West Palm Beach evening at CityPlace

I believe that every woman should be required to spend at least one weekend a year hanging out with her girlfriends.  This is especially important, I believe, if a woman has a husband and/or child(ren) that she is responsible for taking care of on a regular basis.  A weekend spent with other women who do not need to be cared for reminds us how to take care of ourselves, laugh, breathe and appreciate the things that are actually awesome about being born female.

West Palm Beach is a perfect destination for one such girls’ weekend.  Use this quick guide to help you plan your trip.

Where to Sleep in West Palm Beach

There are, obviously, several hotels in West Palm Beach to choose from.  Be aware that there is technically no beach in West Palm Beach, so you won’t find a room with a view of the ocean.  The beach is actually in neighboring Palm Beach, and you’ll pay quite a bit more for the coastal location.  You can save money and still have easy access to the beach, shopping and nightlife by spending your nights in West Palm Beach.  I personally recommend the West Palm Beach Marriott.

Where to Shop in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach - CityPlace

I think CityPlace is my new favorite shopping complex in the country, and that’s including the Magnificent Mile in Chicago.  CityPlace is the perfect mix of convenient, cute, trendy, interesting and eclectic.  The area is buzzing until late into the evening and you can get everything from a razor at Walgreen’s, sunless tanner at Sephora, designer duds at BCBGMAXAZRIA or a skirt none of your friends will have at the charming boutique, Francesca’s Collections.  You’ll also find nightlife and restaurants.

Clematis Street is probably the better known shopping district in West Palm Beach and certainly offers a more historic experience than the modern CityPlace.  My recommendation would be to save Clematis Street for the evening, especially if you’re looking for the classic nightclub vibe.  But put on your best dress and don’t be surprised to find one or two velvet ropes in front of the more popular and upscale clubs.

Where to Eat in West Palm Beach

Greek restaurant in West Palm Beach

There is no shortage of places to dine in West Palm Beach, especially in the CityPlace and Clematis Street areas.  I recommend spending at least one meal at Taverna Opa, a Greek restaurant located on an upper level promenade in CityPlace.  Although I was there during the day (and had the best octopus appetizer a taste bud could imagine), I’ve been told that there is very much a party atmosphere at night, complete with table dancing and napkin tossing.

Where to Spa in West Palm Beach

What girls’ weekend is complete without at least one spa treatment?  (I contend that it takes at least two to really make you feel pampered.)  There are several spas to choose from in West Palm Beach, including a few in local hotels, CityPlace and Clematis Street.

My personal recommendation for a spa is actually not in West Palm Beach, but just a few miles east in Palm Beach.  Prices at the Si Spa at the Palm Beach Marriott are about what you’d expect for a day spa that allows you to hang out all day before and after your services.  They have rain showers, a steam room, fluffy white robes, and heated stone beds you can just… lie on.  Wonderful.  And when you’ve been massaged and steamed into a relaxed pile of goo, you can take a stroll along the beach.

West Palm Beach Nightlife

Again, Clematis Street and CityPlace offer dozens of restaurants, clubs and bars that cater to tourist and locals looking for a good time.  If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, there is a comedy club in CityPlace that attracts great talent and is very reasonably priced, even with the two drink minimum.  The Improv Comedy Club features stand up comics like Darrell Hammond, Tracy Morgan and Jon Lovitz for a little less than $40 per ticket.  Prices are less for shows that aren’t designated “special events”.  I love the idea of a comedy show or other type of performance instead of a bar for a girls’ weekend because you don’t have to deal with being hit on simply because you’re female on a dance floor.

With a little personalization, this weekend is sure to leave you and your favorite female friends refreshed and relaxed.  Special thanks to my own girlfriend for testing out this theory with me.

Photos by livingonimpulse and Britt Reints