Share the article
Last updated
Florida continues to be record-breaking as of late reports shows that the Sunshine State welcomed just over 34 million tourists.
Because they are so popular, there are countless beach towns suitable for a perfect winter vacation, an unforgettable spring break, and so on, while each season offers one of America’s sunniest getaways.
Whether you’re looking for lifelong memories for the whole family at Disney World, hidden gems with beachfront cottages and white sand, or swap the luxury of Miami for another chic beach destination that’s just been crowned Florida’s #1 Vacation Destination before 2025 there is no doubt that you will find your niche.
Claiming the title for Tripadvisor’s ‘Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Trending Destination Award’ is nothing short of chic West Palm Beachjust a year after it set its own tourism records.
Miami’s best alternative
Anyone who keeps up with the latest travel trends undoubtedly knows that travel dupes are all the rage.
Although Miami is anything but a “Karen” like Barcelona or Amsterdam, for example, there are certainly some disadvantages to Miami that may not appeal to all vacationers.
West Palm Beach is a great alternative to avoid the vibrant nightlife and overrated beaches in favor of a more relaxed atmosphere alongside vibrant blue waters.
Better yet, if you’re one of the many Americans looking to escape the cold, temperatures in West Palm Beach hover around the 70s and 80s this time of year.
Miami may be one of America’s icons, but exploring the urban sprawl and overpaying for hotels isn’t at the top of the list for many travelers who might prefer something more casual, yet just as luxurious and arguably more beautiful.
West Palm Beach has many intriguing museums such as the Cox Science Center and Aquariumspacious luxury hotels and several vibrant, trendy neighborhoods that will virtually erase South Beach from your memory.
Luxury hotels and pristine coastlines
If you want to treat yourself to a luxurious beach vacation, West Palm Beach has the solution for you.
Honestly, I’m a big fan of Miami – everything but the beaches. Maybe I’m just spoiled in San Diego, but the dull green shade of the water and lack of visibility, even in world-famous South Beach, was lackluster at best.
West Palm Beach, despite being just an hour’s drive from Miami, is a whole other level of paradise – many of which shine with soft white sand, clear waters and amazing resorts in the background.
A good example is Palm Beach, not to be confused with the city of West Palm Beach. Here you will find one of the most elegant hotels in the entire state – The Breakers Palm Beach.
While not everyone will be able to command more than four-figure nightly rates, it’s best to downgrade to a four-star property or a cozy inn like Historic Palm Beach Inn.
As for four- and five-star stays, these are the top-rated luxury hotels on TripAdvisor:
- Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach
- The Colony Hotel
- The Breakers Palm Beach
- The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club
- White Elephant Palm Beach
A gateway to 47 miles of beautiful beaches
When you hear someone say they’re vacationing at The Palms, they don’t always mean a hotel in Vegas.
West Palm Beach may be Florida’s top destination this year, but it also serves as the gateway to 47 miles of beautiful beaches known as, you guessed it, The Palms.
A few other notable names within that boundary are Boca Raton and Jupiter, which was the same highlighted by Southern Living as one of Florida’s top winter destinations.
For a hidden gem away from the big tourist areas, check it out John D. MacArthur Beach State Parka great place to lounge in solitude in the sun or kayak on the calm, clear waters.
If you like snorkeling, there are small islands scattered throughout the region, but… Peanut Island, located between Riviera Beach and Palm Beach Shores, it is a popular spot for numerous water attractions, including paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkeling.
A recent visitor even claimed that Peanut Island is their “favorite snorkeling spot in Florida.”
If so, I wonder if they’ve ever been to my favorite beach town of Nokomis, Florida…
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
