West Palm Beach: Top Spots for Business Travel and Leisure

At the turn of the 20th century, South Florida’s appeal surged as visitors arrived in Palm Beach via Henry Flagler’s railroad. That region became known as “America’s First Resort Destination.” Across the Intracoastal, West Palm Beach saw rapid growth: its population quadrupled between 1920 and 1927. After rebounding from the Great Depression, the city experienced another boom when veterans relocated to the area, helping Palm Beach County become one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S. during the mid-20th century. Today West Palm Beach is home to more than 100,000 year-round residents, making it the largest city in Palm Beach County and the location of the county government and judicial complex. Palm Beach County overall has a population exceeding 1.5 million, with an average age near 45.

West Palm Beach draws far more than sunseekers and seasonal visitors. The greater Palm Beach County area supports 13 major industry clusters, including a robust life sciences sector. Institutions such as The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute of Biomedical Innovation & Technology and the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience are part of a life-science ecosystem that includes roughly 700 companies. Healthcare investment is also growing: Cleveland Clinic is developing a new 150-bed hospital in West Palm Beach to complement its established outpatient presence.

Financial services are prominent in what is often called “Wall Street South.” The region hosts more than 300 hedge funds, private equity firms and financial services companies, including global firms that have expanded local operations. The Flagler Financial District, situated less than a mile from the Palm Beach County Convention Center, has become the downtown hub for many of these businesses. A new 25-story office tower, One Flagler, now houses numerous financial firms and contributes to the area’s business momentum.

Technology is another fast-growing sector. The county supports nearly 1,900 tech companies and more than 12,000 tech jobs with a notably high average salary. Local efforts emphasize attracting growth in quantum computing, artificial intelligence and fintech. In recognition of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County facilitated high-level industry discussions to accelerate those ambitions.

“Palm Beach County is uniquely positioned to become a leading force in quantum computing and AI,” said Matt Cimaglia, founder and managing partner of Quantum Coast Capital. He highlighted the region’s focus on talent development and integration of advanced technologies into education as a way to secure long-term innovation and economic success.

Talent development is already advancing with new academic investments. Vanderbilt University plans a graduate campus offering a 1,000-student program emphasizing business, data science and AI, which will further strengthen the local talent pipeline.

Beyond tech and life sciences, West Palm Beach’s economy benefits from healthcare, manufacturing and corporate headquarters. The local business environment combines capital availability, academic partnerships and quality of life to support companies at every stage.

CHECKING IN WITH KELLY SMALLRIDGE
President and CEO of the Business Development Board, Palm Beach County

What makes West Palm Beach conducive to startups and attractive to entrepreneurs?
West Palm Beach offers an energetic business scene paired with an exceptional quality of life. The city’s cultural and recreational opportunities — waterfront dining, live music, arts venues and outdoor activities — make it appealing for entrepreneurs and young professionals who want both career momentum and a balanced lifestyle.

The business community is welcoming and accessible, making it easier to build meaningful connections quickly. Compared with larger, more impersonal metros, West Palm Beach provides approachable networks of investors, mentors and peers. Significant wealth in the region and nearby universities feeding local talent create strong support systems for startups seeking capital and skilled employees.

Which industries does West Palm Beach attract?
Historically a center for professional services like law, accounting and real estate, West Palm Beach is now drawing many tech entrepreneurs. The city’s strengths also include life sciences, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and corporate headquarters.

What is on the horizon for new industries coming onto the scene?
A public-private coalition, with backing from the economic development board, is positioning West Palm Beach as a West Coast-style innovation hub focused on AI and quantum computing. Some West Coast tech firms are exploring relocation or expansion to the region, attracted by talent, capital and lifestyle advantages.

Strong transportation links — including Brightline rail service and nearby airports — help maintain national and international connectivity. The arrival of new academic programs, together with excellent K–12 schools, makes the area appealing to families and companies seeking to recruit and retain top talent.

DIVERSIONS
West Palm Beach is rich in culture and entertainment. Visit the Norton Museum for notable European and American works, stroll Mounts Botanical Garden, or attend performances at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Sports fans can watch spring training at CACTI Park of The Palm Beaches, where major league teams prepare for the season.

Shop for art and unique finds in Northwood Village, just north of downtown, or cross the bridge to Palm Beach’s famed Worth Avenue, a historic shopping destination that long predates many modern luxury streets. Worth Avenue remains home to top designers and luxury boutiques.

Explore the county’s full coastline and the 37 towns stretching from Boca Raton to Jupiter, offering beaches, dining and outdoor recreation across 47 miles of Atlantic coastline.

West Palm Beach’s appeal is reflected in recognitions like being named the No. 1 Trending Destination in the United States in the 2025 Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best Awards.

LODGING
THE BEN, AN AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION HOTEL
A waterfront boutique hotel that blends the city’s tropical past with modern luxury.
251 N. Narcissus Ave., West Palm Beach
$$$$

THE BREAKERS PALM BEACH
A historic oceanfront resort with a legacy of grandeur and exceptional service.
1 S. County Road, Palm Beach
$$$$$

THE COLONY HOTEL
A landmark hotel in Palm Beach, known for uniquely decorated guestrooms and classic charm.
155 Hammon Ave., Palm Beach
$$$$$

DINING
HARRY’S BAR & RESTAURANT
A well-known restaurant offering fresh seafood, classic entrées and prime steaks in a stylish setting.
384 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach
$$$$$

PLANTA
An elevated plant-based restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients and inventive dishes.
The Square, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., Suite 142, West Palm Beach
$$$

SPRUZZO
A Mediterranean-inspired rooftop restaurant at The Ben, known for shareable dishes like arroz de mariscos with local seafood.
251 N. Narcissus Ave., 8th Floor, West Palm Beach
$$$$

JUST THE FACTS
Time zone: EDT (GMT −4); EST (GMT −5)
Phone code: Country code: 1; city codes: 561 or 728
Currency: U.S. dollar
Key industries: Life sciences, information technology, financial services, distribution logistics and corporate headquarters. The region is actively pursuing growth in AI and quantum computing.

COMING AND GOING
International visitors traveling to the United States for business or tourism generally need a nonimmigrant visitor visa for temporary stays; applications are typically submitted online.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
English

INFO TO GO
Travel to West Palm Beach is convenient: Palm Beach International Airport handles more than 200 daily flights on multiple major airlines and is about four miles from downtown. Additional rail options, including Brightline and Tri-Rail, provide connections to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (about 50 miles south) and Miami International Airport (about 75 miles south).