West Palm Beach Launches DowntownWPB AR Tour
The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority has partnered with Hoverlay to introduce DowntownWPB Unlocked, an augmented reality walking tour that presents Downtown West Palm Beach in a digital format. The initiative enables users to explore streets, landmarks, businesses and public spaces using augmented reality features accessible on a smartphone.
The experience integrates digital content with physical locations throughout downtown. Using augmented reality technology, users can access multimedia elements, including video, audio, animation, and narrative content, linked to specific sites. The programme presents aspects of the city’s culture, history, art and architecture through these digital overlays.
Access to the experience is provided through the Hoverlay mobile application, which is available for iOS and Android devices. Once installed, users can follow guided routes within Downtown West Palm Beach and access content at designated locations. The application activates augmented reality features when users are in proximity to participating sites, displaying the content on the device screen.
More than 30 locations within the downtown district have been included in the programme. These sites have been developed in collaboration with local artists, cultural institutions, businesses and other partners. The selected locations include civic landmarks, public art installations and spaces, and local retailers and restaurants, each incorporating digital elements into the experience.
To access the tour, users are directed to visit the DowntownWPB website and download the Hoverlay application. Within the application, users can search for the “DowntownWPB” channel to view a digital map of participating locations. The application requires access to the device’s camera and location services to enable the augmented reality features. At each location, users can activate the experience by selecting the relevant icon within the application or by pointing the device at the site and following the on-screen instructions.
The initiative presents locations across Downtown West Palm Beach through a digital interface, allowing users to engage with both well-known and less prominent spaces within the district. The integration of augmented reality provides an additional layer of information for each site, without altering the physical environment.
The Downtown Development Authority has identified the programme as part of its ongoing work within the district. The inclusion of local businesses, cultural sites and public spaces forms part of the overall structure of the experience, which is accessible to both residents and visitors through the mobile application.
The organisation was established in 1967 as an independent taxing district through a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its role is to support a safe and active downtown environment by developing economic, social, and cultural opportunities. The DowntownWPB Unlocked initiative forms part of these activities within the district.
The augmented reality tour remains available through the Hoverlay application, providing access to the mapped locations and associated digital content across Downtown West Palm Beach.
