Brightline offers convenient high-speed rail service to West Palm Beach from Orlando, Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, and Boca Raton. Travelers can reach downtown West Palm Beach in approximately two hours from Orlando, about an hour from Miami, and around 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale.
Once you arrive at the Brightline West Palm Beach Station, exploring downtown is easy. The station is within walking distance of popular attractions, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, making Brightline a convenient option for a day trip to West Palm Beach. Visitors can explore nearby destinations like CityPlace, Clematis Street, the West Palm Beach Waterfront, and even venture across the Lake Worth Lagoon to Palm Beach.
Ready to explore? Discover our list of the best things to do near the Brightline West Palm Beach Station and start planning your day trip.
1. Visit the Norton Museum of Art
Distance from the station: 1.1 miles Walking time: 20 minutes Biking time: 13 minutes
The Norton Museum of Art is just a short walk from the Brightline station and is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum houses an impressive collection of American, European, and Chinese art, as well as contemporary art and photography. Each Friday night, The Norton Museum of Art organizes “Art After Dark,” a special event that mixes art and entertainment with live performances, film screenings, workshops, and more!
2. Stroll Through CityPlace
Distance from the station: 0.4 miles Walking time: 7 minutes Biking time: 2 minutes
CityPlace is a beautiful place to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping. This outdoor shopping and entertainment center is just a 7-minute walk from the Brightline station. The complex has numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, including workout classes, family-friendly activities, fountains, and beach chairs and umbrellas.
3. Join a Tour in Downtown West Palm Beach
Distance varies.
Whether you are a watersport fanatic, a history connoisseur, or a foodie, there are plenty of fun tours you can join. And most of them start right in downtown West Palm Beach. For example, West Palm Beach Food Tours offers a fun and delicious way to explore West Palm Beach’s culinary scene. This food tour takes visitors on a guided walking tour of the city’s best restaurants, cafes, and specialty food shops. Led by a knowledgeable and passionate guide, the tour offers a chance to sample a variety of dishes and learn about the history of the area’s food scene. Visit Palm Beach offers tours and water sports activities such as sightseeing cruises, catamaran tours, kayak tours, and more. Their information center is located on West Palm Beach waterfront (226 Datura St., West Palm Beach FL, 33401).
4. Take a stroll through the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
Distance from the station: 1.6 miles Walking time: 30 minutes Biking time: 11 minutes
The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens are just a few blocks away from the Brightline station and offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The gardens feature a collection of 250 rare species of tropical palms, cycads, and native plants, as well as more than 100 works by the artist Ann Norton surrounded by lush greenery. Throughout the year, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens host several events and exhibitions.
5. Visit the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum
Distancefrom the station: 0.5 miles Walking time: 10 minutes Biking time: 5 minutes
The Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum is a small but informative museum that’s just a short walk from the Brightline station. The museum tells the story of Palm Beach County’s history, from its early Native American inhabitants to its development as a tourist destination. The museum also has a gift shop where visitors can pick up unique souvenirs.
6. Explore the Downtown Waterfront
Distance from the station: 0.5 miles Walking time: 10 minutes Biking time: 5 minutes
The Downtown Waterfront is a beautiful public area that’s just a short walk from the Brightline station. The waterfront offers stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway and is a great place to relax and take in the scenery. The Waterfront also hosts events throughout the year, including concerts, West Palm Beach GreenMarket, Clematis by by night, and festivals.
7. Grab a Drink at Spruzzo
Distance from the station: 0.6 miles Walking time: 12 minutes Biking time: 4 minutes
Spruzzo is a fabulous rooftop bar and lounge located on the top floor of The Ben, a luxurious hotel in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. With stunning views of the sparkling waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, Spruzzo offers an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to relax and enjoy a drink or two in a chic and sophisticated atmosphere.
Courtesy of Spruzzo
8. Dinewith authentic Italian food
Distance from the station: 0.2 miles Walking time: 4 minutes Biking time: 1 minutes
Felice West Palm Beach is a restaurant and wine bar specializing in Tuscan-inspired cuisine with an extensive wine selection. The menu showcases Italian classics inspired by the seaside, crafted with the finest ingredients. Grab a drink at the bar or have a seat in the dining room is adorned with warm wood tones and brass accents. You also have the option to dine on the charming outdoor patio.
9. Enjoy a Show at The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Distance from the station: 0.7 miles Walking time: 13 minutes Biking time: 5 minutes
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a world-class performing arts center that’s just a 13-minute walk from the Brightline station. The center hosts a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and operas. It’s a perfect place to experience the performing arts of Palm Beach County.
10. Bike to Palm Beach
Distance from the station: 1.4 miles Walking time: 25 minutes Biking time: 11 minutes
Palm Beach is a barrier island across the Lake Worth Lagoon that’s just a short bike ride from the Brightline station. The island is home to some of the wealthiest residents in the United States, and it’s known for its stunning mansions, beautiful beaches, Mediterranean-style architecture, and shopping meccas. Take a walk on Worth Avenue, relax on the beach, indulge in retail therapy at the Royal Poinciana Plaza, or bike the colorful lake trail.
The Brightline service is a fast, convenient, and stress-free way to travel to West Palm Beach, offering visitors a sustainable and family-friendly transportation option. With frequent service from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, travelers can easily reach West Palm Beach, with journey times ranging from about an hour from South Florida to approximately two hours from Orlando.
CityPlace in West Palm Beach is one of our family’s favorite destinations. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, a little shopping, and an incredible variety of restaurants that everyone can enjoy. With convenient parking, a safe, walkable atmosphere, and its central location, it’s easy to meet friends and family from all over South Florida. Whether you’re planning a casual afternoon or an evening out, CityPlace offers something for every age, making it a true family-friendly destination in the heart of West Palm Beach.
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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