Palm Beach, Florida, draws visitors with its undeniable charm and a sense of stepping back into a more glamorous era. It’s a place that offers a taste of luxury, even if you’re only visiting for a short time. The island, as locals call it, is known for its historic hotels and grand estates, many hidden behind lush greenery. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking high society experiences, from yachting and designer shopping to leisurely meals and afternoon tea. For families considering a trip in 2026, it offers a unique blend of relaxation and refined experiences.
Grand Hotels and Seaside Charm
When I think about planning a special trip, finding the right accommodation is key. In Palm Beach, two hotels stand out for their historical significance and luxurious offerings.
The Breakers Palm Beach
The Breakers is a family-owned hotel that has been around for over 128 years. It has a beautiful Italian Renaissance style, with stunning artwork on the ceilings. The property is quite large and sits right by the ocean. It offers many amenities, including four oceanfront pools, a spa, and two golf courses. The owners invest significantly in maintaining and updating the property each year, ensuring a continuously refined experience.
For guests seeking more privacy, The Breakers has a special section called The Flagler Club. This exclusive area is like a boutique hotel within the larger resort, located on the top two floors. It offers just 21 rooms and suites. Here, you can expect very personal service. This includes airport or train station pickups and a dedicated staff ready to assist with any needs. The suites have been updated with more space, including expanded closets and storage. They also feature double sinks and separate bathrooms for added comfort.
Even though guests have access to the entire resort, The Flagler Club provides a private space for breakfast, light lunches, and evening desserts. Enjoying cocktails on the terrace as the sun sets over the city is a popular activity. For dining, the Seafood Bar is a must-visit. Its unique feature is an aquarium built into the bar itself. The menu includes popular dishes like jumbo lump crab cakes and pecan-crusted grouper. For drinks, HMF is a sophisticated lounge where a well-dressed crowd enjoys creative cocktails.
The Brazilian Court
The Brazilian Court is another notable hotel, a boutique property from the 1920s. It’s known for its warm yellow color and quiet courtyards with fountains and plants. The hotel is designed to make you feel like you are staying in a private home. The guest rooms are spacious, and some have their own sunny terraces. You can relax by the pool with a special White Cosmo cocktail or find a shaded spot to read.
A unique perk offered here is a complimentary cruise on the hotel’s yacht, the BC One. This is a 44-foot Italian-style boat, and The Brazilian Court is the only hotel in South Florida with its own yacht available for guests. The cruise takes you along the Intracoastal Waterway, where you can see impressive yachts and large houses. It’s also a chance to see natural areas like Peanut Island, known for its clear waters and marine life. While the ride itself is free, you can arrange for food and drinks from Café Boulud or book a longer private trip. If you prefer a beach day, the hotel staff can transport you to the beach and set up chairs and umbrellas for you.
Exploring the Island’s Elegance
Beyond the hotels, Palm Beach offers many ways to experience its refined lifestyle. I always look for ways to truly understand a place when I’m researching it, thinking about how a family might best enjoy their time.
Leisurely Pursuits
One of my favorite ways to see a new place is by bike. If you stay anywhere on the island, I recommend renting a bike to explore the Palm Beach Lake Trail. This 5.5-mile paved path runs along the Lake Worth Lagoon. As you cycle, you’ll pass by old condos and beautiful houses covered in ivy and flowers.
For those interested in the island’s history and social scene, events like The Pink Retreat can be quite engaging. This event often includes guided history walks, boat trips, and afternoon tea. For food lovers, the Palm Beach Wine & Food Festival brings together well-known chefs for dinners and tastings. These events offer a chance to mingle and enjoy culinary delights.
Dine Like a Local Socialite
Palm Beach’s dining scene is as sophisticated as its surroundings. From afternoon tea to dinner, there are many delightful options.
Café Boulud
An afternoon tea at Café Boulud is a classic Palm Beach experience. Set in a sunlit dining room, it’s perfect for enjoying tea, coffee, or champagne. The experience includes a lovely tower of finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a relaxed afternoon, watching the stylish patrons.
Hive Bakery & Cafe
For breakfast or lunch, Hive Bakery & Cafe is a popular spot recommended by locals. They are known for their excellent housemade pastries and breads, including sourdough and English muffins. The cafe has a pleasant dining room and a courtyard area. They offer a selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches. They even feature a special dessert inspired by a cocktail seen in “Palm Royale,” a Grasshopper tart.
Pink Steak
A newer addition to the dining scene is Pink Steak. This restaurant is designed with a vibrant pink theme and playful decor, including a large flamingo statue. The menu, by Chef Julien Gremaud, has French and Asian influences. It features high-quality steaks, such as coffee-rubbed wagyu hanger steak, and various homemade sauces. The dishes often have creative twists, like sushi with foie gras or truffles.
The Circle at The Breakers
For a truly impressive brunch, The Circle at The Breakers is the place to go. Dining under ornate ceilings adorned with frescoes, accompanied by harp music, feels very special. It’s a splurge, but the buffet offers a wide array of choices, including seafood like stone crabs and lobster tails, caviar, sushi, carved meats, breakfast items, and many decadent desserts. There’s also a station for making crepes.
Shopping and Sightseeing
Palm Beach is also known for its high-end shopping and cultural landmarks.
Worth Avenue
Worth Avenue is the island’s premier luxury shopping destination. It’s home to the flagship store of Lilly Pulitzer, a brand often associated with the Palm Beach style. If you enjoy bright, colorful fashion, exploring Worth Avenue is a must. When planning for a trip with Sofia, I always consider activities that are visually stimulating and fun for her, and this area has a unique aesthetic.
The Flagler Museum
For a dose of Gilded Age history, the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum is essential. This museum is located in Whitehall, the grand estate built by Henry Morrison Flagler, which was completed in 1902. It offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of that era.
If you are planning a trip to Palm Beach, remember that details about events, operating hours, and services can change. It is always wise to verify specific information closer to your travel dates.
I hope this look into Palm Beach gives you a wonderful starting point for planning your own elegant getaway.
