Released on March 20, 2024, Palm Royale is a Palm Beach-inspired series starring Kristen Wiig, Ricky Martin, and Josh Lucas, making its global debut on Apple TV+.

Set in Palm Beach in 1969, this series transports viewers to a world of Palm Beach social climbing, colorful characters, and high-society drama. While the show promises an entertaining peek into this exclusive world, it might leave you wondering – what’s the real Palm Beach like?

Forget the scripted drama and step into the sun-drenched reality of Palm Beach, Florida. This South Florida gem offers far more than just exclusive clubs and socialite struggles. From vibrant cultural experiences to hidden gems and world-class activities, it promises an unforgettable escape for every travel style. Here are 10 Palm Royale-style things to do in Palm Beach.

1. Embrace the Palette of Palm Beach: Shopping at Lilly Pulitzer

Your Palm Royale journey begins with an explosion of colors. Immerse yourself in the iconic Lilly Pulitzer store on Worth Avenue, a kaleidoscope of playful prints and vibrant hues. This haven for fashionistas will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Barbie dream.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect casual resort dress or an outfit for a night out, the Lilly Pulitzer store on Worth Avenue offers a mix of color and style for any occasion.

2. Stop for an Afternoon Tea in a Gilded Age Mansion

Travel back in time at the Flagler Museum, a Gilded Age masterpiece that highlights Henry Flagler’s accomplishments in shaping Florida’s history and America’s Gilded Age.

Take a step back into history at the Flagler Kenan Pavilion and enjoy a quintessential Palm Beach experience: afternoon tea. Savor exquisite bites amidst the museum’s grandeur, complete with breathtaking waterfront views.

The prix-fixe menu includes a selection of savory sandwiches, traditional scones with strawberry jam and lemon curd, and a variety of desserts, complemented by the Museum’s own Whitehall Special Blend Tea and berry sweetened lemonade. Each table is set for service using exquisite Whitehall Collection china.

3. Brunch Like a Socialite, The Palm Beaches Way

The legendary Sunday brunch at The Breakers hotel is an iconic experience and a not-to-be-missed event sought out by seasoned travelers and Palm Beach locals alike.

Each and every Sunday morning, The Circle at The Breakers is transformed into a spectacular brunch experience with a lavish buffet. Brunch favorites include Belgian waffles, eggs benedict, made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, imported cheeses and pâtés, pasta, fresh fish, baby lamb chops and carved beef tenderloin, a raw bar with a sushi selection, a domestic caviar station, Maine lobster, jumbo shrimp, oysters, and seasonal stone crab. Last but certainly not least: more than 30 decadent desserts.

4. Visit Worth Avenue for Shopping, Dining, and Architecture

Worth Avenue is an enchanting and world-renowned shopping destination spanning three blocks from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway. Considered one of the most beautiful shopping venues in the country, this sophisticated shopping destination boasts luxury brands and designer labels, as well as an upscale dining scene, art exhibits, and architectural beauties.

Shop some of the big brand names that boast a store on this luxurious avenue, such as Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Gucci. And if you get hungry, take a seat at Pizza Al Fresco, a peculiar restaurant that offers delicious brick-oven pizzas and classic Italian specialties in an outdoor courtyard surrounded by beautiful architecture.

At the west end of Worth Avenue sits the Everglades Club, Palm Beach County’s more well-known, secretive, and controversial private club. The club, which opened in 1919, is thought to be the place where architect Addison Mizner initially crafted the eclectic blend of architectural styles famously recognized as “the Palm Beach look.”

The club is believed to have about 1,000 members, but it has never officially provided a members list. It doesn’t have a website and prohibits phones.

5. Bike, Run, or Walk the Lake Trail

Palm Royale might portray a world of leisure and luxury, but Palm Beach offers plenty of opportunities to get active. Cycle along the scenic Lake Trail, winding alongside the Intracoastal Waterway. Enjoy stunning views, spot exclusive mansions, and mingle with locals as you soak in the fresh air.

The Lake Trail is located alongside the western edge of Palm Beach, an area that boasts some of the most exclusive addresses in the world and walls draped with bougainvillea and ivy. The trail is 5 and a half miles long, running from South Lake Drive near Peruvian Avenue North to its terminus just north of the Sailfish Club.

One of the main attractions on the trail is a giant kapok tree, a transplant from the Amazon rainforest brought here as an experimental crop tree in Palm Beach’s earliest days. Another attraction on the trail is the old Bethesda-by-the-Sea, a deconsecrated church converted into a family residence.

6. Fine Dining on the Island: Italian, French Fare, and More

Palm Beach offers a diverse culinary scene. Whether you seek a laid-back beachside lunch or an intimate fine-dining affair, there’s a culinary adventure awaiting you.

Nestled within the Brazilian Court Hotel, Cafe Boulud stands as one of the most sought-after dining spots on the island. Helmed by Michelin-star Chef Daniel Boulud, this award-winning restaurant presents a contemporary French-American brasserie experience.

Tucked away in Via Encantada off Worth Avenue lies a picturesque courtyard adorned with lush greenery, where Le Bilboquet awaits. This elevated French bistro celebrates local South Florida ingredients alongside fresh catches and daily specials.

Venture along South County Road, a short stroll from the beach, to discover Buccan, the acclaimed modern bistro of Palm Beach chef Clay Conley. Here, small plates bursting with bold flavors await your palate.

Lola 41, located at the White Elephant hotel, invites you to a breezy coastal bistro experience, offering a fusion of local seafood, Mediterranean, and Asian-inspired dishes within its indoor/outdoor setting.

Concluding your culinary journey is Florie’s, an exceptional restaurant conceptualized by three Michelin-star Chef Mauro Colagreco and nestled in the heart of the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. Renowned for its unique live-fire cooking and dedication to earth-conscious cuisine, Florie’s promises an unforgettable dining experience.

7. Read a Book in the King Library

Get lost in a good book at the King Library, a stunning architectural marvel housing an extensive collection. The Gioconda and Joseph King Library houses more than 75,000 books, audiobooks, DVDs, and periodicals and is part of the Society of the Four Arts.

This cultural institution offers hundreds of programs, including live performances, art exhibits, workshops, films, children programs, and more. Besides the library, this 10-acre campus along the Intracoastal Waterway also includes a performance hall, an art gallery, a modern education center devoted to lifelong learning, and beautiful sculpture gardens.

The King Library serves the Town of Palm Beach but is open to library members from all over.

8. Stay at The Colony Hotel

Sophisticated, chic, and pink, The Colony is a charming destination that dates back to 1947 and that screams “Palm Beach.” Its elegance and captivating views quickly drew in discerning guests, including John Lennon and Frank Sinatra. To this day beachside butlers skip about with gourmet bites and cocktails. The Colony boasts easy access to both Worth Avenue and the beach. Additionally, all rooms are customized to be distinctive and memorable, mixing old-world glamor with the most modern updates. 

Guests can enjoy a collection of eateries including the iconic Swifty’s, which buzzes around The Colony’s sparkling pool with a fabulous menu, the Pink Paradise Café, which embraces a premium European coffee experience, and The Living Room, a chic locale for Palm Beachers to meet, work, and socialize.

9. Play Golf with Views of The Ocean

Experience golfing with breathtaking ocean views at the Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Lake Worth Lagoon, offering an unparalleled golfing adventure.

Originally crafted by legendary golf course architect Dick Wilson and his apprentice Joe Lee in 1961, the course underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2009 under the expertise of World Hall of Fame champion Raymond Floyd.

Set amidst a stunning tropical landscape, the Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course features two tranquil lakes and lush paspalum turf, constantly refreshed by gentle ocean breezes.

With 18 picturesque holes ranging from 81 to 211 yards, and three sets of tees on each hole, the course provides a diverse and challenging experience for golfers of all levels. Additionally, a charming two-story Key West-style clubhouse awaits, housing a well-equipped Pro-shop and the inviting Al Fresco Restaurant and Bar.

10. Indulge in Luxury Shopping and Dining at the Royal Poinciana Plaza

Experience luxury shopping at the Royal Poinciana Plaza, an upscale retail destination established in the late 1950s. Embracing classic John Volk architecture, the plaza showcases 50 carefully curated brands, exemplifying the renowned Palm Beach style.

Spanning 180,000 square feet, the plaza seamlessly integrates retail spaces with lush gardens, offering a shopping and entertainment haven for those seeking indulgence and relaxation.

While visiting, be sure to stop at Sant Ambroeus, an exquisite upscale restaurant serving authentic Milanese delicacies. With its refined dining ambiance, a cocktail bar, cozy café tables, and a signature coffee bar and gelateria, Sant Ambroeus promises a memorable culinary experience.

Palm Royale might offer a glimpse into a specific side of Palm Beach, but the real magic lies beyond the scripted drama. So, pack your bags, embrace the sunshine, and create your own unique Palm Beach story.