Palm Beach
The mere mention of Palm Beach conjures visions of Gatsby-esque opulence. This barrier island community truly epitomizes the gilded allure of Florida’s Gold Coast. Sprawling estates tucked amid lush tropical landscapes. Immaculate golf courses and croquet clubs where old money gathers. The iconic Breakers resort presides over its pristine private beach. It’s a place where impeccably dressed socialites sip cocktails on oceanfront terraces before attending highly exclusive charity galas.
Why Visit: For a taste of how the 1% unwinds, with swaying palms, Champagne brunches, and lavish spa days.
Come for unparalleled luxury and relaxed sophistication.
Top Hotels: The Breakers Palm Beach, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, The Colony Palm Beach
What to do in Palm Beach: Downtown West Palm Beach Food Tour
Boca Raton
Just north of Fort Lauderdale, the affluent seaside enclave of Boca Raton strikes a balance between small-town charm and big-city indulgences. Stroll along the sugar sand beaches and pedestrian-friendly commercial areas like Mizner Park, lined with stylish boutiques, sidewalk cafes, and cultural attractions like the Boca Raton Museum of Art. The resort scene here caters to those seeking privacy and pampering without pretense. Legendary golf courses designed by legends like Arnold Palmer only add to the allure.
Why Visit: A refined yet laid-back vibe, world-class resorts, golf, and outdoor pursuits, plus high-end shopping and dining.
Top Hotels: Boca Beach Club, Boca Raton Resort & Club, Waterstone Resort & Marina
Fort Lauderdale
Once infamous as a raucous spring break destination, today’s Fort Lauderdale has cultivated a distinctly upscale aura. The famed Las Olas Boulevard has transformed into a sophisticated dining and shopping district, with sidewalk cafes spilling onto chic brick-lined streets. Surrounding canals and waterways give the city a certain Venetian flair and lively yachting scene. Sprawling resort properties like The Ritz-Carlton line the beachfront, providing a more pampered oceanside experience.
Why Visit: Lively dining/nightlife, shopping, and yachting culture with a quieter, upscale vibe compared to Miami.
Top Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, W Fort Lauderdale, The Dalmar
Hollywood
Easily overlooked between its higher-profile neighbors, Hollywood offers a refreshingly unpretentious beach scene. The quintessential family-friendly Broadwalk runs parallel to the shoreline, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cruise past casual sidewalk grills, swaying palm trees, and Art Deco revival hotels recreating a nostalgic 1960s atmosphere. Just off Hollywood Beach, downtown has emerged with a hip arts/entertainment district featuring murals, music venues, craft breweries, and trendy eateries.
Why Visit: A more laid-back, artistic beach-town vibe with retro charm and a new culinary/brew scene.
Top Hotels: The Diplomat Beach Resort, Hyde Resort & Residences, Margaritaville Beach Resort
Coral Gables
An oasis of Mediterranean-inspired elegance, Coral Gables provides a refreshing counterpoint to the flashy high-rises of nearby Miami. Strolling the plazas and courtyards surrounding the historic landmark Biltmore Hotel & Golf Club, you’d scarcely believe a major metropolis lies just minutes away. Upscale boutiques, European cafes, and shady plazas lined with intricate fountains and stonework evoke a gracious Old World ambiance. It’s where Miami’s elite retreat is.
Why Visit: Old Florida grandeur, European flair, golf and tennis clubs, upscale shopping and dining.
Top Hotels: The Biltmore, Albion Courtyard Suites, Hotel St. Michel
