Day Trip to West Palm Beach: Things to Do Near Brightline’s Station

Brightline is a high-speed train service that operates in Florida, with stops in Miami, Aventura, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and soon Orlando. If you are staying around the Miami or Ft. Lauderdale area, you can get to West Palm Beach in just about an hour. The area around the Brightline station in West Palm Beach is pedestrian-friendly, so you can easily explore it on foot. Additionally, Brightline offers bike rentals, allowing you to bike to nearby attractions or towns such as the adjacent Palm Beach, which is situated on a barrier island across the Lake Worth Lagoon. Check out below our list of things to do near the Brightline Station and get the most out of your day trip to West Palm Beach!

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, movie screenings, 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.

8. Dine with 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.

10 Things to Do in Palm Beach

Traveling With Brightline

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. The train runs frequently from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, with a journey time of only around an hour. Children under 12 get 50% off fares with a purchase of any adult SMART fare. Buy tickets.