Palm Beach, FL

Address:Palm Beach, Florida

Palm Beach, with its miles of sunny beaches, expanses of mansion-lined property and world-class shopping, is known as a haven for wealth and relaxation. The area is also home to museums, seaside resorts, and emerald golf courses, so whether looking for a ritzy getaway or a week at the beach with your family, Palm Beach has something for everyone.

Known for its many mansions and palatial estates, you will want to begin your tour of Palm Beach with a cruise down "Millionaire's Row" to view stately homes built in the Spanish Revival style. The most famous architectural landmark in the area is the grand, oceanfront resort hotel, The Breakers, a beautiful example of Italian Renaissance style. The hotel was built by Henry Flagler, the wealthy industrialist who was very influential in developing South Florida in the early 20th century. To learn more about Floridian history and culture visit the Flagler Museum, where exhibits illustrate Florida's early development, when Henry Flagler's railroads and luxury hotels established tourism and agriculture as the mainstays of Florida's economy.

Make sure to take advantage of the beautiful weather and visit some of Palm Beach's 14 miles of sandy beaches, many of which have lifeguards on duty. Biking is a popular pastime in the area, and you can bike in most parks and designated clubs in Palm Beach County, including the Palm Beach Lake Trail, Quadrille Bridge & the road along the Intercoastal Waterway. The kids will love Palm Beach Zoo, with its 500 animals, simulated tropical rainforest, and petting zoo.

Golf is king in Palm Beach, and the PGA National Golf Club Championship course in Palm Beach Gardens is the site of the Senior's PGA Championship. Give the challenging course a shot, but remember that holes 15, 16, and 17, are known as the "Bear Trap," because each requires a shot over water. In total, there are water hazards on 16 of the 18 holes, and an average of 6 sand traps per hole.

Some people come to Palm Beach to gamble, as several off-shore gambling cruises operate in the area. The Princess-Casino cruise, SunCruz Casino and the Palm Beach Princess are all good for a night of fun. Gamers who enjoy dog racing and a good game of poker should head to the Palm Beach Kennel Club, which provides year-round greyhound racing and poker rooms with fine dining in the Paddock Room.

Palm Beach's nightlife is centered around the Gardens, the city's newest open-air, pedestrian-only shopping center featuring a Whole Foods Market, 16-screen Cobb Theater, an broad collection of fine restaurants and many of the nation's finest specialty retailers. You will also enjoy elaborate landscaping, three permanent art fountains and an exclusive collection of museum quality sculpture, displayed on a rotating basis for sale. Those looking for a vibrant nightclub scene should head to Miami's South Beach, just 75 miles south of Palm Beach, where dozens of clubs in the blocks near the beach heat up the night and party until morning.

For the ultimate indulgence, stay at the Breakers Spa, which was recognized as one of the top 25 spas in North America by readers of Condé Nast Traveler. Set in the middle of 140 acres of beautiful oceanfront property, your mind and body will get a great rest with first-class treatments. Staying at the Breakers is not cheap, but if you have the cash, it's a fantastic splurge. The Breakers has created a family-friendly environment - with a camp, self-contained family entertainment center, game room and movie theater. Kids will also love the Active Fun Pool and an oversized whirlpool spa. Both adults and children can take advantage of championship golf and world-class tennis at the Breakers, with a golf academy and junior tennis program for kids. The hotel also has world-class restaurants and shopping.

If shopping at the Breakers doesn't fit your budget, head to the Palm Beach Mall-Mega mall with 102 stores and 11 eateries. The Gardens Mall has higher-end stores, and is set in a lush garden landscape.

Palm Beach offers more than 200 luxury resorts, boutique hotels, historic bed-and-breakfasts, and well-known inns like the Sundy House Restaurant and Inn - a landmark building from the 1800's. Many condominiums and private homes are also available for short or long term rental.

Palm Beach is located on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, north of Ft. Lauderdale. It is easily accessible off U.S. Interstate 95, or via the area's two airports, the convenient Palm Beach International Airport and Fort Lauderdale International Airport, just a 50 minute drive south.