Do you love visiting pigmented places as I do? Looking for Instagram-worthy places is one of my favorite things to do when I travel because as a blogger, I have to do it for the gram, ya know? How else would I fill my Instagram feed with bursts of color? But for real, as a creative and content creator, visiting pigmented places inspires me. My hometown is of the most vivid places I know. During my last trip home I tracked down my favorite and most colorful places in West Palm Beach, Florida.
West Palm Beach is an area that has changed a lot over the years, especially the downtown area. When I lived in Florida, this area was starting to come alive with street art. I used to love taking photos by the few murals that existed, but the expansion over the last few years has been exponential.
Now, it’s not only alleyways that are covered with art and color, but it’s also popular buildings, parking, garages, and even small businesses are being inspired to splash their storefront with color. Every time I visit I find more and more public art to enjoy. I have to say that West Palm Beach may not have as many murals as the iconic Miami neighborhood known as Wynwood, but it’s home to art by local and worldwide artists alike, making it a must see spot if you visit South Florida.
In my most recent visit to The Palm Beaches, I partnered with Mazda to take a beautiful Mazda 6 Signature model mural hunting with me and to find not just artwork, but places that are also Instagram-worthy. It was important that I had a car that was stylish and good on gas because I had a lot of ground to cover and let’s face it, I need a good looking car for my photos! The Mazda 6 was perfect for this adventure. The sedan is modern, comfy, and colorful, making it the perfect car to take for a long day of taking photos and finding the most colorful places in West Palm Beach.
This guide to the 16 most colorful places in West Palm Beach, Florida will help you find places to see, shop, eat, and experience. I’ve also included a few basic tips to help you capture the best photo. Keep in mind, I’ve only covered 16 of at least 100 places in the area, so make sure to find your own favorites when you visit.
Note: This post was last updated in September 2018. I will continue to add locations, photos, and make updates periodically.
16 Instagram-Worthy Colorful Places in West Palm Beach, Florida
Carvel Ice Cream
Location: 5901 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
About: Carvel may be your average east coast ice cream chain, but there’s nothing run of the mill about this particular store. I may be a bit biased since this was my first job but this Carvel is THE BEST Carvel. This mid-century modern building was built in 1956 and over 50 years later the store still has its retro charm. The same family has owned this Carvel location for decades and maintains this iconic building in West Palm Beach. It’s brightly painted and you can’t miss the cones in the sky when you drive by. But don’t just drive by, stop in and enjoy my favorite menu item— the hot fudge sundae with vanilla soft serve and crunchies! Buy one, get one free on Wednesdays!
Photography pro tip: Taking abstract photos of the cones is fun, especially when there’s a fiery South Florida sunset in the background.
Rainbow mural at Rhythm & Hues
Muralist: Eduardo Medieta
Location: 5016 S. Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, Florida
About: For pint-sized humans, Rhythms & Hues is a Children’s Art & Musical Center. For color-obsessed fashionistas such as myself, this color emporium offers a beautiful backdrop for photos and a mega dose of colorful eye candy. This was the perfect backdrop to park the Mazda 6 in front of and yes, I did plan my outfit to match. 🙂
Photography Pro Tip: There is street parking right in front of this mural, but this area is busy during business hours. Plan to arrive early or in the evening if you’re looking to get the perfect shot.
Lynora’s Market & Deli
Muralist: Unknown
Location: 3301 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
About: Lynora’s has three locations in Palm Beach County and as far as I’m concerned they’ve got the best Italian food in the area. This particular location is more of a “grab-and-go” spot and in addition to getting your fill on pizza Napoletina, you can also snap a sweet selfie by the comic book inspired mural at this spot. Better yet, snap a selfie with a slice!
Photography pro tip: If you’d like to shoot here before the crowds arrive sans pizza, make sure to go in the morning before they open for lunch at 11 AM.
Howley’s Restaurant
Muralist: Kyle Smile
Location: 4700 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
About: Howley’s Restaurant is an institution in West Palm Beach, Florida. The restaurant opened in 1950 and still has the retro charm it had decades ago when they first opened their doors, except now it has an alternative vibe with rotating artwork on all the walls. I love to go to Howley’s for breakfast (Hello, Salmon Benedict), but really there is no wrong time to pop in. On that note, they say it’s never too early for cake, right? I advise you to try their chocolate cake at any time of the day because it’s the best cake you’ll ever eat. Oh, I should mention they’re dog-friendly too and even have a pup menu!
Photography Pro Tip: Howley’s is always busy, so getting a photo in front of the mural can be tricky. Don’t even try on weekends during brunch hours. At other times, be prepared to wait for the perfect moment when the cars clear out or embrace an image that may have a car (two, or three) in your shot.
City Girl Consignment
Location: 2900 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
About: City Girl Consignment may not have mural filling their exterior walls with color, but they do have the cute pink roof of your dollhouse dreams. They actually keep most of their color inside their store, which is filled with a curated collection of consigned clothing. They only stock quality items and if you’re into designer goods, this is your spot. They are never short of Louie and Chanel bags, among many other high-end designer pieces. I’ve scored amazing designer shoes and bags here, and always pop in when I’m in town to see what else I can find. Are you a Lilly fan? Although I personally don’t shop for Lilly Pulitzer often, they have an entire section dedicated to the iconic Palm Beach Brand.
Photography Pro Tip: If a trip to the Palm Beaches is not on your planner, you’ll be happy to know that you can shop City Girl Consignment via their Instagram.
Dina C’s Fab & Funky Consignment Boutique
Location: 1609 S Dixie Hwy #2, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
About: This is another one of my favorite consignment stores in West Palm Beach and it’s located in a charming building with bright green accents (great for a photo op!). This funky consignment shop has high-end designer pieces, contemporary items, but my favorite thing about it is their selection of vintage. There is a lot of merchandise in this store, so make sure you go with time to really dig in. I always find colorful pieces here and Dina is always on hand to help me spot some treasures. Like City Girl, you can shop Dina C’s Fab & Funky Consignment Boutique online via Etsy.
Photography Pro Tip: I’ve never asked, but maybe Dina will let you snap a photo on the couch?
Emko Palm Beach
(Photo coming soon!)
Location: 2119 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
About: Dixie Hwy is filled with eclectic spaces, but nothing quite sparks curiosity like EmKo. At first glance, you can’t miss the art installations in the windows and in the lawn. I remember when they were opening up this space, everyone was trying to figure out exactly what it was. Myself included. Once you step inside, you’re welcomed into a world of visual art and culinary art. It’s a hip spot to grab an artistically crafted bite at the Jerve, or a coffee/juice to sip on while you explore the art on the property. There is also the art gallery, which is called The Artist Independent Republic Gallery. Both of these spaces are designed to give upcoming artist a place to share their creative talents with the community and beyond.
Photography Pro Tip: This is a gram-worthy oasis, so make sure to plan your outfit accordingly. I would recommend visiting EmKo when they first open and bringing a change of clothing to do a quick outfit change while you’re there. While it’s fun to check this place out for the gram, make sure to show your support by visiting their culinary spaces or shopping at the artisan market.
Grandview public market
Location: 6909, 1401 Clare Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
About: I had heard a lot about this spot over the last few months and it was on my list of places to visit on my trip home. After checking out the Grandview Public Market, my only thought was that I wish this place would have been around when I lived in Florida. It’s an expanding public hall in an industrial area near Downtown West Palm Beach. There are 14 vendors that range from poke to craft brew. But my favorite part? The art of course, especially the flock of flamingos! The Grandview Public Market is still expanding, and there are events in constant rotation.
Photography Pro Tip: Like EmKo, this place is bustling with Instagram-worthy spots. Come with time and an extra outfit because the possibilities are endless. There is a social element to this space, so try visiting when they first open during weekdays.
City Place Parking Garage
View this post on Instagram
Location: 713 S Rosemary Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Muralist: Frankie Chihi
About: A parking garage is usually not a landmark you think twice about, but this one is an exception to the rule. It’s a half mile mural by Tokyo-based artist Frankie Chihi called Hybrid Infinity. This mind-blowing piece of street art is a hand-painted with brightly colored geometric shapes. The palm trees planted in front of the mural make this a picturesque Florida backdrop as you cruise through downtown West Palm Beach.
Photography Pro Tip: The Brightline train passes right in front of this building. Try experimenting with getting photos of the colorful train as it passes by the garage. However, remember to practice safety first because a photo for the gram is not worth your life.
Wine Scene
Muralist: Collective of artist, with the piece I’m posing by being by Amanada Valdes.
Location: 501 Fern St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
About: Wine Scene is a wine bar, as well as an event space with one of the most colorful patios in town. There is a collective of artwork by local muralist, including one of my favorite artists– Amanda Valdes. Stop by to check out the art while you sip on a glass of wine and one of their mouth-watering charcuterie boards.
Photography Pro Tip: While I encourage you to visit Wine Scene during their normal hours of operation if you’re looking to get photos when there’s no one around, make sure to go when they are closed. I’ve had luck shooting here during the week in the morning. Most of this area stays shaded until midday, so the blazing Florida sun is not much a problem.
Respectables Street
Muralist: Tristan Eaton
Location: 518 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
About: For over 30 years, Respectables Street has been giving club goers and music enthusiasts a place cut loose. I’ve been going to Respectables for over 10 years and my favorite night to attend is on Saturday nights, when they do their Indie dance party. Outside of the divey club atmosphere that I love, Respects is a supporter of local street artist. The side of their building has been a canvas for numerous artists, and it’s currently home to a mega mural by Los Angeles based artist Triston Eaton. Inside the club, they merge street art with 3D mapping. The walls come alive with artwork that includes more work by Amanda Valdes.
Alexander Graham Bell Mural at the Alexander Lofts
Muralist: Tristan Eaton
Location: 326 Fern Street West Palm Beach FL, 33401
About: Speaking of Tristan Eaton, peep another one of his mega masterpieces on the east side of Alexander Lofts building.
Photography Pro Tip: It’s best to shoot here in the morning while the sun is still behind you for the photo. There is a green space in front of it, making this a cool mural to have in the backdrop of a cityscape photo. I’m not sure if you can legally fly a drone in this area, but if you can, it would make for some cool footage.
Subculture Coffee
Location: 509 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Muralist: Eduardo Kobra
About: Another establishment by the subculture family of restaurants and entertainment spaces is Subculture coffee. It’s a local favorite for getting your coffee fix, pastries, or snacks. And of course, a front row seat to the mesmerizing Einstein mural by Brazilian street artist Eduardo Cobra.
Sloan’s Ice Cream
Location: 112 S Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
About: If I could live inside if Solan’s Ice Cream, I totally would. Not only because it’s filled with ice cream (my favorite dessert!), but it’s just an all-around Insta-worthy location.
Photography pro tip: The best time to shoot here is in the morning when the sun is behind you and there are fewer people and cars in the way.
Palm Beach Dramaworks
Muralist: Eduardo Kobra
Location: 201 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
About: If you’re into the performing arts, stop by Palm Beach Dramaworks for a show. This non-profit theatre company is committed to bringing entertaining live performances to the palm beaches. While I’ve personally never watched a show here (I need to add it to my to-do list next time I go home), I’ve heard many great things about it. Where you can find me is outside of their doors admiring Hamlet, the geometric skull mural on the east side of the building by world-renowned Muralist Eduardo Kobra.
Photography Pro Tip: The best time to photograph this mural is in the morning. It’s a big piece, so make sure to bring a wide lens with you.
Mermaid Sanctuary in Northwood Village
Muralist: Amanda Valdes
Location: 444 25th Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
About: Northwood village is a bohemian neighborhood that is increasing in popularity each day. There are tons of shop, restaurants, galleries, and of course street art. There are several beautiful murals to explore. I really love the vivid colors of this mural and of course, I’m an Amanda Valdes fangirl.
Metamorphosis Mural in Northwood Village
Muralist: Craig McInnis
Location: 2417 25th Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
About: Speaking of colorful work, just up the block from the mermaids is brightly colored mural by Craig McInnis. Craig is a multifaceted artist a member of the community, and his work can be found all around West Palm Beach. This particular piece is really interesting because there is a storytelling component not only in the visual sense but also about the neighborhood where this piece is located.
Photography Pro Tip: This a very large mural, make sure to bring your wide-angle lens in tow if you’d like to get it all in your frame. Since this mural is on a commercial building, aim to visit during non-business hours if you’d like to avoid having cars in your photo.
If you enjoyed this guide to colorful places in West Palm Beach, check out my other guide of places to see street art in South Florida.
Leave a Reply