Florida is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States.
The Sunshine State saw a record-breaking 35.1 million tourists in the first nine months of 2023, and one destination in particular is trending right now.
Palm Beach County in South Florida just announced a new tourism record, welcoming 9.5 million tourists this year. Most of these visitors stayed in West Palm Beach, the largest town in the county.
Here’s why West Palm Beach is so popular with travelers right now:
Easier Than Ever To Get To
According to reports, travel to West Palm Beach was bolstered this year by growing airplane and train traffic.
Several airlines launched new flights to Palm Beach International Airport this year.
Delta Air Lines started service from White Plains, New York to PBI, while the low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines launched flights from Wilmington, Delaware to PBI.
These and other seasonal routes make it easy for travelers from other parts of the United States to get to sunny West Palm Beach, especially to escape the cold this winter.
Additionally, the long-awaited Brightline train from Miami to Orlando officially launched this year, connecting more travelers to West Palm Beach.
Previously, Brightline opened stations in West Palm Beach and Boca Raton, two towns in Palm Beach County, but now stations have also opened in Miami and Orlando.
West Palm Beach is just one hour and 15 minutes by train from Miami and two hours and 10 minutes from Orlando.
A More Laidback Alternative To Miami
Miami is known for being one of South Florida’s biggest hotspots, offering an incredible blend of great beaches, crazy nightlife, delicious food, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
However, Miami is a major metropolis, whereas West Palm Beach is a smaller, more laidback town with about one-quarter the population of Miami.
This makes it a more laidback and relaxing alternative to Miami. But make no mistake, there are still plenty of things going on in West Palm Beach! The town has gorgeous beaches on par with those in Miami, as well as tons of opportunities for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
West Palm Beach is the perfect destination for families, as well as couples or friend groups who are looking for a more low-key Florida getaway compared to the intensity of Miami.
Luxury hotels in West Palm Beach are typically more affordable than their counterparts in Miami.
Tons Of Things To Do This Winter
If you’re looking to escape the cold and enjoy the Florida sunshine this winter, there’s no better place to go than West Palm Beach.
Even in the winter, temperatures in West Palm Beach hover around the high seventies or low eighties with plenty of sun.
This makes it a great beach destination even in the middle of winter! The beach here has soft white sand and clear turquoise-blue waters, perfect for swimming.
The water is also great for snorkeling and scuba diving, and West Palm Beach is actually one of the most popular destinations in Florida for these activities!
If you’re looking for things to do other than going to the beach, you’ll never be bored in West Palm Beach.
The town has a thriving arts scene, and there are tons of cool, artsy neighborhoods to explore, like the bohemian Northwood Village and the Antique Row Art & Design District.
You’ll find tons of great art galleries and vintage shops in these neighborhoods.
And while the West Palm Beach dining and nightlife scene is not quite on par with Miami, there are still tons of great options to choose from.
The Square and Clematis Street are two of the liveliest areas in West Palm Beach to head to for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Credit: Source link
