If you’re looking for a Florida vacation with dining, art, and nightlife but want to avoid big city crowds and prices, there’s a town on the state’s east coast that checks all of those boxes, and then some. Delray Beach, located between Boynton Beach and Boca Raton, is a sunny beach town with a strong cultural scene. Spend your time museum hopping, shopping, relaxing on the sand, or doing any of these other fun things in Delray Beach. 

Explore Atlantic Avenue

Shop Locally

One of Delray Beach’s best qualities is that it is very walkable. Atlantic Avenue, the main drag, runs straight through town, over a drawbridge, and out to the Atlantic Ocean, hence the name. You could spend an afternoon exploring the small businesses and major brands on this street. Kokonuts, Love Shack, and Biba offer swim and resort wear; Just Hearts has heart-shaped art, housewares, and glass sculptures; sister stores Morley and Periwinkle carry women’s clothing by designers like Veronica Beard and Donni; and Avalon Gallery carries original work in all mediums.

Dine And Drink

There are close to 100 bars and restaurants on Atlantic Avenue alone, so you don’t have to go far to have a big night out. The tough part is choosing where to go. Located at The Seagate hotel, Mr. Seas is a bright and airy beachside spot with a fresh, seafood-heavy menu. Another place for fresh oysters and the catch of the day is J&J Seafood Bar & Grill. Cut 432 bills itself as a “modern steakhouse”. Le Colonial has a Vietnamese-inspired menu and a glamorous dining room. Enjoy Roman-style pies at Pizza Rustica. Cap off your evening with live music and drinks at Tin Roof.

See A Show At Old School Square

Just off the Avenue, this revitalized corner of the city is home to several historic buildings as well as The Amphitheater, where locals gather for live outdoor performances. On the third Thursday of each month, The Twilight Tribute Series features a different tribute band covering artists like Brooks & Dunn, Dave Matthews Band, and No Doubt.

Browse The Delray GreenMarket

Also at Old School Square, this year-round Saturday market draws more than 50 vendors selling local produce, baked goods, plants, meat, dairy, and more. Pick up lunch (like aromatic rice and seafood from La Paella Chef) and enjoy it in the square.

Experience Arts And Culture

Check Out An Exhibit

Arts Warehouse is 15,000 square feet of exhibit, studio, and workshop space for the local creative community. Take a ceramics or drawing class, or check out an exhibition—there is nearly always something interesting on display.

Go Mural Hunting

Spend any time in Delray and you’ll notice what a colorful place it is, mainly through large scale murals all over town. Spend an afternoon looking for these amazing paintings, and because Delray is compact, you don’t have to travel far, and can see many of them by foot.

Learn About Black History

The Spady Cultural Museum is a must-see look back at Florida’s Black history through thought-provoking exhibits that include art, historical documents and photographs, oral histories, and more. The museum also brings in speakers and hosts regular events, and offers walking tours of the city, specifically the West Settlers Historic District, home to the area’s first Black church, school, and hotel.

Explore A Japanese Museum

Open since 1977, The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a center for Japanese culture and art. The 16-acre grounds are filled with walking trails, koi ponds, and six different landscapes inspired by gardens in Japan. Inside, take part in a traditional tea ceremony and check out permanent and traveling art exhibits.

Visit The Pineapple Grove Arts District

This small but dense area on Northeast Second Avenue and Atlantic Avenue is a fun place to shop, walk, and dine. Grab a frozen custard from local favorite Whit’s, shop for one-of-a-kind apparel at House of Perna or Tern Studio, then choose from sushi, Mexican food, tapas, or ramen. Be sure to check out the events calendar at Arts Garage, a space for music and visual arts.

Play Vintage Arcade Games

The Silverball Pinball Museum is filled with vintage games from several decades, but unlike most museums, you can play everything that’s on display. This retro arcade is typically packed with families playing Pac-Man, skee-ball, and just about any game you can imagine. No tokens are needed; admission includes free play. And there’s a bar with happy hour specials and a food menu.

Soak Up The Sun

Atlantic Avenue dead ends into Delray Municipal Beach, one and a half miles of sandy shores that are wide and clean and calm turquoise waters. If you need chairs, umbrellas, or cabanas, contact Oceanside Beach Service, which can rent and set up all three.