Delray Beach
Delray Beach
Description
As one of South Florida's most popular and family-friendly beach destinations, charming Delray Beach's 2-mile stretch of sand and typically calm, sapphire waters promise a relaxing getaway. The town's relatively small size -- its main drag, Atlantic Avenue, is only a few blocks long -- means it's easy to traverse on foot, which is the best way to enjoy Delray's galleries, boutiques, restaurants and bars. Whether you plan to while away your vacation frolicking on the beach, or hope to explore some of the nearby nature trails, Delray lies in close proximity to a range of fun activities. Once evening descends, enjoy sunset cocktails at a beachfront tiki bar, or an upscale dinner with ocean views. As you explore and unwind, discover first-hand why Delray Beach is so loved by travelers.
Best Time to Visit Delray Beach
Winter (December through February) is the best time to travel Delray Beach, Florida. Weather is perfect this time of year in Delray Beach to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 79°F (26.1°C) and 75.2°F (24°C). On average, it rains or snows a smalll amount: 3 to 4 times per month.
Getting to Delray Beach, Florida
The nearest airport to Delray Beach is West Palm Beach/Palm Beach (PBI). However, there are better options for getting to Delray Beach. Tri Rail operates a train from Sheridan Street Station to Delray Beach Station twice daily. Tickets cost $4 - $6 and the journey takes 48 min. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Ft. Myers (RSW) to Delray Beach via Btwr Shops @ Bell Twr Shops Ave, Ft Myers, West Palm Beach, and WPB ITC at BAY I in around 6h 58m.
Things to Do in Delray Beach, Florida
An intimate beach town with a big-city personality, Delray Beach is a vibrant South Florida community situated between Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. With accolades like Most Fun Small Town in the USA and one of America's Happiest Seaside Towns, it's no surprise Delray is such a popular destination.
1. Atlantic Avenue
"The Avenue," the pedestrian?friendly epicenter of downtown Delray Beach, is most notably known for its shopping, dining, and small?town curb appeal. Here, brick-paved sidewalks lined with palm and oak trees create a charming ambiance that makes for a perfect day or evening walk. Explore stylish fashion boutiques, art galleries, and dozens of gift shops to find one?of?a?kind treasures.
2. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Visitors of Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens have the opportunity to discover South Florida’s connection with Japan while exploring a series of six lush, authentic gardens. Each garden was inspired by a different period and style of Japanese gardening, and all were designed by Hoichi Kurisu.
3. Saltwater Brewery
Saltwater Brewery is Delray Beach's first local production microbrewery with a "Reef Room" for tastings on site. The brewery is run by a team of Floridians who give special care to each batch of the handcrafted beer, made using only natural ingredients. The brewery promotes education on ocean conservation, and tours are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis every Saturday between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
4. Silverball Museum
Featuring more than 150 video games and pinball machines dating as far back as the 1930s, this museum brings a bit of nostalgia to visitors, evoking childhood memories for adults while creating memories for younger generations.
5. Wakodahatchee Wetlands
As the first wetlands park in the region, Wakodahatchee Wetlands provides a diverse wildlife habitat that has attracted more than 150 different species of birds as well as alligators, rabbits, turtles, otters, foxes and other creatures found in a healthy South Florida wetland ecosystem.
6. Delray Municipal Beach
Named as the top beach in the southeastern U.S. by Travel Holiday magazine, Delray Municipal Beach is popular by people of all ages. You'll see families on vacation, young people playing volleyball, and older folks basking in the warm sun. Visitors looking for excitement can rent equipment – from snorkeling gear to paddleboards – at the South Florida Yacht Rental.
7. Old School Square
Old School Square is a multi-use entertainment center hosting cutting-edge art exhibits, performances of Broadway cabaret with New York’s hottest stars, music and comedy acts, and more. Serving for more than 25 years as the community’s gathering place, the historic campus includes the Crest Theatre, Cornell Art Museum, and the Fieldhouse.
8. Sandoway House Nature Center
The Sandoway Discovery Center offers a glimpse into South Florida’s fragile marine and freshwater environments through educational exhibits and programs. Visitors of all ages can get an up-close view of some of Florida’s native and invasive reptiles, meet sharks and other fish at the coral reef pool, explore Southeast Florida’s largest private shell collection, and learn about natural history and the environment at the center’s library.
9. Pineapple Grove Arts District
Pineapple Grove is a colorful arts district featuring public art pieces, boutiques, fine art galleries, and custom furniture stores filled with local pieces – and the giant pineapple mural is the perfect backdrop for a Delray Beach selfie.
10. Putt’n Around
Thirty-six holes of miniature golf await in a little pink building and garden tucked away downtown. Don’t be fooled by the color, though – this isn’t a cliché mini-golf experience with windmills or clowns. On the Ocean course, you’ll find beautiful fish statues, seashells, and a magical mermaid.
1. Atlantic Avenue
"The Avenue," the pedestrian?friendly epicenter of downtown Delray Beach, is most notably known for its shopping, dining, and small?town curb appeal. Here, brick-paved sidewalks lined with palm and oak trees create a charming ambiance that makes for a perfect day or evening walk. Explore stylish fashion boutiques, art galleries, and dozens of gift shops to find one?of?a?kind treasures.
2. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Visitors of Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens have the opportunity to discover South Florida’s connection with Japan while exploring a series of six lush, authentic gardens. Each garden was inspired by a different period and style of Japanese gardening, and all were designed by Hoichi Kurisu.
3. Saltwater Brewery
Saltwater Brewery is Delray Beach's first local production microbrewery with a "Reef Room" for tastings on site. The brewery is run by a team of Floridians who give special care to each batch of the handcrafted beer, made using only natural ingredients. The brewery promotes education on ocean conservation, and tours are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis every Saturday between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
4. Silverball Museum
Featuring more than 150 video games and pinball machines dating as far back as the 1930s, this museum brings a bit of nostalgia to visitors, evoking childhood memories for adults while creating memories for younger generations.
5. Wakodahatchee Wetlands
As the first wetlands park in the region, Wakodahatchee Wetlands provides a diverse wildlife habitat that has attracted more than 150 different species of birds as well as alligators, rabbits, turtles, otters, foxes and other creatures found in a healthy South Florida wetland ecosystem.
6. Delray Municipal Beach
Named as the top beach in the southeastern U.S. by Travel Holiday magazine, Delray Municipal Beach is popular by people of all ages. You'll see families on vacation, young people playing volleyball, and older folks basking in the warm sun. Visitors looking for excitement can rent equipment – from snorkeling gear to paddleboards – at the South Florida Yacht Rental.
7. Old School Square
Old School Square is a multi-use entertainment center hosting cutting-edge art exhibits, performances of Broadway cabaret with New York’s hottest stars, music and comedy acts, and more. Serving for more than 25 years as the community’s gathering place, the historic campus includes the Crest Theatre, Cornell Art Museum, and the Fieldhouse.
8. Sandoway House Nature Center
The Sandoway Discovery Center offers a glimpse into South Florida’s fragile marine and freshwater environments through educational exhibits and programs. Visitors of all ages can get an up-close view of some of Florida’s native and invasive reptiles, meet sharks and other fish at the coral reef pool, explore Southeast Florida’s largest private shell collection, and learn about natural history and the environment at the center’s library.
9. Pineapple Grove Arts District
Pineapple Grove is a colorful arts district featuring public art pieces, boutiques, fine art galleries, and custom furniture stores filled with local pieces – and the giant pineapple mural is the perfect backdrop for a Delray Beach selfie.
10. Putt’n Around
Thirty-six holes of miniature golf await in a little pink building and garden tucked away downtown. Don’t be fooled by the color, though – this isn’t a cliché mini-golf experience with windmills or clowns. On the Ocean course, you’ll find beautiful fish statues, seashells, and a magical mermaid.