West Palm Beach Food Tours, which operates in the city’s downtown district, has jumped from No. 4 in the nation last year to the top spot this year in USA Today’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for America’s best food tours.
Founder Kristl Story calls the top ranking both surprising and deeply rewarding.
“We were thrilled to make USA Today’s 10BEST food tours list last year, but being named No. 1 in the country this year is incredible,” Story said.
She credits the win to the chefs, hidden gems and local stories that shape the experience and keep longtime residents just as engaged as first‑time visitors.
“It’s just as fun when locals say, ‘I’ve lived here for years and didn’t know that!’”
What is USA Today’s 10BEST?
The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the very best in travel, food and drink, and lifestyle.
Every week, a panel of industry experts nominates their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories. Its editors then vet these nominations and select a final set of nominees to be presented to the voting public for a period of four weeks.
What to know before booking a tour
The company offers a menu of four “off the beaten path” tours, where each independently owned stop is integral to a specific theme and immerses visitors in West Palm Beach’s history and culture.
Story also sees it as a timesaver because “you can preview five or six restaurants in one day.”
Up to 14 people per outing can sign up, and all stops are wheelchair accessible. For groups, tour themes can be customized.
The original downtown tour remains popular and dives deep into Henry Flagler’s history. The last stop is Ganache Bakery where Food Network-famous pastry chef Jamal Lake does a coconut cutting demonstration and tells the story on how Palm Beach got its name.
“We finish with the best Key Lime pie in town, which also dates back to Henry Flagler.”
Lake also does a Lilly-inspired cookie decorating class for Story’s business.
As a newbie in town, it’s tempting to sign up. And Story said I won’t be alone on the local front because many WPB residents comprise her groups and one has a standing reservation whenever houseguests visit.
Her advice: “Don’t just go out to lunch. Go out to lunch at five different places.”
After trying 50 food tours across the globe, Story said, “I remember history so much better when I’m tasting it.”
To book or learn more, visit westpalmbeachfoodtour.com or call 561-331-1158.
USA TODAY 10BEST Food Tours 2026
These are the top 10 food tours in the country ranked in order by votes.
Diana Biederman is the Palm Beach Post’s food and dining reporter who adores Ganache’s cupcakes and other treats. Reach me at dbiederman@pbpost.com. Subscribe today and sign up for our free At the Table weekly newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: How to get in on the West Palm food tour ranked nation’s best by USAT
Reporting by Diana Biederman, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
