Shop Local: Palm Beach's Worth Ave. offers an iconic restaurant and holiday shopping experience

Looking for a truly "Palm Beach" shopping experience?

There are few shopping areas in South Florida that have quite the same history and renown as Worth Avenue, the iconic east-west road that is home to major luxury retailers and small local boutiques alike: Kassatly’s, the longest-standing business on Worth Avenue – and one that is locally owned, is next to Lilly Pulitzer, and just steps from Tiffany & Co. and Chanel.

Worth Avenue has seen a surge of business in recent years as Palm Beach has received an influx of both visitors, and new and year-round residents since the COVID-19 pandemic. All of that new foot traffic has brought with it an influx of cash as well, with many retailers and restaurants seeking space in the exclusive shopping district.

Worth Avenue: Best hours to shop in Palm Beach, and on what days

Most shops along Worth Avenue open at 10 or 11 a.m. each day. If you are looking for quieter shopping hours, get to the avenue before 1 p.m. Weekdays are less busy and shoppers are more likely to get the hands-on, concierge experience for which Worth Avenue is known.

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However, if you want to be seen or possibly spot a celebrity, the time to hit Worth Avenue is in the early evening, between 4 and 6 p.m. Weekends are prime for people-watching, regardless of the time of day.

Palm Beach parking options in and around the area. Best way to get to Worth Avenue?

There is metered parking along Worth Avenue, but those spaces can be hard to come by. Paid parking is available in the Esplanade, a two-story, block-long shopping and dining area at 150 Worth Ave. Valet parking is available, with the first two hours free with validation from a participating store. Otherwise, valet rates are $15 for the first two hours, $20 for two to four hours, $30 for four to six hours or a $40 maximum. Drivers also can pay $25 to self-park for the day.

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The Apollo Parking lot on the southeast corner of Hibiscus and Peruvian avenues is closer to some of the higher-end boutiques on Worth Avenue, and prices there start at $8 per hour. Plan for a tip if you valet.

Another option: Park at one of the many parking garages in downtown West Palm Beach that is served by the Circuit shuttle. While this option recently added a fare for passengers heading to Palm Beach – $4 for the first passenger and $1 for each additional – this still could be a more economical way for visitors to see the sights of Palm Beach, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Particularly when Worth Avenue parking is at a premium on busy holiday shopping weekends.

Worth Avenue: Best food and restaurants

Palm Beach is known for having some of the best restaurants in South Florida, and of course Worth Avenue is home to many of those. Hungry holiday shoppers can’t throw a stone without hitting a well-heeled eatery – just be aware that reservations may be required.

For those seeking a quick bite or a family-friendly option, Pizza al Fresco in Via Mizner toward Worth Avenue’s west end is a popular spot. There is a Starbucks in the Esplanade. Book lovers can grab a literary-themed sandwich, salad, pastry, tea, smoothie or coffee at Via Roma Cafe, in Via Roma on the north side of Worth Avenue between Hibiscus Avenue and Cocoanut Row.

For something higher-end, Renato’s Palm Beach and BiCE Ristorante offer fine dining and a true Palm Beach experience. Both restaurants have been on the island for decades and are known for excellent service and even better cuisine.

Those looking for a sweet bite or a quick takeout option can visit the pair of Piccolo restaurants: Piccolo Mondo and Piccolo Gelato, both in Via Mizner.

Notably absent from this list is the iconic Worth Avenue restaurant Ta-boo, which closed earlier this year after more than 80 years in business.

Worth Avenue: Amenities for shoppers, kids, seniors?

What does Worth Avenue do better than nearly any other shopping district in South Florida, if not the entire country? Insiders say it’s all about the experience.

Each store offers some level of concierge service, whether it’s home delivery for try-ons, custom tailoring or one-on-one sales.

Worth Avenue diners also will notice a unique feature that is a holdover of the town’s past as a resortwear originator: Tableside models who weave their way through restaurants modeling the latest styles from top designers.

The intimate vias along Worth Avenue also provide ample places to sit and rest, while taking in some of the spectacular Mediterranean-inspired architecture for which Palm Beach is known.

Worth Avenue: Best Instagram/TikTok photo/video spot?

There is perhaps no spot in Palm Beach that is photographed more than the Clock Tower that sits at Worth Avenue’s far east end, serving as a focal point for those who turn their eyes to the sea. The clock tower was built in 1958 and remains a popular gathering place for those who want to show the world where they were, without having to include any location tag.

Another notable spot: The only two graves to be found on Palm Beach island – neither of which is human – are side-by-side in Via Mizner. One stone is inscribed with “Johnnie Brown: The Human Monkey,” marking the burial place of the spider monkey that was owned by renowned Palm Beach architect Addison Mizner. Johnnie Brown, who, according to the tombstone, died April 30, 1927, actually ran for mayor of Palm Beach.

The other gravestone belongs to Laddie, the beloved dog that belonged to Rose and Morton Sachs. The Sachses lived in a villa at Via Mizner for about five decades. According to his grave marker, “Our Laddie” died in 1959.

Another well-loved photo spot is the living wall on the southeast corner of South County Road and Worth Avenue. A few steps south of that is The Colony Hotel, the iconic pink structure that is practically packed with lovely photo spots, not to mention the restaurant Swifty’s, which is a hotspot for celebrities.

While Worth Avenue is very photo-friendly, some stores have policies that prohibit recording. When in a store, ask for the policy before pulling out a camera, frequent visitors say.

Worth Avenue: Holiday-themed events

One of Palm Beach's three holiday trees is on Worth Avenue at Hibiscus Avenue. This year, the town will have its tree lighting at 6:25 p.m. Nov. 28, following a parade that will begin at 6 p.m. at Worth Avenue’s east end and travel west. Santa will arrive at 6:10 p.m.

This year’s parade includes classic cars and decorated golf carts, all driven by locals. If attending, be sure to find parking and find your spot along Worth Avenue well before the parade begins at 6 p.m.

More events are planned at locations including the Esplanade and details will be announced soon, sources said. For more information, go to www.worth-avenue.com.

Worth Avenue spans three-four blocks in Palm Beach. 

Kristina Webb is a journalist at The Palm Beach Daily News part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at kwebb@pbdailynews.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach Worth Avenue's iconic shopping: Lilly Pulitzer; Tiffany