Could This Be the Perfect Mother-Daughter Getaway? We Tested It in Palm Beach

One of my favorite parts of creating Woman's Day's "Wish You Were Here" travel feature is imagining the trip our readers might take. We scout the best places to stay, eat, shop, and explore so that, in theory, all you have to do is book the flight.

But this time, my daughter Charley and I decided to put our latest destination to the test.

Armed with nothing more than the Palm Beach itinerary we published in the magazine, we spent a few days living the story exactly as it appeared on the page. We checked into the iconic pink Colony Hotel, wandered Worth Avenue, biked along the Lake Trail, toured Gilded Age mansions, and ate our way through some of the town's most famous restaurants.

The verdict? Palm Beach delivered everything we hoped for—and then some.

Where to Stay: The Colony Hotel

If Palm Beach had a personality, it would probably look a lot like The Colony Hotel .

The iconic pink property has been a Palm Beach fixture since 1947, and it's easy to see why. Equal parts glamorous, playful, and unmistakably Palm Beach, it became the perfect home base for our mother-daughter getaway.

What we loved most was how easy it made exploring the island. The hotel offers complimentary beach cruisers, and Charley and I found ourselves hopping on them constantly—riding along the scenic Lake Trail in the morning, pedaling over to Worth Avenue for shopping, or heading toward the beach. Everything felt accessible, and we rarely needed un Uber.

Speaking of the beach, The Colony makes that effortless too. Guests can hop into one of the hotel's electric vehicles and be whisked to a private beach setup complete with chairs, umbrellas, and towels. It turned a beach day into a true vacation experience.

The convenience continued after sunset. Many of Palm Beach's best restaurants are just a short ride away, and one of our favorite discoveries was the hotel's playful transportation service. Need a ride to dinner? Simply text the Colony's famous monkey mascot, Johnnie Brown, and a driver will pick you up and drop you off. After dinner, they'll come back for you, making it easy to enjoy the evening without worrying about parking or logistics.

What really sets The Colony apart, though, are the little details. The laundry bag is so chic you'll be tempted to use it as a beach tote instead of filling it with dirty clothes. Pink Colony pens appear throughout the property, and housekeeping somehow seemed to anticipate our every need. One afternoon, I returned to my room to find a Colony-branded eyeglass wipe thoughtfully placed beside my sunglasses. From the custom cocktail napkins and coasters to the playful touches woven throughout the guest experience, every detail feels intentional.

Of course, the biggest draw may simply be the property itself. From the signature pink façade and scalloped umbrellas to the lively pool scene and cheerful Palm Beach style, The Colony feels like stepping into the version of Palm Beach you've always imagined. It's polished without being pretentious, glamorous without taking itself too seriously, and the kind of place that makes you want to move in.

Where to Eat

One thing became clear very quickly: Palm Beach knows how to do a memorable meal. From iconic institutions to buzzy see-and-be-seen spots, every restaurant on our itinerary delivered something special.

The Polo Room Palm Beach

If I had to pick one meal from the entire trip, this would be it.

The Polo Room Palm Beach , helmed by polo icon Nacho Figueras, blends a polished equestrian aesthetic with great steaks, strong martinis, and an in-the-know crowd. But what stood out most to us was the food—and the experience.

Charley tried caviar for the first time, and after one bite declared that this would be her "death row meal." The lobster frites were not only gluten-free but absolutely delicious, and the famous croissant rolls lived up to the hype. Our waiter told us that when they're baking in the morning, the aroma is so heavenly it feels like you've stepped through the gates of heaven. After trying one, Charley understood exactly what he meant.

Between the warm service, lively atmosphere, and unforgettable meal, it was one of the best dining experiences we've ever shared.

Sant Ambroeus

Founded in Milan in 1936, Sant Ambroeus has long been a gathering place for artists, tastemakers, and anyone who appreciates a great meal. Today, its Palm Beach location brings that same all-day, see-and-be-seen energy to Worth Avenue.

This stop was actually at the top of Charley's list because she'd seen the restaurant's famous pink Princess Cake all over TikTok and was determined to try it. It did not disappoint.

The restaurant was wonderfully accommodating for gluten-free diners, and I may still be thinking about the Brussels sprouts. As a self-proclaimed Brussels sprouts connoisseur, I can confidently say they were among the best I've had. My gluten-free cacio e pepe was equally memorable.

To make the evening even sweeter, the staff surprised Charley with a candle in her cake and sang to her, turning a great dinner into a special memory.

Seafood Bar at The Breakers

You can't visit Palm Beach without spending time at The Breakers , one of the most iconic resorts in Florida.

We headed to Seafood Bar for what felt like the quintessential Palm Beach dinner: fresh lobster, surf and turf favorites, a perfectly made dirty martini for me, and sweeping ocean views that somehow make every bite taste even better.

The setting is just as impressive as the menu. Sitting by the water as the sun begins to set, it's easy to understand why generations of visitors have fallen in love with this property.

Before heading home, we wandered through the resort, snapped photos by the famous fountain, and stopped at HMF for dessert. My gluten-free chocolate cake was outstanding, while Charley happily dug into a warm cookie skillet. It was the perfect ending to a Palm Beach evening.

Swifty's at The Colony

Part restaurant, part social scene, Swifty's at The Colony is worth visiting whether you're staying at the hotel or not.

Originally a legendary New York City gathering spot known for attracting fashion, media, and Hollywood insiders, Swifty's has found a natural second home in Palm Beach.

When we arrived for lunch, the restaurant was buzzing with celebrations—baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, and weekend brunches. The atmosphere felt festive without being fussy.

Over the course of our stay, we returned several times. We loved breakfast by the pool, especially the avocado toast and PopUp Bagels, which brought back memories of another favorite mother-daughter trip to Boston. For lunch, the curry chicken salad was a standout, and my bunless burger was simple, satisfying, and perfectly prepared.

Like so much of Palm Beach, Swifty's manages to feel both glamorous and welcoming at the same time.

What to Do in Palm Beach

Step Back Into the Gilded Age at the Flagler Museum

If you only have time for one attraction in Palm Beach, make it the Flagler Museum . Built in 1902 as oil and railroad tycoon Henry Flagler's winter estate, Whitehall offers a fascinating look at the opulent lifestyle that helped put Palm Beach on the map. Wander through the grand rooms, admire the original details, and don't miss Railcar No. 91—a beautifully restored private railcar that gives visitors a glimpse of what luxury travel looked like more than a century ago.

My daughter and I biked there via the scenic Lake Trail, which turned out to be one of our favorite ways to experience Palm Beach. The museum also hosts an elegant afternoon tea service during the season—a detail I was disappointed to miss, since we're both tea lovers, but it's now firmly on my list for a return visit. One important tip: The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

Wander Worth Avenue (And Don't Skip the Hidden Vias)

Often called the Rodeo Drive of the East Coast, Worth Avenue is Palm Beach's most famous shopping street, but its real charm lies in the details. Begin at the iconic Worth Avenue Clock Tower, where the avenue meets the ocean, then spend time exploring the hidden vias tucked between storefronts. These picturesque courtyards are lined with fountains, tropical landscaping, and charming boutiques that feel worlds away from a typical shopping district.

Along the way, pop into Raptis Rare Books, a beloved independent bookstore specializing in first editions, signed copies, and collectible volumes. Whether you're hunting for a literary treasure or simply browsing, it's the kind of unexpected discovery that makes Worth Avenue so memorable.

Treasure Hunt at The Church Mouse

Long before social media turned every hidden gem into a must-see destination, The Church Mouse was one of Palm Beach's best-kept secrets. Back when I worked at another magazine and regularly traveled here for photo shoots, the resale shop was a favorite stop among fashion stylists, who knew it as the place to uncover designer treasures and one-of-a-kind finds. I can still remember making a special trip there every time I was in town.

Today, the secret is definitely out, but the thrill of the hunt remains. Exploring the 4,500-square-foot shop feels like rummaging through the world's chicest closet, with designer labels, home décor, artwork, and unexpected treasures tucked around every corner. It may not be hidden anymore, but it's still a gem.

Explore The Royal Poinciana Plaza

Part shopping destination, part gathering place, The Royal Poinciana Plaza combines beautiful landscaping, luxury boutiques, art, and dining in one walkable setting. Grab a coffee, browse a few shops, and enjoy one of Palm Beach's prettiest public spaces.

Stroll the Society of the Four Arts

For a quieter side of Palm Beach, head to the Society of the Four Arts. The gardens are free to visit and offer a peaceful escape from the bustle of Worth Avenue. With sculpture gardens, botanical displays, galleries, and cultural programming, it's one of the town's most underrated gems.

Bike the Lake Trail

One of the best ways to experience Palm Beach is on two wheels. Rent a bike—or borrow one if you're staying at The Colony—and cruise along the Lake Trail. The scenic path hugs the Intracoastal Waterway and passes some of the island's most beautiful homes, tropical landscaping, and waterfront views. Early morning is especially magical.

The Bottom Line

Palm Beach may be known for its glamour, but what surprised me most was how easy it was to settle into its rhythm. Between morning walks along the water, afternoons spent exploring hidden courtyards and museums, and evenings lingering over great meals, Palm Beach delivers the kind of getaway that feels both indulgent and restorative. Whether you're planning a girls' trip, a mother-daughter escape, or a romantic weekend, it's a destination that makes slowing down feel effortless.

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