With average February temperatures in the mid-70s°F (mid-20s°C), Palm Beach, Florida, is a winter dream destination. Although mornings might start closer to 60°F (15°C), the days typically promise temperate and tropical highs.
This delightful weather places outdoor activities at the top of any Palm Beach visitor’s list. The most luxurious options include polo and golf, while shopping along the Worth Avenue vias is not to be overlooked as another compelling option.
Stomp the divots
Spending a Sunday afternoon at the International Polo Club (pictured above) in Wellington is a must. Start with a 2:00 veranda brunch before the 3:00 match, and plan to stay for the relaxing, fun after-party where the carefree afternoon is heightened by the beautiful weather.
Perhaps the most rewarding part of the polo experience occurs at halftime (after the third chukker), when spectators are allowed—and, in fact, encouraged—to step on the field and stomp the chunky divots back into place. Don’t leave behind your champagne glass as you venture onto the field. Sipping while stomping adds to the tradition. Be sure to watch your step, of course!
First time to polo? Consult Palm Beach Illustrated’s Polo Primer. And get to know this season’s players and ponies. A polo outing at this premier polo venue is a full-sensory experience. In addition to trying to keep your eye on the ball, you’ll hear the unique clunk of mallets, the rush of sprinting ponies, and the chatty buzz; feel the vibrations as the ponies race back and forth; smell the uprooted grass, couture perfumes, and culinary creations; and taste the luxurious spirits and gourmet fare. Round out the sensations by daring to stomp barefooted, evoking childhood memories. Too much? Then just enjoy the feeling of cotton, linen, or silk as you don the latest polo fashions.
Beyond polo. You might also be interested in the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (pictured right), which features elite horses and riders in competitive show jumping and dressage. The Festival typically runs through the end of March. Learn more.
Fore!
Whether playing or spectating, you can take in the best of luxury and professional golf during your February Palm Beach visit. The world’s finest head to the area in late February for the Honda Classic at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens. Palm trees and sunshine invite you to play the stunning course yourself. Book tee-times and learn more.
Inspired by the pros to sharpen your own stroke? Improve your performance at the Resort’s PGA National Golf Academy. If golf is not your cup of tea (or, better yet, your companion’s), no worries. The venue also boasts one of the area’s most sought-after spas. Sounds like a win-win!
To spot more pros this time of year, venture about 30 miles south to Boca Raton for the Allianz Championship in early February. You can look for golf’s greatest at this official PGA Tour event or even arrange for your own Pro-Am experience. Plan your trip here. 
Venture the vias
A Palm Beach visit would not be complete without strolling along Worth Avenue (pictured), which many call the “Rodeo Drive” of South Florida. 150 Worth is “The Address,” featuring shops such as Tory Burch and Louis Vuitton. Check the latest 150 Worth trend report. Don’t overlook the vias, the alleyways that help make Worth Ave so worth it. Looking for Lilly Pultizer, for example? Venture to Via Mizner.
Wind down with 5-star cuisine
Dining in Palm Beach is as exquisite as the locale. The latest buzz on all fronts has been about Buccan, with its attractive small plate options and interesting cocktails. And Buccan recently brought in a dedicated bread and pastry chef, Antonia Grandberry, whose creative, rotating creations, including butterscotch-soaked carrot cake, sound as good as they look and taste. Grandberry’s “popcorn sundae,” bourbon-bacon-Crackerjack with salted caramel and chocolate crumble, had me personally at “bourbon”! You can make reservations at Buccan’s website or through Open Table, where you can read comprehensive reviews.
Another dining gem is the renowned Café Boulud, which you’ll find near Worth Ave at the Brazilian Court Hotel and Beach Club. Café Boulud is part of Chef Daniel Boulud’s New York restaurant family. For reviews, see Open Table.
For more dining choices, consult Zagat’s list.
Other Options
A few more options exist for your Palm Beach excursion.
The Stonzek Theatre, which features acclaimed independent films
Lake Worth Playhouse for live theater entertainment worth seeing
West Palm Beach Green Market, via a quick jaunt to West Palm Beach, for adventuring among 90 vendors that feature items such as fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, etc.
Luxury Yacht Fishing for a deep-sea, fresh water, or flats of Biscayne Bay water adventure
For more information…
Fodor’s Palm Beach Travel Guide
Reviewed 5-Star Restaurants by Haute Living
Header Photo Credit: Lila Photo via International Polo Club Press Images.
Winter Equestrian Photo Credit: Provided by the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
PGA Resort Photo Credit: The Squire Course Number 13 pictured, photo from PGA resort.
Worth Avenue Photo Credit: CC Image courtesy Visit Florida Editor, Photo by Peter W. Cross
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