In addition to being an excellent place to call home, Delray Beach is also a popular destination for a quick visit for residents of other Florida communities. The combination of location, history, art, and culture make this area attractive to just about anyone looking for an enjoyable weekend getaway.
Whether you are heading to Delray Beach for a leisure trip or on a mission to find the perfect retirement destination, you will want to have a basic idea of some of the best places to eat, the best places to stay, and the attractions you absolutely must see while you are in town. Otherwise, you are likely to find yourself overwhelmed with all of the possibilities.
Here are some of our favorite places to eat, sleep, and play in Delray Beach.
Where to Eat in Delray Beach
One of the local favorites for breakfast and lunch is Lilo’s on East Atlantic Ave. They are open seven days/week and serve a fantastic brunch until 4 pm on the weekends. If you’re not stopping here for breakfast, you’ll definitely want to try the shrimp or fish tacos.
If you are feeling a bit tropical on your getaway, Bamboo Fire Cafe is the local spot for casual Caribbean food. Here you will find menu items like conch fritters, jerk pork, and jerk chicken. When it comes to jerk anything, this is the place to get it…they even have jerk meatballs!
Tryst is a local gastropub that offers a more upscale casual atmosphere. Like any great gastropub, they focus on two very important essentials: great food and great beer. Items like Applewood Smoked Fish Dip, Pan Seared Diver Scallops, and Cedar River Hanger Steak will certainly impress, and the beer list won’t disappoint either. If you’re not a beer person, Tryst also has an excellent wine list.
When Delray Beach residents are in the mood for Asian-inspired cuisine, they head to Nana Noodles and Sushi Bar. Stashed behind a local Winn Dixie, you might not find this place if you weren’t looking for it. But if you are in the mood for a delicious curry, sushi roll, or saki bomb, this is the spot.
If your evening calls for a formal dinner, no one does it better than J&J Seafood Bar & Grill. This is definitely the local spot for oyster lovers, but don’t sleep on the excellent fish dishes that are accompanied by unbelievably delicious sauces.
Where to Stay in Delray Beach
Those who make regular trips to Delray Beach already know that the place to stay is the Parliament Inn on George Bush Blvd. This 8-unit hotel feels more like the keys than South Florida. It is located right on the beach and promises a peaceful and relaxing getaway.
If you can’t get a room at the Parliament Inn, another great option is the Wright by the Sea Hotel. This is another beachfront hotel that is complete with a whole collection of resort amenities. Rates vary based on season, but can drop as low as $133/night during the summer months.
One final hotel option is Crane’s Beach House located on Gleason Street just one block back from the ocean. All 28 suites here are stunningly beautiful and the grounds of the hotel are equally fabulous. There is also a Tiki Bar, which just happens to be one of the most exciting places to be in Delray Beach after the sun goes down.
Where to Play in Delray Beach
When it comes to finding things to do in Delray Beach, you don’t have to look any further than Atlantic Avenue. There are dozens of great shops, restaurants, and art galleries lining the street, so you could realistically spend an entire weekend just walking around and taking it all in.
If you are looking for a specific attraction to check out, the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens is definitely worth a trip. Here you will find inner peace walking through bamboo forests, zen gardens, and koi ponds. Keeping with the theme of a relaxing trip to Delray Beach, this is a perfect option.
For people who are passionate about nature and wildlife, the Wakodahatchee Wetlands is another great option. They have an elevated boardwalk that allows you to look down at the turtles and alligators, and up at the amazing collection of birds. This walkway makes wildlife viewing accessible for just about everyone.
Where to Retire in Delray Beach
Avalon Trails by 13th Floor Homes is a 55+ active adult community located in Delray Beach, FL. If your retirement dream is to live just minutes from the beach, this is the place for you.
At the heart of the community is The Club at Avalon Trails, which will feature a resort-style pool and adjacent lap pool, a fully-equipped fitness studio, card rooms, a cafe, community garden, walking trails, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and more.
The homes at Avalon Trails will include single-story, 2 and 3 bedroom villas that include features like granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and hurricane impact windows and doors, with prices starting in the mid-$300k’s.
From arts and culture to zen gardens and wildlife, there is plenty to see and do while you are relaxing in Delray Beach. You can stay right on the beach or just off of the beach, and either way there is always great food to be found nearby.
Whether you come to Delray Beach for a simple vacation, or you're in town to find that great Florida retirement community, the name of the game here is relaxation, so take it easy and enjoy your time in Delray Beach!
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