For anyone who doubted that West Palm Beach’s star was rising, the city’s anointment as Tripadvisor’s top trending travel destination in the United States in 2025 put all speculation to rest. Less flashy and crowded than glitzy Miami to the south and more affordable and laid-back than the Town of Palm Beach, this once under-the-radar coastal gem offers all the requisite ingredients for a fabulous fun in the sun vacation – and more. Great year-round weather, a diverse array of arts and cultural attractions, blockbuster annual events and easy access to the water and nature; West Palm Beach delivers as a vacation destination for everyone from families to foodies while conscious development has been the catalyst for more authentic experiences, new hotels, and off the beaten path adventures.
Tripadvisor premiered its first Trendcast report this year, based on search, booking and behavioral data, as well as content from the #1 travel platform’s users – more than one billion reviews and contributions. The research shows that West Palm Beach doesn’t just follow trends – it sets them. Here’s how the city aligns with TripAdvisor’s findings regarding its readers most coveted travel experiences.
Investigative Eating: Food tourism is alive and well in West Palm Beach which has been on the rise as a culinary destination for more than a decade. As home to James Beard Award nominated chefs like Clay Conley and Lindsay Autry, and the recent arrival of the Michelin Foundation, the dining scene is scaling new heights. Creativity and sustainability go hand in hand for travelers these days, who are interested in learning about regional foods and food sourcing when they travel.
Local farms like Bedner’s and Swank Specialty Produce personifies the farm-to-table ethos that so many travelers are interested in exploring, being the go-to source for organic local produce for chefs throughout the state. Swank Farms hosts a seasonal famers market as well as a spectacular collaborative dinner series on the farm each season, featuring top chefs and winemakers.
Speaking of local markets, the West Palm Beach Green Market one of the top farmers markets in the United States, (crowned #1 for three consecutive years, and #2 in 2024) occupies prime downtown real estate on Clematis Street. Celebrating its 30th year, what was once a small neighborhood vegetable stand has grown into a 130-vendor seasonal Saturday staple for locals and visitors that has become so popular that there’s a Mornings in the Market tour for culinary adventurers seeking curated tastings at the market. West Palm Beach Food Tours also hosts popular tours in downtown West Palm Beach and an Historic Neighborhood Food Tour which goes beyond downtown and into the city’s historic neighborhoods to sample everything from authentic Cuban cuisine, celebrity chef offerings and amazing barbecue.
Explore farm-to-table fare at local haunts such as Fern, True Food Kitchen and Avocado Grill.
Waterculturalism: Now more than ever, people are interested in experiencing water as a way to relax, heal and connect with nature. West Palm Beach’s waterfront location checks every box. Cold-plunge therapy, said to offer both physical and mental health benefits, is offered at local wellness centers, Pura Vida and member studios Medhouse and L1Ft Studio.
Peanut Island, home to JFK’s secret bunker is known for its crystal-clear waters and great snorkeling. Also an option – renting a glass bottomed kayak for up close encounters with manatees, stingrays and turtles in this peaceful sanctuary, accessibly only by boat. For those who prefer a more elevated experience, The Ben Hotel offers private yacht charters to its guest through Porter Yachts.
Dynamically Sensorial Tripadvisor trends reveal that travelers are seeking to engage their senses and connect more deeply with their surroundings and few places deliver like West Palm Beach.
A visit to Grassy Waters Preserve, a 23 square mile wetlands just north and west of downtown showcases an Everglades ecosystem that serves as the area’s freshwater supply. This pristine environment also offers visitors an immersive sensorial experience – the sound of birdcalls and the wind whispering through the trees, the feel of sawgrass and the smell of the wetlands surrounding them. A sunrise canoe ride, a mud-between your toes Swamp Stomp, or a quiet contemplative hike fit the bill.
Mounts Botanical Garden, spanning over twenty acres is home to more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants. Foster a deeper connection with nature wandering through display gardens or experience an elevated sensory immersion cacao tastings and sound bowl healings – and even offers guided forest bathing –the ultimate opportunity to attune the senses to the calming power of nature.
Time Tripping: Today’s traveler doesn’t want to feel bound to traditional sightseeing schedules, instead seeking out the opportunity to explore 24/7and West Palm Beach obliges. Clematis Street, the historical heart of the city, offers dining, shopping, bars and live music all night long.
After a day exploring the city and a late afternoon/early evening nap, visitors can sit down for a late-night pizza at acclaimed Elisabetta’s restaurant until 1AM. Afterwards take a quick stroll over to Clematis for drinks and live music served up until 4am at Lost Weekend (open weeknights until 3am) or Myers Lounge (late hours on weekends). Dance the night away at Treehouse or Mary Lou’s and cap off the evening – or jump start the day at sunrise at Havana, a 24-hour Cuban spot for arguably the best café con leche in town.
Check out the Downtown West Palm Beach nightlife scene.
Play it Forward There is always room on vacation for relaxation, but today’s travelers are just as interested in playing. West Palm Beach has got your inner child covered with exhilarating sports, karaoke, and other fun group activities that spark adult joy
Jet Snorkel Tours presents a high energy alternative to traditional snorkeling – adding a propulsion snorkel to provide a boost of speed and maneuverability to underwater tours that is so successful, operators guarantee marine life sightings.
With neighboring golf legend Tiger Woods’ support, The Park West Palm Beach, the city’s municipal golf course, has been revitalized and upgraded with the goal of making the game more accessible with lower green fees, walkable fairways and a welcoming Par 3 course suitable for all skill levels.
And for a mental challenge, interactive scavenger hunts are an exciting way to sightsee – exploring the city’s vibrant cultural landmarks and hidden gems, playing the game to uncover clues.
Don’t forget to check out the Phipps Skate Park for skateboarding fanatics or consider either a party-themed bike tour or bike trails in Owahee Trail or Dyer Park.
West Palm Beach is captivating travelers with a unique blend of authenticity, innovation, and trend-setting experiences. It delivers exactly what today’s diverse travelers seek with the bonus of year-round sunshine and stunning natural beauty. From cutting-edge interactive exhibits at local museums to Michelin-recommended dining, to welcoming the sunrise with a café con leche or a peaceful morning canoe paddle, West Palm Beach refuses to rest on its Tripadvisor laurels. Instead, it continues to evolve, offering visitors every reason under the sun to chase their travel dreams here.
MORE TO SEE
Public Art Collection Connection
Palm Beach Historical Society Tours
MORE TO DO
Clematis at Night 30th Year Anniversary
Soul in the City Jazz Experience
Art After Dark at The Norton Museum
City Paws Dog Park/Howard Park
Brunch: Pistache, RH Rooftop Restaurant, Lynora’s, Proper Grit
