Palm Beach named one of the ‘Most Romantic Small Towns in America’

Locals know there’s no place for a date night quite like Palm Beach.

With its stunning scenery, high-end restaurants and many historic sites, planning some time with your sweetheart is a snap. So it’s no surprise Palm Beach was recently named one of the “Most Romantic Small Towns in America” by the team at New York Travel Guides.

Palm Beach ranked No. 14 on the list of 140, after the website reviewed 600 small towns in the U.S. and looked at categories including romantic places to stay, romantic activities, historic architecture and scenery, and cozy coffee shops and restaurants.

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Palm Beach was one of two Florida towns to be in the list’s top 20, and the only South Florida small town to make it into the top two dozen.

Other Florida towns included on the list were:

St. Augustine at No. 3

Fernandina Beach at No. 58

Marathon at No. 112

Crystal River at No. 138

The list noted Palm Beach’s beauty and abundance of romantic places to stay, including The Breakers, with New York Travel Guides including that the historic resort is a 5-star hotel with “magnificent ocean views.”

The Breakers was founded more than a century ago by Henry Morrison Flagler, the Standard Oil Co. magnate credited with transforming South Florida from swampland to a coveted place where people in the early 20th-century United States hoped to live, work and travel.

“The Breakers stands as an enchanting Palm Beach icon, gracing guests with an idyllic oceanfront backdrop, sweeping views of the Atlantic coastline and a selection of world-class amenities,” said Breakers communications director Sara Flight. “Embracing rich Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture and exuding a casually chic island ambience, our luxurious resort offers a captivating destination for indulgence and romance.

“Our dedicated team, passionate about crafting unforgettable moments, takes pride in personalizing every visit and curating extraordinary experiences that etch lasting memories."

Another Palm Beach icon, the Flagler Museum, also was included among Palm Beach staple activities like playing golf and the island’s famous historic walking tours.

The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum was named for its founder, whose influence is seen throughout Palm Beach.

The mansion known as Whitehall was designed by architects John Carrère and Thomas Hastings, with construction completed in 1902. It became a museum in 1959 following more than three decades as a hotel.

“The Flagler Museum is pleased, but not surprised, that Palm Beach and the Flagler Museum are included in the list of ‘Most Romantic Small Towns in America,’” said Flagler Museum public affairs director David Carson. “As Whitehall was a gift from Henry Flagler to his new bride, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler, we here at the museum certainly agree with the listing as a ‘romantic’ destination."

The list also highlighted the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival, which this year is Dec. 7-10 and includes venues around Palm Beach County, with meals crafted by superstar chefs and local favorites, including an opening-evening event with Robert Irvine.

More than a dozen events during the festival have already sold out. A portion of proceeds will benefit Els for Autism, the nonprofit founded by golfer Ernie Els to benefit people on the autism spectrum.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach among ‘Most Romantic Small Towns in America’