Why the World Atlas has put 2 South Florida downtowns on the map as top places to visit
By Miami Herald Archives
What makes a downtown great?
In South Florida, whatever Key West and Palm Beach have to offer. That’s according to World Atlas, which named both places to its list of cities with the best downtown areas in the state.
“For those looking for something different, the Sunshine State is ... home to numerous charming small towns eager to deliver great vacation and getaway experiences,” World Atlas said.
Here’s what to know:
Why these two South Florida downtowns are on the list
This is what World Atlas had to say about the two South Florida cities:
Key West: “Duval Street is pretty much downtown Key West and is famous for its always-busy restaurants and colorful bars like Margaritaville, made famous by Jimmy Buffett. The star attraction, though, is Mallory Square at the top end of Duval Street. This public space is packed at the end of the day with folks here to participate in Key West’s famed sunset celebration with its street performers and party atmosphere.”
Palm Beach: “Downtown Palm Beach largely consists of the aptly named Worth Avenue. Here, boutique shops and art galleries rub shoulders with luxury yacht sales rooms and high-end Realtors, making it a great spot for watching others spend money. This year’s an especially good time to visit as the Norton Museum of Art will host a major exhibition celebrating Florida’s artistic heritage featuring works inspired by the state’s unique landscape and culture.”
Top Florida downtowns
From World Atlas: “These eight delightful destinations offer a unique opportunity for visitors to sample everything that’s great about the Sunshine State, but (mostly) without the crowds. From ritzy shopping in Naples and Palm Beach to wandering the historic and well-preserved streets of St. Augustine and Micanopy, each location contributes uniquely to Florida’s appeal as a tourist destination. Visiting one or more of these eight towns in Florida with the best downtown areas is a must-do in 2024.”
▪ Naples
▪ St. Augustine
▪ Winter Park
▪ Winter Garden
▪ Key West
▪ Palm Beach
▪ Deland
▪ Micanopy
Key West’s main street
Here’s a look at Duval Street, Key West’s main downtown corridor, through the years:
Key West’s Duval Street in 1972. Nixon Smiley Miami Herald File
In 2009, the San Carlos Institute on Duval Street in Key West. JOE RIMKUS JR. Miami Herald File
Duval Street during Fantasy Fest. Monroe County Tourist Development Council
Ernest Hemingway Look-Alikes parade down Duval Street during Key West’s version of the “Running of the Bulls” at the 2001 Hemingway Days Festival. Fkorida Keys Tourist Development Council
In 2004, tourists clog Duval Street as they pass Sloppy Joe’s bar on Duval Street. Tim Chapman Miami Herald File
In 1996, the former Fast Buck Fredie’s department store in the old Kress building on Duval Street. Nancy Klingener Miami Herald File
In 1999, the Holiday Inn La Concha, one of Key West’s tallest buildings and a historic hotel dating back to the 1930s, gets new awnings along its Duval Street facade. Nancy Klingener Miami Herald File
THEY’RE BACK -- Despite the official cancellation of the annual Poker Run down the Overseas Highway to Key West, motorcyclists were still roaring into town on Friday, starting with a few on Duval Street in the morning and picking up in volume through the afternoon. Nancy Klingener Miami Herald File
Palm Beach’s main street
Here’s a look at Worth Avenue, Palm Beach’s main downtown corridor, through the years:
In 2010, a view of Worth Avenue with clock tower in the background and some of the 200 coconut palms that line the street after the completion of renovations in Palm Beach. Bill Ingram Palm Beach Post
In 1994, a Rolls Royce sits outside The Colony Hotel off Worth Avenue. CANDACE BARBOT Miami Herald File
Worth Avenue in Palm Beach in 1949 after a storm. Acme Photo
This story was originally published July 11, 2024 at 10:57 AM.
