Your Perfect Day in West Palm Beach

Need a change of pace? We’re heading north for a dreamy daylong escape to West Palm Beach. From the world-class art and history museums to gorgeous beaches and stellar restaurants, this Florida town is full of charm and tranquility. Here’s how to make the most of a day there.

Calling all history buffs: Get a look inside oil tycoon Henry Flagler’s 100,000-square-foot Gilded Age mansion, Whitehall. Think of it as the Versailles of Florida (it’s more than 100 years old). The75-room palaceincludes gardens, bedrooms, ballrooms, living areas and dining spaces, which are all open for visitors to explore. Outside, find a restored train car from Flagler’s historic Florida East Coast Railway.

著名的scul的故居ptor Ann Weaver Norton and her husband, Ralph, theNorton Houseboasts more than 250 tropical plants and 100 different sculpture works. If you can swing it, stop by theSociety of the Four Arts, which is located just a few minutes away. In addition to a gorgeous botanical garden, there’s an art gallery as well as a 700-seat auditorium, which frequently hosts events.The Norton Museum of Art, also founded by Ralph Norton, features a remarkable collection of American, Chinese, European and contemporary works, including a few Picassos. (Heads up, though: It’s closed for renovations until February 2019.)

West Palm (and the immediate surrounding areas)ranked number two nationwidein the park space category, with 15 percent of its land dedicated to public green space, beaches and landmarks. Some of our absolute favorites includePeanut IslandandJohn D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Both are considered environmental treasures, featuring picturesque (and quiet!) stretches of sand as well as activities such as kayaking and snorkeling. You may even spot a manatee.

Fun fact: Thisiconic hotel(created by our old friend Flagler) was modeled after the Villa Medici in Rome, a feat that required bringing in 75 Italian artisans to hand-paint and detail the premises. Even if you don’t spring for a room, make a point of hanging out here for a while. That swoon-worthy little courtyard is the perfect spot to enjoy anaperitivobefore going to dinner.