One Of Florida's Best Towns Is A Fun-Filled Paradise With Beaches, Parks, And Art
Florida has more than just top-rated islands to visit on vacation. Case in point: Delray Beach, located minutes from Boca Raton in South Palm Beach County. Rand McNally's "Best of the Road" Contest once named Delray Beach the "Most Fun Small Town in the United States" (via WPBF). It won't take long to see why the city received this distinction.
Beachgoers will want to check out the picturesque Delray Municipal Beach, which offers chair and umbrella rentals on-site. They may also enjoy Atlantic Dunes Park's stunning beach and walking trail. Meanwhile, nature lovers should consider visiting Delray Beach's Wakodahatchee Wetlands. They can traverse the marshy site via a wooden boardwalk and take in the scenery and wildlife.
Beyond the sand, Delray Beach has a booming art scene to explore. Murals and art installations cover the downtown area, and you'll encounter countless art galleries on its famed Atlantic Avenue. These include the Blue Gallery and the DeBilzan Galleries, which display contemporary works. Delray Beach provides visitors with plenty of ways to unwind and relax. However, it also offers a number of cultural attractions.
Visit Delray Beach's museums
Top rated on Tripadvisor, Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens (pictured) is a must-visit on a trip to Delray Beach. It has rotating exhibits focused on Japanese culture. For example, in 2024, the museum had remarkable jewelry on display made by Asagi Maeda, who hails from Tokyo. In addition, visitors can explore six enchanting gardens that pay homage to gardens from Japan's history. The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission ranges from $10 to $16. However, kids 5 and under can enter for free. Keep in mind that you can only purchase admission onsite.
If Delray Beach's art galleries aren't enough for you, head to the Cornell Art Museum, which offers free admission. Housed in a former school, it exhibits works made by Floridian artists. The Cornell Art Museum opens Wednesday through Sunday, though the hours vary. Visitors should also take advantage of the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum. The institution centers on Palm Beach County's Black history and includes exhibits and walking tours of the culturally significant West Settlers Historic District. The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum opens Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You won't have to pay for admission, though you can sign up for a tour priced at $20 per person; if this interests you, contact the museum.
Where to stay and eat in Delray Beach
Visitors can find their bliss at one of Delray Beach's luxurious accommodations. One new and improved Palm Beach resort in the area is The Ray. In a word, the Ray (seen in the TikTok above) is chic. Art fills the building, capturing the spirit of Delray Beach. The Ray has a rooftop pool and rooms with a contemporary yet beachy vibe. Prices typically reach over $200 a night.
The 4-star resort Seagate Hotel, where a nightly stay can easily cost over $200, has a private beach and two pools. A golf course, tennis court, and spa will enhance the guest experience. Another option is the Opal Grand, a beachfront resort featuring a pool and water sports activities like kayaking. It also has an upscale eatery, Drift, which serves everything from flatbread to delectable seafood dishes like pan-seared grouper. A night at the Opal Grand can cost upwards of over $300. However, you do not have to be a hotel guest to dine at Drift.
Want dining alternatives in Delray Beach? Dada is top-rated on Tripadvisor and dishes out classics like meatloaf and braised short rib. El Camino, on the other hand, is a Mexican restaurant with a cantina-like ambiance. Needless to say, the vacation experience at this under-the-radar Florida destination is top-notch.