Palm Beach and Worth Avenue

Palm Beach is a wealthy barrier-island town in Palm Beach County, Florida, about 70 miles (113 km) north of Miami and known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture, tailored hedges and the luxury shops of Worth Avenue. The Brightline train from MiamiCentral (600 NW 1st Ave) reaches West Palm Beach station (501 Evernia St) in about 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, with one-way fares of roughly $25 to $44. A 10-minute rideshare then crosses the Intracoastal bridge to the island. Driving up I-95 takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, although rush hour can add considerable time. Worth Avenue, running from the lake toward the ocean, is lined with designer boutiques, galleries and cafes set in pastel courtyards called vias, which are pleasant to wander even without shopping. The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, a 1902 Gilded Age mansion, is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays, with admission of $28 per adult. Other free options include the Lake Trail, a waterfront path ideal for walking or cycling, and Palm Beach Municipal Beach and Phipps Ocean Park for swimming. A practical itinerary starts with an early Brightline departure, a morning walk along Worth Avenue, lunch in a via cafe, an afternoon at the Flagler Museum or beach, and an early evening train home. Back in West Palm Beach, the CityPlace area and Clematis Street provide additional dining. December to April is the peak season, with the best weather and the busiest crowds, while summer is hot and quiet with some shops reduced. Beach parking costs about $5 to $20 if driving. The tourist office can be reached at 561-833-3711. Visitors wanting a special dinner should book restaurants well in advance during winter.