11 'Palm Royale'-Inspired Things To Do In Palm Beach, Florida

When Maxine Simmons (Kristin Wiig) sashays onto the 1969 Palm Beach, Florida high society scene on Palm Royale (Apple TV), her beguiling smile and saccharine sweet Southern accent mask a woman who’s desperate to climb the social ladder. Enter Maxine’s aunt-by-marriage, Norma Dellacorte (Carol Burnett), a bevy of longstanding socialites who will do anything to keep the interloper out, and an entertaining escape from reality ensues throughout the show’s episodes.

In addition to its star-studded cast, Palm Royale’s set designs and costumes shine bright throughout the show, starting with the vintage Lilly Pulitzer dress Maxine pairs with a headscarf and white cat-eye sunglasses in the opening scene. Watching the glitz and glamour of the season in this fictitious account of late-1960s Palm Beach is inspiring people to visit “America’s First Resort Destination."

As you wait for the second season of the Emmy-nominated Palm Royale, here are a few ways you can live like “Royale-ty" in Palm Beach any time of year.

Where To Shop

Shop Worth Avenue

Worth Avenue has been the place to shop in Palm Beach for more than a century and is considered the most exclusive shopping district in the world. Saks Fifth Avenue opened its first store outside of New York on Worth Avenue in 1926. Kassatly’s, which opened on Worth Avenue in 1923 and remains open today, specializes in imported and domestic linens, designer lingerie, selected menswear, and more. Florida’s oldest jeweler, Greenleaf & Crosby has been on the avenue since 1933. Pop in to see a very Palm Royale Paraiba Tourmaline diamond bracelet selling for a mere $544,000. 

worth-avenue.com

greenleafcrosby.com, 236 Worth Ave., Palm Beach, FL 33480

Dress To Impress

One must-stop on Worth Avenue is the Lilly Pulitzer flagship store, filled with the designer’s vibrant prints in dresses, pants, shorts, shirts, beachwear, and more. Or custom design your own Lilly dress—the Worth Avenue store features an exclusive Custom Shift Shop in which a client can select their dress style, fabric, and embellishments to create a look all their own. Then, a local dressmaker whips it up and the one-of-a-kind dress is delivered to its designer.

lillypulitzer.com, 240 Worth Ave., Palm Beach, FL 33480

Hunt For Treasures

For those whose budgets are more aligned with Maxine’s than Norma’s, Caroline Birthisel of Tampa suggests stopping by the area’s Goodwill stores at the end of the season. She says that when she and her sister shopped during their visits to Palm Beach, the thrifty pair have picked up designer duds by the likes of Dior, with original tags still on.

experiencegoodwill.org

Where To Eat And Drink

Stop For Lunch At The Colony

After you’ve shopped ‘til you (or your credit cards) dropped, follow Worth Avenue east towards the Atlantic Ocean to The Colony Hotel. Make a quick stop in the effortlessly elegant lobby before adjourning to Swifty’s for lunch. In season, opt to dine al fresco around the pool to enjoy the cool Florida winter temperatures; in the summer, it’s a/c all the way indoors. Either way, the comfortable surroundings make it easy to linger over Florida-fresh dishes and classic cocktails.

thecolonypalmbeach.com, 155 Hammon Ave., Palm Beach, FL 33480

Sit And Stay For Tea

On the weekends, indulge in afternoon tea at Café Boulud Palm Beach, a few blocks north of Worth Avenue within the unassuming yet luxurious Brazilian Court Hotel. Once you’ve selected your tea or coffee, or perhaps opted for a glass of bubbles, an assortment of tea sandwiches, scones, and desserts arrive. There’s no rush when it comes to tea at Café Boulud; rather, you’re invited to stay and enjoy yourself for as long as you’d like.

cafeboulud.com/palmbeach, 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach, FL 33480

thebraziliancourt.com, 301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach, FL 33480

Sip Poolside

Is there anything more “Royale” than enjoying poolside drinks and lunch? You will feel like “Royales” doing just that at Eau Palm Beach. The ceviche and tacos a la Breeze Ocean Kitchen are the perfect accompaniments to piña coladas, mojitos, and strawberry daiquiris that you can enjoy between dips in the pool.

eaupalmbeach.com, 100 S Ocean Blvd., Manalapan, FL 33462

Enoy A Steak

For a classic steakhouse dinner experience, make reservations at Harry’s West Palm Beach. The outpost of the flagship Harry’s in New York City, this upscale restaurant with a casual vibe impresses on many levels. Not only are the menus filled with delectable flavors and dishes for everyone, but the service is outstanding. If you’re lucky, Harry himself will stop by the table for a chat. 

harrysbarrestaurant.com, 384 S Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Savor The View (And Seafood Too)

If the night calls for seafood and expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean, you can’t go wrong with Seafood Bar at The Breakers. Not only are the views unbelievable, but the fish is fresh, the salads are refreshing, and the sides, like blue crab fried rice, are decadent. 

thebreakers.com, 1 S County Road, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Try A Grasshopper

The grasshopper cocktail is featured prominently in Palm Royale. After dinner at Harry's, flip over the dessert menu to find a classic grasshopper on the after-dinner drinks menu, featuring the classic ingredients: white crème de cacao, green crème de mint, cream, and grated Valrhona chocolate. Or opt for another green-hued drink, a Gin Rickey, with its notes of cucumber, grapefruit, celery, and green apple to whet the appetite.

The atmosphere in HMF at The Breakers screams classic cocktails. Order a grasshopper, or try the lounge’s martinis, favorites, and originals, which are quite tempting. Unlike Ann Holiday (Mindy Cohn) in Palm Royale, there aren't any ill aftereffects after sipping these grasshoppers. 

thebreakers.com/dining/hmf, 1 S County Road, Palm Beach, FL 33480

What To Do

Step Back In Time

Though it was built long before the late-1960s, it is fun to peek at how the other half lived with a tour of The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. Built in 1902, the “cottage” served as the winter home of railroad magnate Henry Morrison Flagler, considered the founding father of Palm Beach and indeed all of Florida.

flaglermuseum.us, 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Get Inspired By The Arts

Head to one of Palm Beach's oldest cultural centers. Society of the Four Arts has many events throughout the year, including art exhibits, concerts, speakers, cultural and educational programs, and more. Stroll the sculpture gardens and art galleries, or head to the King Library which has a collection of more than 75,000 books and materials, as well as a rare book and special collections room.

fourarts.org, 100 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach, FL 33480

Where To Stay

Surround Yourself With Luxury

Guests at the five-star Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa can stay in the Jonathan Adler-designed guest rooms where whites, blues, and yellows with pops of turquoise silver more than set the scene. Oh, and your four-legged friend can live the “Royale” life at Eau, too—dogs are welcome without any additional charge (donations to Big Dog Ranch Rescue suggested), and are offered amenities like treats and beds, bowls, poolside lounges, and strollers to use during their stay.

eaupalmbeach.com, 100 S Ocean Blvd., Manalapan, FL 33462

Sleep In A 'Palm Royale'-Inspired Hotel

It's easy to see why this charming pink hotel was one of the inspirations for the settings in Palm Royale. The chic rooms are decorated in splashy colors and pretty botanicals, with charming details like scallop edges and wicker. Spend your stay beachside or poolside under fringed umbrellas, and sip on coffee and cocktails in the hotel's glamorous on-site eateries.

thecolonypalmbeach.com, 155 Hammon Avenue, Palm Beach, FL 33480