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West Palm Beach: Sun, Fun, and Sophistication

West Palm Beach, Florida, like much of Southeast Florida, has its roots in Native Americans, pirates, Spanish explorers, and most recently, genius businessmen. More to the point, one such genius businessman, Henry Flagler, began developing the area into the modern tourist community it is today way back in the 1890's. Flagler's East Coast Railroad had its operational base in West Palm, and Flagler built a home in Palm Beach. Flagler's vision is responsible for turning what had been a struggling agricultural area into one of the most sought out respites of the social elite.

West Palm Beach is a great place for an active vacation. Scuba diving is very popular in the area. Boat rentals are available for charter fishing, sailing, and parasailing. Jet skis are available, as are surfboard rentals. Tennis courts are in great supply. Golfers will want to give the links of Emerald Dunes Golf Course a rip. This course, designed by Tom Fazio, was called, "one of the top 10 courses you can play," by Golf magazine. Beach enthusiasts will want to check out Midtown Beach in Palm Beach. This small, popular beach is a pristine oasis amongst all the glitz of Palm Beach.

Across the Flagler Bridge is the ultra posh town of Palm Beach. This area has been the home to the country's elite since the turn of the century. The Kennedys, Rockefellers, Pulitzers, and various other celebrities have either vacationed here or made a home in Palm Beach. It is also the location of the Flagler Museum, the home Henry Flagler built in 1902. The estate, Whitehall, was built in the Beaux-Arts style made popular at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. It is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public for tours and exhibits.

For some shopping and fine dining, visit City Place and its fifty-five spectacular acres in downtown West Palm Beach. These world-class shops and restaurants are set in a Mediterranean style complex reminiscent of a European town center. But if you really have some coin burning a whole in your pocket, head to Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. The street is lined with exclusive boutiques by famous designers and upscale restaurants catering to the well-moneyed set.

If you get the chance, take in a match at the Palm Beach Polo & Country Club. This "Sport of Kings" is surprisingly affordable, and will give a new perspective on the sport traditionally practiced by the very rich. Polo is a game where the combatants try to score goals while preventing the other team from doing the same. It's like hockey on horseback! The match is broken down into six 7-minute rounds, or "chukkers." Root for your favorite team, player or horse!

West Palm Beach is also a perfect starting out point for visiting other Florida areas. Fort Lauderdale is less than 30 miles south. Miami and art-deco haven South Beach are less than an hour away.

West Palm Beach can offer any vacationer a plethora of sights and attractions. Whether it's fine dining, exclusive shopping, outdoor sports, or simply basking in the Gold Coast's sun, West Palm Beach is just the place!