A Long Weekend in West Palm Beach and Jupiter
I flew into South Florida for a long weekend that ended up feeling like three trips in one: a city break in West Palm Beach, a quick escape across the bridge to Palm Beach for sandwiches, and a slower, more coastal day in Jupiter.
I stayed in West Palm, spent mornings walking by the water and through downtown, and used the car for little hops to shop, eat, and explore. It felt easy, sunny, and very “soft life in Florida” without being overdone.
Staying in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach sits on the Intracoastal Waterway, across from the island of Palm Beach. Downtown has grown into a mix of historic streets, waterfront parks, and newer mixed-use developments that are walkable and full of restaurants, shops, and galleries. Clematis Street is considered the historic heart of downtown, running from the waterfront inland and lined with early twentieth century commercial buildings that now house boutiques, bars, and cafés.
I stayed close enough that I could walk to the water in the morning. My favorite ritual was grabbing coffee and wandering along the waterfront before the sun got too intense. From there you can see the palm trees, the boats, and the bridges that connect West Palm to Palm Beach. The city feels busy, but not overwhelming, with pockets of calm if you go out early.
In the afternoons we would drift toward downtown, walk Clematis, and dip in and out of shops. West Palm has a nice mix of local spots, vintage and décor, and more polished shopping if you head a little farther south into the main retail district. The city has become known for shopping, dining, and cultural stops like the Norton Museum of Art and the Kravis Center, so you could easily turn a weekend into a full itinerary if you wanted it to be more structured.
Rosemary Square, Sephora, and a Surprise Mexican Favorite
One afternoon we ended up at Rosemary Square, the open air lifestyle center that was originally developed as CityPlace. It spans several city blocks and blends apartments, restaurants, and shops with Mediterranean-inspired architecture and fountains.
There is a Sephora here, which of course I could not resist. It is located right in the main complex on South Rosemary Avenue, so it is easy to pop in between coffee and lunch. I restocked a few skincare basics and a lip product that absolutely did not need to come home with me, and then we wandered upstairs to find food.
The surprise highlight in that same area was a Mexican restaurant called El Camino. It is tucked into Rosemary Avenue, on an upper level that looks out over the square, and it was fully packed when we walked in. El Camino describes itself as Mexican soul food, with a focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients, and the menu reads like a greatest hits list of tacos, nachos, bowls, and tequila.
We ordered chips and guacamole, a couple of tacos, and margaritas and spent a long time people-watching from the terrace. It is one of those places that feels lively but still easy to be in, especially after a few hours of shopping and walking around in Florida heat.
A Quick detour to Palm Beach: Sandwiches from Buccan
One day we drove over the bridge into Palm Beach for lunch. Palm Beach has its own reputation as a luxury enclave with Worth Avenue, historic hotels, and classic Florida architecture. But we were there for something simple: sandwiches.
Buccan Sandwich Shop sits on South County Road and is an offshoot of the well known restaurant Buccan. It is a daytime spot that has become a favorite for lunch on the island. The menu is built around made to order hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and house made chips, created by James Beard nominated chef Clay Conley.
We grabbed sandwiches to go, found a shaded spot, and ate outside. Mine was one of those stacked, slightly messy sandwiches that you end up thinking about later in the day. It felt very Palm Beach, but in a relaxed way: good ingredients, thoughtful combinations, no need to dress up.
Driving North to Jupiter
The next day we headed about thirty minutes north along the coast to Jupiter. It is a small town with a big reputation among people who love clear water and time outside. Jupiter sits where the Loxahatchee River, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean meet, which is why the water views are everywhere.
Jupiter is also home to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, a red brick lighthouse that dates back to the nineteenth century and has become an icon for the town. The lighthouse and museum tell the story of the area’s Native history, the early settlement period, and the way the inlet and waterways shaped communication and transportation in South Florida.
The water here is striking. Southern Living has called Jupiter home to some of the clearest water in the South, thanks to the Gulf Stream passing close to shore and helping to keep the water clean and bright. Standing along the inlet and looking out, you understand why people are so loyal to this area.
Walking, Shopping, and Exploring Jupiter
We spent our time in Jupiter doing exactly what I like best on short trips: walking, browsing, and lingering. Harbourside Place is a waterfront complex with shops, restaurants, and a marina, and it is an easy place to start because you have everything in one place and a view of the water the entire time.
From there we wandered along the riverwalk, watched boats move through the inlet, and ducked into a few small shops. Jupiter has a different energy than West Palm Beach. It feels more nautical and local, with beach parks, docks, and low key restaurants that lean into the coastal setting rather than urban polish.
If you give yourself an extra day, there are plenty of ways to fill it. You can climb the lighthouse for panoramic views, visit Jupiter Beach Park or Carlin Park, or explore nearby Juno Beach and its pier and sea turtle center. This trip for me was more about feeling the place than ticking off a list, so a slow walk, a couple of shops, and time by the water felt exactly right.
What Stayed With Me
What I loved about pairing West Palm Beach with Jupiter was the contrast. In West Palm, mornings started with city walks along the waterfront, coffee, and a little shopping. Rosemary Square gave us a more polished retail experience, complete with Sephora and a surprisingly good Mexican lunch above the plaza. Across the bridge, Palm Beach added its own layer of charm and very good sandwiches.
In Jupiter, the mood shifted. The pace slowed, the water took center stage, and the day became about simple things: clear blue water, a lighthouse, and a few easy hours browsing and walking outside.
If you are looking for a South Florida trip that mixes city energy with beach town calm, this pairing works. Stay in West Palm Beach, rent a car, and give yourself space to explore both sides of the bridge and the stretch of coast that leads north to Jupiter. It is an easy, flexible trip that still feels special.
