Copyright (c) 2008 Terry Hely
If ostentatious displays of wealth and privilige appeal to you, then a visit to Palm Beach is a must. "The Island" is a popular destination for holiday makers wishing to experience this unique enclave of the rich and famous located on the ocean side of the Intracoastal Waterway.
With a population of 20,000 in summer and 40,000 in winter, Palm Beach has been the preferred winter residence of families such as Kennedy, Rockefeller and Pulitzer.
This is an area of oceanfront mansions and private beaches, luxury motor cars, wildly expensive chic boutiques, designer labels and jewelery stores. It's the Rodeo Drive of the east.
Palm Beach luxury hotels are popular with visitors who appreciate the 5 star service, fine dining and the up market shopping. Other accommodation in Palm Beach typically comprises resorts, motels and condominiums, ocean side cottages and inns.
A Palm Beach highlight is the shopping, with multi-level glassed malls and an historical shopping district with unique shops and boutiques. The city has over 2,000 restaurants offering every imaginable cuisine. There are cultural venues, a world-class art museum and an active nightlife in clubs and bars.
One little known fact is that the Palm Beach area is also one of the best bird-watching locations in the state.
West Palm Beach, population 80,000 plus, is where the less affluent live and work. It is located across the Intracoastal Waterway from Palm Beach and is considered as the downtown area of greater Palm Beach. West Palm Beach accommodation is far more affordable than in Palm Beach and there is more nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
An urban renewal program has seen West Palm Beach emerge from the shadow of its more illustrious neighbor across the water. The Kravis Center For Performing Arts is one of Florid's premier cultural centers. The CityPlace pedestrian-only malls attract visitors and vacationers alike to its concerts, cultural events, shops and bars.
** Palm Beach Transport
Major airlines such as Air Canada, American Airlines, Continental, Delta and AirTran service the Palm Beach International Airport and several economy carriers also operate flights to and from the airport. Amtrak has a terminal in West Palm Beach
Most visitors will opt for a rental car in this area, although the public transport system is a convenient way to reach the attractions in both West Palm Beach and The Island. Palm Tran has services to 32 routes with more than 140 buses. In downtown West Palm, free shuttles connect to all the major centers and tourist destinations.
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Terry Hely specializes in travel destination guides with an emphasis on planning resources for holiday makers. Find out more about
Palm Beach vacations from his Go Florida site which includes an extensive collection of
Palm Beach accommodation