About West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach
First of all, West Palm Beach does not have a beach. Think of West Palm Beach as the mainland, and just across the bridge is the island of Palm Beach, and yes, you can walk. So, now that we’ve established that Palm Beach is the island, and West Palm Beach is the city across the bridge…what’s the difference? Short answer…billionaires. Palm Beach Island is home to 32 billionaires including former President Trump, Rod Stewart, James Patterson and Billy Joel.
To add to the confusion, Palm Beach International Airport is actually in West Palm Beach. The island of Palm Beach does not have an airport, but don’t worry, it’s a quick 10 minute drive to the island from the airport. FYI – the Fort Lauderdale Airport is 45 minutes away and offers more direct flights.
Is it always sunny? There is a very distinct wet & dry season, but don’t worry, wet season does not mean it rains all day. During the wet season (May thru October) expect brief thunderstorms. During the dry season (November thru April) expect near perfect weather every day! By the way, the average high in the winter is 79 degrees with low humidity and very little rain. A winter vacation certainly sounds tempting, but don’t rule out a summer vacation if you’re looking for a bargain. Hotel and restaurant deals abound during the summer, and especially in the hot sticky months of August and September.
City was incorporated in November 5, 1894
Incorporated 2 years before Miami
1000 residents in 1895
Florida's first junior college, Palm Beach Jr. College opened in 1933 Thousands of servicemen moved through West Palm Beach's airport during WWII West Palm Beach is now estimated to have 120,000+ residents Long a place where people of vision have brought their dreams, built new enterprises, and achieved success, the City of West Palm Beach is a regional center of commerce offering an environment where dreams can still come true.
The city is home to sunny, palm-lined streets, breathtaking waterfront views, quaint shopping districts, historic and scenic neighborhoods, and exciting year-round outdoor festivals. When the sun sets on West Palm Beach, you can indulge the most epicurean of tastes by candlelight at one of the many lovely restaurants.
West Palm Beach has several world class shopping and entertainment districts including The Square, Clematis Street, Antique Row, Northwood Village and more. For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, the city's teeming waterfront offers walkways and fantastic views. On the city's western edge, you can hike, bike, and get a view of the Florida Everglades up close at Grassy Waters Everglades Preserve.
If you have an interest in the theater and the performing arts, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is the premier location to spend an evening. For museum enthusiasts, the Norton Museum of Art houses a world-renowned collection of European, American, Chinese and contemporary art.
