.
Make your way to Worth Avenue, Palm Beach’s most iconic shopping street. Even if you’re not planning to shop, it’s worth walking the length of it. The best part is exploring the hidden little courtyards and pathways. Each one has something slightly different, plants climbing the walls, tiled staircases, fountains, and boutiques tucked away behind the main street. It’s easy to wander without any real plan and just enjoy how pretty the area is.
At the end of Worth Avenue, you’ll hit the Clock Tower, one of the most photographed spots in Palm Beach. It opens right up to the beach, so you get a clear view of the ocean and a burst of sea breeze as soon as you reach it. It’s a simple but perfect stop before lunch, especially if you want a quick photo without the crowds.
Lunch at The Breakers: Crab Nachos & the Aquarium Bar
From Worth Ave, The Breakers, the island’s famous oceanfront resort, is just a short drive away. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth a visit just to see the property. We headed straight to the Seafood Bar, which has big windows overlooking the water. Vanessa and I ordered the crab nachos and drinks, which hit the spot- light, flavorful, and easy to share.
But the standout is the aquarium bar top. The entire bar is a live aquarium, with fish swimming underneath your drink as you sit. It’s fun, unexpected, and made lunch feel like more of an experience instead of just another meal.
After eating, take a few minutes to walk through the lobby. The hotel is historic and ornate, but it still feels welcoming instead of overwhelming. Even a short walk gives you a sense of Palm Beach’s old-school luxury without needing to spend a whole day there.
Afternoon: Beach Break
After exploring Palm Beach Island, consider heading to a nearby beach for a relaxing break. Florida’s sun, sand, and ocean breeze make it the perfect spot to unwind, dip your toes in the water, or just enjoy a peaceful moment by the shore.
Evening: Sunset Sail on the Intracoastal
For sunset, book the Motunui Sunset Sail with Visit Palm Beach. The boat boards at the downtown marina, only a few minutes from AKA.
The sail is relaxed, with good music, drinks, and wide, open views of the Intracoastal Waterway. As the sun drops behind the bridges and the palm trees, everything turns golden. The water looks especially pretty with the reflections from the sky and is a great view of the beautiful homes that line the water.
It’s the perfect way to see West Palm from a different perspective and a perfect way to end the first day. After the cruise, grab dinner on Clematis Street, where everything is within walking distance and you can keep the night casual.
DAY TWO: COFFEE, CULTURE & LOCAL FAVORITES
Here’s how we spent the second day of the 2-day Palm Beach itinerary.
Morning: Subculture Coffee & the Salty Leaf Latte
Start day two at Subculture Coffee, which quickly became one of our favorite stops. It has a creative atmosphere and It’s the kind of café where people meet friends, get work done, or just hang out, and it feels very local.
I ordered one of their special drinks, the Salty Leaf Latte, and it ended up being one of the standout drinks of the whole weekend. It’s lightly salty, slightly sweet, and incredibly smooth—just different enough to feel special without being over the top. It’s one of those drinks you finish and immediately think about ordering again.
After grabbing your coffee, take a short walk along the waterfront. The mornings are quieter and cooler, and the marina looks especially calm with the boats drifting in and out.
Mid-Morning: GreenMarket or Norton Museum
Depending on the day, you’ve got two great options:
• West Palm Beach GreenMarket (Saturday only):
Held right on the water, the GreenMarket has flowers, pastries, produce, and lots of local vendors. It’s the perfect Saturday stop to grab a quick bite and see the community in action.
• Norton Museum of Art:
If it’s not a Saturday or you’re in the mood for something indoors, head to the Norton. It’s clean, modern, and easy to walk through. The mix of contemporary and classic art keeps things interesting, and the building itself is beautiful.
Both options are low-stress and don’t take up your entire day, which is nice for a short trip.
Lunch at Grease Burger Bar
For lunch, go casual at Grease Burger Bar on Clematis Street. It’s laid-back and the kind of place that hits the spot when you’re craving some comfort food. Vanessa and I shared poutine, fried pickles, and a pretzel, plus a couple of beers. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, it’s also a great place to watch football. They had every game playing when we were there, and the energy was super fun.
Afternoon: Explore Clematis Street
Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Clematis Street, which has a mix of murals, boutique shops, cafés, and historic buildings. Grab an iced coffee, browse a few stores, or just walk and enjoy the local vibe.
Before the Airport: Breakfast at Proper Grit
Before heading to the airport, we grabbed breakfast at Proper Grit inside The Ben Hotel. I went for the classic breakfast sandwich, and Vanessa had the eggs benedict. both were fresh, flavorful, and the perfect way to fuel up before our flight. The space is bright and relaxed, making it a nice, low-key end to the weekend.
Final Thoughts on 2-Day Palm Beach Itinerary
Vanessa and I had such a blast on our short Palm Beach getaway. Two days barely scratched the surface, but it’s certain we’ll be back to explore even more.
Follow this 2-day Palm Beach itinerary for a getaway that blends relaxation, style, and unforgettable experiences.
