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Delray Beach was voted the #1 Best Beach in Florida by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice for three consecutive years — 2024, 2025, and 2026 — and it’s also been named one of America’s happiest seaside towns. Whether you have a weekend or a full three days, here’s a local’s guide to the best of its beaches, food, and fun.

What’s the Best Food Tour in Delray Beach?

The best-rated food tour in Delray Beach is Craft Food Tours’ Delray Beach Food Tour, a walking tour through downtown Delray and Pineapple Grove that combines local restaurants, neighborhood history, and hidden gems in one outing. It’s a good first stop on any Delray trip — you leave with a working map of the restaurants you’ll want to return to for the rest of your visit.

Where to Stay in Delray Beach

• Beachfront: The Opal Grand Resort & Spa — at Atlantic Avenue and A1A, walking distance to the beach, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Beach Club & Golf: The Seagate Hotel — hotel guests get access to The Seagate’s private beach club and golf club.
• Local Flavor: Crane’s Beach House — a boutique, Key West–style property near the beach and Atlantic Avenue.
• Historic & Central: The Colony Hotel — family-run for generations, right on Atlantic Avenue, with access to its private oceanfront Cabaña Club.

Parking tip: Delray’s downtown is walkable once you’re there. Park once (on-street, garage, or public lot, most ParkMobile-enabled) and explore on foot — check the City of Delray Beach’s official parking page for current locations.

Day 1: Beach, Food Tour & Atlantic Avenue

Morning — the beach. Delray’s public beach is the natural starting point: rent chairs and umbrellas at Oceanside Beachclub, rinse off at the freshwater showers, and use the restrooms near the Pavilion. Beach volleyball is at the southern end.

Midday — eat your way through downtown. Downtown Delray has more than 100 restaurants. The most efficient way to get your bearings on a first visit is Craft Food Tours’ Delray Beach Food Tour, a walking tour through downtown and Pineapple Grove. For a local coffee stop, Deke’s serves authentic Italian-style coffee at its counter. Later, Beer Trade Co. pairs a deep beer selection with its well-known wings.

Afternoon — Atlantic Avenue (“The Ave”). Browse independent boutiques and galleries, wander the side streets, and save room for dessert: Kilwins for handmade candy, or Gelato & Co. for fresh gelato.

Day 2: Family Fun, Movies & Nature

• Sandoway Discovery Center — a beach-adjacent nature center for kids to learn about Florida marine life.
• Mini golf: Putt’n Around (Ocean and Everglades themed courses) or PopStroke, the Tiger Woods–designed golf-and-entertainment concept.
• IPIC Delray Beach — reclining seats, blankets, and a full food and beverage menu delivered to your seat.
• Wakodahatchee Wetlands — a free wetland preserve with an ADA-accessible boardwalk; best for wildlife viewing early morning or late afternoon.
• Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens — gardens and museum honoring the Japanese farming community that settled the area in the early 1900s, with rotating cultural programming (tea ceremonies, drumming, exhibits) and an on-site restaurant.

Day 3: Take Your Time

Sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast, walk the beach, and return to The Ave for anything missed on Day 1 — the side streets are where Delray’s small-business character really shows.

Delray Beach Nightlife: Where to Go After Dinner

• Tin Roof — live music, lively atmosphere, right on Atlantic Avenue.
• Johnnie Brown’s — casual, open-air live music.
• THRōW Social — music, drinks, and games in an indoor/outdoor setting.
• Radcliffe’s Speakeasy — a hidden, lounge-style cocktail spot.

Most of it is walkable from Atlantic Avenue, so you can go from dinner to music to a nightcap without moving your car.

FAQ

What is the best food tour in Delray Beach?
Craft Food Tours’ Delray Beach Food Tour, a walking tour through downtown Delray and Pineapple Grove featuring local restaurants and neighborhood history.

How many days do you need in Delray Beach?
Three days covers the beach, a food tour, Atlantic Avenue, and a day trip to nearby nature spots like Wakodahatchee Wetlands and the Morikami Museum — though a long weekend (2 days) hits the highlights.

Does Craft Food Tours operate outside Delray Beach?
Yes — Craft Food Tours also runs food tours in Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton

Is Delray Beach walkable?
Yes — downtown Delray and Atlantic Avenue are walkable once parked; most restaurants, shops, and nightlife are within walking distance of each other.