Inside Florida's Tinseltown: Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in The Palm Beaches

Over the years, the area’s expensive estates and sunny scenery have quietly attracted Hollywood, too. Several star-studded productions have been filmed in The Palm Beaches, including 1997’s Donnie Brasco (shot in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens), 2008’s Marley & Me (shot in West Palm Beach), Bad Boys 2 (shot in Palm Beach County), and more.

Set-jetting is part of the draw when you visit The Palm Beaches. If you’re all about cinema, seaside, and quiet luxury, here’s how to enjoy a Hollywood-inspired trip to The Palm Beaches.

Things to do in The Palm Beaches

Worth Avenue

To learn about the area’s past and present, I went on a 75-minute guided walk along Worth Avenue, a historic landmark known for its Mediterranean-inspired architecture, exclusive shopping scene, and high society culture tracing back to the Gilded Age. The tour was helmed by Rick Rose, a historian and the author of Palm Beach: The Essential Guide to America’s Legendary Resort Town. From Via Amore, a courtyard on Worth Avenue, Rose led a group of roughly 20 attendees along the four-block shopping district, dressed in a patterned blue blazer, straw fedora, and white trousers that screamed Palm Beach.

As I walked past the shops, I quickly realized that this wasn’t an ordinary shopping strip with matching storefronts and uniform designs. The Ralph Lauren store alone featured a mix of European-villa-esque arched doorways, black awnings over multi-paned windows, and cream sculpted columns. Rose explained that during the early 1910s and 1920s, architect Addison Mizner (who has a “Via” named after him) wanted to elevate Palm Beach into a glamorous European escape without having to leave the States.

Expect lighthearted anecdotes from Rose during the walking tour, including playful facts about the architecture that graces Worth Avenue. My favorite one was about how the original Spanish barrel tiles that inspired the roof designs along Via Parigi, one of the hidden alleyways, were traditionally molded by the thighs of a craftsman’s wife.

Worth Avenue Historic Walking Tour: 256 Worth Avenue, Palm Beach FL, 33480

Flagler Museum

Visiting the Flagler Museum feels like stepping directly into the foundation of Palm Beach itself. Once the opulent estate of railroad magnate Henry Flagler, the museum offers a glimpse into the Gilded Age through grand halls, intricate details, and carefully preserved rooms that reflect the ambition and Versailles-esque excess of the era. It’s elegant without feeling distant, allowing visitors to move through history at their own pace.

One of the most memorable parts of the experience is the interactive railway exhibit, where you can step inside one of Flagler’s original train cars. Standing inside the restored carriage brings the scale of his vision into focus. It’s a moment that grounds the glamour in history, making the museum feel just as engaging as it is impressive.

Flagler Museum: 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Historical Society of Palm Beach County

The Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum is the Historical Society of Palm Beach County’s main exhibition space, located in the county’s former 1916 courthouse. The museum’s permanent fixtures chronicle the people and places that make and have made the county what it is today. When I was there, an exhibition called “Sunshine Cinema: Florida in Film” also spotlighted the state’s often overlooked role in shaping American film history.

A tour guide walked us through the history of film in Florida, starting with Jacksonville’s silent film boom during the early 20th century. The rooms were filled with real camera equipment, including vintage motion picture cameras, giving us a close-up look at how Florida’s earliest film scenes came to light. When I think about film production, my mind immediately thinks of Hollywood or New York City, but this immersive exhibit highlighted how the beloved Sunshine State has quietly influenced American cinema: from silent films to modern, star-studded productions shot in Palm Beach County.

Historical Society of Palm Beach County: 300 N. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

BC One Yacht

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Palm Beach’s Brazilian Court Hotel facilitates a complimentary, two-hour yacht experience for hotel guests that’ll make you feel like part of the Hollywood elite. You can sign up for the BC One experience by using your in-room iPad or with assistance from a Brazilian Court concierge. The yacht departs daily at 9 AM, 12 PM, and 3 PM.

I participated in a 9 AM excursion. A staff member met me at the hotel’s entrance and escorted me by golf cart to the nearby marina — passing gorgeous West Palm Beach homes during the 10-minute ride — before BC One’s Captain, Kyle Metzler, warmly introduced himself as his first mate helped us board the yacht. BC One is 44-foot luxury Italian Solaris Power yacht, roughly the size of a transit bus, with front and rear double daybeds, a cozy dinner area in the middle that perfectly fits six guests, and several lounge spots to sunbathe. It’s the perfect backdrop for a Pinterest-worthy photoshoot or some daydreaming about living in one of the impressive waterfront estates along the South Florida coastline.

I didn’t have a big breakfast before the ride, so I was relieved when the first mate brought out Champagne, fresh fruit, and dessert trays — courtesy of the hotel’s Café Boulud — along with a charcuterie spread of brie and provolone, fresh grapes, olives, and prosciutto.

After days of cloudy weather, I was lucky to have clear skies and bright sunshine. Light reflected along the Intracoastal Waterway, leaving the water sparkling. Our vessel passed several other yachts during our excursion, including a massive 244-foot superyacht owned by Michael Jordan: tender garage, multiple floors, and all. It doesn’t get more luxurious than that.

Where to eat and drink in The Palm Beaches

Hive Bakery & Café

Hive Bakery & Café in West Palm Beach is the kind of place that instantly makes you feel at home. Filled with the smell of fresh pastries and the hum of lighthearted conversations, this is a perfect spot to start your morning with intention. Get a Hive breakfast sandwich if you like something filling first thing, served on a house-made griddled English muffin with scrambled eggs, aged cheddar cheese, and your choice of chicken sausage, cotto ham, or bacon. Pair it with some crispy breakfast potatoes, and you’re set for the day.

Hive Bakery & Café: 1603 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Le Bilboquet Market

Le Bilboquet Market is a Parisian dream nestled in Palm Beach. The pastry case will have your mouth watering. The hardest part? Picking just one dessert, but you can’t go wrong with a classic strawberry tart paired with a caramel oat latte. Beyond pastries and sweets, Le Bilboquet Market serves a curated selection of well-sourced goods from fresh pasta and soups to pantry staples, all of which can help recreate a taste of Paris from the comfort of your home.

Le Bilboquet Market: 353 Peruvian Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Gabriella’s

Located in the heart of Delray Beach, Gabriella’s Modern Italian adds a special twist to each of its plates. Think Asian-inspired firecracker shrimp that lives up to its name, thanks to the Thai and Calabrian chili aioli — a flavorful power duo with the right amount of tang and heat — or Gabriella’s signature Caesar salad with savory anchovy vinaigrette, bacon lardons, and a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano. In addition to Italian-American staples like spicy rigatoni and classic linguine, the restaurant also has one-of-a-kind weekly food specials that only dine-in regulars would know about. For drinks, try the Calabrian Coast (Calabrian-chili-infused tequila, Cointreau, agave, fresh lime, and blood orange) or a refreshing Mr. Nice Guy (fresh Italian lemonade, blueberry, vodka, and basil).

Gabriella’s: 40 NE 7th Ave Ste 160, Delray Beach, FL 33483

The Rooftop Restaurant at RH West Palm

This restaurant crowning RH’s West Palm location feels straight out of a movie. Walk inside and you’ll see glowing chandeliers, a water fountain centerpiece, and rooftop views of all of West Palm Beach. The menu complements the atmosphere. The prosciutto and délice (French for delight or pleasure) board — paired with strawberry preserves, grapes, and warm accompaniments — is perfect for sharing, especially alongside a chilled glass of rosé. For something heavier, the fried chicken sando delivers comfort with polish, served on buttery brioche with pickles, mayo, and sweet potato fries. It’s the kind of dinner that feels celebratory without trying too hard, ideal for good music, great lighting, and lingering conversations.

RH West Palm Rooftop Restaurant: 560 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Sant Ambroeus

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Sant Ambroeus is a star-studded favorite in New York, known for sightings of A-list celebrities including Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, and Kendall Jenner. Now, Sant Ambroeus is bringing that luxury Milanese experience to Palm Beach. Expect gorgeous interiors, beautifully executed Italian plates, and a cocktail menu that’ll kick off your evening in style. If you’re unsure what to order, the Sant Ambroeus ravioli is a must. Handcrafted with fresh spinach and ricotta and finished with sage and Parmigiano-Reggiano, it’s filling without leaving you feeling overly full.

Sant Ambroeus’ cocktail menu is great for those who want to challenge their taste buds. The signature Roman Holiday cocktail is a smoky, citrusy blend of Sotol, Amanatsu orange, Amante, and blood orange ginger beer for those who love a mezcal-esque cocktail with a refreshing citrus finish. Another standout drink is called Diva, a flirty rum cocktail with Bacardi Carta Blanca, aged rum, passion fruit, and Nardini Chinato — a taste of the tropics with a little edge.

Sant Ambroeus: 340 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Harry’s Bar & Restaurant

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Another longtime favorite in New York, Harry’s has earned a reputation as a go-to steakhouse for celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Bradley Cooper. The West Palm Beach address carries the same star power, recently welcoming Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce through its dimly lit and gilded space.

From the intimate, gold-toned aesthetic, to the expertly executed plates, to the smooth cocktails, Harry’s leads with excellence. You can’t go to a steakhouse of this caliber without trying the filet mignon — cooked to a perfect medium (you can adjust to your liking), it delivers a seasoned, juicy tenderness that lives up to the restaurant’s reputation for attracting A-listers.

Harry’s: 384 S Rosemary Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Where to stay in The Palm Beaches

The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club

The Brazilian Court Hotel is a luxurious stay located steps from Worth Avenue in the heart of Palm Beach. You may recognize it from its Spanish Colonial architecture and Mediterranean-inspired archways, and you’ll love the courtyard with outdoor seating and perfectly placed palms to shade you from the Florida sun. There are only 80 rooms at the hotel, maintaining the feel of a quiet and private escape while being conveniently located within walking distance of Palm Beach’s luxury retailers, galleries, and the beach. When you’re not out on the town, the French fare at Café Boulud is hard to beat.

The Brazilian Court 301 Australian Ave, Palm Beach, FL 33480

The Breakers

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If you’re looking for more of that Hollywood glamour, The Breakers is another Palm Beach accommodation that’ll set the tone, with multiple oceanfront pools, high-end restaurants, and access to a private beach. Other amenities include two championship golf courses, a world-class spa, and tennis courts. First opened in the late 1800s as part of Henry Flagler’s vision for Palm Beach, The Breakers carries on the legacy of timeless luxury (read: great service, grand architecture, and a true resort-style experience) just minutes from Worth Avenue and Palm Beach’s cultural attractions.

The Breakers 1 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Getting to and around The Palm Beaches

Out-of-towners visiting The Palm Beaches can fly into Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) — a small, easy-to-navigate airport a short drive from Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and nearby coastal towns — or Miami International Airport (MIA), which is about 90 minutes away but will have more flight options and possibly lower fares.

Renting a car is a good idea on the ground if you plan to explore multiple towns in The Palm Beaches, such as Jupiter, Delray Beach, and Boca Raton. Distances add up quickly, and attractions are spread out. Public transportation exists — the Tri-Rail connects West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale and Miami, and Palm Tran buses cover the county — but it’s not the most convenient way to get around. Rideshares work well for short trips, especially around downtown West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Island, but for flexibility and beach-hopping, having your own car makes for a smoother experience.