There’s a reason West Palm Beach is such a sought-after vacation spot, and the people here love it so much. In fact, there are several! And today, we will tell you about some of the things that make it such a great place. So, whether you live or visit, here are 15 must-do activities for a relaxing weekend in West Palm Beach.
Visit the Best Spa in West Palm Beach: Anushka
Before getting into those 15 activities, let’s start with something locals and vacationers deserve—pampering themselves!
Anushka Salon and Spa is one of the top places to go when you want to relax and unwind in West Palm Beach. Recognized as one of the best spas in Florida, we offer a variety of spa specials and services, from skincare treatments to massages, to pamper you the way you deserve.
Visiting West Palm Beach with friends? Our salon packages make for an ideal way to spend time together. Our restoration retreats offer relaxing and refreshing signature treatments. And if you’re looking for something especially luxurious, we offer spa packages designed to guide you on a journey of personal discovery and pampering.
So go ahead—treat yourself! With 12,000 square feet of beauty mecca and 14 treatment rooms, Anushka is ready to make your day of beauty a dream come true.
Oh, and don’t forget to take a break at our Spa Sanctuary – it’s free with all spa packages! So once you enter the light-filled oasis, sit back and relax while you snack on healthy treats and sip on herbal teas. We guarantee you won’t want to leave.
15 Must-Do Activities for a Relaxing Weekend in West Palm Beach
Once you’re feeling refreshed, here are 15 activities that should be at the top of your list:
Outdoor activities to enjoy with kids
Are you visiting West Palm Beach with your kids? Then here are four outdoor activities for you to enjoy together:
- Plan a day at Palm Beach Island and explore its world-class beaches. From the white sand to the turquoise waters, this is a beach day your kids won’t soon forget.
- Stroll through the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens (highly-rated on TripAdvisor!). Enjoy art and nature as you explore these tranquil gardens with tropical plants and trees. Visitors recommend spending at least two hours here to take it all in.
- Visit the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society, where your little ones can meet some of their favorite animals from around the globe—koalas, tigers, capybaras, and more. They even offer “Palm Beach Zoo Animal Experiences,” where kids can get up close and personal with some animals.
- Go on a paddle-boarding or kayaking excursion with Visit Palm Beach – they offer an array of guided eco-tours that will keep your family entertained all day. Some of the other options to choose from include snorkeling, food tours, and catamaran cruises.
Indoor attractions
If you need a break from the heat or you’re looking for things to do in West Palm Beach on a rare rainy day, we have four indoor activities that you and your family can enjoy:
- Called a “museum in a garden,” you can browse the thousands of pieces at the Norton Museum of Art and explore a lush subtropical landscape. From ancient to contemporary works, this museum is a great way to spend an afternoon with indoor and outdoor components. The exhibits change often, so there’s something new to see every time.
- Head over to Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and catch a show—ballet, musicals, plays, and concerts are just some of the performances they host throughout the year. Plus, if you’re visiting during one of their Family Festivals, your children will experience art in a whole new way through hands-on activities.
- Explore science and nature at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium (also known as the Cox Science Centre and Aquarium). With tons of interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an ever-changing cast of critters in the aquarium, this is the perfect way to spend a day indoors.
- Shop till you drop at two of West Palm Beach’s top shopping centers – the Palm Beach Outlets and CityPlace. From designer brands to local boutiques, there’s something for everyone here.
Best restaurants in West Palm Beach
No city visit is complete without a comprehensive taste of its food scene. Luckily, West Palm Beach has a LOT to offer when it comes to culinary delights.
Here are some ideas.
- If you’re looking for one of the best dining experiences in West Palm Beach, look no further than Galley. With very high ratings and a reputation for being one of the best restaurants in town, booking a reservation before heading over is wise. They also have one of the most beautiful patios you’ll find anywhere—no wonder it’s such a popular place.
- For something more casual—yet still delicious—Benny’s on The Beach is a fantastic place to visit. Enjoy fresh, sustainable seafood and ocean views as you bask in the Florida sun.
- Don’t forget to stop by Clematis Street, where you’ll find endless dining options from Italian, Mexican, Gastropub cuisine, and more. Things are happening on Clematis Street day and night, so there’s always something to do.
- Cap off your night with craft cocktails at the rooftop bar of Restoration Hardware Gallery – it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset over downtown West Palm Beach. See ratings and book your table here.
Relax and unwind in the Palm Beaches
We’ve already mentioned that Anushka Salon and Spa is one of the nicest places to visit and things to do in West Palm Beach if you’re looking for something relaxing and pampering.
Now, here are some more ideas to keep the relaxation coming.
- Visit the beach for a peaceful morning or evening stroll. Put your worries on hold as you soak up the breathtaking views and feel the sand beneath your feet.
- Take a yoga or fitness class at The Yoga Society – they offer a variety of daily classes (see the class schedule here), so you can join whenever it fits best in your schedule.
- Stop by Subculture Coffee, a cozy coffee shop on Clematis Street that provides a funky atmosphere to sit back, sip a latte, or enjoy light breakfast and lunch fare or alcoholic beverages.
- Relax with a book in the peaceful setting of Mandel Public Library – perfect for those who need some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. In 2009, they relocated the library to the heart of Downtown and expanded it to 2.5 times its original size. You can get lost in the library for hours.
More About the Beaches of West Palm Beach
It’s worth talking more about the beaches of West Palm Beach, which is one of the things that makes it such an attractive place to visit. From North Palm Beach to Juno Beach and further down south to Boca Raton, you’ll find some of Florida’s most beautiful blue-green waters and white sand.
Here’s a bit more about some of them.
Juno Beach
This is a lovely spot for families looking to spend quality time together. Juno Beach is also among the best places to catch famous Florida sunsets.
The beachfront park provides plenty of amenities like picnic tables, grills, and a playground. A concession stand also sells snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up during your day at the beach.
Peanut Island
If you’re an avid snorkeler, Peanut Island is the place to be. Its crystal clear waters help you spot sea life of all kinds. You can also hang out at the picnic pavilion, and plenty of spots to lounge around and soak up the sun.
Lake Worth
This famous beach is a haven for those looking to soak up some sun or cool off in the warm Atlantic waters. You’ll have a variety of water sports, restaurants, and bars to choose from—there’s never a dull moment when you’re here.
West Palm Beach History: Interesting Facts
Okay—now you know about many of the best things to do in West Palm Beach, but now let’s talk about some of the things to know about this incredible city.
Here are some interesting facts about West Palm Beach you might not know.
It’s a relatively young city
Founded in 1894, West Palm Beach is a relatively young city compared to other parts of the state.
It has an impressive architectural history
West Palm Beach was once known for its abundance of beautiful Mediterranean Revival-style buildings constructed during its early development period in the 1920s. Many of these buildings still stand today, giving visitors a glimpse into how this city has evolved.
It was initially planned as a commercial center
When its founders established West Palm Beach, they designed it with wide streets and plentiful parcels of land for warehouses and factories. This design provided the perfect foundation for a bustling commercial center that still stands today.
It is home to an incredible wildlife habitat
The Manatee Lagoon in Riviera Beach is one of the most unique natural attractions in South Florida. It serves as a haven for manatees, providing them with food, shelter, and medical care if needed. They also offer educational programs here so visitors can learn more about these gentle marine mammals.
People have come from all over to live here
West Palm Beach is known for its diverse population, with people from all walks of life calling this city home. West Palm Beach is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, ideologies, and lifestyles, from retirees to families to young professionals.
There’s more to do than just relax in the sun
While it’s true that West Palm Beach is known for its out-of-this-world beaches and abundance of leisure activities like golfing and boating, there’s so much more to experience here. With top-notch restaurants, art galleries, museums, nightlife spots, and more, you’ll never run out of things to do.
It has an incredible music scene
West Palm Beach is home to some amazing local musicians who have come together to create a vibrant music scene full of variety and talent.
It’s home to one of the oldest-running newspapers in the country
The Palm Beach Post began publishing weekly in 1916. It is still going strong today, making it one of the oldest-running newspapers in the United States.
West Palm Beach is a central hub for healthcare
The city boasts several world-class hospitals and medical centers, including St. Mary’s Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Jupiter Medical Center, and more. This makes West Palm Beach ideal for those seeking quality healthcare services.
It’s only minutes away from some of Florida’s most popular attractions
Just a short drive from West Palm Beach, you can find some of Florida’s most famous attractions, like the Everglades National Park, Miami’s South Beach, and dozens of other great destinations. So no matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, it’s just a stone’s throw away from West Palm Beach.
First settlers
The first permanent pioneers arrived in Palm Beach in the 1870s. As the Town of Palm Beach website explains:
“When the first settlers arrived in what was to become Palm Beach, the entire area was known as “Lake Worth,” named for Major General William Jenkins Worth who fought in the Second Seminole War. Pioneers struggled to clear land for their houses and to make room for their crops.“
They add, “According to early settler accounts, Palm Beach received its name from a shipwreck named the “Providencia.” The ship washed ashore in January 1878 with a load of coconuts bound from Havana to Barcelona. Early settlers lost no time claiming salvage and planting the coconuts, which were not native to South Florida, in an effort to launch a commercial coconut industry.”
Final Thoughts: The Best, Most Relaxing Things to Do in West Palm Beach
When it comes to relaxation, West Palm Beach has it all. This city is an absolute paradise, from beautiful beaches and lush wildlife habitats to incredible restaurants and entertainment venues. For those seeking a luxurious experience, Anushka Salon and Spa is the perfect place for hair styling services and rejuvenating treatments.
Don’t forget to take advantage of all that West Palm Beach has to offer: from its historical roots and cultural diversity to its musical talent and medical institutions, you won’t be disappointed! So come on down for a well-deserved weekend getaway in one of Florida’s most beloved cities.
