Delray Beach is a diverse and vibrant community located on the Atlantic Ocean in Palm Beach County. It is also a first-class resort destination.
Delray Beach is the perfect weekend getaway home to white sand beaches, spectacular restaurants, and plenty to do. Delray Beach is a lovely destination if you are looking to escape the harsh winter.
If you want to go somewhere warm this winter but avoid the craziness of Miami, then opt for the quieter Delray Beach. I hope this quick guide to Delray Beach helps you plan the best getaway ever!
Best Places To Stay In Delray Beach
Delray offers a wide range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to luxurious resorts just a short drive from the city. Regardless of your budget or preference, you’ll find something that suits your needs.
We have compiled a list of the top-rated hotels in Delray, categorized by luxury, mid-range and budget, to make choosing the perfect one easier.
Luxury Delray Beach Hotels
- The Opal Grand Resort – During my month in Delray Beach, I found that the Opal Grand is one of the best hotels in Delray Beach. The Opal Grand offers comfortable accommodation at the end of Atlantic Ave with ocean views. At the Opal Grand, you will find my favorite restaurant in Delray Beach, Drift, an outdoor pool, a cafe, and more.
- The Ray Hotel Delray Beach – Located in the Pineapple Grove Arts District, The Ray Hotel is a lovely option when choosing accommodation in Delray Beach. The Ray has an outdoor swimming pool, a house restaurant with a Michelin-starred chef, a wellness center, and more.
- The Seagate Hotel and Spa – Located on Atlantic Ave. The Seagate is a perfect place for a beachside winter escape. Offering deluxe rooms, beach club access, in-house dining, and more. The Seagate Hotel is a great place to stay in Delray if you want luxury accommodation.
Mid-Range Delray Beach Hotels
- Cranes Beach House Boutique Hotel – Crane’s Beach House Boutique Hotel is within walking distance to the beach, making it a perfect place to have a beach vacation. Offering two saltwater swimming pools, spacious rooms, a lovely garden, and more, the Cranes Beach House Boutique Hotel is an excellent option if you are looking for a mid-range hotel in Delray Beach.
- The Atlantic Suites – Located on Atlantic Ave. The Atlantic Suites offer comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, and more. The Atlantic Suits is perfect for groups or families because they offer rooms with up to five beds and fully equipped kitchens.
- Delray Breakers – The Delray Breakers is located right on the water and 2 miles from the busy Atlantic Ave. If you are looking for a quiet place to stay in Delray Beach, then the Delray Breakers is for you. Complete with a putting green, heated pool, game room, and more, the Delray Breakers typically has an older crowd.
Budget Delray Beach Hotels
- Gulfstream Manor – Situated right on the beach and just north of Atlantic Ave, the Gulfstream Manor is a perfect place to stay while visiting Delray if you are on a budget. The Gulfstream Manor has a lovely outdoor swimming pool, a garden, free private parking, and more.
- Atlantic Hideaway – The Atlantic Hideaway is an adorable boutique hotel just north of Atlantic Ave and a short walk to the beach. The budget hotel offers comfortable rooms that are perfect to come back to after a long day at the beach or exploring.
Things To Do In Delray Beach
Delray Beach boasts a lively main street, inviting beach weather, a thriving arts scene and a rich cultural heritage. Delray Beach has plenty of things to do and see for everyone.
There are several great beach options for relaxing and exploring, unique shopping experiences, and plenty of things to visit and experience.
1) Go shopping on Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic Avenue is the most popular place in Delray Beach. You can find your favorite shops such as Urban Outfitters, Lilly Pulitzer, J. McLaughlin, and more. The restaurant scene on Atlantic Ave is amazing as well; some of my favorites are El Camino and Two Fat brEGGfast.
Make sure you admire the street art and pop in some locally owned boutiques. I love Delray Beach Kollective, Kokonuts, and Bolufe Boutique.
2) Relax on a beautiful beach for the day
You can’t go to South Florida without having a beach day! Delray Municipal Beach and Atlantic Dunes Park are my favorite beaches in Delray Beach, Florida.
- Delray Municipal Beach – Delray Municipal Beach is the most popular beach in Delray. Delray Municipal Beach is an excellent choice for a beach day, within walking distance of all of the best restaurants, shops, and hotels on Atlantic Ave. Delray Municipal Beach is the most popular, so there could be a crowd, especially on weekends.
- Atlantic Dunes Park – Just south of Delray Municipal Beach is quiet Atlantic Dunes Park. To get to Atlantic Dunes Park, you will have to walk on a boardwalk through dunes of sand. Atlantic Dunes is an excellent beach for families or groups because of the open spaces. Just don’t forget food, sunscreen, and water.
3) Visit Pineapple Grove
Pineapple Grove is full of street art and creative energy. In Pineapple Grove, you will find the Arts Garage, which offers stand-up comedy and live music almost every weekend. Experience the professional spray paint on the buildings, charming cafes, and exquisite restaurants in the Delray art district, Pineapple Grove.
4) Morikami Japanese Garden Museum
Morikami Japanese Garden is an exciting place to visit while in Delray Beach. At the Morikami Japanese Garden, you can learn about Japanese culture, visit a Japanese villa, and wander around a Japanese Garden.
The Japanese Garden was my favorite part of Morikami because I felt like I was in Japan. You will find koi ponds and Japanese plants in this tranquil Japanese Garden.
5) Observe Florida’s’ Wildlife at Wakodahatchee Wetlands
The fifty-acre Wakodahatchee Wetlands is a beautiful place to observe Florida’s wildlife and go on a nature walk. Featuring a three-quarter mile boardwalk, ponds, and small islands, the Wakodahatchee Wetlands is a lovely way to see Florida’s nature without traveling to the Everglades. You can find 178 species of birds, alligators, turtles, and more at Wakodahatchee Wetlands.
6) Delray Beach Greenmarket
One of the best farmers markets I have ever visited was the Delray Beach Greenmarket. Open on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm, the Greenmarket is home to fantastic produce, bakeries, food trucks, boutiques, and more.
My favorite vendors at The Delray Beach Greenmarket are Farmers Market Honey, Amazing Creations Florist, European Gourmet Bakery, A Taste Of Africa, Scooby Doos, and Okeechobee Farms’ Farm Store. You can find a complete list of vendors here.
You will find whatever you are looking for at Delray Beach Greenmarket, located on Atlantic Ave.
7) Take a day trip to a nearby city
Within an hour’s drive from Delray Beach, you will find a number of large cities and places to visit and things to do. Some great day trip options are Miami, the Everglades, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach.
8) Visit the Saltwater Brewery
Saltwater Brewery is the first local production microbrewery in Delray Beach that offers a “Reef Room” for on-site tastings. The brewery is operated by a team of Floridians who take special care of each batch of handcrafted beer, made using only natural ingredients. The brewery is dedicated to promoting ocean conservation education and arranging private brewery tours for groups of up to ten people.
9) Visit the Sandoway Discovery Center
If you’re looking for a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy, consider visiting the Sandoway Discovery Center. This natural history museum offers hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and guided tours for both kids and adults.
Best Tours To Take In Delray Beach
Delray Beach offers a variety of enjoyable tours for exploring the food scene, Everglades and fishing cruises. Here are four great tour options:
- Delray Beach has so much delicious food. Doing a food tour will make sure that you try all of it. This Delray Beach food tour has all my favorite restaurants and cafes, most of which are off the beaten path.
- If you have an extra day in Delray, doing an Everglades tour is a great way to spend a day. This Everglades tour will show you all of the highlights of the US National Park in just one day.
- Experience the intensity and skill of one of the league’s top teams, the Miami Heat, at Kaseya Center. Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of an NBA basketball game.
- Spend four hours fishing aboard an 85-foot Gulfcraft fishing boat off the coast of Fort Lauderdale. You can fish for snappers, grouper, mahi, and more. You will experience the deep waters, Gulfstream current, and stunning coastal views just one mile off the coast.
Best Dining Spots In Delray Beach
With everything from great coffee spots to Mexican tacos and everything in between. Delray Beach has plenty of options for every meal time.
Here are ten of the best restaurants in Delray Beach:
Coffee and Breakfast In Delray Beach
- Two Fat BrEGGfast – Two Fat BrEGGfast is a hole-in-the-wall coffee and breakfast joint that everyone needs to try while in Delray Beach. This hidden gem serves delicious egg sandwiches, baked goods, coffee, and more. Two Fat BrEGGfast was my go-to coffee and breakfast joint during my month in Delray.
- The Seed – Another one of my favorite coffee shops was The Seed on Atlantic Ave. The Seed is best if you are looking for a specialty latte, pastry, or smoothie, as it is a grab-and-go type place. You will find plenty of healthy options at The Seed.
- Colombian Coffee House – The traveler in me was in love with the Colombian Coffee House located just off Atlantic Ave; it actually inspired me to visit Colombia. You will find traditional Colombian food such as arepa, empanadas, guava pastries, and more. Of course, the Colombian coffee is delectable.
Lunch and Dinner In Delray Beach
- El Camino – El Camino is a unique Mexican joint on Atlantic Ave. The food is inexpensive, so if you are on a budget, check out El Camino. I loved the fish tacos!
- Drift – If you are looking for a fancier option, check out Drift at the Opal Grand Hotel. Drift is a seafood restaurant that offers a luxurious ambiance with a beachy undercurrent.
- Lulu’s – Lulu’s offers a fun environment while serving great food. Enjoy fresh cocktails at Lulu’s at their boho chic bar in Pineapple Grove. I love the salmon at Lulu’s!
- Lemongrass Asian Bistro – Lemongrass, located on Atlantic Ave, serves amazing sushi, stir-fry, bao buns, dim sum, noodles, and more. The Asian restaurant adds a creative twist to its cocktails and food. Be sure to try the Big Trouble In China cocktail or the Hawaiian dancer stir-fry served in a pineapple.
Late Night Hangouts In Delray Beach
- The Blue Anchor Pub – The Blue Anchor, located on Atlantic Ave, is a British Pub that offers live music, poker nights, happy hour, and viewings of the English Premier Football League.
- The O.G. – The O.G. is where food, drink, and art come together. You will find local talent along with drinks and food at The O.G.
- Throw Social – Throw Social offers corn hole, live music, ping pong, cabana rentals, sketch, and ax throwing. Throw Social is perfect for bachelorette parties, bridal showers, birthdays, weddings, or just a fun night out!
Best Day Trips From Delray Beach
Delray Beach’s location offers easy access to several great cities and locations within close proximity of Delray Beach. Here are three of the best places to visit on a day trip from Delray Beach.
- Palm Beach – Spend a day in the beautiful Palm Beach. Have lunch at The Breakers, take a stroll down Worth Ave, or soak up the sun at the beach. Only 20 minutes away from Delray Beach is Palm Beach.
- Fort Lauderdale – Another exciting seaside city in Florida is Fort Lauderdale; a bit toned down from the nearby Miami, there is still plenty to do and see in Fort Lauderdale. Go shopping on Los Olas Blvd, take a swim at the beach, or take a boat tour in Fort Lauderdale.
- Miami – Only about an hour from Delray Beach in Miami. Miami is such an amazing city – try Cuban food in Little Havana, go shopping in Coconut Grove, or admire the street art in Wynwood. Miami is definitely worth a visit, even if it is just for a day.
How To Get To Delray Beach
The best airports to fly into when traveling to Delray Beach are Fort Lauderdale International Airport and West Palm Beach International Airport.
You will find cheaper fares from Fort Lauderdale International. Fort Lauderdale is about 30 minutes from Delray Beach.
I prefer flying into West Palm Beach because it is a much smaller airport and only 20 minutes away from Delray Beach.
How To Get Around Delray Beach
Delray is walkable! Most people just stay on Atlantic Ave and go to the beach, so they do not need to rent a car or use public transit.
If you want a ride anywhere there is the Delray Freebee! I used the freebee a ton while I was in Delray because I was not staying on Atlantic Ave. You can order a ride whenever you want for free as long as you are within the freebee readius. Whenever you need a ride use the freebee app and request one!
Best Time To Visit Delray Beach
My favorite time of year in South Florida is the spring, March being the best. You will find great temperatures, sunny skies, and perfect swimming conditions.
The winter in Delray is nice, but it may be a bit too chilly to swim. Avoid the summer and early fall in Delray Beach because of the extreme heat, hurricanes, and unpredictable weather.
Delray Beach Wrap Up
The warm weather, great food, stunning beaches, and more make Delray Beach a great escape. Delray Beach is getting more and more popular because it is quieter than the nearby Miami and Fort Lauderdale, but there is still a good amount of things to do.
I hope that this guide to Delray Beach helps you plan the best weekend getaway ever!
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Delray Beach, Florida. If you have any questions or advice to share with our readers, please leave these in the comments below.
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We Are Travel Girls Ambassador Daisy MacLellan
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