History

Clematis Street during the 1940s. Photo courtesy: Palm Beach Post

Fast Facts

  • City was incorporated November 5, 1894
  • Incorporated 2 years before Miami
  • 1000 residents in 1895
  • Florida's first junior college, Palm Beach Jr. College opened in 1933
  • Thousands of servicemen moved through West Palm Beach's airport during WWII
  • West Palm Beach is now estimated to have 120,000+ residents

Long a place where people of vision have brought their dreams, built new enterprises, and achieved success, the City of West Palm Beach is a regional center of commerce offering an environment where dreams can still come true.

Born among affluence, West Palm Beach has always been, and still is, a place where men and women roll up their sleeves and get things done, yet without the hustle, hassle and hardship found elsewhere in South Florida.

Its government, business community and citizenry unite to build a positive, progressive business environment that is supportive and cooperative, which combined with its outstanding lifestyle and easy workability, creates Florida’s best metropolitan location where professional and personal lives both flourish, and where dreams still come true.

West Palm Beach is the county seat of Palm Beach County. It is one of the three main cities in South Florida.

The city is home to sunny, palm-lined streets, breathtaking waterfront views, quaint shopping districts, historic and scenic neighborhoods, and exciting year-round outdoor festivals.

West Palm Beach has several world class shopping and entertainment districts including The Square, Clematis Street, Antique Row, Northwood Village and more.

When the sun sets on West Palm Beach, you can indulge the most epicurean of tastes by candlelight at one of the many lovely restaurants.

If you have an interest in the theater and the performing arts, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is the premier location to spend an evening. For museum enthusiasts, the Norton Museum of Art houses a world-renowned collection of European, American, Chinese and contemporary art.

For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, the city's teeming waterfront offers walkways and fantastic views. On the city's western edge, you can hike, bike, and get a view of the Florida Everglades up close at Grassy Waters Everglades Preserve.

 

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