For a fun beach weekend with the girls, your partner, or even the whole family, skip overcrowded Miami and hoity-toity Palm Beach. Instead, head to Delray Beach, Florida.
This sleepy beach town has experienced a revival over the last few years but it’s still maintained a bit of its kooky, South Florida charm, which is why I love it so much.
I first became familiar with Delray Beach when my parents moved nearby. Now, after spending years visiting and exploring the surrounding area, I wanted to put together a travel guide with all of my tips and recommendations of things to do in Delray Beach, Florida.
And don’t worry, this post includes where to eat as well, because if you follow this blog, then you know by now that I love to eat!
So, are you ready to learn more about Delray Beach and all of the fun things to do in this Florida beach town? If so, keep reading for all the deets!
Pro Travel Tip: Please note that with the ongoing pandemic, I’m not encouraging travel right now. In Florida, not much has been done by the government and it’s up to individual businesses to mandate safety protocols like social distancing and wearing masks. There are many places where this not being done. My suggestion? If Delray Beach, Florida is on your travel list, please bookmark this post for the future when it’s truly safe to travel again!
Where is Delray Beach, Florida?
Delray Beach is a small city located on the Atlantic coast in southeast Florida. It is directly north of Boca Raton and south of Boynton Beach.
What I find most convenient about Delray Beach is that it’s centrally located between the Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale airports, so you have many options when it comes to flying here. (For reference, it’s about an hour’s drive to Miami.)
The Colony Hotel in downtown Delray Beach
Where to Stay in Delray Beach, Florida
For accommodations, stay at the upscale Seagate Hotel or the Opal Grand Resort (formerly the Marriott). Both are located on Atlantic Avenue, the main commercial thoroughfare of Delray Beach. You’ll find a ton of restaurants, shops, bars, and the beach, all within walking distance to both hotels.
Also on Atlantic Avenue, a few more blocks inland, you’ll find the Colony Hotel. I love this hotel because it gives me so much nostalgia for what Florid was like in the 1980s when I would visit my grandparents. The brightly colored, tropical-themed lobby transports you back to another era. It’s also where I take my favorite yoga class in town (more on that below).
If you prefer more of a Bed and Breakfast type of accommodation, stay at the Sundy House. The Inn has 12 uniquely themed accommodations tucked within an acre of tropical gardens. And the only beachfront hotel in the area is the Delray Sands Resort. Technically, the hotel is actually in Highland Beach, but it’s a quick drive to Atlantic Avenue.
Finally, if you’re going for more glitz and glam, there’s the Boca Resort in neighboring Boca Raton. (It’s about a 15-minute drive from Atlantic Avenue, the main drag of Delray Beach).
Checking out the street art of Pineapple Grove in Downtown Delray Beach
My Favorite Things to Do in Delray Beach
Before I give you the overview of all the great things there are to do in Delray Beach, I want to share with you some of my favorite spots, because after visiting Delray multiple times per year for the last 15 years, I feel like I have a bit of a local’s perspective on things.
My favorite spots in town include Lemon Grass for dinner and Latitudes for brunch right on the beach. If you prefer a view of the intercoastal, Deck 84 also does a great brunch with make-your-own Bloody Marys.
Wherever you eat, save room for dessert, because Delray Beach is home to Kilwins, an amazing old-fashioned ice-cream parlor. Kilwins not only has amazing ice-cream, but it’s a confectionary shop where you can literally watch them making chocolate, fudge, and other delectable treats right in the front window. This place is always a crowd-pleaser.
But the best part of Delray Beach is, well, the beach! You’ll want to spend the most time here, soaking up the sun and surf. And I don’t blame you. Whenever I’m in a sunny, tropical climate, I also want to spend as much time as possible at the beach. And with the gorgeous turquoise waters and silky white sand beaches, you can’t go wrong doing the same thing when you come to Delray Beach!
For more intel on everything to do and see plus places to eat, check out my curated list below.
Related: What to bring to the beach – the essential list
Where to Eat and Drink in Delray Beach:
Juice Bars & Coffee
Subculture Coffee – I think this is the best coffee in Delray Beach, Florida. They roast in small batches and everything is done in-house.
Yaxche Tearoom – For artisanal teas, coffees, and healthy organic food in a colorful bungalow.
Surf Shack Subs Smoothies & Bowls – A super casual, laid back café with a walk-up window and outdoor seating serving delicious and healthy food.
A healthy salad with grilled salmon at Latitudes
Great for Brunch/Lunch
Latitudes –Located right on the beach at the Delray Sands Resort, enjoy fresh seafood and the ocean views. We always request outdoor seating when we go.
Deck 84 – Casual waterfront dining on the intercoastal, right off of Atlantic Avenue in the heart of Delray Beach.
Taru at the Sundy House – Dine with beautiful tropical surroundings. Pro-Tip: They do a decadent Sunday brunch. At $75 per person, it’s not cheap, but the Bloody Marys and Mimosas flow and a delectable buffet with chef attended stations serve up delicacies including lobster and more.
Walking on Atlantic Avenue, Delray’s main drag with lots of restaurants, bars, and shops
Hot Spots for Dinner & Dessert
Lemongrass Asian Bistro – One of my all-time favorites, this casual pan-Asian restaurant offers everything from sushi to Thai curries plus an extensive wine list. I literally eat here every time I come to visit my parents. (They also have a location in Boca Raton.)
Dada – A truly unique restaurant in one of the oldest historic homes in Delray Beach. The eclectic décor and artwork match the equally creative cuisine. They also have a beautiful garden with outdoor seating.
City Oyster and Sushi Bar – A great seafood restaurant on Atlantic Avenue with sushi and fresh oysters plus a bustling bar scene.
Tramonti – Another longtime establishment on Atlantic Avenue serving high-end Italian food. It’s always quite a scene here, so be prepared to wait for your table, even when you have a reservation.
Cut 432 – A modern steakhouse in the heart of Delray Beach on Atlantic Avenue.
Luna Rosa – Another Italian restaurant, located right across the street from the beach on A1A. It gets quite windy there at night so request a table inside if that bothers you. They also get a huge crowd for breakfast and brunch.
Atlantic Grille – For a splurge, head to the Atlantic Grille at the Seagate Hotel. Enjoy the inventive cuisine and make sure to check out the lively bar and firepit lounge.
Anthony’s Pizzeria and Restaurant – For delicious, satisfying, and affordable food, head to Anthony’s Pizzeria, which draws people from all over South Florida. Make sure to get the coal-fired wings (yes I said wings!) and the pizza.
Kilwins – As I mentioned above, this place is my go-to for ice-cream, fudge, and delectable candies. It’s a must-visit if you make it to Delray Beach!
Take a sightseeing cruise on the Lady Delray
Things to do in Delray Beach
The Beach – Ok, obviously, the first thing I have to mention is the beach, because it’s gorgeous and easily accessible. There’s a public beach located right where Atlantic Avenue ends at A1A.
Sightseeing Cruise – I did this intercoastal cruise last year with my parents and it was fascinating. You learn so much about the geography and waterfront homes in the area. They also serve cocktails and snacks.
Colony Yoga at the Colony Hotel – I have been going to Colony yoga classes for years, but by far, my favorite class is the one on Sunday morning with live music. The class has such a positive vibe. It’s a great way to start your day. Colony Yoga also offers classes at the hotel every other day of the week (and at other locations), and you do not need to be a hotel guest to attend the classes. Please note that at least during pre-pandemic times, the Sunday morning class was always packed. There are usually over 100 people there, so you might prefer a weekday class if a crowded yoga class is not your thing.
Pineapple Grove Arts District – Just off of Atlantic Avenue beginning at NE 2nd Street is an eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, bistros, and artists’ studios, plus public artwork on display.
Old School Square – Located in downtown Delray Beach on Atlantic Avenue, the Old School Square campus is home to the Cornell Arts Museum, a theater, pavilion, and the Creative Arts School. Check out the website for upcoming musical performances and events.
The Cornell Art Museum – a contemporary and provocative art museum located at Old School Square in the restored 1913 Delray Elementary School.
Saltwater Brewery – a local microbrewery with a bar for tastings plus a beer garden and rotating food trucks.
Morikami Museum – Technically just outside of Delray Beach, it’s a center for Japanese art and culture with beautifully landscaped gardens.
Wakodahatchee Wetlands – Free and open to the public, the Wakodahatchee wetlands in West Delray opened in 1996 and were constructed on previous wastewater utility property. With a ¾ mile boardwalk, it’s a great place to see plant life and wildlife, particularly birds.
With All these Things to Do, Are You Ready to Visit Delray Beach, Florida?
I hope you like this Delray Beach travel guide! I tried to include everything I love to do as a ‘semi-local’ plus the more touristy things that are still great and fun things to add to your list.
Let me know if you have any questions – or things to add to my list – and who knows, maybe I’ll see you around in Delray Beach when you make it there for a trip!
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2 Comments
Jecky FL
November 29, 2021 at 11:58 amYou’re the travel guru! This was such an informational post on travel. Please keep doing more videos about planning and packing for trips!
Merry Lerner
January 25, 2022 at 1:29 pmSo glad you found this helpful!