Travel Guide- A Girls' Trip to Palm Beach
Well it seems that I’m now becoming quite the expert in the perfect “girls’ getaway weekend.” I’ve highlighted Charleston, Watercolor Florida and now Palm Beach as excellent spots for a boujee weekend away (specifically with your gal-pals). I love all the cities I’ve covered for many different reasons, but they also all have the key ingredients for a fun, luxurious and entertaining weekend. For my latest trip to Palm Beach, we relied heavily on the opinions and advice of Paige Minear, who knows all the highlights of the city. I’m all-about listening to the experts, and if I HAD to try out all her recommendations for myself, well, there are worse jobs I suppose- ha!
Let’s start with lodging, shall we? Okay, I’ve been to Palm Beach once before, and both that time and this time, I visited during the “off season” (aka April-October). It’s hot as Hades this time of year in Florida, but the prices for hotels are almost half of what they cost during “high season” (aka November-March), and it’s WAY less crowded. So not only is it more affordable, but it’s easier to get reservations at restaurants, and thus it’s worth braving the heat. Also let’s be honest. I’m from Tennessee and spent 10 years living in Texas, so it’s not like I’m new to being hot and sweaty in the summer.
Where to Stay:
For this trip, we stayed in The Colony, and I’m obsessed. It’s a smaller/boutique hotel, but the décor is fabulous and so is the service. I personally don't recommend staying here with the family (with young children), but it’s the perfect spot for a girls’ trip or even a couple’s trip. It’s a bit on the “feminine” side, which I LOVE, and you can’t beat the location, and the in-house restaurant is amazing. The bar-area decor is uber-chic, and if you don't stay there, you should definitely stop by for a drink. It’s not overcrowded with people (given that it’s smaller to begin with), and it’s close to the beach, shops and amazing restaurants. It has a spa and offers complimentary bikes to stroll around town on. And though it's not directly on the beach, they also offer the cutest pink and white "buggy" you've ever seen to take you to the beach, which is right down the street. They will even set up chairs and an umbrella for you! Our time there was perfect, and this hotel gets 5 stars from me.
The BreakersIf you're looking for a more family-friendly (but still boujee option) for a Palm Beach vacation, I highly suggest The Breakers. Paul and I stayed there on our babymoon (when I was pregnant with John Albert), and I loved every minute at the resort. You really never have to leave the property, as they have a wonderful spa, golf course, dining options, shops, and is directly on the beach. There's a kids’ play area as well as a kids’ club so there is plenty for the kids to do if you chose to bring the whole family. However, I will say, it’s best without them there. The décor is over-the-top amazing, and it’s extremely romantic. The pools are beautiful, the food is divine and the service is fantastic. It’s not cheap, but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny, and it’s easily one of my favorite resorts in the country. If you stay there in off-season, the prices are significantly cheaper than during high-season, and you should always check-out their specials, as Paul and I booked a package with free breakfast every day, and there breakfast buffet is spectacular. They also offer a champagne brunch on Sundays which is just about as extravagant as it gets, and it’s not cheap, but an experience that I thought was totally worth the price. Can you tell I love this hotel or what?
Where to Eat:
I’ve eaten at many places in Palm Beach, but I still have only visited there twice, so I’m going to defer to Paige Minear’s suggestions, as I completely trust her recommendations. Below is a mixture of some of her favorites along with mine.
Breakfast/Brunch
The Colony: Eat poolside and I highly recommend the Yogurt Parfait with a side of scrambled eggs and bacon to share. The fresh squeezed juice is delish.
Surfside Diner: Classic diner and so delish.
Cafe Boulud: So pretty and the Lex Price Fixe for brunch is so yummy. I recommend the oatmeal, omelets and the key lime pie.
Sant Ambroeus: The avocado toast is a must + get a fabulous coffee. I prefer to sit in the coffee bar ... and make sure you snag some french cookies to go for an afternoon treat.
The Breakers (Mary’s addition to the list): Their breakfast is a feast and Sunday brunch is extravagant to say the least. For both, you dine in “The Circle” which is the crown jewel of the hotel and absolutely stunning.
Lunch
Bricktops: Palm Beach salad is hands down my favorite
Ta-boo: The salads and sandwiches are so good. If you are a party of three or less request the table in the front window. It is so special. I order the Crab Stack (delish) or the Worth Avenue Salad.
Green's Luncheonette: PB classic ... order one of the club sandwiches with a milkshake
The Colony: Ahi Tuna + Frose is my favorite thing to order ... you can grab an ice coffee with a sprinkle cookie on your way out at the coffee bar for strolling the avenue
Pizza Al Fresco: So delish and perfect for a breezy day
Dinner
Palm Beach GrillThe Seafood Bar in The Breakers
Pizza Al Fresco - perfect for a group ... order a variety of pizza + apps
Drinks
HMF (Inside The Breakers): Perfect for before dinner or after dinner with dessert
The Honor Bar: Great option before dinner at the Palm Beach Grill
Leopard Lounge: People watching extraordinaire
Where to Shop:
Okay, this is a hard one, as there are a million fabulous places to shop. Here are a few of my favorite stores to visit in Palm Beach. NOTE: You should always check the store hours, as many of these shops have seasonal hours that are limited during low season.
Worth Avenue: Lots of shops are located on (or just off of) Worth Avenue including: Aerin, J. McLaughlin, Lilly Pulitzer, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Stubbs and Wootton, Tory Burch and Vineyard Vines
Amanda Lindroth: Home décor and accessories to die for
The Skinny Dip- Palm Beach Addition: Love it in Charleston and love it here (apparel and accessories)
Palm Beach Vintage: Fabulous vintage clothing (not cheap)