Photos and article by Nancy Truman

Palm Beach has been a playground for Hollywood A-listers, presidents, royalty and business tycoons ever since Henry Morrison Flagler got the idea to make Florida accessible to his New York peers late in the 19th Century. Wealthy Americans still frequent its five-star hotel properties, own seaside retreats on its shores, shop Worth Avenue and reserve tables at the best restaurants — some are just a little more famous than others.

After abdicating the throne of England to marry divorcee Wallis Simpson, King Edward VII spent many a winter in what was referred to as the “Windsor home.” And in the 1960s during John F. Kennedy’s presidency, the compound at 1095 North Ocean Blvd. bought by his father in 1933 was dubbed the “Winter White House” — a term revived by President Donald Trump to refer to his Mar a Lago estate.

Here’s the thing, though, you don’t have to be wealthy to live the dream in Palm Beaches County, an area that has grown to encompass 39 cities and towns. You can scale it back: Treat yourself to a four-day stay in a boutique hotel; try out a few top restaurants; take in a bit of history, culture and art; and get out and enjoy nature.

Here are my top picks for exploring this Florida county: https://nationalpost.com/travel/palm-beach-doesnt-have-to-be-exclusive-how-to-treat-yourself-without-breaking-the-bank