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Best Beaches

Palm Beach, Florida

Unwind on the Pristine Sands

 By Christina Breda Antoniades

Overview

It may have more than 47 miles of pristine beaches, but the crown jewel of Palm Beach County, FL, is, without a doubt, exclusive Palm Beach - a 14-mile long, half-mile-wide island of wealth and extravagance. Winter home to the Vanderbilts, the Kennedys, the Rockefellers and a slew of newly minted millionaires, Palm Beach features some of Florida's finest hotels, restaurants and shops, as well as, of course, a selection of beautiful beaches.

Although Palm Beach started as a winter resort for the uber-wealthy, its temperate climate - with an average annual temperature of 78 degrees - soon made it an attractive destination year-round. Perched next to the Gulf Stream, Palm Beach enjoys the benefit of warm blue water and gentle breezes. As if that weren't enough, its rich residents and five-star visitors bring enough star power to put Palm Beach on par with nearly any high-end resort in the world.

Most impressive are the area's palatial homes. They're not easy to see - thanks to miles of hedges and privacy fences - unless you can somehow catch an aerial view. But you can get a taste of Palm Beach's luxury at any number of 5-star hotels, first-rate restaurants and super-snooty shops. From the legendary Breakers to the ever-ritzy Ritz Carlton, there's no shortage of top-notch lodgings for those who don't mind paying for a little pampering. For the palate, there's a host of culinary options, from fine dining to the local deli. And to help empty your pocketbook, Palm Beach offers a quarter-mile of high-end spending spots along Worth Avenue.

If all this has you checking your bank balance, keep in mind that while the upper-crust options are concentrated in Palm Beach proper, just across the waterway is West Palm Beach, where ample - and less pricey - lodging, dining and entertainment options await.


 

Child-Friendliness
rating:
4 of 5
more:
Phipps Ocean Park and John D. MacArthur State Park are ideal for children.
Swimming
rating:
4 of 5
more:
The water is clean and clear, with plenty of shallow areas, which are ideal for children.
Sand
rating:
4 of 5
more:
Palm Beach beaches are wide and clean.
Atmosphere
rating:
5 of 5
more:
John D. MacArthur State Park not only offers a beautiful beach, but also abundant marine life and rare plants to explore.
Non-Beach Activities
rating:
5 of 5
more:
Palm Beach has it all - upscale dining, shopping and lodging - while nearby West Palm Beach offers more economical options, as well as nightspots for the young and hip.

 



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Pictures: Travel Channel |

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