There are many beaches along the southeast coast of Florida, but few match the contemporary art scene of Delray Beach. Yes, this destination in Palm Beach County is renowned for its sandy shores, but it also draws visitors with its thriving arts culture, including a First Friday Art Walk in downtown Delray. Indeed, from morning yoga to afternoon yacht rentals, Delray Beach has activities for every type of traveler.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Find Your Zen — and Beach
Settle into your beach vacation with an invigorating yoga class at Bamboo Garden Yoga. Set amid a real bamboo garden, the tranquil studio has a full roster of classes, including vinyasa, Hatha and aerial yoga.
After you’ve found your center, it’s time for some caffeine and sustenance. Fuel up at Green Owl, a local landmark known for its quick and classic breakfasts. Enjoy your tasty French toast, corned-beef hash and three-egg omelets with a cup of joe and a side of people-watching at the outdoor tables.
Next, take a short walk east along Atlantic Avenue to Delray Municipal Beach. Bring a book, snooze or swim during a relaxing morning on the sand, a 2-mile stretch of uninterrupted shoreline, if you feel like getting your steps in.
When hunger strikes again, stroll across A1A to the Sandbar, a popular Tiki bar complete with a thatched roof and shady oceanfront seating.
Sip a frozen berry daiquiri or piña colada (made with fresh pineapple) while you wait for your shrimp cocktail, grilled mahi-mahi sandwich or crispy chicken wings with a ginger-teriyaki glaze.
Head back to the beach for an afternoon of fun at Delray Beach Water Sports. Located right on the public beach, the outfitters offer snorkeling tours, paddleboard and kayak rentals, surfing lessons and even sailboat rentals by the hour.
Finish the day at Delray Beach Market, a quirky food hall with tacos and cocktails alongside art and rotating pop-ups. This affordable market is a good introduction to the cultural vibrancy of Delray. If you’re in town on the first Friday of the month, don’t miss the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Delray Beach.
Saturday: Get Artsy
Join the Delray Beach locals for a Saturday morning tradition at the open-air Green Market in downtown Delray Beach. The market hosts 65 vendors, who sell everything from fresh citrus juice to artisan baked goods. Live music often sets the atmosphere for the vibrant scene.
After breakfast, download the brochure and map for Delray Beach Art Trail on your phone, and get to know Delray’s thriving arts installations. The self-guided tour takes you through downtown and includes more than 40 murals, sculptures and public art pieces.
Visitors seeking an extra dose of art should also check out the innovative contemporary work at the Cornell Art Museum, housed in a restored 1913 elementary school building.
In the afternoon, visit the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, which feature art that explores Japan’s rich cultural history as well as expansive manicured gardens, including an impressive bonsai collection.
Back in the heart of downtown Delray Beach, get dressed up for an evening out. Sample a variety of wines at The Wine Room Kitchen & Bar and enjoy charcuterie and cheese, or opt for a main from the dinner menu.
Sunday: Cycle Delray and Take a Culinary Tour
A quality cup of coffee is easy to find in Delray Beach, but one of the best places is Coffee District. Order a cappuccino and a croissant and enjoy breakfast at one of the outdoor tables while the locals stroll by.
On your final day, a bike is an efficient way to explore areas like the SET, a historically Black neighborhood that’s now home to museums and restaurants. If your hotel doesn’t offer bike rentals, arrange to have some hot wheels delivered to the location of your choice with Need a Bike.
After you’ve cycled your way to an appetite, discover the many flavors of Delray Beach with a Craft Food Tour. These small-group culinary crawls include sufficient sustenance to substitute for lunch, as well as the chance to learn about the history, architecture and culture of Delray Beach from a local guide, who will also introduce you to the chefs shaping the culinary scene.
Gaming enthusiasts will need to make another pit stop — at the Silverball Retro Arcade. This museum and gaming destination is home to an impressive variety of classic pinball and arcade games.
Feeling lucky? Purchase a pass to access all the games. If pinball’s not your passion, spend the balance of your day exploring downtown’s eclectic clothing stores, surf shops and boutiques selling everything from string bikinis to vintage rattan patio furniture.
Wrap up the weekend with a visit to Hawkers, a destination for Asian street fare. Order takeout for a relaxing evening in your hotel room or stay to soak up the buzzing Atlantic Avenue atmosphere over chicken dumplings, grilled beef skewers, spicy pad thai and citrusy craft cocktails.
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