West Palm Beach, Florida, USA
Florida's Palm Beaches offer a gilded mix of Flagler-era mansions, clear Atlantic waters, and a JFK-era Cold War secret right in the harbor. West Palm Beach punches well above its modest cruise-port profile.
Florida's Palm Beaches offer a gilded mix of Flagler-era mansions, clear Atlantic waters, and a JFK-era Cold War secret right in the harbor. West Palm Beach punches well above its modest cruise-port profile.
Ships dock pier-side at the Port of Palm Beach cruise terminal in Riviera Beach — no tendering. The terminal itself is in an industrial shipping zone with no walkable attractions nearby.
💡 Pro move: Port parking is valet-only, approximately $22/day. No luggage storage at the terminal — use Bounce or LuggageHero services downtown for late departures.
The Port of Palm Beach operates a single dedicated cruise terminal in Riviera Beach, primarily serving Margaritaville at Sea.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Margaritaville at Sea | Port of Palm Beach Cruise Terminal, Riviera Beach📍 | Docked |
| Other cruise lines / charters | Port of Palm Beach Cruise Terminal📍 | Docked |
From a Gilded Age mansion to a Cold War bunker and world-class snorkeling, West Palm Beach rewards curious travelers who venture beyond the terminal.
Henry Flagler's 75-room Gilded Age mansion on Palm Beach Island was built as a wedding present in 1902. The grand Beaux-Arts estate showcases Flagler's role in opening Florida's East Coast by rail. One of the finest historic house museums in the US.
Find Flagler Museum tours →An ~80-acre county park in Lake Worth Inlet with crystal-clear water and a Cold War secret: a fallout shelter ("Detachment Hotel") built secretly by Navy Seabees in 1961 for President Kennedy near his Palm Beach Winter White House. Excellent snorkeling reef with rays and tropical fish. Reached by a 10-minute shuttle boat from Riviera Beach Marina. Note: the bunker itself has been closed for restoration since 2017, but the island and reef remain open.
Find Peanut Island tours →A wide, uncrowded Atlantic beach with lifeguards, a boardwalk, showers, and picnic areas — far quieter than Miami or Fort Lauderdale beaches. Singer Island is a local favorite for its clear water and laid-back vibe.
Find Singer Island beach tours →The walkable historic core of West Palm Beach, lined with boutiques, colorful murals, and outdoor cafés. The Saturday GreenMarket (Oct–May) draws over 100 vendors and has been voted the best farmers market in the US (USA TODAY 10Best). The Square (formerly Rosemary Square) adds a Spanish-revival shopping district with free live music.
Find West Palm Beach city tours →A free eco-discovery center just north of the port where wild Florida manatees gather in the warm-water outflows of the FPL power plant during cooler months (November–April). Excellent hands-on exhibits and a waterfront viewing deck.
Find manatee watching tours →Palm Beach Island's legendary shopping boulevard — Florida's answer to Rodeo Drive, lined with luxury boutiques, art galleries tucked into cobblestone 'Vias', and the historic clock tower. Pizza Al Fresco in a hidden courtyard is a local gem.
Find Palm Beach island tours →The port itself is not walkable, but once downtown or on Palm Beach Island, both areas are excellent on foot.
Stroll from the Clematis Street waterfront through the historic downtown core to The Square's open-air Spanish-revival district. Pass street murals, boutiques, and the GreenMarket on Saturdays.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Walk Worth Avenue end to end, ducking into the hidden cobblestone Vias for art galleries and cafés. Continue to the Palm Beach Municipal Beach for a swim or sunset view.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for West Palm Beach, Florida, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 73°F / 23°C | 62°F / 17°C | 9 | 7:10 AM | 5:49 PM |
| Feb | 76°F / 24°C | 66°F / 19°C | 9 | 6:56 AM | 6:12 PM |
| Mar | 78°F / 26°C | 67°F / 19°C | 7 | 7:29 AM | 7:28 PM |
| Apr | 81°F / 27°C | 70°F / 21°C | 12 | 6:56 AM | 7:44 PM |
| May | 82°F / 28°C | 73°F / 23°C | 16 | 6:32 AM | 8:00 PM |
| Jun | 85°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 24 | 6:26 AM | 8:15 PM |
| Jul | 87°F / 31°C | 77°F / 25°C | 25 | 6:36 AM | 8:15 PM |
| Aug | 87°F / 31°C | 78°F / 26°C | 27 | 6:52 AM | 7:56 PM |
| Sep | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 24 | 7:06 AM | 7:24 PM |
| Oct | 83°F / 28°C | 74°F / 23°C | 16 | 7:20 AM | 6:51 PM |
| Nov | 79°F / 26°C | 70°F / 21°C | 13 | 6:40 AM | 5:29 PM |
| Dec | 76°F / 24°C | 66°F / 19°C | 10 | 7:01 AM | 5:29 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at West Palm Beach, Florida, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.