A Day in Palm Beach: Design, Art and Sport

A Day in Palm Beach, FL

Palm Beach in late March has a particular kind of glow and is worth the drive up I-95 from Miami. Yesterday the day unfolded as a seamless progression of design, art, and sport, each event revealing a different facet of Palm Beach “in-season” lifestyle.

Morning: Design Immersion at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach 2026

My day began along North Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach, where the ninth annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House opened its doors to a steady stream of luxury design enthusiasts. This year’s edition felt especially ambitious with two adjacent homes, transformed by 23 designers into a layered showcase of imagination and craftsmanship.

Walking through the Intra-coastal and Palm Cottage Show House, each room revealed a distinct personality. One room leaned into serene, neutral textures; whereas another exploded in decadent chandeliers, playful art and sumptuous textures. The effect wasn’t just decorative, the narrative provoked imagination and inspiration. I was personally inspired by Lori Morris Design for the transformative work that makes me want to go back for a cocktail party.  I had the pleasure of speaking with the CEO of Atelier Artizan showcasing how artistry transcends to finely crafted outdoor living.

Beyond the beauty, there was purpose. The Kips Bay Show House supports youth programs through the Boys & Girls Club and local organizations giving the glamour a meaningful cause. If you missed Palm Beach this year, New York and Dallas are up in Fall 2026!

Stepping back outside into the coastal air, it was clear – Palm Beach doesn’t just follow design trends, it sets a unique look, full of personality and vision.

Midday: Art World Creativity at Palm Beach Modern and Contemporary Art Fair 2026

From interiors to fine art, the afternoon shifted to the Palm Beach County Convention Center, where the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary fair wrapped its final day. Running March 19–22, the fair draws international galleries and collectors, anchoring Palm Beach firmly in the global art circuit.

Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with a mix of exploration and acquisition. Large-scale contemporary paintings hung beside experimental sculpture and polished large scale sculptures. Conversations floated between dealers, collectors, and visitors, including my puppy Lily who received lots of pets and positive attention.  The fair’s appeal lies in its range: emerging artists shared space with established names, making it as much about discovery as prestige. Following Art Week/Art Basel in December, this show provided elegance without the usual intensity of art exhibits in South Florida.

By early afternoon, the crowd thinned slightly, and the experience became more personal. A final lap through the booths revealed pieces that lingered in memory – both bold and conceptual. The series “It’s Probably Fine” by artist Maggie Hall  resonated the most personally. The piece I learned is created with a technique using hand-placed dot sequences, exploring themes of maintaining composure amidst chaos.

Afternoon to Sunset: Sport and Spectacle at a Wellington Polo Tournament

The final act of the day unfolded in-land in Wellington at the National Polo Center, where Palm Beach polo season was in full swing. The transition from gallery halls to open fields felt like stepping into a different world – defined by speed, tradition, and social ritual.

Spectators gathered along the sidelines, dressed in chic spring pastels, cocktails in hand. The match itself was fast and precise: horses thundering down the field, mallets striking with sharp, echoing cracks. Polo in Wellington is as much about atmosphere as sport. Between chukkers, guests mingled within the tents, champagne glasses clinked, and the late-afternoon sun transitioned to an evening pool party. While less formal than the Hamptons, Palm Beach Polo is worth the gathering of friends.

Evening Reflection

By sunset, the day had traced a perfect arc – a trifecta of design, art, and sport, a perfect day in my book.  Each experience was distinct, yet connected by a sense of refinement and inspiration.  From the layered interiors of the show house to the global energy of the art fair and the timeless elegance of polo, the day captured what makes Palm Beach unique: a lifestyle where culture and leisure are seamlessly intertwined.

South Florida offers a range of options – even within driving distance. With year-round sunshine and beaches, the additional layer of art, culture and special events provide endless energy and inspiration for a life well-lived and enjoyed.  As a licensed Florida Realtor, specializing in luxury residential properties in South Florida, please reach out to make this trifecta of a day your upcoming winter Sunday.

For all the fabulous photos, find me on Insta @makemovesmiami or contact me at www.makemovesmiami.com.