Known for its pastel-hued glamour and old-money charm, Palm Beach has long been the playground of jet-setters, socialites, and silver screen icons. Tucked along Florida’s Atlantic coast, it’s where towering palms sway over designer storefronts, historic resorts ooze Gilded Age elegance, and rosé flows as freely as the ocean breeze.
My boyfriend and I recently spent a long weekend soaking up all the glitz, glamour, and golden-hour vibes—and discovered exactly how to live like a Palm Beach insider (if only for a little over 72 hours). Here’s the ultimate itinerary to help you plan your own escape.
Day 1 (Thursday): Check in and channel your inner Palm Royale star
The Colony Palm Beach
(Lesley Unruh)
The moment you pull up to The Colony Palm Beach, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto a Wes Anderson set. This perfectly pink boutique hotel is dripping in retro-luxe charm, with leafy tropical prints, a pastel palette, and an intimate, insiders-only vibe. It’s no wonder this 1947 hideaway has been a favorite of silver screen stars and high society for decades.
The Colony Palm Beach Magnolia Suite
(Jill Schildhouse)
We stayed in the adorably appointed Magnolia suite, a spacious two-bedroom complete with a grand piano, living room, dining room, kitchenette and closets galore. The views from this penthouse location were another highlight, as was the use of the house car for short jaunts.
Buccan’s sweet corn agnolotti
(Jill Schildhouse)
After check-in, slip into something fabulous and walk a few blocks to Buccan for dinner (reservations highly recommended, especially on weekends). This buzzy hotspot is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its inventive small plates and lively atmosphere. We ordered and loved the Hamachi Tiradito, with Peruvian chiles and lotus root, Burrata with Florida peaches, short rib empanadas, confit duck leg with cherry glaze and sourdough pancakes, and sweet corn agnolotti—trust me, it’s worth planning your whole trip around this dish alone.
Day 2 (Friday): A gilded day at The Breakers and beyond
The Breakers
(The Breakers)
Now it’s time to embrace Gilded Age grandeur with a visit to The Breakers. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth exploring this iconic oceanfront resort, dripping with chandeliers and history.
I melted into a massage at The Breakers Spa, while my boyfriend got what he still calls the best pedicure of his life. Their ocean-inspired treatments and serene indoor-outdoor lounges will have you wondering if you can actually move in.
Shrimp fra diavolo at Henry’s Palm Beach
(Jill Schildhouse)
When hunger strikes, catch the resort’s complimentary shuttle to Henry’s Palm Beach, a polished yet relaxed spot. We shared the addictive pigs in pretzel dough blanket with warm lager cheese fondue, a scrumptious burger, and shrimp fra diavolo — this spicy pomodoro is served over linguine with Calabrian chili butter (and it’s only available on Fridays, so plan accordingly). Save room for dessert, because the key lime pie is incredible.
Worth Avenue Clock Tower
(Jill Schildhouse)
In the afternoon, stroll Worth Avenue—Palm Beach’s answer to Rodeo Drive. Peek into the enchanting vias (hidden courtyards) and don’t miss the Worth Avenue Clock Tower for a classic photo op. Be sure to pop into Lilly Pulitzer’s flagship for exclusive Palm Beach prints or swing by Raptis Rare Books to browse first editions.
By evening, we were ready for a dinner spot that felt lively rather than buttoned-up. Just off Worth Avenue, Lola 41 delivers a more cosmopolitan energy than many of the island’s classic dining rooms, drawing a stylish crowd and keeping the mood social well into the night. The globally inspired menu leans Japanese-Peruvian and Mediterranean, and it’s built for sharing. We ordered the tuna crispy rice with truffle butter, Korean beef bulgogi, and a mix of sushi rolls—exactly the kind of meal that encourages lingering, people-watching, and letting the evening unfold without checking the time.
Day 3 (Saturday): Beaches, brunches, and bingo
Benny’s on the Beach berry-stuffed toast
(Jill Schildhouse)
Kick off the day with a breezy, oceanfront breakfast at Benny’s on the Beach. Their avocado toast comes with a side of Atlantic views that just might ruin all future breakfasts for you. I ate shrimp and grits with a side of challah French toast smothered in fresh berries while listening to the ocean waves and seagulls. I then wandered the length of the pier, watching all the fishermen reeling in their catch and placing them in coolers.
Cove Cafe prime steak sandwich, short rib pizza, and crispy chicken wings
(Jill Schildhouse)
Spend the late morning wandering the boutiques of West Palm Beach or lounging poolside with a book (bonus points if it’s a Jackie Collins novel for full effect). Grab lunch at Cove Cafe, where coastal Italian fare meets laid-back charm. Their slow braised short rib pizza with fontina cream and caramelized onions is chef’s kiss.
Swifty’s at The Colony Palm Beach
(The Colony Palm Beach)
As evening falls, head back to The Colony for Swifty’s Poolside Bingo—yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s fabulously fun. Then go straight to Palm House Hotel, where the dining room was created by Nobu. I absolutely feasted on the deconstructed crispy rice with spicy tuna, shishito peppers, lobster and Japanese Wagyu taquitos, black cod butter lettuce cups, rock shrimp tempura, some sashimi and a handroll. The entire meal was incredible.
Palm House Hotel crispy rice with spicy tuna
(Jill Schildhouse)Day 4 (Sunday): A glamorous send-off
Palm Beach Lake Trail
(The Palm Beaches)
Sunday in Palm Beach is unhurried by design, the kind of morning that invites one last indulgence before reality returns. We leaned into it, starting the day slowly and letting each stop unfold into the next.
We began with brunch at RH Rooftop Restaurant, where chandeliers hang above olive trees and the menu subtly encourages indulgence. We leaned all the way in, starting with mini lobster rolls crowned with caviar and classic blinis topped with caviar—decidedly not your average Sunday breakfast. The Chinese chicken salad added something crisp and familiar, while the RH burger with sweet potato fries proved just as satisfying as it is iconic. Dessert felt non-negotiable, and the butterscotch brûlée delivered a rich, elegant finale.
Afternoon tea at Café Boulud
(Jill Schildhouse)
With the morning lingering, it felt only right to continue the theme of old-school elegance. Afternoon tea at Café Boulud offered a polished pause between sightseeing and our final night out. Delicate pastries, proper scones, and thoughtfully brewed tea were served in a serene garden setting, a reminder that Palm Beach still takes its rituals seriously.
For our final dinner, we leaned fully into Palm Beach tradition at La Goulue Palm Beach, where classic French cooking has held court for decades. The dining room was crowded and loud in the best possible way, buzzing with energy and conversation, which only added to the experience.
La Goulue Palm Beach
(Jill Schildhouse)
We started with le soufflé au fromage, the restaurant’s award-winning signature dish that’s been on the menu since 1972—a light, impossibly airy classic that lives up to its reputation. A jumbo lump crab salad with Boston lettuce, avocado, and grapefruit followed, bright and refreshing before the main event: steamed mussels with white wine cream sauce and French fries, and a wood-oven-roasted branzino baked in a salted pastry crust and finished with champagne sauce. Decadent barely begins to describe it. Dessert was equally indulgent, with a dark chocolate molten cake that felt like the only proper way to end the meal—and the weekend.
Before heading to the airport the next morning, one last stop was in order. Hive Bakery & Café is ideal for a final bite, whether you’re sitting down or grabbing a gorgeous pastry to-go. The sourdough scramble made for a memorable send-off and a strong final note to the weekend.
Palm Beach may be known for its old-money allure, but you don’t have to be a Rockefeller to soak up its sun-dappled glamour. Follow this itinerary, and you’ll be living the Palm Beach socialite dream in no time.
Now who’s ready for rosé by the pool?