South Florida’s best attractions on the High-Speed Brightline train

Seeing South Florida on the High-Speed Brightline Train
If you ask any South Floridian about traveling between West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, they’ll tell you the most challenging part is the traffic. But now residents and visitors can easily travel between each city on the Brightline, a high-speed train service that makes it easier than ever to hop between cities.

There are several Brightline stations located in South Florida and tickets can be purchased online for single rides or monthly unlimited passes. Each Brightline station has a parking garage and a comfy lounge to relax in while you wait for the high-speed train, and once onboard riders can purchase snacks and enjoy free wifi.

If you’re looking to visit all three South Florida cities on your next vacation or want to take a scenic day trip, check out our recommendations for seeing South Florida via the Brightline train.

West Palm Beach – Where to Stay
Hilton West Palm Beach – Start (or end) your trip at the Hilton West Palm Beach hotel, which is only half a mile from the West Palm Beach Brightline Station. The 4-star hotel recently opened in 2016 and boasts 400 bright and modern guest rooms. The hotel is connected to the Palm Beach Convention Center, adjacent to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, and within walking distance to The Square, a recently revamped dining and shopping destination. Hotel guests get access to outdoor group fitness classes and amenities include a poolside DJ on Saturdays. Don’t forget to stop by Galley, the hotel’s onsite restaurant. You’ll be dreaming about the rack of lamb and truffle mac and cheese long after you check out.

West Palm Beach – Where to Eat
Planta – Located at the South end of The Square entertainment district, Planta offers lots of outdoor patio seating. Inside, the dining room has a natural bohemian vibe with lots of oversized plants, wicker chandeliers, and bold palm leaf-patterned wallpaper. The menu items are plant-based and if you’re unsure of what to order try the bang band broccoli or the spicy lumaconi pasta. You’ll thank us later.

RH Rooftop Restaurant – While it’s technically part of a high-end furniture store, RH Rooftop Restaurant is one of the best rooftop restaurants in West Palm Beach. The dining room features plush white couches and indoor trees adorned with twinkling lights. There’s also a wrap-around deck outside that’s great for taking sunset photos. Make it a happy hour stop – there’s a great selection of wine and appetizers – or stay to sample the rest of the menu.

Fort Lauderdale – Where to Stay
The Kimpton Goodland Fort Lauderdale Beach – If you’re hungry for nostalgia, book a stay at the Kimpton Goodland. The newly opened hotel is less than four miles from Fort Lauderdale’s Brightline station and only one block from Fort Lauderdale beach. There are touches of “California cool” in the renovated 1949 boutique hotel. Each of the 96 rooms features beachy details like light wood floors, retro appliances, and mid-century lighting. The boutique hotel also comes with lots of great amenities like a nightly hosted wine hour, a rooftop pool deck with a DJ on the weekends, and bike and boogie board rentals. The onsite restaurant, Botanic, overlooks the garden-level pool and serves delicious seafood dishes like red snapper, mussels, and bacon jam scallops. Nearby Fort Lauderdale attractions include the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, a U.S. National Registered Historic Place.

Fort Lauderdale – Where to Eat
Lona Cocina & Tequileria – Lona Cocina & Tequileria sits overlooking the A1A beachfront strip, and it has one of the best weekend brunch buffets on the beach. On the weekends, dig into a brunch that includes bottomless mimosas, an omelet and taco station, and a generous spread of desserts.

Casablanca Cafe – Housed inside a residential home that dates back to 1927, Casablanca Cafe is the first and oldest home built on Fort Lauderdale beach. Head here for a Mediterranean-influenced menu with hearty menu items like roasted eggplant ravioli and Moroccan lamb shank.

Miami – Where to Stay
Eden Roc Miami Beach – Only a few minutes from the Miami Brightline station, Eden Roc Miami Beach is a glam beachfront resort, and most of the guest rooms have balconies with direct ocean views. Guests can relax by one of the hotel’s three beachfront pools or book a service in the Esencia Wellness Spa. There are lots of food options at the Eden Roc including Nobu Miami, the famous upscale Japanese restaurant. For a breezy, beachfront meal, make reservations at Ocean Social, the resort’s latest culinary addition that has savory dishes like lobster spaghetti and potato gnocchi on the menu. The resort’s mid beach location means you’re close to the Miami Beach Boardwalk and a short ride from the outdoor Lincoln Road Mall and the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Miami – Where to Eat
MILA – MILA deserves special mention for its inventive Mediterranean and Japanese menu and unique setting. The outdoor dining area is a covered rooftop terrace with an impressive 3,000 sq ft water feature surrounded by lounge seating. MILA’s signature event is a leisurely two-hour multi-course brunch, and some of the brunch menu items include sushi, eggs benedict, beef short rib, soy-glazed salmon, avocado tartar, and an impressive seafood tower. The grand finale is a plate of decadent mini desserts.

Yardbird Table and Bar – The James Beard-nominated Yardbird Table and Bar is a favorite among Miami locals. The restaurant has one of the best fried chicken dishes in South Florida, and other menu favorites include Southern classics like buttermilk biscuits, skillet corn board, and shrimp and grits. While you’re there, be sure to order the blackberry bourbon lemonade cocktail.