TRAVEL DIARY: PALM BEACH

Life is just getting back to normal after an amazing week in Palm Beach. I will say it was pretty rainy during our stay, but the day we left it was all sunny skies. We truly had a wonderful time – spending time together in this beautiful place. It’s amazing that you can live somewhere for four years, visit years later, and still see sites for the first time! Anyways, here is a look at my recommendations for your next trip to Palm Beach, Florida – from my travel diary to yours.

Where to stay:

There are so many choices when it comes to hotel options. You can stay on the island of Palm Beach, which is home to The Breakers, The Colony, and many more hotels. These hotels put you the closest to the ocean, but West Palm Beach is just a short walk or drive over the bridge and may be more affordable.

Downtown West Palm Beach, along the Intercoastal Waterway is home to numerous Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt properties. West Palm Beach is close to shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Take a stroll over to City Place or Clematis Street and you’ll love the liveliness they have to offer.

What to See and Do:

• Rent bicycles and ride along the Lake Trail in Palm Beach. When I asked everyone the highlight of our trip- this was the number one response. And for good reason! You can rent the bikes for as long as you prefer. We started our day early and rented the bikes for an hour and that was perfect. A little drizzle of rain, a lot of sun, and amazing views – this is a must do!
• Visit the Flagler Museum. This is another site I never saw when I lived in the area, but I am so glad I finally did! The Flagler Museum was formerly the 60,000 sq. ft home of Henry Flagler, who made Palm Beach and Florida a tourist destination. The tour guides showed us this magnificent home designed during the Gilded Age, as well as explained the history of the period and Henry Flagler’s life.
• Hit up the beach! The Palm Beaches are home to almost 50 miles of Atlantic coastline.  Grab your towel, swimsuit, and sunglasses because every Palm Beach vacation deserves a beach day.  From more quiet beaches near Worth Avenue in Palm Beach to the public parks of Lake Worth, you are guaranteed to find the perfect spot for your day in the sand.
• Window shop on Worth Avenue.  The Rodeo Drive of Palm Beach, Worth Avenue is a fashionista’s dream.  The shops include Kate Spade, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany and Co. to name a few. Who doesn’t love picking out more purses, shoes, and jewelry for their wish list?
• Head over to City Place. After all of that window shopping, you may be ready to do some buying.  Located in Downtown West Palm, City Place has the perfect balance of shopping, dining, and entertainment.  The live music is perfect for strolling around before or after dining at one of their many restaurants.  This outdoor center is a must visit for any trip to the area. *A little trivia – Jessie James Decker shot photos for her Kittenish line at City Place!*

Where to Eat:

• Cafe Via Flora.  I enjoyed my college graduation dinner here years ago and am still in love. This al fresco spot on Worth Avenue is the perfect place to stop in for lunch.  The garden is beautiful, the food is amazing, and the staff was remarkable.  *More Trivia- RHOBH Lisa Vanderpump has dined here!*
• Sloan’s Ice Cream. City Place is home to numerous restaurants from casual dining to having a reason to dress up. Whatever you’re craving, I can almost bet City Place has a restaurant to satisfy that hunger.  I will say though, if you can save some room for dessert, you have to visit Sloan’s Ice Cream.  This candy store meets toy store meets ice cream shop is sure to make any adult feel like a kid at heart!

• Rocco’s Tacos. Just down the road from City Place, you’ll find Rocco’s Tacos located on Clematis Street.  This street seated on the Intercoastal Waterway is known for it’s Green Markets on Saturday mornings and as a center for nightlife on Friday and Saturday nights.  If you can stand a little wait, Rocco’s Tacos is definitely my favorite restaurant to go.  We arrived in Palm Beach on a Saturday night around 7 and made plans to freshen up and get there by 8pm.  It was packed, but we were ecstatic when we were finally seated in the corner booth by the DJ.  The lighting, the ambience, and the freshly made table-side guacamole was exactly how we wanted to start our vacation!

• Havana. This next one I have to throw in because anyone who knows me well, knows I love empanadas.  While living in West Palm Beach, I tried Cuban food for the first time and loved it.  So, if you want something quick, inexpensive, and tasty you have to try Havana. It is not in the tourist area, but any local will tell you it’s worth trying. And yes, I went there two different days. Yummo!

The list of amazing restaurants, sites to see, and places to stay could go on and on. But, these were some of the highlights I had to include on this last trip and I highly recommend you try some of these spots out on your next vacation to Palm Beach. Happy Traveling!

♥Jocelyn

(Palm Beach Sunrise – No Filter Needed)

In case you missed it, check out my last post, Create a Wardrobe You Love – the perfect way to make room for all of your Palm Beach shopping!