The beautiful beaches of Delray Beach, Florida are just the beginning.
Located in Palm Beach County, Florida, between Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, Delray Beach is a tiny oceanfront community. Locals love the popular seaside spot, but the general public hasn't yet discovered it.
Along with chic hotels, stunning beaches, and an abundance of food options, this Florida beach town also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene that truly sets it apart from other beach towns. Here is our comprehensive guide to Delray Beach, Florida, with information on where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and where to drink.
Where to Stay in Florida's Delray Beach
The Ray offers enticing artwork, delectable food and drink options, and luxurious lodgings, among other things. With its spectacular art installations, substantial sculptures, living walls, custom furnishings, and wide, open-concept design, the 141-room Hilton Curio Collection resort is sure to excite any design aficionado. The Ray has a rooftop pool where guests may relax and enjoy beverages even though it is not a beachfront hotel. (Alternatively, you can use one of the free cruiser bikes to go to the sand.) The expansive, lushly landscaped Rosewater Rooftop, a 24-hour indoor/outdoor drinking and dining establishment that offers mouthwatering snacks and refreshing drinks along with stunning views, is right next to the pool.
Alternatively, guests can book a hotel at the Delray Sands Resort if they prefer to remain right on the sand. This luxurious, kid-friendly resort features 115 light-filled guestrooms, an oceanfront pool, a whirlpool, and a separate kids' pool. Take to the sand, where you can reserve private cabanas, chairs, and umbrellas. Live entertainment and three on-site eating and drinking establishments are additional features.
What to See and Do in Florida's Delray Beach
The Pineapple Grove Arts District is worth exploring.
The artistic Pineapple Grove Arts District is packed with sculptures and murals, as well as a variety of unique boutiques, galleries, and restaurants (more on that below). The 15,000-square-foot Arts Warehouse, which is conveniently situated on Artist Alley, should not be missed. A variety of galleries, shows, and studios are housed in the warehouse. To view the whole schedule of workshops and activities, visit the events calendar.
Examine the Japanese Gardens and the Morikami Museum.
You'll forget you're in Florida as you stroll through the stunning Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. The museum's interesting displays pay respect to Japanese culture and art. Take a stroll through the rich, sculpted gardens after that, which are home to serene waterfalls, ponds, woodlands, and more (don't miss the outstanding bonsai collection).
Take a self-guided walking tour to see the street art in the area.
Put on your coziest sneakers and head out on the Delray Beach Art Trail for a closer look at the best pieces the city has to offer. You'll encounter more than 40 works of art, including several vibrant murals, along the way. And if you ever need to escape the heat, simply enter one of the many galleries.
Go to the shore.
Two miles of gentle, palm-tree-lined beaches and calm, blue waters may be found in Delray Beach. Dip your toes in the sea or go for a leisurely swim when you're not lounging in the sun on your beach lounger, which you can rent right on the sand along with umbrellas.
Where to Eat and Drink in Florida's Delray Beach
For breakfast and bites, head to The Modern Rose, which serves savory sandwiches and breakfast favorites like the PB&J served on brioche and the toasted naan with whipped cream cheese, grilled caramelized peaches, honey, and cinnamon. The Modern Rose also offers a daily and seasonally rotating selection of freshly baked pastries. Additionally, the female-run, Latinx, veteran-owned business offers more than 60 unique boutique tea varieties in addition to locally roasted coffee. Another great option is The French Bakery, which offers a huge variety of handcrafted, freshly baked bread, including charming and delectable little French baguettes. A hand-rolled chocolate almond croissant, chocolate or vanilla butter biscuits, or a madeleine are more delectable options to try. Still, drooling?
Get a table at Lulu's Cafe & Cocktails, a hip spot that appears to have been taken straight out of SoHo, for brunch and lunch. Everything from breakfast burritos and croissant sandwiches to salads and bowls, charcuterie boards, chicken wings, and more can be found here. Remember to stop by the bar with a jungle leaf design for a homemade beverage or two. If you're looking for waterfront eating, head to Deck 84, which has a view of the Intracoastal Waterway. Get there early to secure a spot outside and indulge in mouthwatering seafood dishes including salmon with miso glaze, grilled swordfish, fish and chips, and Caesar salad with blackened shrimp.
For Dinner: Local chef Suzanne Perrotto owns the Italian restaurant Rose's Daughter, which is only open for dinner. There are several options, ranging from hearty bowls of spaghetti to freshly prepared pizzas. The mussels are transported daily from Prince Edward Island to Mussel Beach if you have a hankering for seafood, particularly shellfish. The Mediterranean-inspired Joseph's Wine Bar and Cafe, where the proprietor, Joseph, is waiting to greet you, is the perfect place to have a romantic supper on a date. The wine list here features more than 2,000 bottles, making it a favorite among oenophiles.