Palm Beach Food & Wine returns December 11–14, bringing a packed schedule of chef-driven dinners, tastings, and culinary events across Palm Beach County—including many in West Palm Beach. If you’re staying in town for the festival and want to explore beyond the plate, here are standout ways to make the most of your weekend.
Things to Do
Ice Skate at The Ben Hotel
The Ben is home to the only real outdoor ice-skating rink in South Florida, complete with a charming holiday market running through early January. Spend the day on the water or playing The Park—the city’s award-winning public golf course ranked among the nation’s Top 100 by Golf Digest—then bundle up and skate under the stars. (Bonus: The Ben hosts a strolling culinary event on Saturday night of the festival.)
Holiday in Paradise: Meet Sandi
West Palm Beach’s beloved 700-ton, 35-foot-tall sand tree—Sandi—is illuminated nightly from December 4–31 on the Great Lawn at 100 N. Clematis Street. Light and music shows run every 15 minutes from 6–10 p.m.
Where to Stay: Wellness, Luxury & Convenience
Belgrove Resort & Spa
Tucked beside Lake Mangonia, this serene retreat opened last year and is known for its striking design, exceptional spa, and access to the exclusive Dutchman’s Pipe golf course. Just 15 minutes from downtown, it’s ideal for recharging between festival events.
Other great options include The Ben, Hilton West Palm Beach, and AKA West Palm.
Art & Culture
West Palm Beach boasts one of South Florida’s most exciting and fast-growing public art collections, thanks to major private–public investment. Explore the city’s installations via this interactive map.
At the Mandel Library, you’ll find rotating exhibitions, including TreeFall (through December 31), a group show by five local women artists exploring the environmental impact of fallen trees.
Also worth a visit: the Norton Museum of Art and the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens.
Shopping
Finish your holiday shopping at The Square (CityPlace)—home to brands like Reformation, lululemon, and OluKai—or explore artisan finds in Northwood Village. Outlet shopping is close to Belgrove, and the West Palm Beach Green Market takes over Clematis Street every Saturday with produce, baked goods, and local makers.
Nature & Outdoors
Grassy Waters Preserve, 23 square miles of pristine wetlands, offers nature tours, kayaking, canoeing, and swamp tromps just minutes from downtown.
Or stroll/bike the scenic seven miles of Flagler Drive, dotted with parks, marinas, and breezy waterfront views.
Dining
West Palm Beach’s dining scene is hotter than ever, with Michelin-recognized restaurants and nationally noted hotspots. Standouts include:
- Grato – Led by multi-time James Beard nominee Clay Conley
- Moody Tongue – Michelin-recognized
- Pistache – Classic French brasserie
- Malka – A high-end Kosher destination
- Mary Lou’s – A nightlife-leaning bar/restaurant named one of USA Today’s Best Bars in the U.S. (2025)
On the Horizon
The highly anticipated Nora district—a $1 billion revitalization—continues to open in phases. Now welcoming visitors: Le Labo, Van Leeuwen, and Sunday Motor Co. Soon to follow: Juliana’s Pizza, Warby Parker, Pastis inside the Nora Hotel, and the long-awaited arrival of Eataly at The Square. Meanwhile, the historic Sunset Lounge in the Northwest neighborhood is nearing completion and will reintroduce its legendary jazz legacy next year.
