By Courtney Dowden, Katie Bean Travels

Palm Beach makes a remarkably strong impression in a short amount of time, turning a quick getaway into an unforgettable luxury retreat.

Less than three hours from Orlando, my parents and I traded an ordinary weekend for two nights of pink hotels, polished dining rooms, Worth Avenue shopping, ocean views, and some of the best meals we have shared.

Forty-eight hours was enough time to understand why people return to Palm Beach again and again.

It was also enough time to realize that next time, I would stay one more day.

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Stay at The Colony

For a short Palm Beach getaway, location matters.

We stayed at The Colony, the iconic pink hotel positioned between Worth Avenue and the beach. It has the glamour of classic Palm Beach, but nothing about it feels overly formal. The colorful interiors, patterned fabrics, tropical details, and lively pool scene give the entire property a personality of its own.

After a two-hour-and-forty-five-minute drive from Orlando, we arrived around 2:00 p.m. and were greeted with glasses of rosé while we checked in.

It was a small touch, but a very Palm Beach way to begin the weekend.

The lobby immediately caught our attention. Every corner was beautifully decorated, and the hotel's old Palm Beach charm was apparent before we had even seen our room.

Our room was not ready for a couple of hours, but that did not disrupt our plans. We wanted lunch anyway, and the receptionist recommended BrickTop's, less than a five-minute walk from the hotel.

We shared the grilled artichokes and tuna tartare, both of which were delicious, along with a Hugo Spritz. It was exactly the kind of light lunch we wanted before a full evening of cocktails and dinner.

When we returned, we settled into our Superior Suite. My parents had the bedroom, while I slept on the pullout sofa in the separate living room, and I was genuinely surprised by how comfortable it was. The suite also had two full bathrooms, which made getting ready with three adults so much easier. The colorful decor and classic details continued upstairs, making the room feel distinctly Palm Beach rather than like a hotel that could have been anywhere.

For an adult family trip or a girls' weekend, I would absolutely recommend this room category. The separate living space and second bathroom make a meaningful difference.

Begin the Evening at The Breakers

Around 6:00 p.m., we used The Colony's complimentary car service to visit The Breakers for cocktails.

The entrance alone is worth seeing.

As we approached the hotel, we were struck by its scale and grandeur. The lobby felt more like a museum, complete with one of the most impressive floral arrangements I have ever seen.

We continued to the Seafood Bar and were lucky enough to find a table. It does not accept reservations, and shortly after we sat down, a line began forming. If cocktails here are part of your plans, timing matters.

After enjoying our first drinks, we took another with us while we explored the property. We walked through the indoor spaces and around the pool and oceanfront areas, which gave us the chance to see almost the entire resort before dinner.

One important note from our visit: The Breakers' beach was undergoing extensive construction. There was very little sand visible, along with large boulders lining much of the beachfront. The hotel itself was undeniably impressive, but if I had booked it specifically for a beach vacation, I would have been disappointed by the conditions during our stay.

Construction is temporary, so it is worth confirming the current status before planning a future trip.

Do Not Miss Dinner at The Polo Room

From The Breakers, The Colony's car picked us up and brought us to our 8:30 p.m. reservation at The Polo Room.

We could not say enough good things about this dinner.

My mother still swears that her dirty martini was the best she has ever had. We began with the caviar tartelettes, which were incredible. I do not have extensive experience with caviar, but this was the perfect introduction. Even the croissant rolls were lovely.

For dinner, we shared the Wagyu skirt steak with Malbec reduction, the spicy rigatoni alla vodka, and a side of mushrooms. The pasta was flavorful without being overly spicy, but the steak was the standout. It practically melted in our mouths and was one of the best steaks any of us had ever eaten.

Our server insisted that we order the dulce de leche crepes for dessert.

She was right.

They were the perfect ending to one of our favorite meals of the weekend.

The Colony's complimentary transportation was extremely useful throughout our stay and saved us from repeatedly ordering Ubers. However, service was slower on Friday evening because the hotel only had one car and driver operating at the time. If you are relying on the car for a dinner reservation, request it early and build in extra time.

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Spend Saturday on Worth Avenue

We began Saturday with room service in our suite.

The eggs Benedict, omelet, and French toast were all excellent and made for an easy, leisurely start to the morning. While everyone was getting ready, I went downstairs to the hotel cafe and picked up chai tea lattes for the three of us. They were delicious, quick, and perfect to sip while preparing for a day of shopping.

From The Colony, we walked to Worth Avenue.

Before visiting the stores, we continued to the end of the street to see the beach and Palm Beach's iconic clock tower. It is one of the destination's most recognizable spots, and the oceanfront setting was beautiful.

From there, we slowly made our way through Worth Avenue, stopping at Van Cleef & Arpels, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and, finally, one of my dad's favorite menswear stores.

Worth Avenue is not simply a shopping street.

The courtyards, architecture, landscaping, and hidden passageways make the experience just as much about strolling as shopping. Nearly every street we turned down seemed more beautiful than the last.

Because we had eaten a late breakfast, we stopped at Le Bilboquet for a few appetizers rather than a full lunch. The restaurant was charming, with a distinct French flair. We shared steamed artichokes, one of our family's favorite foods, and steamed mussels, another favorite.

Both were excellent and just enough to hold us over until dinner.

After finishing our shopping, we walked the short distance back to The Colony and ordered espresso martinis at the pool bar. With the music, colorful umbrellas, and lively crowd around us, it felt like the perfect place to pause before getting ready for the evening.

Build Saturday Night Around Buccan

That evening, we took The Colony's golf cart to La Goulue for pre-dinner cocktails.

The restaurant feels like a step into 1920s Paris, with charming decor and a wonderful atmosphere. It was an ideal place to begin the night before continuing to Buccan for dinner.

Buccan was spectacular.

We started with the tempura squash blossoms and short rib empanadas, both of which were fantastic, along with watermelon martinis. We then shared the smaller portions of the sweet corn agnolotti and ricotta gnocchetti.

The smaller pasta portions were one of our favorite parts of the experience because they allowed us to try several dishes without committing to individual entrees. Both pastas were delicious.

We also ordered the red snapper, which was excellent, although by that point we were so full from the cocktails, appetizers, and pasta that we could barely finish it. We wanted to try dessert, but there was simply no room left.

Our server was wonderful and made the entire experience even better. Buccan is the kind of restaurant where sharing is the best strategy. Arrive hungry, order several dishes for the table, and leave room for dessert if you can.

After dinner, we walked back to The Colony. The ability to walk between the hotel, Worth Avenue, and many of Palm Beach's best restaurants was one of the greatest advantages of staying there.

Save Sunday Brunch for Swifty's

On Sunday morning, we packed our things and checked out at 11:00 a.m. The hotel held our luggage while we went to our 11:15 brunch reservation at Swifty's.

Swifty's is one of the places where the decor and atmosphere are as memorable as the food.

We ordered the eggs Benedict again, along with the omelet special of the day and shrimp tacos for my mother and I to share. Everything was excellent.

My mother and I also chose the bottomless brunch, which allowed us to select mimosas, Bellinis, or rosé. We began with mimosas and ended with rosé, and we both felt it was worth the price.

Because it was extremely hot outside, we chose to sit indoors in the air conditioning. The indoor dining room was beautiful and comfortable, but we could hear the live music and energy surrounding the pool and felt as though we might be missing part of the experience.

After brunch, we took our final drinks outside and spent a few minutes by the pool.

It gave us the best of both worlds: a relaxed, air-conditioned meal followed by enough time outside to enjoy Swifty's lively poolside atmosphere.

Then, unfortunately, it was time to leave.

Take the Scenic Route Home

Rather than immediately heading back toward Orlando, we drove south along the ocean.

I highly recommend adding this short drive to the end of a Palm Beach weekend. The beachfront mansions were incredible, and it gave us one final look at the island beyond the restaurants and shopping districts.

We continued south to Mar-a-Lago, which was certainly a sight to see, complete with the visible Secret Service presence surrounding the property.

The drive does not take long, but it is worth the detour for the architecture, landscaping, and beautiful homes lining the ocean.

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Why The Colony Works So Well

The Colony was an ideal base for a short trip because it allowed us to spend more time enjoying Palm Beach and less time coordinating transportation.

We could walk to Worth Avenue, the beach, restaurants, and cafes. For destinations farther away, the hotel's complimentary car service and golf cart made getting around the island easy.

The hotel's location also gives guests access to a beautiful stretch of beach near Worth Avenue. Unlike the construction we saw at The Breakers, The Colony's beach area looked wide, sandy, and inviting during our visit.

The hotel's style will not appeal to someone looking for sleek, neutral minimalism.

That is exactly why we loved it.

The bold patterns, pink exterior, classic design, and lively social atmosphere are part of the experience. The Colony does not simply give you a place to sleep in Palm Beach. It makes you feel as though you are participating in Palm Beach.

There were a few small service details that could have been smoother. I wish our requests for early check-in and late checkout had been acknowledged more clearly, even if the hotel could not accommodate them. The wait for the car on Friday evening was also much longer than expected.

In the end, neither issue significantly affected our stay.

We found an excellent lunch while waiting for the room, and the hotel held our bags while we enjoyed brunch after checkout. The location, atmosphere, dining, and transportation amenities far outweighed those minor frustrations.

What I Would Do Differently Next Time

My greatest regret was not adding another day.

With only 48 hours, we prioritized shopping, restaurants, and exploring Palm Beach. Next time, I would include a full pool and beach day.

I would begin with a leisurely morning by The Colony's pool, enjoy another brunch at Swifty's, and then ask the hotel to take us to the beach. The hotel's Beach Butler can arrange chairs, umbrellas, towels, and a cooler, creating a complete beach setup before guests arrive.

It is exactly the kind of service that makes a beach day feel effortless.

We also did not make it to Royal Poinciana Plaza, which is known for excellent shopping and dining. Worth Avenue certainly left us satisfied, but Royal Poinciana Plaza will be at the top of my list for the next visit.

I would especially love to return for a girls' trip centered around shopping, long lunches, poolside cocktails, and dinner at a different restaurant each night.

Palm Beach is made for that kind of weekend.

Who This Trip Is Perfect For

Palm Beach is ideal for travelers who want a luxury getaway without getting on an airplane.

From Orlando, it is an easy drive for a long weekend, yet it feels completely removed from everyday life. The palm-lined streets, designer boutiques, historic hotels, French restaurants, and impeccably landscaped homes create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Florida.

It works equally well for a couples' weekend, an adult family trip, or a girls' getaway.

If your priorities are shopping, dining, beautiful hotels, cocktails, and walkability, 48 hours is enough time to experience the highlights.

If you also want meaningful time at the pool and beach, stay for three nights.

Final Thoughts

Palm Beach makes a remarkably strong impression in a short amount of time.

In one weekend, we experienced The Breakers, shopped on Worth Avenue, enjoyed incredible meals at The Polo Room and Buccan, lingered over brunch at Swifty's, and stayed in one of the most recognizable hotels in Florida.

What I loved most was how easy everything felt.

Once we arrived at The Colony, we could walk almost everywhere we wanted to go. When something was farther away, the hotel helped us get there. We never felt as though we were losing valuable time to logistics.

Stay at The Colony. Have cocktails at The Breakers. Shop Worth Avenue slowly. Share everything at Buccan. Save Sunday brunch for Swifty's. Take the scenic oceanfront drive before heading home.

And if your schedule allows, add one more day.

Forty-eight hours in Palm Beach was wonderful.

Seventy-two would have been even better.