5 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do In Palm Beach, Florida On A Budget

The town of Palm Beach, just three blocks wide and 13 miles long, has cornered the market on billionaires. It's considered the wealthiest enclave in America, so affordable activities are a real find in this ritzy resort destination.
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Rod Stewart's Palm Beach home (Photo: Tuscany Corp.)

The town of Palm Beach, just three blocks wide and 13 miles long, has cornered the market on billionaires. It's considered the wealthiest enclave in America, so affordable activities are a real find in this ritzy resort destination. After a must-do visit to the Flagler Museum and a stop at the Society of the Four Arts gardens (free), check out these budget options:

1) Take a Tour & Get the Scoop
Island Living Tours (Tel: 561/868-7944; www.islandlivingpb.com)
Discover all about Palm Beach on one of these great, reasonably-priced tours -- drive, bike or walk. In addition to seeing incredible homes, you'll learn the history of the area. Expert tour director Leslie Diver will also give you the scoop on all things Palm Beach: the scandals, the latest gossip, and tips on how to get the most out of Palm Beach on a budget.

2) Designer Shopping On a Budget
Worth Avenue is famous for its upscale designer stores, so just imagine the high-end goodies to be found in the local thrift shops -- even discarded, nothing beats Ralph Lauren, Channel, Hermes, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc.:
Church Mouse thrift store - Church of Bethesda-by-the Sea (374 S County Rd, Palm Beach; http://bit.ly/28Ljxxz)
Goodwill (210 Sunset Ave, Palm Beach; Tel: 561/832-8199; www.goodwill.org)
Classic Collections (118 N. County Rd, Palm Beach; Tel: 561/833-3633; classiccollectionsofpalmbeach.com)

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Worth Ave (Photo; DiscoverThePalmBeaches)

3) Celebrity Spotting And Cheap Chow
The best place to spot celebrities is in this Starbucks (150 Worth Ave, Palm Beach) behind the Louis Vuitton store. And, if you need a pick-me-up after all the window-shopping and bargain hunting, get excellent, cheap chow at:
Pizza Al Fresco (14 Via Mizner, Worth Ave, Palm Beach; Tel: 561/832-0032; pizzaalfresco.com) - Pizza and more served in a beautiful courtyard setting.
Piccolo Mondo (87 Via Mizner, Worth Ave, Palm Beach; Tel: 561/655-9599; www.piccolopb.com; Mon-Sat, 11am-3pm) - From a take-out window, this lunchtime option offers affordable meals from the famed Italian restaurant Renato's.
Echo Palm Beach (230A Sunrise Ave, Palm Beach; Tel: 855/677-7926;
www.echopalmbeach.com; Tues-Fri, 5pm-6:30pm) - This local favorite offers half-price sushi & cocktails in the Dragonfly Lounge during happy hour.

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(Photo: PB Golf Course)

4) Book an Afforadable Tee Time
Palm Beach Golf Course (2345 South Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach; Tel: 561/547-0598; www.golfontheocean.com) - Golfers of any skill level will enjoy the very reasonably-priced green fees at Palm Beach's own public Par-3 golf course. Recently redesigned by famed golfer Raymond Floyd, the 39-acre course sits on a picturesque strip between the ocean and the Intracoastal. With a new clubhouse and restaurant, it's a golfer's delight.

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(Photo: The Chesterfield)

5) Join the Social Scene at Tea Time
Afternoon Tea - The Chesterfield Palm Beach
(363 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach: Tel: 561/659-5800; www.chesterfieldpb.com; Cost: $20-$40) - Even if you can't afford a millionaire's mansion -- or even to stay at this grand dame hotel--enjoy the most wonderful Afternoon Tea in the library or courtyard patio. Munch on scrumptious tea sandwiches and scones while sipping a soothing cup of English tea. They also offer a version for kids.

Making Your Trip Easier: Cultural Council of Palm Beach County - Want suggestions on all the cool, cultural happenings during your visit? Just call or email the "Cultural Concierge" for expert advice (Tel: 561/214-8082; concierge@palmbeachculture.com; palmbeachculture.com/concierge).

Where To Stay: Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Resort & Spa
(3800 North Ocean Dr, Singer Island; Tel: 561/340-1700; This lovely, AAA Four Diamond-rated resort is right on the beach. Also, try one of Palm Beach's famous hotels, even for just a night. While by no means budget, it's worth a splurge: The Breakers, The Brazilian Court, Eau Palm Beach or the Four Seasons. (Check out special, package-deal offers.)

Getting There: Fly into West Palm Beach (PBI) or Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) on Delta or Jet Blue. Combine a visit to Palm Beach with nearby West Palm Beach and Delray Beach.

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