Layers of History, Architecture, and Island Life
Palm Beach is best known today for its oceanfront estates, historic resorts, and refined coastal lifestyle, but the island’s story stretches back long before it became one of America’s most recognizable winter destinations. This narrow barrier island, positioned between the Atlantic Ocean and the Lake Worth Lagoon, naturally lends itself to privacy, retreat, and recreation.
Long before Palm Beach was developed into a resort town, Indigenous groups including the Jaega people lived along the southeastern coast of Florida, relying on the lagoon and nearby waterways for fishing, transportation, and trade. European settlement began gradually in the late 1800s, but the island’s transformation accelerated when American industrialist Henry Flagler arrived in South Florida.
Recognizing the region’s potential as a winter destination for wealthy travelers from the Northeast, Flagler expanded the Florida East Coast Railway southward and opened the Royal Poinciana Hotel in 1894. At the time, it was the largest resort hotel in the world. Soon after, Flagler constructed The Breakers, a grand oceanfront resort that remains one of Palm Beach’s defining landmarks today.
As the town developed through the early 20th century, prominent architects helped shape its distinctive character. Among them was Addison Mizner, whose Mediterranean Revival designs, featuring stucco walls, courtyards, and red tile roofs, became synonymous with Palm Beach architecture. His influence can still be seen throughout the island, from private residences to landmark buildings along Worth Avenue.
Over time, Palm Beach established itself as one of the country’s most enduring seasonal destinations. Winter season, typically running from January through April, draws residents and visitors from across the United States, many of whom return year after year. Despite growth throughout South Florida, Palm Beach itself has remained relatively contained due to strict zoning regulations and preservation efforts that protect its scale and architectural heritage.
Today the island balances tradition with modern appeal. Historic hotels and private clubs continue to anchor the community, while new restaurants, galleries, and cultural venues add fresh energy to the local scene. For visitors, Palm Beach offers a combination of history, coastal scenery, and continuity. It is a destination where the rhythms of ocean life and seasonal traditions continue to shape daily life.
When to Visit
High Season: January through April
Palm Beach begins to fill up in November as seasonal residents return and the weather becomes milder. Activity steadily increases through December, with holiday travel bringing a surge of visitors. January through April is considered “The Season,” when events, dining, and social life are at their peak. Reservations for hotels, dining, and private aviation should be secured well in advance during this period.
Off Season: June through September
Summer in Palm Beach brings warmer temperatures and a noticeably quieter pace. While afternoon showers are common, they tend to pass quickly and are often followed by sunshine. Many seasonal residents leave the island during these months, creating a more relaxed atmosphere and making it easier to secure dining reservations and accommodations. Visitors who arrive in summer often enjoy uncrowded beaches, warm ocean water, and a more laid-back version of Palm Beach life.
Where to Land
Palm Beach is well served by private aviation, with several nearby airports offering convenient access to the island and surrounding areas. While Palm Beach International Airport is the closest and most direct option, nearby airports in Boca Raton and Stuart provide useful alternatives depending on aircraft size, scheduling availability, and regional flight restrictions.
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
Located roughly 25 miles south of Palm Beach, Boca Raton Airport is another popular option for private aviation. The airport primarily serves corporate and private aircraft and offers full-service FBO facilities, concierge services, and customs for international arrivals. It provides convenient access to Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and southern Palm Beach County. BCT is also frequently used as an alternative arrival point when temporary flight restrictions affect operations around Palm Beach.
Boca Raton Airport (BCT)
Located roughly 25 miles south of Palm Beach, Boca Raton Airport is another popular option for private aviation. The airport primarily serves private aircraft and offers full-service FBO facilities, concierge services, and customs.
Witham Field: Stuart Airport (SUA)
Witham Field in Stuart offers a quieter alternative for private aviation. The airport supports a range of general aviation and private aircraft and provides full-service FBO facilities. Many travelers choose SUA for its lower traffic levels and straightforward operations compared to larger South Florida airports.
Popular Private Jet Routes to Palm Beach
Palm Beach is one of the most popular private aviation destinations in Florida, with frequent flights arriving from major cities across the country. Below are a few of the most commonly flown routes into the area.
New York, NY to Palm Beach, FL
Average flight time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Suggested jet type: Mid-Size Jet
Chicago, IL to Palm Beach, FL
Average flight time: 3 hours
Suggested jet type: Mid-Size Jet
Dallas, TX to Palm Beach, FL
Average flight time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Suggested jet type: Mid-Size Jet
Los Angeles, CA to Palm Beach, FL
Average flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Suggested jet type: Super-Mid Jet
How Much Does a Private Jet Charter Cost?
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Luxury Travel Guide to Palm Beach
The Breakers
One of Palm Beach’s most iconic properties, The Breakers has defined the island’s resort scene for more than a century. Originally founded by Henry Flagler in 1896, the oceanfront resort blends Renaissance-inspired architecture with modern amenities across a sprawling beachfront property. Guests have access to multiple pools, a private beach club, golf courses, tennis facilities, a large spa, and ten dining venues.
Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach
Located just south of Palm Beach along a wide stretch of beachfront, the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach offers a quieter oceanfront retreat with the brand’s signature service and amenities. The resort features guest rooms and suites with private balconies, a temperature-controlled pool, a full-service spa, and several dining venues overlooking the Atlantic.
The Colony Hotel
Known for its distinctive pink façade, The Colony Hotel has been a Palm Beach landmark since 1947. Located just steps from Worth Avenue, the boutique hotel blends colorful interiors with a lively social atmosphere centered around its pool and restaurant, Swifty’s. The property also offers a collection of multi-bedroom villas, bungalows, and penthouses designed for extended stays.
Palm House
Palm House is one of the island’s newest luxury hotels, reopening in 2024 following a complete renovation. Located near the center of Palm Beach, the property features contemporary interiors, a rooftop pool, and 79 guest rooms and suites. Its design leans into Palm Beach’s signature pastel aesthetic while offering modern amenities and a more intimate hotel experience.
The Ben, Autograph Collection
Located on the waterfront just across the Intracoastal Waterway, The Ben offers a modern hotel experience with views of Palm Harbor Marina and the surrounding waterfront. The property features a rooftop pool deck, multiple dining venues, and easy access to downtown West Palm Beach, making it a convenient option for travelers who want proximity to both Palm Beach and the city’s cultural attractions.
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
Situated along the Atlantic in nearby Manalapan, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is known for its expansive oceanfront setting and destination spa. The resort features private beach access, multiple dining venues, ocean-view suites, and one of the largest wellness facilities in the region.
The Brazilian Court
Tucked just off Worth Avenue, The Brazilian Court offers a more secluded boutique experience within a historic Spanish Colonial-style property. Centered around a lush courtyard, the hotel feels more residential than resort-like. Its on-site restaurant, Café Boulud, has become one of Palm Beach’s best-known dining destinations.
Amrit Ocean Resort
Located along the oceanfront on Singer Island, Amrit Ocean Resort is a newer wellness-focused resort built around health and longevity programs. The property features an expansive spa and wellness facility, ocean-view accommodations, and programming centered on fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition.
White Elephant Palm Beach
Originally opened in the 1920s and recently reimagined, White Elephant Palm Beach brings the style of its Nantucket counterpart to the island. The boutique hotel combines Mediterranean Revival architecture with modern interiors, offering a small collection of rooms and suites along with a pool, restaurant, and curated art throughout the property.
The Vineta Hotel Palm Beach
The Vineta Hotel is one of Palm Beach’s historic boutique properties, located near Worth Avenue and the island’s main shopping and dining areas. Known for its intimate scale and residential feel, the hotel offers a quieter stay while still providing easy access to the beach and the island’s central attractions.
Buccan
One of the island’s most sought-after reservations, Buccan is known for its globally inspired small plates and energetic atmosphere. Chef Clay Conley’s menu focuses on bold flavors and seasonal ingredients, with dishes designed for sharing. The restaurant has also earned a Michelin Key, making it the only restaurant on the island to receive the recognition.
Café Boulud
Located inside The Brazilian Court Hotel, Café Boulud offers refined French cuisine with seasonal influences. The restaurant features an elegant dining room and courtyard setting and has long been considered one of Palm Beach’s most established fine dining destinations.
Renato’s
A Palm Beach classic, Renato’s has served Italian cuisine on the island for decades. The restaurant is known for its Mediterranean-style courtyard and traditional Italian menu, making it a longtime favorite among both visitors and seasonal residents.
Sant Ambroeus
Originally founded in Milan, Sant Ambroeus has become a Palm Beach staple. The restaurant serves northern Italian dishes alongside its well-known pastries, gelato, and espresso bar, attracting guests from morning coffee through evening dining.
Lola 41
Located just steps from Worth Avenue, Lola 41 blends global flavors with a sushi-focused menu in a contemporary setting. Its eclectic dishes and cocktail program have made it a popular evening destination.
Meat Market Palm Beach
Situated along the Royal Poinciana district, Meat Market offers a modern steakhouse experience featuring prime cuts, seafood, and sushi. The restaurant’s sleek interior and outdoor terrace make it a lively dinner spot on the island.
La Goulue
Originally founded in New York, La Goulue brings the atmosphere of a classic Parisian brasserie to Palm Beach. The restaurant serves traditional French dishes in a lively dining room and has become a favorite for both lunch and dinner.
Palm Beach Grill
A longtime island favorite, Palm Beach Grill serves classic American dishes in a polished yet relaxed setting. Known for its rotisserie chicken, sushi rolls, and vibrant bar scene, it remains one of Palm Beach’s most consistently popular restaurants.
Henry’s Palm Beach
Located along Royal Poinciana Way, Henry’s offers a modern take on classic American comfort food. The restaurant is known for its welcoming neighborhood feel and menu of elevated staples, from burgers and salads to fresh seafood dishes.
Florie’s
Located at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, Florie’s offers a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience overlooking the ocean. The restaurant highlights seasonal ingredients and coastal flavors, pairing its menu with expansive views of the Atlantic.
Worth Avenue
Worth Avenue is the heart of Palm Beach’s shopping and social scene. The street is lined with luxury boutiques, galleries, and cafés, along with a series of hidden courtyards known as “vias” that connect the avenue to nearby streets. Visitors often spend afternoons exploring the area’s shops, stopping for lunch, or simply strolling beneath the palm-lined arcades.
Palm Beach Beaches
Palm Beach’s Atlantic shoreline offers wide stretches of sand and clear water that attract visitors year-round. Popular access points include Midtown Beach and Phipps Ocean Park, both known for their scenic ocean views and relatively uncrowded setting. Early mornings are particularly popular for walks along the beach, while afternoons often bring calm water ideal for swimming.
The Flagler Museum
Housed inside Henry Flagler’s former Gilded Age mansion, Whitehall, the Flagler Museum offers a look into the history that shaped Palm Beach. The museum’s grand halls, period furnishings, and exhibitions highlight the rise of Florida’s early tourism industry and the role Flagler played in developing the region.
The Lake Trail
Running along the Intracoastal Waterway, the Lake Trail is one of Palm Beach’s most scenic walking and biking routes. The path stretches for several miles along the island’s western shoreline, offering views of historic homes, yacht docks, and the waterway itself. It’s especially popular in the early morning and late afternoon.
Golf
Palm Beach County is home to some of Florida’s most well-known golf courses, many of which were designed by legendary architects such as Jack Nicklaus and Donald Ross. While many clubs are private, the region remains a major destination for golfers traveling during the winter season.
Norton Museum of Art
Located just across the Intracoastal Waterway in West Palm Beach, the Norton Museum of Art houses an extensive collection of American, European, Chinese, and contemporary works. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions, outdoor sculpture gardens, and educational programming throughout the year.
Waterfront and Yachting
Palm Beach’s location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway makes boating a central part of life on the island. Visitors often spend time on chartered yachts, sunset cruises, or waterfront dining experiences along the nearby marinas.
Royal Poinciana Plaza
Originally developed in the 1950s and recently restored, Royal Poinciana Plaza has become one of the island’s most stylish shopping and dining districts. The open-air plaza blends high-end boutiques with restaurants, cafés, and landscaped courtyards.
Cultural Events and Seasonal Traditions
During the winter season, Palm Beach hosts a variety of cultural events, charity galas, and social gatherings that draw visitors from across the country. The island’s seasonal calendar has long been part of its identity, bringing together art exhibitions, performances, and philanthropic events throughout the winter months.
Spas and Wellness
Many of the island’s resorts offer full-service spa and wellness facilities, allowing visitors to balance time spent exploring with relaxation. Treatments often incorporate ocean-inspired elements, while yoga classes, fitness programs, and wellness retreats are commonly offered throughout the area.
Plan Your Next Flight to Palm Beach
Palm Beach has remained one of Florida’s most recognizable destinations for generations.Whether you're visiting for a weekend retreat or part of the island’s seasonal rhythm, there’s always something drawing people back.
At Jets.com, we make getting there as seamless as possible. With access to a wide range of aircraft and a team available 24/7, we coordinate every detail of your flight so you can focus on enjoying your time in Palm Beach.
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