An Insider's Guide to Palm Beach
Photo by @arielokin
Palm Beach, Florida, a tiny island long heralded as a bastion of both the luxurious and the sophisticated, has become a hot spot for young interior designers. The land of Addison Mizner architecture, Kennedy mythology, and Pulitzer pink is getting an updated look with chic housewares, not-to-miss vintage, and a bevy of buzzy restaurants. New stores have popped up on every Via off of Worth Avenue, and the Kips Bay Designer Showhouse has had three annual showhouses in Palm Beach since 2017. It’s a hot town (no pun intended!), and we have a feeling you’ll want to start planning that trip. Below, a guide to hitting the best in up-and-coming art and design while paying homage to the town’s rich and unique history.
WHERE TO STAY
Located right on the beach and AO’s go-to spot, you cannot beat The Four Seasons in Palm Beach. This five-star hotel is a short drive to Worth Avenue, so you can really get the full PB experience of sand and shop. Soak up the water views and oceanside experiences while sipping on garden-inspired cocktails. Find all different types of accommodations, a luxurious spa, amazing dining options, and a poolside gelato cart every afternoon (yes, really) you cannot beat the Four Seasons.
Courtesy of @thebreakers
The Breakers is an iconic and historic resort located smack on the ocean in the middle of town, walking distance from both famed shopping on Worth Avenue and the recently revitalized Royal Poinciana Plaza. Dripping with quintessential Palm Beach charm, the rooms are outfitted with bamboo beds and bountiful botanical prints. Incredibly family-friendly, the resort offers beach service, tennis, golf, a kid’s club, and more. But the real reason design aficionados will flock come winter is its history: after fires ravaged the original property in both 1903 and 1925, Breakers founder Henry M. Flagler (of Standard Oil fame) reopened the property in 1926 with help from New York architects Schultze and Weaver—the same creative minds who brought to life iconic hotels such as the Pierre, Sherry-Netherland, and Park Avenue’s Waldorf Astoria. Recently renovated, the hotel maintains much of its original integrity (the ceilings in the lobby entrance are not to be missed, nor are the legendary Christmas decorations) but with an updated twist: HMF, a recent addition, is the place to be seen for drinks before (or after) dinner.
WHERE TO SHOP
The best part about Palm Beach shopping is its vintage stores. The Church Mouse, located just north of Worth Avenue, is 4,500 square feet of heaven. From vintage Hermes bags and Chanel blazers to one of a kind china, quirky lamps, and everything in between, this “thrift store” (if it can even be called that) is certainly one of the top resale stores in the country. Peruse the pieces, then walk into town for some ice cream and meander over to the beach across the street to savor your treat—the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Courtesy of @authenticprovence
On South Dixie Highway just over the bridge in West Palm Beach, you’ll find Antique Row: two city blocks worth of antique furniture stores with roots that date back to the 1960s. Ranging in style from rattan and wicker island finds to opulent Louis XIV, there is something for everyone in this treasure trove; it’s particularly perfect for anyone who appreciates a bit of patina. Pop into James & Jeffrey for beautifully crafted pieces from the 18th and 19th century, Faustina Pace Antiques & Interiors for well-curated mid-century, and French and Swedish country-style items (think: worn antique clay decanters) and Authentic Provence for just that—they tout the store as “the leading source of fine European garden antiques, reclaimed building materials, and period furniture.” (They do not disappoint.) On the theme of Provence, head into Blue Provence once back on the island; a favorite place for sandwiches on hearty baguettes, and delicious éclairs.
What began as a small D. Porthault linen boutique in 1985 emerged into one of the preeminent tabletop retailers today: Mary Mahoney—an institution on Worth Avenue in existence for three decades—is a must-do for anyone who covets exotic dinnerware or sparkling flatware (brides, take note of their exceptional registry offerings). Il Papiro, the famed Florentine stationer, has its last remaining U.S. outpost on Worth Avenue: head here for notebooks and unique handmade stationery. And for those who want to take part in the Palm Beach tradition of monogramming everything (truly, everything), Lori Jayne is your girl.
Courtesy of @lycettedesigns
Back on South County, 27-year-old Palm Beach native Jessica Chaney recently opened Lycette Designs (named after her grandmother), where she sells ironic needlepoint pillows alongside porcelain tchotchkes for the home. The always-hot Royal Poinciana Plaza has luxury boutiques ranging from Hermes and Assouline to Veronica Beard and Zadig & Voltaire.
WHERE TO EAT
Courtesy of @surf_side_diner
Buccan burst onto the scene and hasn’t quit buzzing ever since (they’re known for their gourmet hot dog), and opened a sister restaurant, Grato, which is just as delicious. Palm Beach Grill (part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group) and Honor Bar, situated right next door that doesn’t take reservations, has the best dining ambiance around, with amazing American-style food.
RH took its new restaurant concept to Palm Beach even before hitting Manhattan’s Meatpacking district; try sitting on the rooftop. If it’s outdoor dining you’re after (you are there to enjoy the weather, after all), Bice, Renato’s, and Pizza Al Fresco all offer charming patios where one can imbibe and people-watch. If you want to dine like a true Palm Beacher, head to Green’s Pharmacy or Surfside Diner for some early morning eggs and pancakes—JFK used to take his coffee at the Green’s luncheonette counter.
WHAT TO DO IN PALM BEACH
Courtesy of @flaglermuseum
Cultural and physical activities abound in Palm Beach, where the ocean and Lake Worth Inlet border countless museums and art galleries. The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum (the actual house where Mr. Flagler, who founded The Breakers, lived) is not only one of the preeminent private home museums in the world, but is also a highly popular wedding destination, worth seeing for its opulent millwork and pristine attention to historical detail.
The Society of the Four Arts is a non-profit founded in 1936 that provides rich cultural programming, and is housed in a magnificent historic Addison Mizner building. Check the roster for an impressive array of guest speakers, films, concerts, art exhibitions and more, and don’t miss the gorgeous sculpture and botanical gardens. Also worth a visit is the Norton Museum of Art, which hosts more than 7,600 works of art in five curatorial departments.
Courtesy of Barton & Gray
A walk or bike ride along Lake Trail is truly one of the best ways to start or end a day, but if you’re itching to get out on the water, rent a boat for the day with Barton & Gray, which docks at the Palm Beach Yacht Club. A beach walk fulfills the most voracious architecture lovers’ dreams, with historic estates designed by Marion Sims Wyeth, Maurice Fatio, and Joseph Urban in plain view. Keep an eye out for famous homes such as Estée Lauder’s big white estate, still in use with the family today, and the former Kennedy compound, recently meticulously restored as a private residence by Pembrooke & Ives.
*This article written by Ariel first ran on Vogue.com in December 2018, and refreshed March 2024
