Overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean, Delray Beach is rich artistic and cultural heritage and is nearby wildlife-filled wetlands and a tranquil Japanese garden. It centres around a lively shopping and dining strip that leads to its sandy beach.
Things to do in Delray Beach
At the heart of Delray Beach is Old School Square, where the Cornell Art Museum showcases regional and international artists. You’ll also find the Grassroots Gallery, which supports the work of emerging local artists, and the Arts Garage, which hosts regular performances of jazz, blues and rock.
Stroll along lively Atlantic Avenue in the heart of the city, which is clustered with international restaurants, boutiques and entertainment venues. It extends east to the ever-popular sands of Delray Beach where you can rent an umbrella or play beach volleyball.
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at the lakeside Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Explore the museum exhibits and see demonstrations of tea ceremonies and calligraphy. Afterwards, wander through the Roji-en: Garden of the Drops of Dew, which reflects six different periods of Japanese garden development.
Make a day trip to the Arthur C. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Preserve, which encompasses the most northerly remnant of the historic Everglades wetland ecosystem. Spot some of the 250 resident bird species along a portion of the Great Florida Birding Trail, observe American alligators on a canoeing trip and take in the wetland views from one of the observation towers.
Getting around Delray Beach
Delray Beach is a one-hour drive from Miami International Airport and 20 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport. Shuttle buses travel through Downtown Delray Beach, but the most convenient way to get around is by car.