Illustration by Nik Neves
If walking along Worth Avenue—Palm Beach’s most famous strip—evokes feelings of being in Europe, that’s by design. Innovative architect Addison Mizner spent the early 1900s designing a picture-perfect downtown that feels plucked from a movie set. This four-block stretch—bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway—is among the first sites to showcase Mediterranean Revival architecture, an artful hodgepodge of Moorish, Spanish, and Italian styles. Picturesque courtyards and pedestrian “vias” branch off from the main thoroughfare, and it’s ground zero for chic hotels, luxe restaurants, and surprisingly varied shopping. Here are some must-stop spots.
Worth It
In the 1960s, Gucci scion Aldo Gucci used his Worth Avenue store to elevate the brand to fashion royalty status in the U.S. Start your shopping spree here or stroll over to other luxury brands such as Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Brioni, Carolina Herrera, and Zegna.
Coming Up Roses
Exuberant designs in happy color palettes are the signature of Lilly Pulitzer, the socialite whose career started with a juice stand. When brightly colored juices stained employees’ smocks, she designed floral patterns to hide the splashes—and the rest is history. Visit the flagship store and design a custom shift dress.
Page Turner
Step into a literary paradise at Raptis Rare Books, where antiquarian and uncommon volumes line two-story shelves. You might find a Wuthering Heights first edition, a presentation copy of The Hobbit inscribed by J.R.R. Tolkien, or John Steinbeck’s East of Eden from the library of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Social Scene
Don’t rush a meal at Swifty’s, the Colony Hotel’s eatery. Instead, see and be seen in the de Gournay wallpaper–clad dining room or at a poolside cafe table. Nosh on curried chicken salad with mango chutney or the half-pound burger topped with candied “billionaire’s bacon.”
Custom Kicks
Follow the lead of Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn and commission a pair of bespoke sandals, with hundreds of leathers, styles, and embellishments to choose from, at Il Sandalo. The diminutive shop is manned by Fabio Tesorone, whose family has handcrafted the components in Naples, Italy for over 40 years.
Ciao Chow
Tucked in a discreet corner of Via Mizner, Renato’s has cultivated a loyal clientele since its 1987 opening. Tuxedoed waitstaff preside over candlelit, cloth-covered tables and make recommendations on the Italian menu. Ricotta-stuffed zucchini flowers, housemade pasta, and decadent tiramisu steal the show.
House Rules
The buzzy new Palm House—with its 79 spacious rooms and suites, lobby adorned with Murano chandeliers, and sprawling pool—gives off boutique resort vibes. Tuck into flawless Japanese-Peruvian fare at the on-site restaurant, or sidle up to the pink marble bar for a glass of rosé to match.
This article appears in the Spring 2025 issue of Southbound.
