Welcome to Delray Beach
Vibrant culture, and a breezy, colorful beach lifestyle
Fifty miles north from the hustle and bustle of Miami, Delray Beach is a hip, modern, beachfront community. Several galleries and art museums display a variety of artistic works, while nearby outdoor spaces offer opportunities for viewing native species. Once named the most fun small town in the nation by USA Today, Delray Beach is home to one of the top-five downtown shopping districts in the United States featuring exciting eateries, a lively Main Street, and wonderfully warm weather year-round.
The first non-indigenous residents were a party of African-Americans from northern Florida who began farming the region in the 1880s. A decade later, the first school in the area was established. Although a small town, Delray Beach boasted a diverse population and enjoyed a period of time as a seasonal writers’ colony. In modern times, historic landmarks have been renovated and restored their former glory, five historic districts have been meticulously maintained, and Delray Beach has continued to attract a trendy and vibrant crowd well into the 21st century.
What to Love
Local Lifestyle
Residents of Delray Beach make sure to take advantage of wonderful weather and outdoor scenery every chance they can. Days spent a bit more inland are often enjoyed at one of the city’s vibrant eateries specializing in cuisine from every corner of the globe. Especially known for its vibrant social and nightlife scene, downtown also consists of a number of art galleries and museums offering rotating exhibits throughout the year. Excellent schools, a friendly and more calm pace of life, salty sea breeze, and artistic entertainment are just a few things to appreciate about “Florida’s village by the sea.”
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Delray Beach Market is home to an airy, colorful food court often featuring live music and DJs. Much more than just your typical food hall, the Market is home to art displays, pop-up experiences, and other events. Just a few vendors which can be found here consist of wine bars serving tapas, craft burgers, locally owned bakeries, and more.
Lionfish, a twice-recognized James Beard Foundation Smart Catch Leader, specializes in modern coastal cuisine with an emphasis on quality and sustainability. Contemporary spins on seafood classics include tuna pizza, a surf and turf sushi roll, lobster rolls, and key lime pie bombe, a deconstructed version of the Sunshine State classic.
The Avenue is the lively beating heart of the downtown community and home to several locally owned businesses, galleries, cafes, and bars, among other establishments. For over a decade, Savor the Avenue has become one of the city's most-anticipated annual events. A table spanning down the length of the Avenue is set up for attendees to dine under the stars and enjoy a multicourse sit-down dinner, complete with special beverage pairings.
The Seagate has developed a reputation as one of southern Florida’s most charming establishments with nearly 100 years in business. Here, modern luxury meets the easygoing aesthetic of a sleepy beach community right on the water with gourmet on-site dining, a fabulous spa, and members-only clubs. The iconic Delray Beach Club and Country Club are first-class establishments featuring an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, poolside drink service, and the unique chance to live the resort lifestyle year-round.
Things To Do
Arguably, beach days are the most popular way to waste away uneventful weekends beneath the warm, Florida sun. Delray Public Beach and Atlantic Dunes Park feature boardwalks, seaside walking paths, and cloudless beaches protected by the watchful eyes of lifeguards. Delray Beach also has a number of seasonal occasions each year attracting thousands of visitors. The Delray Affair is one of the largest arts and crafts celebrations in the southeast United States, occurring each spring. Taking place downtown, attendees are free to wander the streets and purchase items from some of the region's most talented vendors. Other vibrant events in Delray Beach include the Delray Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, Delray Beach Open professional tennis tournament, and Holiday Boat Parade.
Schools
Delray Beach residents benefit from close proximity to top-rated schools. One shining example is:
- American Heritage Schools - Palm Beach Campus, 3 years-12th grade; this school produces the highest number of National Merit Scholars in the nation, while 100% of graduates go on to pursue a collegiate education at a four-year university
