bakerstreet

This board, heretofore an unfailing wealth of insight, advice and tips about new places I have planned to visit, is somewhat of a dearth of information on Palm Beach. I've got a weekend there with my spouse in about a month, but find less information about that location here than I've ever found for any other location I've visited.

If you know the city, please let me know what you think -- is it fabulous for a visitor (as opposed to a homeowner or someone who knows homeowners there) or would my time and money be better spent elsewhere?

Thanks!

smetz

I suppose it depends on what you like to do - I spend a week there every year with my wife and I really look forward to it. Come to think of it, we don't actually do a whole lot except hang around the beach and the pool, walk, and go out to happy hour and dinner. But the beach is the primary attraction, and in early May it should be excellent - very warm but not too much rain. But I see that you are already in Florido so you probably are already close to beaches.

DMG

There are some beautiful luxury hotels in Palm Beach on the ocean. Best located is The Breakers, close to Worth Avenue ands the bautiful shopping. Lots of beautiful walks up the beach or on the walkway of the intercoastal. Great restaurants. And April-May should be gorgeous weather.

JillDavis

We go to Palm Beach all the time! It is glorious. Don't give up on your trip to Palm Beach. The Breakers is simply on of the nicest hotels I have seen here in the States.

bakerstreet

Thanks so much for responding, smetz, DMG and JillD -- I keep thinking it must be a great place or else why would the Breakers and all those private homes be there? - but curiously, there is a surprising lack of information on this forum about that location. I am struggling a bit about whether this is where we should spend that precious time off (we have a grandparent coming in to stay with our children, we are both taking time off from work, and spending some $$$).

All I know about the location is that it is beautiful, tennis and golf and shopping are the main activities, besides lounging on the beach, and there are undoubtedly great restaurants. I have done some research and learned about two museums in the area that interest me. Is there anything else that's exciting to do there?

Truly all tips from those who know the area are most eagerly sought!

We will be staying at the Breakers, and we will have a car. And no children.

Vttraveler

The Breakers for a weekend away from kids sounds great to me. The Flagler mansion museum is spectacular and interesting (maybe one of those you have already noted?)
http://www.flaglermuseum.us/

mclaurie

Which hotel will you staying at? There are not that many in Palm Beach proper; most are in West Palm Beach on the other side of the intracoastal. If you're looking for a lot of "action", Palm Beach is not the place for it, but it is a beautiful spot with a lovely beach and VERY high end shops along Worth ave. The Norton Museum is worth a visit and the Flagler is also great. If you're into gardens, the Morakami in Delray is not that far. I don't know what you'd call "fabulous" for a visitor. If you're looking for a lot of activity, Ft. Lauderdale might be more your cup of tea.

mclaurie

Duh, I just see you say the Breakers. Relax, enjoy and revel in the grandeur. There's a lovely walk along the intracoastal right near the Flagler Museum. The Church Mouse is a very high end thrift shop in town that's fun to explore.

JillDavis

I agree with Mclaurie about the lovely walk along Flagler Museum. We always take that walk when we go. You could always rent bikes and have a fantastic bike ride.

DMG

The Norton Museum of Art is wonderful. Delray Beach and its Atantic Avenue full of great restaurants are a 20 minute drive. And the drive along AIA (Ocean Blvd.) past some of the most gorgeous homes in America is breathtaking.

bakerstreet

Thanks! Great ideas all. Yes, those were the two museums I had noted, and it sounds like they are definitely worth the time.

Am looking forward to a fun trip! Thanks for the help.