The Essential Guide to Delray Beach, Florida

Located about 30 minutes south of Palm Beach and just over an hour north of Miami, Delray Beach has become one of South Florida’s most appealing destinations for travelers who want easy beach access without giving up good food, culture, or walkability. Often called Florida’s “Village by the Sea,” the city is compact and easy to navigate, with a downtown that functions as a true center of daily life rather than a resort strip that empties once visitors leave.

Much of that activity centers on Atlantic Avenue, a walkable corridor that runs from Interstate 95 to the ocean. The stretch is lined with restaurants, bars, boutiques, and galleries, making it easy to spend an entire day—and night—on foot. At its eastern end sits Delray Municipal Beach, a wide, well-maintained stretch of sand where a quick swim can easily turn into an afternoon by the water.

Beyond the beach, Delray has more going on than many coastal towns of its size. The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens are a quiet escape from downtown, while the Pineapple Grove Arts District adds galleries, independent shops, and creative spaces just off Atlantic Avenue. Annual events like the Delray Beach Open and the Delray Affair keep the city busy well beyond peak season.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Delray Beach, Florida.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Opal Grand Resort & Spa

This full-service oceanfront resort has 278 newly renovated accommodations, ranging from guest rooms and suites to residential-style villas, ideal for longer stays or families. Beyond the beach, guests can spend time at the spa, then rotate between the property’s five restaurants and bars, which range from a stylish rooftop spot to a breezy daytime café and a more scene-driven bar.

The Seagate Hotel, Golf and Beach Club, Autograph Collection

Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, The Seagate sits right on Atlantic Avenue with 157 rooms. The accommodations have a relaxed, coastal feel, and there are several on-site places to eat and drink, including a coffeehouse for easy mornings and Bourbon Steak. Guests also have access to a private beach club with its own oceanfront restaurant, a full-service spa, and The Seagate Golf Club, a nearby championship golf course. 

The Ray Hotel Delray Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Ray Hotel draws design-minded locals and travelers with art-filled interiors, including rotating installations woven throughout the property, and an energetic, social atmosphere. Don’t miss Rosewater Rooftop, a lively gathering spot for drinks and views. Other on-site options include a coffee shop, an Italian restaurant, a Japanese eatery, and a sleek lobby lounge.

Best Things to Do 

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

This serene site looks and feels like it’s plucked from Japan. Its six distinct gardens, inspired by Japanese design from the 9th through the 20th centuries, are arranged along a peaceful, mile-long walking path. The museum—the only one in the U.S. completely dedicated to Japanese living culture—houses nearly 7,500 art objects and artifacts, including textiles, tea ceremony pieces, and a beautiful bonsai collection.

Delray Municipal Beach

What visit to the Village by the Sea would be complete without time at its aptly named beach? Delray Municipal Beach is easy to reach and even easier to enjoy, with clear blue water, wide stretches of sand, and cabana rentals available for those planning to linger. Lifeguards are on duty during the day, and the beach is well maintained year-round, making it a reliable, family-friendly spot for soaking up the sun.

Pineapple Grove Arts District

Just off Atlantic Avenue, this artsy enclave is best known for its independent boutiques, casual bistros, and a steady lineup of galleries, including House of Perna, Brulé Bistro, and Addison Gallery. Must-visit stops include Arts Warehouse, a large contemporary art space with rotating exhibitions, and Arts Garage, which hosts live music, theater, and comedy events year-round.

Atlantic Avenue

The beating heart of Delray Beach, Atlantic Avenue, stretches from I-95 all the way to the ocean. Along its walkable stretch, you’ll find a dense mix of restaurants, shops, galleries, and bars that help define the city’s lively vibe from morning coffee to late-night drinks. Head east and the avenue spills directly onto Delray Municipal Beach, making it easy to pair a meal or shopping stop with time by the water.

The Girls Strawberry Patch

This quirky, family-friendly spot has a bit of everything: a retro ice cream parlor connected to a pizzeria, plus a petting zoo home to piglets, goats, bunnies, birds, and more. Arrive early—especially in high season—to avoid the crowds. 

Best Shopping

Snappy Turtle

This eccentric home goods shop stocks décor and accessories that span everything from rugs and pillows to lamps, stationery, and glassware, making it an easy place to pop into and peruse, even if you’re “just looking.”

House of Perna

Founded by Project Runway alum Amanda Perna, the House of Perna is a colorful, maximalist fashion brand based in the heart of Pineapple Grove Arts District. The label produces small-batch collections known for bold prints and playful silhouettes, with pieces digitally printed to reduce waste. 

Curated Home

A local favorite, Curated Home is a go-to for gifts—whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else. And while its name suggests it’s just about home goods, don’t let that fool you: the selection goes well beyond décor, with stylish finds ranging from jewelry and baby toys to home fragrance, dishware, photo frames, and more.

Shop Morley

For designer duds, this chic boutique is a reliable stop known for its well-edited mix of labels like Staud, Cult Gaia, and Simkhai. Beyond clothing, you’ll also find an impressive selection of accessories, including sunglasses, jewelry, bags, shoes, hats, and belts.

Nightlife 

Silverball Retro Arcade 

Equal parts arcade, bar, restaurant, and lively hangout, Silverball Retro Arcade is a nostalgia-fueled stop that appeals to more than just gamers. The space is packed with more than 150 vintage and modern pinball and arcade games, making it easy to spend an hour—or an entire evening—chasing high scores and reliving old favorites, drink in hand.

Throw Social Delray Beach 

This tropical-themed bar and restaurant is built for lingering, with a large covered patio, cabanas, games like axe throwing and giant Jenga, and a robust calendar of live music. The vibe nods to retro Palm Beach—think kitschy neon signs and plenty of spots to lounge—while the menu covers cocktails, shareable drinks, and solid bar food. The self-serve tap wall is another highlight. 

Johnnie Brown’s

A longtime Atlantic Avenue staple, this open-air spot serves classic American grill fare—think burgers, wings, and ribs—alongside beer, cocktails, and live rock performances. While it’s technically a restaurant, after dark it operates more like a full-on nighttime hangout, drawing one of the liveliest crowds on the strip.

Bounce

A high-energy sports bar with a loud, party-forward vibe, Bounce draws crowds later at night, with DJs, big screens, and a scene that’s more about the atmosphere than quietly watching a game. The wings and mac and cheese bars are both must-tries—best paired with a cold beer.

Tin Roof

One of Delray Beach’s busiest nightlife spots, Tin Roof centers on live music most nights of the week, along with karaoke, DJs, and themed events like Motown Mondays. The vibe is unapologetically laid-back, drawing a mix of local musicians, regulars, and visitors in search of a good time. 

Best Restaurants 

Le Colonial 

A standout specializing in French-Vietnamese fusion, Le Colonial is one of the area’s most distinctive dining options, with a menu built around spicy soups and salads, stir-fries, and other bold, aromatic dishes, along with a creative cocktail list. Set in Delray’s beachfront town square, the restaurant unfolds across several sleek indoor and outdoor spaces filled with bold art and lush greenery.

Elisabetta’s

This stylish Italian haunt serves classic pastas, pizzas, steaks, and fish in a lively, social setting, with all pasta, bread, gelato, and pastries made in-house daily. It’s also known for its deals, including Martini Mondays, an under-$20 bottomless brunch, and a daily aperitivo hour starting at 4 p.m.

The Wine and Spirits Kitchen

As its name suggests, The Wine and Spirits Kitchen offers more than 200 wines alongside 100-plus artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, plus heartier mains like chops and seafood. Don’t miss the tucked-away Radcliffe’s Speakeasy & Super Club, hidden down an alley behind the restaurant. The reservation-only space has a vintage-inspired, supper-club feel and an intimate atmosphere that’s a welcome contrast to the bustle outside.

Wild Celery 

Think of this casual health market as Delray Beach’s answer to Erewhon, serving cold-pressed juices, colorful smoothies and protein shakes, sweet-and-savory toasts, and nourishing bowls. Many drinks can be customized with add-ons like zinc, vitamin B-12, sea moss, and other supplements, and its cheery yellow facade makes it easy to spot.

Deck 84

Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner, this waterfront hangout is almost always buzzing. The vibe is laid-back and come-as-you-are, with a seafood-forward menu and one of the destination’s best—and most scenic—happy hours. There’s even a dedicated dog menu so pups can get in on the fun, too.

Best Time To Visit 

The best time to visit Delray Beach is from late April through early June, when the city still hums with energy but sheds the intensity of peak season. Atlantic Avenue stays lively, beach days are easy to come by, and it’s far less competitive to score reservations at in-demand restaurants and waterfront bars.

For travelers who thrive on crowds and a packed social calendar, January through April is Delray at full throttle. This is high season, when snowbirds descend, and marquee events like the Delray Beach Open in February and the sprawling Delray Affair art festival in April, bring an extra buzz to downtown—along with higher prices and fuller hotels.

Late summer and early fall are quieter and better for travelers who don’t mind a slower pace. Late spring tends to feel like the best middle ground, with plenty going on around town without the peak-season crowds.

How to Get There

Delray Beach is easiest to reach by flying into Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), about a 30-minute drive north, and it is generally calmer than South Florida’s larger airports. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL), roughly 40 minutes south, offers more nonstop flight options and is often cheaper. Miami International Airport (MIA) is farther—usually an hour or more by car—but can be useful for international routes.

How to Get Around

Renting a car makes the most sense for those planning to explore beyond downtown. Most major rental companies operate at airports and around town, and booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel periods. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft, as well as local taxis, run throughout Delray Beach and are often the easiest way to get around, especially late at night.

Palm Tran is the public bus system serving Palm Beach County, including Delray Beach, with dozens of fixed routes across the region. Routes connect Delray to nearby cities such as Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. Tri-Rail stops at Delray Beach Station, linking the city to West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and points south toward Fort Lauderdale and Miami. It’s a practical option if you’re coming from nearby towns without a car and want to avoid driving.

Brightline, South Florida’s high-speed rail service, is another solid option. While it doesn’t stop in Delray itself, nearby stations in Boca Raton and West Palm Beach offer a faster, more premium alternative, with quick rideshare connections into town.