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Move Over Miami! This Is Florida’s Top Beach Destination For 2025

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Florida continues to be on a record-breaking tear as the latest reports show the Sunshine State welcomed just over 34 million tourists.

Being so popular, there are numerous beach towns that fit the bill for a perfect winter escape, an unforgettable Spring Break, and so on for each season being one of America's sunniest getaways.

Skyline of West Palm Beach, FL

Whether you're seeking lifelong memories for the whole family at Disney World, hidden gems boasting beachside cottages and white sand, or swapping the luxury of Miami for another posh beach destination just crowned Florida's #1 vacation spot for 2025, there's no question you'll find your niche.

Claiming the title for Tripadvisor's ‘Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Trending Destination Award' is none other than ritzy West Palm Beach, just a year after setting tourism records of its own.

Miami's Best Alternative

Anyone keeping up with the latest travel trends surely knows travel dupes are all the rage.

Worth Ave. Palm Beach, FL

While Miami is anything but a “Karen” like say, Barcelona or Amsterdam, there are certainly some downsides to Miami not appealing to all vacationers.

West Palm Beach is a great alternative to avoid the fist-pumping nightlife and overrated beaches in favor of a more laid-back atmosphere along vivid blue waters.

Better yet, if you're one of many Americans looking to escape the cold, West Palm Beach's temps hover in the 70's and 80s this time of year.

Miami may be one of America's icons, but exploring an urban sprawl and overpaying for hotels isn't at the top of many travelers list who may prefer something more casual, yet just as luxurious and arguably prettier.

West Palm Beach marina

West Palm Beach has many intriguing museums like the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, ample high-end hotels, and multiple vibrant, trendy neighborhoods that will all but erase South Beach from your memory.

Lavish Hotels & Pristine Shores

If you're looking to treat yourself to a luxurious beach vacation, West Palm Beach has got you covered.

Truth be told, I'm a big fan of Miami – everything except the beaches. Maybe I'm just spoiled living in San Diego, but the drab green shade of water and lack of visibility, even in world-renowned South Beach, were lackluster at best.

Breakers Palm Beach

West Palm Beach, despite only being an hour's drive from Miami, is a whole different level of paradise – many of which are gleaming with soft white sand, bright waters, and backdropped by astounding resorts.

A great example would be Palm Beach, not to be confused with the city of West Palm Beach. Here, you'll find one of the most elegant hotels in the entire state – The Breakers Palm Beach.

Although not everyone will be able to fork over four-digit nightly rates, your best bet is to downgrade to 4-star stays or a cozy inn such as Palm Beach Historic Inn.

As far as 4-star and 5-star stays go, these are the top-rated luxury hotels on TripAdvisor:

Waves crashing in Palm Beach, FL
  1. Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach
  2. The Colony Hotel
  3. The Breakers Palm Beach
  4. The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club
  5. White Elephant Palm Beach

A Gateway To 47 Miles Of Beautiful Beaches

When you hear someone say they're vacationing at The Palms, they don't always mean a Vegas hotel.

Women walking on boardwalk, Red Reef Park, Boca Raton, Florida USA

West Palm Beach may be Florida's top destination this year, but it also serves as a gateway to 47 miles of beautiful beaches known as, you guessed it, The Palms.

A couple other notable names within that boundary are Boca Raton and Jupiter, which was just highlighted by Southern Living as one of Florida's top winter escapes.

For a hidden gem away from major tourist areas, you gotta check out John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, a great place to lounge in the sun in solitude or kayak the calm, clear waters.

If you're into snorkeling, there are tiny islands dotted throughout the region, but Peanut Island, nestled between Riviera Beach and Palm Beach Shores, is a popular go-to spot for a myriad of water thrills, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Peanut Island, FL

In fact, one recent visitor claimed, Peanut Island is their ‘favorite snorkeling spot in Florida'.

If that's the case, I can't help but wonder if they have ever been to my favorite Florida beach town Nokomis

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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.