Is Palm Beach the best Florida show?

Your local waterway is ice, temperatures are steady below freezing and you need a weekend away to warmth. How about a Florida boat show weekend?

While local shows are great to see local dealers they often lack the size and scope of the larger Florida shows. Fort Lauderdale and Miami are the two most famous shows because of their size, their yachts, and the number of boats on display.

My favorite Florida show has always been Palm Beach, this year from March 26-30.? There’s just something about having the show in downtown West Palm Beach, just off Clematis Street, light breeze, lots of sun, and everything in one place. No separate convention center, no shuttles, no water taxi, just walk right off the docks and see the boats displayed on the street and in tents.

Held annually at the end of March, the weather is always beautiful and Palm Beach is much more relaxed and laid back. There are plenty of great restaurants, shopping, and more within walking distance or a short Uber away.

While not as big as Miami and Ft Lauderdale, there are still plenty of boats and yachts to see.

Everything from pontoons to towboats to center consoles to yachts (Tommy Hilfiger’s yacht, Flags, was there one year). I’ll argue a better selection for Northern Boaters to see.

Palm Beach brings out the toys too! Rolls Royce always has a display on the docks by the yachts and there are other submarines, helicopters, Bentley’s and more.

Many manufacturers and dealers opted out of Miami this year, or greatly reduced their space, and are putting more effort into Palm Beach. It’s not too late to make plans to attend.

If you do attend, be sure to check out all the great restaurants on Clematis Street. If you’re looking for the best sunset dinner, take a ride up to Sailfish for fish so fresh it’s usually caught same day. Insider tip: for late night fun check out Camelot - Kennedy family inspired bar only open on select nights.

Many of the larger shows are staffed by multiple dealers. You should always buy from your local dealer and they might even send someone down to work the booth for the brands they sell. If you’re heading down to see something specific, my advice is to reach out to your local dealer and they can get you setup with a manufacturer’s rep at the show that can walk you through the boats and show you around.

Even? if you’re not in the market for a boat this year there is so much to see and so much to do around the shows they’re worth the trip. So get out of the cold, and start your early season tan.