Florida's 'Village By The Sea' Is A Pristine Beach Town That Rivals The Caribbean

For many travelers, planning a vacation to a stunning Caribbean island is no doubt a bucket list must-do. But for those who don't want to island hop or book a cruise, there's a Florida destination that checks off all the tropical boxes. Delray Beach sits on the southeastern coast of the state and mixes tropical beach breaks with a welcoming downtown district in a balmy setting that rivals destinations farther south.

In terms of beach access, the Delray Municipal Beach offers a mile-and-a-half of sand to explore, welcoming more than 3 million visitors each year who come not just for the sunny weather, but also for the beach's well-known cleanliness — often cited as one of the cleanest on the East Coast. While this stretch of coast may not offer up a chance to swim with wild pigs like a certain Caribbean beach does, visitors can still experience plenty of tropical vibes that make it feel as if they've left the mainland behind.

As for what to do off the sand, the bustling Atlantic Avenue serves as a thoroughfare for those looking to mix their beach experience with a lively social scene in Delray Beach's quaint downtown area. Here, palm trees line the pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, and locally-owned shops offer one-of-a-kind local experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else. Once you've built up an appetite, there's also a wide range of dining options, offering up everything from quick bites that the kids will love to romantic, Michelin-recognized restaurants.

While sunbathing, swimming in the Atlantic, and catching some wind on a sailboat are easy to imagine along Florida's east coast, Delray Beach offers all that and more. Just a few steps away from the sandy shores, travelers will find a thriving arts district, nature centers and preserves, and festivals that regularly transform the laid-back beach town into a bustling cultural hub.

One of the best ways to explore it is via the Delray Art Trail, an official walking route through town that showcases the city's creative spirit. Bright, tropical murals on the sides of buildings dot the Caribbean-style landscape, while galleries like the Delray Beach Kollective combine arts and crafts, and the Arts Warehouse provides rotating exhibits and workshops. For a more traditional art museum experience, the Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square showcases contemporary pieces created by artists from across Florida. And for exotic plant lovers, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens host events and exhibits that celebrate the culture of East Asia.

A big draw of the Caribbean is the sea and the creatures that swim beneath its surface — and Delray Beach offers its own accessible window to marine life as well. To come up close and personal with Florida's fragile ecosystem, head to the Sandoway Discovery Center, where guests can take part in stingray and shark feedings, as well as check out educational displays. Additionally, an invertebrate touch tank gives everyone a chance to interact with marine life, as well as check out the center's coral reef and shell collection.

If you listen closely, you may just hear the steel drums of the Caribbean playing somewhere nearby. It may be the sound of the islands, but in Delray Beach, festivals and a thriving nightlife bring that Caribbean energy to the mainland. One of the most popular music destinations is THRōW Social Delray, one of several entertainment venues where cocktails, food, and games mix with an outdoor stage.

And while crowds certainly cram in for the tunes, it's the festivals that bring locals and tourists to the streets. Each month, Delray Beach hosts a First Friday Art Walk, which highlights the local art scene with a self-guided evening tour. Additionally, community events like its free twilight concert series provide live entertainment at no charge, and the village's massive St. Patrick's Day Parade is always a lively and crowded adventure.

A big draw to the area, Delray Beach's subtropical climate is an inviting place to visit no matter the season. As for finding the perfect place to rest your head, numerous hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campsites are available nearby for out-of-town visitors looking to stay a while. Better yet, getting there is easy. In fact, there's even a budget U.S. airline with an affordable, unlimited travel pass that serves Miami International Airport, located just an hour's drive away.