New York City has Fifth Avenue. Beverly Hills has Rodeo Drive. For Palm Beach (and Florida as a whole), there’s Worth Avenue. Created as a respite from the hustle and bustle of major cities, you can find designer boutiques, amazing galleries and must-try restaurants along quiet, palm-tree-lined streets.
Plus, if you’re lucky enough to visit during the Christmas season, you can capture Instagram-worthy images of its 40-foot tree.
Trust us: When the temps are cooler in Florida, you’ll want to put the top down and hit the road. Less humidity. Barely a drop of rain. And pure sunshine. Where better to cruise than toward the east coast glitz and glamour of Palm Beach?
So, fill up the gas tank, ready your credit card and explore Worth Avenue with us!
Pro Tip: Parking is free for two hours on most of the streets parallel to Worth Avenue, including Sunrise, Sunset, Hammon, Gulfstream (our usual choice) and Peruvian — all avenues, all day. Just look for the signs. Or leave your car in West Palm at one of the city garages and rent a Skybike or walk the bridge instead.
Art, Art, Baby!
Known as the second oldest art gallery in America, Findlay Galleries represents more than 100 artists and artists’ estates. If you live for modernism, European impressionism, or 20th century American paintings, this is the place for you.
Though the gallery is known for its vast selection of global artists, past exhibitions have featured works by Orville Bulman. The self-taught, mid-twentieth century modern painter whose works were inspired by trips to Haiti made Palm Beach his second home after sustaining recurring neck injuries. He maintained a residence there until his passing in 1978.
Specializing in photography, the Holden Luntz Gallery carries various pieces, from portraiture to alternative photography to sublimated aluminum prints. Past shows have covered contemporary photographers like Harry Benson and famed underwater photography pioneer Bruce Mozert.
It’s been reported that while Mozert was on his way to an assignment in Miami, he made a stop at Silver Springs because he had heard that Johnny Weissmuller was filming a Tarzan movie. He was so enchanted that he wound up staying there as the park’s photographer for the next 45 years.
Other galleries include the John H Surovek Gallery, which specializes in American art, and Gallerie Y, which features collections by modern artists.
To Naples with love: Things to do in this city of retirees
Trip to Islamorada: Quiet adventure, fresh seafood at every corner
If you’re interested in more contemporary works, especially in the realm of public art, the walk across the Royal Poinciana Bridge and then go under it to experience West Palm Beach’s “Canvas,” the annual outdoor arts gallery.
Hot tip: Go under the bridge to meet Clara. And on your way back, swing a hard left just as the bottom of the bridge to explore Palm Beach’s Lake Trail.
Wine and Dine
Nestled among bougainvillea, Cafe Flora is a hidden gem that serves Tuscan fare within a relaxed and laid back atmosphere. Nosh on something light such as the salmon or chicken paillard or go all-in with the Costoletta di Agnel lo (rack of lamb). You can also partake of casual dining at the much-loved bistro Ta-boo, which is not only open daily but also on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. While their happy hour menu offers tasty adult beverages and sliders, you can also feast on Florida Crab Stone Claws or Ostera Caviar.
Other quick bites to try according to Palm Beach Daily News food critic are the Whitehall Special Blend tea at the Flagler Museum’s lakefront Café des Beaux-Arts. It’s the perfect complement to the cafe’s tea sandwiches, scones and sweets. Or indulge in a quick afternoon pick me up at Piccolo Gelato. Though known for its gelato and sorbetto, you can also get a cappuccino, cafe latte or affogato paired with a waffle cookie and choice of gelato.
Rainbow Springs state park: Float down a lazy river, explore waterfalls
Florida Travel: 5 family-friendly day trips
Carte Blanche
If you love luxury, dream of shoes or hearing the words “leather goods” makes your heart skip a beat, then take a deep breath or a sip of champagne. The choices on Worth Avenue are dizzying. There is Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Chanel, Neiman –just to name a few — and boutiques galore. It is truly a shopping mecca!
You may even score a deal at one of the thrift stores on the island such as the Goodwill Embassy Boutique. This well-curated shop offers artwork, jewelry and designer clothing. Quite frankly, this is the place to wrap up your holiday shopping.
Trust us…Worth Avenue is so worth the drive.
Florida bucket list: The top things to do before the new year
Visit Siesta Key: 4 ways to enjoy the island like a local
Dive In
There are six miles of beach, open sunrise to sunset, with lifeguards stationed just north of Worth Avenue. And locals and tourists alike love where ritzy Worth Avenue meets the ocean. This easy-to-reach beach recently underwent a retention project to replenish its sand.
If your Palm Beach day trip doesn’t include getting in the water, no worries. The beach is so close to Ocean Boulevard that you can walk along the salmon-covered sea wall and take in beautiful blue views without removing your shoes. Don’t forget to get a picture in front of the iconic, Worth Ave. clock tower.
For more Florida trips and adventures, sign up for the free weekly newsletter, Day Trippin’.
This story has been written and syndicated across Gannett Media’s Florida markets.
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/zz/news/20191211/trip-to-worth-avenue-4-ways-to-enjoy-this-strip-on-palm-beach
