The Palm Beaches: A Glimpse into 3 South Florida Towns

To explore Delray Beach, simply follow the artery of Atlantic Avenue. This vibrant corridor of hotels, shops, restaurants and art galleries connects all the way to the beach. Nearby, Pineapple Grove Arts District along 2nd Avenue will satisfy your creative side with public sculptures, local artists’ galleries, indie shops and restaurants, and colorful murals (don’t miss a pic in front of the iconic “Dancing Pineapples” mural on Northeast 2nd Avenue). Hungry yet? Stop for a plate of fresh fish tacos at El Camino and wash it down with a margarita rimmed with smoked salt. If you daydream of an afternoon on the sand, sitting under a cobalt-blue cabana while gazing out onto the ocean, plan to spend a day at Delray’s Municipal Beach.

Head inland to the town of Wellington to experience a “horse heaven,” with equestrian events including the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival, Palm Beach International Polo Season and the International Gay Polo Tournament. During polo season (December - March), the International Polo Club, one of the largest in the world, hosts an upscale Sunday brunch; be sure to dress your best for the occasion. When evening comes, hang with the locals at the Wellington Amphitheater, where the community gathers for free outdoor movies, concerts and seasonal events. On Thursdays, dance the night away to live tribute bands while noshing on innovative cuisine from local food trucks. On any given week, you might sample tasty tacos, fancy french fries or gourmet waffles.

Boca Raton – often called simply “Boca” – is what it looks like when a small-town atmosphere is infused with big-city amenities. The place to see and be seen is Mizner Park. Flashy cars cruise the palm-lined streets while shoppers fill their bags at high-end stores like Lord & Taylor, Sur La Table and Z Gallerie, to name a few. Sample an Italian-inspired menu with locally sourced ingredients at Tanzy, or enjoy live music and sip a craft cocktail al fresco at Max’s Grille, one of Mizner Park’s original establishments. In the summer, Mizner Park Amphitheater hosts a free concert series that includes the annual Battle of the Bands, where local acts play their sets for cash prizes.

Catch a flight to Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) for your next holiday. Optionally, fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) or Miami International (MIA) airports. You can rent a car or board the Brightline high-speed rail to The Palm Beaches.