Shop Local: At The Square in downtown West Palm, transition paves way for more stores
The Square, a shopping, residential and entertainment district in the heart of West Palm Beach's downtown, is undergoing a transition.
That's not new. The district, which includes an indoor-outdoor mall and other venues, was known as CityPlace when it opened to long lines in October 2000. Then, in 2019, it was rebranded as Rosemary Square. And now, it's simply The Square.
The Square's movie theater, comedy club and other entertainment venues have been torn down as Related, the developer that built The Square, erects an office tower to accommodate a corporate relocation. But the area is still home to an iconic performing arts theater, restaurants and clothing stores.
The Square in West Palm Beach: Best hours to shop
Visitors have a range of shopping, entertainment and dining options, with businesses generally opening up just before noon and closing at midnight. Some venues have extended hours on the weekends.
Special events, like the district's artists-in-residence program, are single- or two-day affairs.
The Square: Parking and transportation options
The best way to get to The Square is by car. Parking at the Hibiscus Parking Garage costs $5 for two hours. Those coming from farther away can take Brightline, whose West Palm Beach station on Evernia Street is only a couple blocks away.
The Square: Best restaurant options
The Square boasts a variety of dining options. There are white linen-type establishments like Il Bellagio, City Cellar and RH Rooftop Restaurant to more casual spots like City Pizza and El Camino.
Visitors can also get their ice cream fix at Angie's Epicurean or enjoy a macaron at Le Macaron. And the Cheesecake Factory remains a staple of the district.
New restaurants at The Square: Downtown West Palm's The Square adds restaurants with New York roots, relocates a mainstay
The Square: Amenities for shoppers, kids and seniors
On breaks from shopping at spots like H&M or Grayson Clothiers, parents can turn their children loose in a play area just off Rosemary in the shadow of the Harriet Himmel Theater, an iconic performing arts center. The play area has sprinklers - and benches. A display area where seasonal designs are often featured is located nearby.
The Square: Best Instagram/TikTok photo/video spot
A day at The Square can be captured for far-away friends or family. The area remains lushly landscaped, and the district's Mission Revival architectural theme is eye-catching. A good spot for that social media pic is on the corner of Hibiscus and Rosemary — across from construction — where a well-positioned phone can capture a visitor, a fountain and the iconic Himmel Theater.
Holiday-themed events
Photos with Santa Claus in his workshop are held every year, located adjacent to The Wishing Tree on weekends in late November through December. Here are the details:
Complimentary to attend; first-come, first-served. Fridays and Saturdays 6-8 p.m.; Sundays 5-7 p.m.
Attendees are responsible for their own photos.
Snowfall occurs each evening at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Santa will take a 5-minute break during the snowfalls at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The Square is located at 700 S Rosemary Ave Suite 200 in West Palm Beach; for more information please call, 561-366-1000.
Wayne Washington is a journalist covering West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and race relations at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at wwashington@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Palm's The Square offers shops H&M, restaurants, Himmel Theater
