Travelers booking flights to West Palm Beach arrive at the city's only airport, Palm Beach International Airport (PBIA). Finding cheap flights to West Palm Beach isn't difficult, since many travel websites allow guests to book travel well in advance. In 1998, a record 5.8 million passengers booked airfare to West Palm Beach and arrived at PBIA. Fifteen airlines operate out of PBIA, including international carriers such as Air Canada. The airport suggests that passengers arrive at least two hours before the departure time of their West Palm Beach flights, giving them time to obtain their boarding passes, pass through the required security check, and arrive at the correct concourse.
Vacationers who would like private transportation can rent a car before leaving the airport. Several car and limousine rental services operate out of PBIA, making it simple to find a suitable vehicle. Short-rail train service is available from Tri-Rail, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority. Tri-Rail service shuttles passengers from West Palm Beach to Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Within the city limits, tourists can ride Palm Tran, a municipal bus system that transports over 70,000 riders monthly. Palm Tran schedules are available for pickup at several West Palm Beach city government offices. Taxicabs are also available.
There's something for just about everyone to enjoy in West Palm Beach. The city has several museums and attractions for adults and children alike. The Armory Art Center on Parker Avenue presents 20 exhibitions each year and offers art classes for the public, while the Norton Museum of Art has over 5,000 permanent works of art. Wildlife lovers will enjoy the Dreher Park Zoo, where they can see animal species of all kinds. Parents and children can get familiar with nature and geology at the South Florida Science Museum. Of course, the beach is the area's biggest attraction. Located directly on the Atlantic Ocean, West Palm Beach has miles of sandy beaches for relaxing, sunning, or swimming.
The entertainment capitals of West Palm Beach are CityPlace and Clematis Street. Both areas offer upscale shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. CityPlace covers 600,000 square feet of businesses and features a 20-screen movie theatre, department stores, apparel shops, and ten restaurants. The area is also home to nightclubs, including Wet Willie's, Blue Martini, and EG 2 Gallery. Clematis Street is a business district situated in the historic part of the city, becoming an entertainment hotspot every Thursday during "Clematis By Night." Several nightclubs are located on Clematis Street, including Dr. Feelgood's Rock Bar & Grill, the Hibiscus Lounge, and Lost Weekend.