There’s a reason Delray Beach is a 3-time All American City winner in addition to being recognized by Rand McNally as the Most Fun Small Town in America beating out over 650 cities nationwide! If you haven’t heard by now, the word is out on this little Florida beach getaway and its cool, downtown appeal more reminiscent of a California vibe perched on the warmer Atlantic Ocean.
Yes, this once little, sleepy beach hamlet is no longer an unknown. This quaint Village by the Sea as it has been known for years and so stated by the numerous classic looking poles bearing flags declaring it such has become a much sought-after Florida Southeast destination.
About Delray Beach Florida
Located between Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, Delray has the unique proximity of direct beachfront access–yes you can actually walk over the quaint bridge to get to the beach. Once there you will be pleasantly surprised that the glorious sandy beach meets the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean with not so much as a building in sight to block your view. That’s right, the founding “ladies” entered an agreement with the city that the land they owned with their husbands would be donated to the city in return for no development on the beachfront. This by itself is an anomaly in coastal areas and what Delray Beach visitors crave.
The Beaches
The beauty of natural beach extends across a swath of land so that turtles can nest making it a beautiful habitat for marine life, shorebirds and humans too. In addition to the natural beauty that is abundant in the area, Delray offers visitors a plethora of things to do from our local bike store (Richwagens) where you can rent your beach cruiser or any other type of bike and head out onto the many new bike paths through town or along the ocean. A great way to see the local area for any fitness level and age.
Things to Do in Delray Beach
Tennis your thing? There is the Delray Beach International Tennis Center consisting of an abundance of clay courts to your heart’s desire. Don’t miss the Delray Beach Open. This tournament is famous for its fan experience and has frequently welcomed Top 10 ATP World Tour players.
How does riding on a yacht through the Intracoastal waterway sound? Look no further than Delray Yacht Cruises with Lady Atlantic and Lady Delray that take you along the water while giving you the full-blown insider tour. Brunch and Dinner cruises are also available.
Then there is the phenomenal green market with over 60 vendors to choose from in operation from the end of October to May. And let’s not forget the culture here from the Delray Beach Playhouse overlooking Lake Ida to the Crest Theatre which has been a venue for top entertainment acts. The Arts Garage also boasts talented musicians coming from all over the world to perform. Among the new developments is an iPic Theater that is currently under construction and will provide the ultimate in watching movies. Haven’t found your perfect activity yet? Read on…
Delray’s downtown is home to artists in the park on the weekends as well as craft festivals. And if you need more incentive, from October to the end of January there are free concerts in the old square school park hosting tribute bands that make you think you are watching Billy Joel or Bruce Springsteen. Yeah, this whole town rocks all the time!
Now if all this is not enough, think of the words ‘Delray Vibe’ which is the perfect description of Delray’s downtown Atlantic Avenue. The assortment of restaurants all within easy walking distance makes this place a mecca for foodies craving the latest epicurial trends.
Restaurants in Delray Beach
From superb Cuban food at Cabana El Ray to top-flight steaks at Cut 432 or their sister restaurant for terrific Mexican, El Camino the list goes on and on. Yes, this is the place to see and be seen and if looking for some outdoor entertainment look no further than the bands who play the infamous Johnny Browns. Some of the staples include Rod Stewart and Elvis on Monday and Tuesday respectively. Other nights rock big time with a great assortment of local bands. When you need a break for a sweet time, there is Kilwins just a block away with standing room only out the door that is. Fortunately, the staff is ample and ensures a moderate wait time for ice cream extraordinaire. This, of course, this is only one of a few dessert venues from which to choose. Sweet, right?
Getting around town just got easier thanks to Exhilaride with a local couple and their fleet of electric cart rentals. The downtown has even added special parking for these vehicles to encourage their use. There is also the Downtowner–get the app and ride with others through town.
Where to Stay here?
There is an abundance of places to stay as well from hotels to vacation rentals. Many people prefer the latter as it offers the creature comforts of a home with the sense you are really living like a local with that Delray vibe.
This incredibly hip Florida town is literally just off 95–exit 52 to be exact. Flying here you can choose between Palm Beach International Airport about 20 minutes away or Fort Lauderdale Airport around 40 minutes drive. Always a good idea to avoid rush hour.
More Reasons to Visit Delray Beach
Next time you want to try something a little different in Florida think of Delray Beach and find your little corner of paradise. But look out, the word is out on this cool little beach town people who visit once tend to keep coming back reciting the theme, “I love Delray.”
So when you are ready to rock your world in the most fun, small town in the USA, it all happens here in downtown Delray Beach where beach vibe life comes even more alive than you ever imagined.
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