Though West Palm Beach isn’t the first destination that comes to mind when you think of South Florida, travelers will find a few surprises! Calmer than Miami and less touristy than Palm Beach Resort, West Palm Beach is perfect for soaking up the laid-back lifestyle of the region.
As a less visited region, there isn’t a lot of information about the city online aimed at tourists. If you want to visit the city, it’s important to get a good idea of the best neighborhoods. I say this not just for safety reasons, but also to ensure you have an enjoyable time in an area that suits your itinerary.
That’s where I come in! I’ve created this guide to the three best neighborhoods in West Palm Beach and categorized them based on who they are best for. Consulting local experts and travel bloggers, I have you sorted whether you want nightlife, family-friendly fun, or simply somewhere cheap to stay.
Whether you’re here to get your shopping on at Clematis Street or to check out the Palm Beach Gardens… Maybe you want to tan yo’ titties on one of the many Palm Beaches, I’ve got you covered.
So let’s get into it!
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- Where is the Best Place to Stay in West Palm Beach?
- West Palm Beach Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in West Palm Beach
- West Palm Beach’s Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in West Palm Beach
- What To Pack For West Palm Beach
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for West Palm Beach
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in West Palm Beach
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Taking a trip to Florida? Looking for a specific place to stay? These are my highest recommendations for places to stay in West Palm Beach.
Ray Hotel Delray Beach | Best Hotel in West Palm Beach
This is one of West Palm Beach’s luxury hotels that feels like you’re living your dream life. Ray Hotel Delray Beach is a part of the Curio Collection by Hilton West Palm Beach so you know you’re in good hands. In a great location within walking distance of the epic shopping of Delray Beach the wonderful restaurants nearby.
The amenities at this boutique hotel are stellar and include a rooftop bar, three excellent restaurants, and a fitness center. There’s also an outdoor pool with comfy loungers to lay on and get that Florida tan on. If you need some salt water therapy, walk on down to Delray Beach, just 2km away.
The Ben | Best Luxury Hotel in West Palm Beach
As the only five-star hotel in the city, it’s no wonder The Ben takes my top spot for West Palm Beach! It is obviously on the pricey side, but it is well worth it if you are looking to splurge on the ultimate comfort. As part of the Autograph Collection, it is known for its stylish décor and impeccable interiors.
Poolside Palace | Best Airbnb in West Palm Beach
The Airbnb scene in Florida is booming. Airnnb Plus is a range of handpicked accommodation choices from the Airbnb team that showcase interesting design, great service and excellent facilities! This massive apartment is a great example of this ethos – and is well located in the heart of Flamingo Parks. It is a great choice for large groups and families.
Downtown
Downtown West Palm Beach is the modern heart of the city, hosting most of the best known attractions! This neighborhood used to have a shady reputation, but is now one of the safer parts of the city.
Flamingo Parks
Often considered part of the Downtown Area, Flamingo Parks has a unique atmosphere that is perfect for young visitors as well as creatives! Whilst West Palm Beach is already one of the cheapest cities in the region, Flamingo Parks offers some good options for those on a strict budget.
Palm Beach Lakes
Whilst Palm Beach Lakes is mostly a residential area, there are some great hotels in the southern half of the area! This serene neighborhood is perfect for families looking for a relaxing stay close to the city centre.
West Palm Beach is a sprawling city that forms part of the wider South Florida metropolitan area! For this reason, it’s mostly considered a cheap place to stay for those wanting to visit Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach. If you take the time to explore the city itself, however, there are some great attractions in their own right.
Downtown West Palm Beach is the main hub of the city and a great place to get your bearings in West Palm Beach! Once known as a more dangerous part of the city, the area now suits visitors, locals, and even families all day and all night. The CityPlace area within this neighborhood is particularly popular in the evenings, and this region is the best connected to Palm Beach in the east.
Just south of Downtown is Flamingo Parks and this is one of the cheapest neighborhoods in the city – certainly, to stay centrally! It has some great attractions for an alternative experience; this area is home to independent art galleries, modern coffee shops, and popular dive bars. If you plan on heading to Miami or Fort Lauderdale during your trip, this is a good place to be based too.
The sprawling area to the far west of the city is Palm Beach Lakes! This region is mostly known for its golf courses, but the easygoing suburban atmosphere makes it dreamy for families wanting a laid-back city break. There are also some top attractions in the vicinity to keep the kids entertained and has the largest shopping outlets in the city.
Still need help deciding? Check out my more extensive guides below!
Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the five best neighborhoods in West Palm Beach. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighborhood that’s right for you. There are plenty of things to do in Palm Springs, which makes it the ideal spot for a summer vacation.
1. Downtown – Where to Stay in West Palm Beach for Your First Time
Downtown West Palm Beach is the modern heart of the city, hosting most of the best-known attractions! This neighborhood used to have a shady reputation but is now one of the safer parts of the city. There are some great cultural attractions throughout the day, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene in the evenings.
Downtown is already a popular area with tourists thanks to its quick connections to Palm Beach itself! This is a great area for those wanting to avoid the high prices of the city’s eastern neighbor. There are also some great boat tours departing from the urban heart of the region.
The Ben | Best Hotel in Downtown
This five-star hotel is truly the definition of luxury in West Palm Beach! They offer an American-style breakfast, as well as á la carte options if you want something a little fancier. It comes with an outdoor swimming pool, as well as a spacious gym and high-speed WiFi access throughout.
Stay fit on vacay and make the most of that gym before you max relax on the Palm Beach shores and work on that tan.
The Lofts on Clematis | Best Apartment in Downtown
This modern apartment is a great budget-friendly option for your stay in Downtown Palm Beach. Palm Beach itself is less than 2km away (walking distance if you ask me!) while Riviera Beach is a bit of a hike, seven km away. The best bit about this apartment is that it’s pet-friendly so if you’re a domestic tourist, you don’t have to leave your furry friend behind.
Venezia Home | Best Airbnb in Downtown
A lovely choice for your stay in downtown West Palm Beach, this Florida Airbnb is a good option for those wanting to experience the city’s nightlife! Parking access is included, the rooms are spacious the kitchen area is equipped with basic amenities, and WiFi is available in every room. This Florida home is in the perfect residential neighborhood but within walking distance of all the hubbub of the city center – perfect for everyone!
Things to See and Do in Downtown
Photo: @hautju
- The Kravis Centre is the main theatre in the area, housing live music and theatre performances from across the United States
- Experience the perfect West Palm Beach day with a guided boat tour, with swimming, snorkeling, and stunning views. Discover local favorite spots as you explore the tropical Peanut Island.
- Florida enjoys sun year-round, and the Meyer Amphitheatre is a great option for enjoying a show in the great outdoors with views toward Palm Beach
- Speaking of Palm Beach, there is a boat to the city from Palm Harbor Marina – as well as some interesting boat tours of the coastline
- The South Cove Islands are a small unspoiled natural beauty, bar the long boardwalk that stretches into the islands
- Embark on a catamaran cruise of Palm Beach’s fascinating coastline and waterways
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Flamingo Parks – Best Place to Stay in West Palm Beach on a Budget
Often considered part of the Downtown Area, Flamingo Parks has a unique atmosphere that is perfect for young visitors as well as creatives! Whilst West Palm Beach is one of the cheapest cities in the region, Flamingo Parks offers some good options for those on a strict budget.
Known as one of the most creative districts in the area, Flamingo Parks is packed with art galleries and independent coffee shops! The main street through the area is lined with great restaurants and vibrant bars. It is also a bit more laid back than Downtown, making it a good place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main entertainment strips.
Hilton West Palm Beach | Best Hotel in Flamingo Parks
This four-star Hilton Resort is located on the boundary between Downtown and Flamingo Parks – giving you easy access to both neighborhoods! They have some great facilities, including a large outdoor pool and a gift shop. A complimentary shuttle bus is also available to all guests if you want to visit Juno Beach or the Intercoastal walkway.
Garden Oasis in Flamingo Park | Best Homestay in Flamingo Parks
Right in the heart of Flamingo Parks, this holiday home is only a short walk away from the art galleries! This garden oasis is the dream place to post up during your stay in Palm Beach County and have somewhere quiet to retreat to. There’s a spacious garden area with a BBQ where you can unwind after a day of exploring.
Poolside Palace | Best Airbnb in Flamingo Parks
This massive apartment sleeps up to six people, great for if you’re traveling with the family! This hotel even comes with its own private saltwater pool for a relaxing dip after a long day of exploring – LUSH. Part of the Airbnb Plus range, this uber-stylish apartment has a small porch area at the front of the property and comes with fantastic reviews.
Things to See and Do in Flamingo Parks
Photo: @adrinicol3
- The Norton Museum of Art is the largest gallery in the city and contains both classic and contemporary pieces
- Head to Howard Park for a relaxing stroll through the gorgeous gardens, as well as the odd street food truck on occasion
- The Ookapow Brewing Company is a hugely popular craft brewery with regular tours of its facilities and a great bar
- Enjoy a hassle-free beach day with a fully set-up beach spot
- Head to the Grandview Public Market to enjoy some street food, fresh ingredients, and handmade souvenirs from local artisans
- The Box Gallery is a smaller independent gallery featuring works from artists from across the South Florida area
3. Palm Beach Lakes – Best Neighborhood in West Palm Beach for Families to Stay In
Whilst Palm Beach Lakes is mostly a residential area, there are some great hotels in the southern half of the area! This serene neighborhood is perfect for families looking for a relaxing stay close to the city center. It is surrounded by great attractions that will keep the entire family happy.
Most notably, Palm Beach Lakes is home to the largest golf courses in the city! It is also a major shopping destination, with a large outlet mall and regular shopping court. It is well connected to Downtown by both public transport and highway, giving you easy access to other parts of the city and beyond.
Hilton Garden Inn West Palm Beach | Best Resort in Palm Beach Lakes
Another great Hilton West Palm Beach hotel in the city, this three-star resort is a little more basic. Perfect if you’re traveling solo and want a more budget-friendly option near the outlet shopping!
Despite the lower rating, Hilton Garden Inn still comes with the Hilton West Palm Beach levels of service. There’s a huge outdoor pool area, a small fitness center so you can stay fit on vacay, and 24-hour room service and luggage storage services.
Home in West Palm Beach | Best Homestay in Palm Beach Lakes
Palm Beach Lakes might not have many backpacker options, but this family-friendly neighborhood has some excellent holiday home options! This colossal townhouse sleeps six people and has its own private pool – making it a fantastic choice for larger families in the area. There are plenty of entertainment options too – from the TV and the arcade machines in the lounge to the billiards table by the outdoor pool.
Plus, the fire pit is a treat and if you need more, there are so many epic nature joints within walking distance. Riviera Beach is eight km away which might be a bit of a stretch but there’s public transport nearby. On that note, Palm Beach International Airport is just over two km away.
Chic Modern Home | Best Airbnb in Palm Beach Lakes
For a little bit of an upgrade, this luxury townhouse is only a short walk away from the beach. Plus it’s well connected to the city center by public transport and there’s a private garage for free parking if you’ve got your own car.
Rack ‘em up and enjoy some friendly competition on the pool table – perfect for unwinding with some friendly competition! And, it converts into a Ping Pong table.
Things to See and Do in Palm Beach Lakes
- Bear Lakes Country Club is a huge golf course stretching across the entire neighborhood, with one of the best clubhouses in the state!
- Head to Palm Beach Outlets where you can grab national and international designer brands at heavily discounted prices
- Need something to tire the kids out? Rapids Water Park is a great attraction that is popular with local families and visitors alike
- Lincoln Park is a small greenspace close to the area with sports grounds, running tracks and good facilities
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in West Palm Beach
Here’s what people usually ask about the areas of West Palm Beach and where to stay.
What To Pack For West Palm Beach
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
What are the best beaches in West Palm Beach?
The options here are endless! Not quite, but plentiful, there are beautiful beaches from Delray Beach in the middle which is hot for shopping. Then there are the quieter options like Highland Beach, Juno Beach, and Lake Worth Beach – I love having options for beaches!
Why are there so many Hilton’s in West Palm Beach?
It’s Paris, bitch! No, wait, that’s Britney… I have no idea but the Hilton’s are extensive, that’s for sure! There’s the Hilton Garden Inn, the Hilton West Palm Beach, and a heap of variant chains too.
Which is the best hotel near West Palm Beach Airport?
Hilton Garden Inn West Palm Beach would be my top pick. The Hilton Gardens West Palm Beach is an epic option with exceptional staff. Get in touch to inquire about airport transfers if you’re flying in.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for West Palm Beach
Everyone needs good travel insurance – yes, even you!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in West Palm Beach
Whilst West Palm Beach is kept off most itineraries in South Florida, it should absolutely be on your radar. If you want a unique experience with great connections to all the other areas within the region and extensive, wonderful Palm Beaches. With a vibrant nightlife scene and a flourishing creative sector, it’s not long before this becomes a major destination in its own right.
In terms of the best area, I’m going to go with Flamingo Parks! Only a short trip from Downtown, this up-and-coming neighborhood has some great modern attractions that brilliantly showcase the city’s recent growth. My top recommendation would have to be Hilton West Palm Beach, the Hilton West Palm Beach hotels are hard to beat!
That being said, all three neighborhoods have their benefits and are well-connected. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly stay, Garden Oasis in Flamingo Park is an epic option. You can be close to the best hotels without paying for them.
I hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options. It’s always the hardest part making the choice on where to stay but once it’s done, vacay on baby! You get to get into the fun stuff like how long you want to spend on Delray Beach.
Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments, I love to chat!
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Florida instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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