There has arguably never been a better time to visit West Palm Beach Florida, as this largest city in Palm Beach County has undergone quite a revitalization period in recent years. The downtown area is thriving, and it only appears that increased growth is on the horizon. A vacation to West Palm Beach has long been popular since Henry Flagler founded the city in 1893. Over time, however, the city started to get somewhat stagnate. Thanks to millions of dollars in investments, however, things are very much on the up and up. In addition to a beautiful skyline, West Palm Beach also boasts fantastic year round weather. It might get hot and humid in the summer, but the coastal breezes help to keep things relatively comfortable come the summer months.

Winter is widely considered to be the peak season for travel to West Palm Beach, but there really isn't a bad time to visit this city of around 86,000 people. Excellent deals are to be had during the summer off season, and since there are so many great beaches in the area, a summer visit can be ideal for beach enthusiasts. The subtropical climate in south Florida means that the area beaches can also be enjoyed in winter, which is why people like Henry Flagler started spending their winters here. It's definitely a destination that grew up around the tourism industry. When Flagler arrived here in the late 1800s, his main plan was to found a resort town. This is how the ultra-upscale resort of Palm Beach was born. As for West Palm Beach, it was to be nothing more than a "worker city." In other words, it would be the place to live for the workers who not only built up ritzy Palm Beach, but who also worked there catering to the needs of the rich and famous. To this day, West Palm Beach is still more of a worker city, while Palm Beach remains a hangout for the wealthy. West Palm Beach Florida is trying to shed that identity, however, and by the looks of things, it's doing a fine job.

If you can afford it, staying at one of the hotels or vacation rentals on Palm Beach Island is the way to go when planning to travel to West Palm Beach. For some, however, the sheer opulence of Palm Beach is somewhat bothersome, in which case staying at one of the West Palm Beach hotels will be a better fit. If you like to golf, you can hardly go wrong with the PGA National Resort & Spa in West Palm Beach. This excellent resort not only boasts a collection of immaculate courses, but a world-class golf academy as well. Back on the Palm Beach side of things, golfing enthusiasts with deep pockets are bound to find favor with a stay at the Breakers. This uber-luxurious landmark resort features the oldest 18-hole golf course in Florida. Both of these resorts also boast alluring spas should you be up for some rejuvenation.

West Palm Beach Map

West Palm Beach and the surrounding area is home to a number of excellent spas, so you can pamper yourself on your next visit. Speaking of the surrounding area, it is full of destinations that beg a visit. Should you enjoy the upscale nature of Palm Beach, a side trip to Boca Raton might be in order. If you fancy a more down-to-earth experience, then area destinations like Lake Worth, Delray Beach, and Boynton Beach might prove to be appetizing. West Palm Beach Florida doesn't exactly boast fantastic beaches of its own, but there are nearly 50 idyllic beaches that you can get to in virtually no time at all. You might even plan a side trip to Miami to enjoy its beaches for a day. Miami is only about an hour's drive south, so you can certainly add it to your itinerary when planning a vacation to West Palm Beach.

When you travel to West Palm Beach, excellent golf courses and beaches aren't the only things that will be at your disposal. This city also offers proximity to thousands of restaurants, some of the best of which can be found right in town. Both Clematis Street and CityPlace are two of the recommended places to look for restaurants in downtown West Palm Beach. They are also top shopping and nightlife destinations. There's something for everyone to enjoy on a vacation to West Palm Beach, which is why this city is fast-becoming one of Florida's best destinations. Whether you're enjoying a family trip, a romantic getaway, or any other kind of escape, this vibrant city can definitely meet your needs.

If you like scuba diving, then a vacation to West Palm Beach will be ideal, as this part of the country offers some of the best diving in the world. You can also do some snorkeling if you aren't a certified diver. When you're not exploring the underwater realms on your visit, the city is home to some impressive museums that deserve some of your time. Two of the best are the Flagler Museum and the Norton Museum of Art. Should you be interested in learning more about the history of West Palm Beach, then a trip to the West Palm Beach Historical Society will be in order. Even if you don't typically visit museums while on vacation, you're likely to find favor with the renowned museums in West Palm Beach. If nothing else, they can serve as ideal attractions for a rainy day. There aren't a lot of rainy days in West Palm Beach, however, as Florida in general enjoys around 300 days of sunshine every year. No wonder it's called The Sunshine State.

Regardless of when you decide to travel to West Palm Beach, you're bound to have a great time. The area is ideal for boating, thanks in part to destinations like Peanut Island, and you can enjoy any number of short cruises while in town. Maybe you'll book a spot on the catamaran that makes daily trips to Grand Bahama Island. Yes, you can pair a visit to West Palm Beach with a visit to the Bahamas. West Palm Beach Florida is full of great surprises, so come on down and see for yourself just how rewarding a vacation to West Palm Beach can be.