CityPlace, West Palm Beach (must see)

CityPlace is one of the main shopping, dining, and entertainment districts in downtown West Palm Beach. Originally opened in 2000 on the grounds of a former railroad and warehouse district, it was designed as a mixed-use, pedestrian-focused complex with Mediterranean and Venetian architectural influences. After undergoing several rebrandings, the development officially returned to its original name, CityPlace, in 2024 due to strong public recognition and local preference.

If you enter CityPlace from Rosemary Avenue, pause at the edge of the central plaza and take in the layout around you. The pastel-toned façades, arcades, and upper-level balconies frame the open square, giving you a clear sense of its European-inspired design. To your right is the show fountain, which performs timed water displays choreographed to music. If you walk a few steps closer to the edge of the basin, you can watch the jets rise and shift in patterns during scheduled performances. To the left of the plaza, outdoor seating areas offer good vantage points for observing activity and planning your route through the district.

As you continue toward the northern side of the plaza, look for the large banyan tree that anchors the space. If you stand near the staircase below it and look upward, you will see how the tree’s branches extend across both levels of the complex, providing shade and a recognizable landmark for orientation. From this point, follow the covered walkways lined with shops and restaurants; the upper-level terraces above you overlook the pedestrian routes. Along the way, look closely at the murals and art installations positioned along the walls and open corridors.

CityPlace connects easily to the rest of downtown. A short walk south along Rosemary Avenue brings you to the Brightline station, while heading east links you to Clematis Street and the waterfront promenade. The district hosts live music, fitness sessions, pop-up markets, and seasonal programming throughout the week, making it a busy part of the city’s commercial and social life.