August 13, 2026

Miss America in The Palm Beaches: Things to Do Beyond the Competition

Visiting West Palm Beach for Miss America 2026? Discover the best things to do in Palm Beach and West Palm Beach, from shopping and brunch to waterfront dining, wellness, family fun and adventures on the water.

In town for Miss America? With the competition taking place August 28–September 6 in West Palm Beach, there’s plenty to experience between events — including an interactive scavenger hunt that takes you out and about around the destination.

Along the way, make time to explore West Palm Beach’s lively downtown, where restaurants, shopping, arts and culture, and waterfront views are all within easy reach. Then, head across the bridge to Palm Beach for a bike ride along the Palm Beach Lake Trail, explore the boutiques along Worth Avenue, linger over brunch, book some spa time, or get out on the water.

Whether you’re a contestant, traveling with family or cheering from the audience, Miss America week deserves an itinerary that shines, too.

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Explore West Palm Beach

Start at CityPlace, where restaurants, shops, public art and outdoor spaces make it easy to fill a few free hours. Keep your camera ready as you explore — lush landscaping, colorful details and picture-perfect corners create plenty of photo-worthy backdrops along the way.

Check the CityPlace events calendar and the Palm Beaches events calendar for live music, wellness classes, dining events and family-friendly happenings during your visit.

A few blocks away, explore Clematis Street and the downtown waterfront. Take a stroll toward the Intracoastal for palm-lined views and a West Palm Beach backdrop worth adding to your camera roll. If your schedule lines up with a Thursday evening, Clematis by Night offers free live music along the waterfront.

Keep exploring: Discover the top things to do in West Palm Beach and 10 things to do in Palm Beach for even more ideas to add to your itinerary.

Shopping in Palm Beach & West Palm Beach

Cross the bridge to Worth Avenue, where designer boutiques, hidden vias and picturesque courtyards define classic Palm Beach style.

Stop by Lilly Pulitzer for iconic color, Coniglio Palm Beach for resort-ready fashion, and The Royal Poinciana Plaza for another stylish mix of shopping and dining. Don’t miss the Worth Avenue Clock Tower for a quintessential Palm Beach photo.

Back in West Palm Beach, CityPlace brings together shopping, dining, public art and outdoor spaces in the heart of downtown, making it an easy stop between Miss America events.

For something a little unexpected, head to Antique Row, where you can browse antiques, art and one-of-a-kind finds. Stop at Palm Beach Vintage for vintage, couture and designer fashion spanning decades of style.

Keep exploring: Check out the Palm Beaches Style Guide.

Where to Eat & Drink

From lively brunches and healthy bites to rooftop cocktails and waterfront favorites, West Palm Beach has plenty of options for contestants, families and fans.

For a lively Sunday brunch, try Pink Steak. For a more playful atmosphere, West Palm Cowboy Club brings Southern flavors, cocktails and live music to downtown West Palm Beach. Looking for something fresh and easy? Stop by Pura Vida at CityPlace for açaí bowls, smoothies, salads, wraps and all-day breakfast — a great option for a quick breakfast or lunch between activities.

Save room for something sweet. Grab a gelato at Eataly at CityPlace, then take it with you as you stroll through CityPlace’s shops and outdoor spaces.

Over on Clematis Street, Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar is a lively downtown staple for tacos, tableside guacamole and margaritas. Its casual atmosphere makes it an easy option when you’re dining with family or a larger group.

For a true taste of West Palm Beach, make your way toward the waterfront to E.R. Bradley’s Saloon. Established in 1984, this longtime local tradition sits along the Intracoastal at the east end of Clematis Street, pairing waterfront views with casual dining and a lively atmosphere.

When the day winds down, head to Treehouse for rooftop cocktails and skyline views, or visit Spruzzo at The Ben for Intracoastal views and Mediterranean-inspired bites.

For an elevated meal by the water, La Marina at Rybovich Marina offers a beautiful setting for lunch, sunset cocktails or dinner.

And when the occasion calls for something extra special, explore The Palm Beaches’ MICHELIN-recognized dining scene, including Emelina, which earned One MICHELIN Star in 2026.

Local tip: Miss America week will be a busy one, so consider making reservations ahead of time, especially for larger groups, weekend brunch and special-occasion meals.

Spas, Wellness & Fitness

Competition week can get busy, so make room to recharge. From sunrise yoga and outdoor workouts to poolside downtime and spa treatments, West Palm Beach makes it easy to fit a little wellness into your plans.

Hilton West Palm Beach offers weekly outdoor fitness programming, including Sculpt & Sweat on Saturdays and Yoga on Sundays, along with monthly Full Moon Yoga and Sound Bath experiences.

For an early start with a view, The Ben hosts Sunrise Rooftop Yoga on Sunday mornings at its rooftop pool deck, pairing gentle movement with panoramic views of West Palm Beach.

You’ll also find wellness happening throughout CityPlace, with a rotating calendar of outdoor yoga, fitness classes and community wellness events. Check the schedule during your visit to see what’s happening on the lawn and around the neighborhood.

Looking for more time to unwind? The Belgrove Resort & Spa offers a resort spa experience in West Palm Beach, while Anushka Spa, Salon & Cosmedical Centre at CityPlace and The Spa at The Breakers in Palm Beach offer even more ways to relax and recharge.

Arts, Culture & Family Attractions

Take a break from shopping and dining to discover another side of The Palm Beaches.

Just minutes from downtown, the Norton Museum of Art is an easy addition to a free morning or afternoon, with an impressive collection of art and a beautiful sculpture garden.

Across the bridge in Palm Beach, step into the Gilded Age at the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. The former estate of Henry Flagler offers a fascinating look at the history that helped shape Palm Beach — and its grand architecture makes quite the backdrop, too.

Then, keep exploring along the nearby Lake Trail, one of the island’s most scenic waterfront routes, with postcard-worthy views across the Intracoastal toward the West Palm Beach skyline. Walk at your own pace or explore on two wheels with Palm Beach E-Bike Rentals, where you can rent a bike or book a guided tour.

For a family-friendly outing close to the action, visit the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, where guests can explore tropical habitats and see wildlife from around the world. For a little friendly competition, head to PopStroke West Palm Beach, where two outdoor putting courses, outdoor games, dining and an ice cream parlor make it a fun option for families and groups of all ages.

Or head just a little north to Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach. Learn about sea turtle conservation and rehabilitation while seeing some of the center’s current patients. The Palm Beaches is known as The Sea Turtle Capital of Florida, and late summer overlaps with sea turtle nesting and hatching season, making a visit especially timely during Miss America week.

Beaches & On-the-Water Adventures

Trade the stage lights for Florida sunshine. When there’s a break in the schedule, head outside and experience the waters that make The Palm Beaches such a special place to visit.

Keep it simple with a few hours on the sand in Palm Beach, or add a little adventure at Peanut Island. Explore the area by kayak or paddleboard with Get Wet Watersports, or grab your snorkel gear and discover what’s beneath the surface around Peanut Island and nearby Blue Heron Bridge.

Prefer to let someone else do the navigating? Visit Palm Beach offers sightseeing and sunset catamaran cruises departing from downtown West Palm Beach — an easy way for couples, families and groups to get out on the water and take in the views.

Camera-ready moment: Whether you’re paddling around Peanut Island or cruising the Intracoastal at sunset, some of the best Palm Beaches views come from the water. No visit to The Palm Beaches is complete without time on the water.

Miss America FAQs

Your Next Palm Beaches Getaway

This trip may have introduced you to West Palm Beach and Palm Beach, but there’s so much more of The Palm Beaches waiting to be explored. With 39 cities and towns and 47 miles of Atlantic coastline, every visit offers something new to discover, from colorful downtowns and laid-back beach communities to waterfront dining, outdoor adventures, arts and culture, shopping, and plenty of time in the South Florida sunshine.

So, when Miss America week comes to a close, consider this visit just the beginning. Come back for one of our signature events, explore more of our coastline, discover a new city or town, and experience another side of The Palm Beaches with every visit.

Jessica Pierce

Palm Beach, FL

Jessica Pierce is a writer and content creator for The Palm Beaches, inspired by the coastal culture, natural beauty, and vibrant lifestyle of Palm Beach County. A local for 25 years, she brings an insider’s perspective to the region’s beaches, waterways, and signature Palm Beach style. Guided by her love of photography, nature, the water, and the community she knows by heart, Jessica crafts elevated stories that capture the true spirit of the place she calls home.

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