Tucked along the southeast coast, this culturally hip and interesting beach town delights with boundless fun.
The waters of the Atlantic Ocean sweep onto the shores of Delray Beach in shades of vivid cyan, the blue a perfect complement for the soft, golden sand. A picturesque central Downtown made up of palm-arbored streets and a neon glow from retro-feeling art deco venues sets the stage for nights of laughter, entertainment, and connection.
Delray Beach lies just north of Boca Raton and was incorporated in 1911. The city’s long and rich history is part of what contributes to its fascinating character, which blends the charisma of a small-town with the dazzle of a big city. When paired with the outstanding beaches and seaside fun, the thriving town of Delray Beach proves to be one of Florida’s hottest little coastal villages.
Architectural styles among the residential real estate of Delray Beach span throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, reflecting the town’s colorful history and varying from mid-century modern to Mediterranean villas and contemporary mansions. While all of the properties in Delray veer into the luxury category, it’s the homes located on the waterfront in private communities that are often the most coveted.
Delray Beach is undeniably inviting, a community of gregarious and friendly locals that love going out on the town. Anyone seeking a quieter lifestyle can simply unwind at the beach, though the city is ideal for entertainment seekers and adventurers ready to embrace a convivial coastal way of living.
The hub for both all things commercial and entertainment in Delray Beach is its vibrant Downtown district, stretching along East Atlantic Avenue and only minutes from the beach. Among the swaying palm trees and happy locals, visitors will encounter everything from independent fashion boutiques and specialty shops to the occasional popular mainstream brand like Urban Outfitters or Tommy Bahama.
Among the great restaurants Downtown, Gary Rack’s Farmhouse Kitchen stands out from the crowd with its unique selection of homestyle eats and farm-to-table fare. City Oyster & Sushi Bar houses an upbeat cocktail bar that’s bustling throughout the evening hours and an all-day menu of fresh seafood and a full sushi bar.
For mouthwatering Greek cuisine, there’s Taverna Opa right across the street. A menu of American classics and a selection of refreshing cocktails make dining at Deck 84 a must-try experience. However, Deck 84 impresses in more ways than one, and among those is its stellar oceanfront views. In need of a delicious dessert or family-oriented entertainment? The Girls Strawberry U Pick offers both, with seasons of strawberry picking and year-round ice cream.
Delray Beach hosts several exciting events throughout the year, including the annual Delray Beach Open. As the world’s only ATP Champions Tour Event, the open brings in tennis legends and champions for unbelievable, once-in-a-lifetime games. Lighting up Downtown with kaleidoscopic color and fine art creations, the Downtown Delray Festival of the Arts is an inspiring event of upscale food vendors, artisan goods, live performances, and of course, a bevy of incredible art.
Those wanting to get into nature have a multitude of options at their fingertips in Delray Beach. Wakodahatchee Wetlands is a 50-acre park that brags a lovely boardwalk traversing across open water, as well as ample opportunities for bird watching. Gulfstream Park is a smaller, family-loved park that has beachfront views and well-kept playgrounds for the kids.
At Lake Ida Dog Park, canine friends of all sizes have open space to run and roam in the large, fenced-in landscapes. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens encourages visitors to expand their cultural horizons and also features six distinct gardens meant to serve as living exhibits. Perhaps the most attractive natural facet of Delray Beach, the Delray Municipal Beach spans more than 2 miles and brings in three million visitors each year with its extravagant tropical beauty.