It was only noon on Thursday, but cocktail hour had already begun at the Colony Hotel pool in Palm Beach. I had come here to research this Palm Beach travel guide, eager to experience the island’s glamorous revival firsthand. The moment I arrived, I could feel the energy sunlight shimmering on the water, music floating through the palms, and laughter echoing off the pink hotel walls.
A waiter brought me a Monkey Business, a refreshing blend of mango, citrus, and mint. “Hold the vodka,” I said it wasn’t just that it was early; I was three months pregnant. Around me, everyone seemed to be celebrating. A young mother floated on a pool lounger with rosé in hand, while her son practiced handstands underwater. Nearby, the terrace at Swifty’s buzzed with conversation and clinking glasses beneath chandeliers strung with flowers.
A Walk Through Palm Beach History
In the 1920s, Johnnie Brown became a local celebrity as the pet of architect Addison Mizner. The eccentric designer helped define the island’s Mediterranean Revival style. Together, the two were often seen strolling down Worth Avenue, the monkey perched on Mizner’s shoulder, martini in paw.
I discovered their story at the Classic Bookshop on South County Road. There, I picked up The Illustrated History of Palm Beach, published by the local historical society. The book describes how the town transformed after the 1918 influenza pandemic.
Once a quiet coastal village, Palm Beach grew into a Gilded Age playground for America’s elite. Industrialist Henry Flagler built grand hotels, while Mizner designed elegant mansions that defined the island’s glamorous identity. After World War II, veterans and retirees seeking sunshine and serenity settled here a trend that continues today.
A New Wave of Palm Beach Sophistication
The COVID-19 pandemic sparked another wave of newcomers. Many came from major cities like New York and Los Angeles, drawn by open space, year-round warmth, and tax benefits. These newcomers are reshaping Palm Beach with a fresh, modern energy while keeping its vintage charm alive.
Designer Celerie Kemble, who grew up on the island, sees this as a continuation of Palm Beach’s story.
A Taste of New York in the Tropics
When Lucido, a New York designer, arrived to oversee Swifty’s new Palm Beach outpost, he expected a quiet, exclusive community. Instead, he found a vibrant and cultured scene. He soon bought a 1930s Spanish-style home in West Palm Beach’s Southend. Now he splits his time between there and Manhattan, sharing the home with his girlfriend and Jack Russell terrier.
He’s not alone. Several top New York restaurants have opened Palm Beach locations. Le Bilboquet brings French bistro flair to Worth Avenue. La Goulue serves classic terrines and pommes frites in a dining room reminiscent of the Upper East Side. Sant Ambroeus brightens Royal Poinciana Plaza with its signature purple umbrellas. Across the bridge, Estiatorio Milos is preparing to open in One Flagler Tower, set to become a new power-lunch favorite.
Palm Beach Style: Tradition Meets Modern Living
A short walk from Worth Avenue, I stopped at Town Country Coast, a boutique blending classic Palm Beach charm with modern design. Owner Dana Lorenz curates vintage and contemporary home décor inspired by timeless Palm Beach style.
“Most locals want the town to look the same,” Lorenz said, “but they think differently now.” Many young families have moved into renovated bungalows and Spanish Colonial homes, bringing new perspectives and progressive ideas.
Even the art scene reflects this evolution. A bold mural on Clematis Street now celebrates icons of the Civil Rights Movement a striking symbol of Palm Beach’s ongoing cultural shift.
An Artistic Revival
Over the last few years, Palm Beach has become a hub for international art. Renowned galleries like Sotheby’s, Pace, Acquavella, and Lévy Gorvy have all opened spaces in Royal Poinciana Plaza.
Art dealer Sarah Gavlak, who opened her gallery here in 2005, helped pave the way. “Palm Beach has always attracted creative people,” she says. “Now the conversation feels global.”
With art fairs, boutique galleries, and international buyers flocking to the island, Palm Beach’s cultural renaissance feels unstoppable.
Palm Beach Today: Cool, Creative, and Classic
Once known for its old-money elegance, Palm Beach now pulses with creative energy. It’s a mix of old-world luxury and modern innovation. Designers, artists, and entrepreneurs all find inspiration here among the palms and pastel façades.
From historic mansions to trendy new restaurants, Palm Beach blends timeless beauty with contemporary spirit. Whether you’re sipping a mocktail at the Colony pool or exploring an art gallery at sunset, you’ll see that this island’s charm hasn’t faded it’s evolved.
