Tripadvisor has named West Palm Beach, Florida, as the No. 1 trending travel destination in the U.S. right now. The city has a lot going for it—an international airport, beautiful historic neighborhoods, and a relaxed small-town atmosphere. And while West Palm Beach itself doesn’t have a beach, the famous shores of Palm Beach are just a short trip away.
When most people think of Florida, they imagine sunny beaches and big theme parks. But surprisingly, Tripadvisor’s top trending U.S. spot this year doesn’t have either of those things. Even so, West Palm Beach has so much to offer—and as someone who’s lived here since 2012, I can tell you it’s a fantastic place to visit.
Over the past few years, the city has changed in some really exciting ways. For example, we finally got Lamarina, a waterfront restaurant that locals had been waiting for a long time. Even though West Palm Beach isn’t huge, it has the energy and charm of a much bigger city. So when Tripadvisor recognized it as a top destination, I wasn’t surprised at all.
Downtown West Palm Beach is full of life, surrounded by historic neighborhoods and just a quick trip from Palm Beach (where you can find those famous beaches). There’s always something to do, whether it’s exploring, sightseeing, or just eating your way through the city’s amazing food scene.
If you’re visiting for the first time, I’d definitely recommend taking a West Palm Beach Food Tour. It’s a fun way to check out different neighborhoods while trying some of the best local dishes. Another great option is hopping on the Hakuna Matata for a sunset sail—you’ll get stunning views of the city from the water. And if you love BBQ, don’t miss Tropical Smokehouse, where they serve up a unique Floribbean twist on classic smoked meats.
Of course, you can always just wander around and explore on your own. Let’s say you take the Brightline train into town on a Saturday morning—you’ll be in the perfect spot to walk down Clematis Street toward the waterfront. There, you’ll find the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, an award-winning outdoor market with over 130 vendors. It runs from October through May, and it’s a great place to grab fresh food, handmade goods, and local treats.
If you’re in the mood for shopping and entertainment, head south to CityPlace. This lively area has tons of restaurants, shops, and regular events. Right now, it’s going through a major upgrade—two new towers are coming soon, and an Eataly (the famous Italian marketplace) is set to open in fall 2025.
But that’s not all—another big change coming to West Palm Beach is Nora, a brand-new $1 billion district. The same team that transformed Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood is behind this project, and it’s going to be huge: 156,000 square feet of restaurants, shops, offices, parks, and even rumored to include a private club and speakeasy.
Nora is being built on the site of old railroad warehouses, bringing new life to a once-forgotten area. Some of the highlights will include Solidcore (a popular fitness studio), Celis Juice Bar (a local favorite), and even some well-known spots from the Northeast like H&H Bagels and Sunday Motor Company from New Jersey.
If you’re up for a short bike ride from downtown, there are some great places to check out. I love the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum (it’s free and gives you a fascinating look at local history), and Manatee Lagoon, especially in winter when the gentle sea cows gather near the warm water (also free!). Another hidden gem is Mounts Botanical Garden, a peaceful spot with beautiful plants and flowers.
As for me? You might run into me just about anywhere in the city, but my usual routine includes grabbing coffee and vegan donuts at Composition Coffee, weekend breakfasts with friends at Howley’s, and trying every delicious dish on chef Clay Conley’s menu at Grato.