15 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Delray Beach, FL
You'll love the artsy vibe in Delray Beach. A lively East Coast hot spot, this fun resort town seeps creativity and oozes charm. While small in comparison to Florida heavyweights like Miami, Delray is packed with attractions and enough free things to do that you'll leave with your pocketbook relatively intact.
Funky music slithers over the red-brick sidewalks on popular Atlantic Avenue, guiding shoppers along a palm-tree-lined route stretching from the I95 to a silky-soft sandy shore. Some of the boutique stores are especially inviting, tempting tourists with their unique wares. We did say your pocketbook would be "relatively" unharmed during your visit.
Save some coin and enjoy Delray's best attractions for free — swim or sunbathe at the pretty beach or wander through the serene Wakodahatchee Wetlands.
Once a mecca for pineapple farmers, this quirky, upscale town has become one of the best places to visit in South Florida. From eclectic art galleries to open-air concerts to vast nature preserves, Delray serves up a fully loaded plate of entertainment and enough things to do with the family to keep everyone happy.
Not sure what to see first? Our list of the top attractions and things to do in Delray Beach will help you decide.
1. Walk the Boardwalk at Wakodahatchee Wetlands
Want to forget about all those niggly stresses in your life? Visit one of Delray's most popular attractions, the Wakodahatchee Wetlands. A serene wonderland where mangroves thrive, the wetlands serve as home to more than 178 species of birds. A long wooden boardwalk transports visitors throughout a large section of the area.
If visiting on a weekend, you'll bump elbows with bird lovers of all ages, most of whom lug impressive camera equipment on their journey. If you prefer animal watching in solitude, aim to arrive on a weekday morning.
Alligators, frogs, turtles, and marsh rabbits abound in this expansive wonderland. While they don't seem too scared of a crowd, they're more likely to stick around when it's quiet. You may even catch sight of a large snake at this beloved tourist attraction.
The Wetlands also comprises the southern part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. A 3/4-mile boardwalk provides guests easy passage across the pond. It also allows for a more intimate peek at the habitat islands, which play host to many of the area's creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for a purple gallinule. His bright red and yellow beak and vibrant yellow legs are easy to spot among the lush green vegetation.
Set within 50 acres of property created and operated by the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department, the wasteland serves an important purpose for humans as well. Every day, nearly two million gallons of "highly treated wastewater" is pumped into the area by the Southern Region Water Reclamation Facility. It's then percolated within the pond and returned to the water table as fresh water.
Insider's tip: No biking, running, pets, or speed walking is allowed on the boardwalk. Also, parking is limited, so arrive early if you plan to visit on a weekend.
Address: 13270 Jog Road, Delray Beach, Florida
2. Hit the Shops on Atlantic Avenue
It's easy to flex your shopping muscles on Delray's hippest main street: Atlantic Avenue. A lively retail area, this long and lovely street is filled with people at all times of the day. Whether they're dining at one of the street's many popular restaurants (Rocco's Tacos is super fun and tasty, and Casa L'ACQUA, which is located just off the strip on SE 7th Street, is fab!), lightening their wallets in high-end boutiques, or admiring art in local galleries, there's no chance to get bored on this popular strip.
Multiple times a year, music spills onto the sidewalks, and the street itself is transformed into a tent-filled shopping area, open-air concert and dance venue, or massive outdoor dining experience (i.e. during the gastronomic fest, Savor the Avenue).
Atlantic Avenue is the place to see and be seen. While out and about, you'll notice multiple cars (including gorgeous antiques) and motorcycles driving uber slowly as they soak up the scene. This is also a very dog-friendly section of town, so don't be surprised to see a pooch or two sidling up to you on outdoor patios.
3. Find Serenity at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens exude tranquility. From the moment you enter this stunning respite, you're transported to a quiet land ruled by beauty and scented by the sweet blossoms that bloom throughout. No wonder it's been dubbed one of the best places to visit in Delray Beach.
The 16 acres of gardens are immaculate and represent designs popular in Japan from the ninth to 20th centuries. Within the grounds, you'll find traditional bonsai trees, a koi pond, turtle island, and a sparkling lake. Another 200 acres of parkland is also primed for exploring, which is made easy by the winding pathways linking one section, including some small islands, to another.
The grounds are also home to Yamato-Kan, a museum housed on its own island. It features a selection of rotating exhibits and a large collection of items highlighting Japanese culture throughout the years. It's fashioned after a traditional Japanese villa, adding even further to the area's charm. Keep an eye out for a photo op with the giant stone Buddha.
Don't miss out on lunch at the Cornell Café, where you can enjoy delicious pan-Asian fare with a fantastic garden view. Insider's tip: Visit during a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which is held on select Sundays at the Seishin-an tea house.
Address: 400 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, Florida
Official site: https://morikami.org
4. Hit the Waves at Atlantic Dunes Park
Most people visit Florida for its glorious beaches. Not surprisingly, Delray Beach offers plenty of luxurious strands to enjoy. If you're looking for a more laid-back, tranquil day spent on a sandy shore, head to Atlantic Dunes Park.
Less crowded than nearby Fort Lauderdale Beach, this pretty stretch of coast welcomes visitors to kick back and enjoy their time spent frolicking in the sun.
There are so many fun things to do with the family at this quiet beach. Whether you choose to swim, sunbathe, play volleyball, run on the sand, or SUP, you're guaranteed a relaxing experience at this beautiful oceanfront park, which is only minutes from downtown Delray Beach. Chair and umbrella rentals are available on the beach, and a lifeguard is on duty, so it's easy to spend a full day here.
When you're stick of sitting in the sand, head for a shady walk along the nature trail, or wander along the boardwalk for excellent views.
Insider's tip: Parking here is a bit difficult. The main lot is across the street from the entrance.
Address: 1605 South Ocean Boulevard, Delray Beach, Florida
5. Bring Your Dog to Lake Ida West Park
It's hard to get bored at Lake Ida West Park. Set within nearly 190 acres along the western border of the beautiful Florida lake of the same name, this vast park features almost 10,000 feet of lake frontage. This pretty attraction is also home to two miles of biking paths, two miles of walking trails, two boat launch ramps, access for canoeing and kayaking, and multiple playgrounds for kids. Told you there was a lot to do here.
When it's time to relax, throw some food on one of the on-site grills and enjoy your picnic under a covered pavilion or shelter. Then, take to the water for a swim or set out on a boat to try your hand (or in this case, fishing rod) at reeling in a big one.
Insider's tip: Don't leave Fido at home! Lake Ida Dog Park is a fantastic place for your four-legged family members to run wild and make new fluffy friends. There are two dog-friendly sections of the park, each open alternately to give the other a rest (and clean).
Address: 1455 Lake Ida Road, Delray Beach, Florida
6. Dance the Night Away at Arts Garage
The beach by day, a concert by night — not bad, especially if said concert is held at the uber funky Arts Garage. This awesome venue consists of the Stuart & Shelby Theatre and Grassroots Gallery, which are both located in a garage situated at the corner of NE 2nd Avenue and NE 1st Street. It lies just over a block north of Atlantic Avenue in the heart of downtown Delray Beach.
Looking for fun things to do at night? This attraction is the place to visit for couples who like to dance the evening away to all types of music (it's best known for blues and jazz), watch a theater production, or stroll through a visual arts exhibit.
Insider's tip: The venue allows guests to bring in food, so grab some takeout and enjoy being mesmerized by a fantastic performance. Just remember to bring cutlery as well.
Address: Box office: 94 North East 2nd Avenue. The Arts Garage: Bottom floor of the parking garage, Pineapple Arts District (north of Atlantic Avenue)
Official site: https://artsgarage.org/
7. Snorkel in Gulfstream Park
Set beside the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, this park is one of the best places to visit for families, and the beach isn't so wide that you'll lose the kids. A pretty walkway leads from the parking lot, and you'll have to cross a bridge to get to the sand.
A fun playground will keep kids entertained for hours, and it's only a short walk from the sandy beach. Within the nearly seven-acre park, you'll find a swimming area and plenty of greenspace for ball playing, picnicking, or lounging.
Snorkeling is a must, as there are plenty of interesting sea creatures that enjoy swimming around the coral reefs just offshore. Bring water shoes to protect your toes. There's a bit of a steep drop into the water, so hold on to little ones.
The beach is stationed by a lifeguard, and the park itself features picnic tables, grills, and facilities that include restrooms and outdoor showers. They even provide plastic buckets to collect your trash, so it's easier to keep the beach clean.
This is a wonderful place to spend a day. Just remember to bring sunblock. Bonus: Parking is free!
Address: 4489 North Ocean Boulevard, Delray Beach, Florida
8. Get Creative in the Pineapple Grove Arts District
Art comes alive in this fun section of town. Home to multiple galleries, unique sculptures, and eclectic shops, the Pineapple Grove Arts District pulsates with creativity. See works by resident artists at the Arts Warehouse or get inspired at the Addison Gallery. Then ogle some interesting pieces at the Magnus & Gordon Gallery. Don't miss their Beach Walk on the first Friday of every month. It starts at 6pm and runs until 9pm.
With so much to explore, it's easy to spend hours in this trendy district. When your stomach starts rumbling, grab a treat at one of the charming cafés or tuck into a more substantial meal at one of the area's fantastic restaurants.
Address: North East 2nd and 4th Avenues(off Atlantic Avenue)
Official site: https://downtowndelraybeach.com/PineappleGroveArtsDistrict
9. Spy a Shark at Sandoway Discovery Center
From the outside, the Sandoway Discovery Center doesn't look like much more than a lovely historic home. Once you get closer, its incredible features surface. Dedicated to educating visitors about Florida's unique ecosystems and marine and wildlife, this inconspicuous, family-friendly attraction boasts a variety of hands-on experiences.
In addition to a coral reef pool serving as a home for sharks, rays, and other marine animals, the center features aquariums, a large shell collection, plant and butterfly garden, and a library filled with resources to help visitors learn more about the environment. Upstairs is an observation deck, complete with binoculars to offer guests a closer look at the surrounding community.
Insider's tip: If you become inspired to help some of the animals you've seen (trust us, this is easy to do) you can "adopt" one for a year to cover some of his or her care and feeding expenses. Oh, and don't miss the shark feeding, especially if you're traveling with kids.
Address: 142 South Ocean Boulevard, Delray Beach, Florida
Official site: https://sandoway.org/
10. Pick Fresh Fruit at The Girls Strawberry U-Pick
It's easy to miss The Girls Strawberry U-Pick. Set back from the street, this fun place to visit appears as a small shop in a tiny strip mall, but its door transports visitors to a veritable wonderland of treats.
Kids will drool over the old-fashioned candies and ice-cream you're forced to walk by on your way in and out of the zoo. Yes, you read that right, this pick-your-own hydroponic strawberry "farm" also houses a good-sized zoo (and serves up some delicious pizza).
Feed some money into the food machines, and you'll receive a handful of goodies fit for feeding the farm's goats and ducks. Wander around the cages to see brightly colored exotic birds, reptiles, and a few furry friends, some of which you can pet. If you're lucky, you'll get a chance to touch a lizard or hold a snake.
Insider's tip: Call before you go to be sure they have strawberries available for picking. Also, be sure to visit The Boys Farmer's Market (basically next door, at 14378 South Military Trail) for delicious fresh foods to take home.
Address: 14466 South Military Trail, Delray Beach, Florida
Official site: http://thegirlsstrawberryupick.com/index.html
11. Watch the Boats Pass By in Veterans Park
A family favorite, Veterans Park offers kids a ton of fun things to do in Delray Beach. From here, you can watch the bridge raise and lower every half hour to let boats cross the Intracoastal.
The park also boasts a newly renovated playground with plenty of fun places to duck into during a game of hide and seek. Cook dinner on a grill, picnic on the grass (or at a table) or practice your lawn bowling and shuffleboard skills. The possibilities are endless!
While here, take a few moments to give thanks to those who have fallen as you pass the various memorials.
Address: 802 North East 1st Street, Delray Beach, Florida
12. Race an RC Car at West Delray Regional Park
Kids won't get bored at the West Delray Regional Park. There are a ton of free activities to partake in and even more to simply watch and admire. Fans of radio-controlled devices will love spending time at this attraction. The park has its own mini airfield, perfect for those flying an RC plane. Watch skilled pilots thread their aircrafts through the sky or try your hand at flying your own.
There are also two large RC tracks perfect for racing remote-controlled cars. They're flanked by an elevated platform to make it easier to spot the cars and boast a smooth, sandy base to make it easy to get up to speed. RC boats are welcome to race around the lake.
Not really into the whole RC thing? No worries. You can also try your hand at archery or head out on the lake to fish. The park also boasts equestrian trails, bike paths, and plenty of great places to grill and enjoy a picnic. The 18-hole disc golf course is especially popular.
Insider's tip: Registration is required before racing your own RC device, and if you're hoping to use a bow and arrow, you'll need to do so through the Gold Coast Archery Club.
13. Get a Hole in One at Putt 'n Around
Looking for a way to occupy the kids that doesn't involve getting sand in your swimsuit? Check out Putt 'n Around. Boasting two 18-hole mini putt courses (The Everglades and The Ocean), this tacky, yet awesome attraction oozes fun. Its waterfalls, lagoons, and bridges will capture your kids' attention and keep it. In fact, little ones will love their time here so much, they'll beg to play again once they've finished.
Insider's tip: Close to the restaurants peppering Atlantic Avenue, this is a great spot to spend time pre- or post-dinner. Plus, evening golf offers the bonus of a more romantic and fun ambience featuring lights and upbeat music to guide players through the courses. Playing a round or two here is a perfect thing to do at night with or without the kids.
For kids who just can't wait, they serve tasty treats like ice cream in the store.
Address: 350 North East 5th Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida
14. Spot a Turtle at Green Cay Wetlands
Technically not in Delray, the Green Cay Wetlands are only a short, seven-mile drive away in Boynton Beach. In addition to its over 100 acres of wetland, this lovely, tranquil spot boasts a Nature Center and plenty of opportunities to see Florida's captivating wildlife in action.
The boardwalk offers a modern take on the self-guided tour. It uses signs adorned with QR codes guests can scan with their smartphones to discover in-depth information about each specific zone. Inside the Nature Center, you'll find multiple exhibits focused on the area's natural environment, as well as live animals, a theater, and gift shop.
The 1.5-mile boardwalk takes visitors on an elevated tour through the wetlands' unique ecosystems. You'll pass cypress swampland, as well as three types of habitats: cabbage palm, wetland, and tropical hardwood.
Address: 12800 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach
Official site: http://discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Pages/GreenCay.aspx
15. Step Back in Time at Spady Cultural Heritage Museum
It's easy to appreciate the history seeping through the walls of the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum. This attraction is dedicated to honoring the history of Palm Beach County's African American, Caribbean, and Haitian populations — there are so many interesting exhibits on hand to highlight this area's storied past.
The museum lies in the former house of Solomon D. Spady, a highly prominent African American educator and community leader in Delray Beach. Inside, a series of rotating exhibits and events encourage tourists to learn more about the early black communities in Florida and their important cultures.
The museum is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Check their website for the most current list of events, which include exciting things to do like celebrate Kwanzaa in July; listen to esteemed authors discuss their works; and enjoy the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast in early April.
Don't miss a trip on the "Ride & Remember Trolley Tour," an informative tour of Delray Beach's five historic districts. It is organized through the museum.
Address: 170 NW Fifth Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida
Official site: https://www.spadymarketplace.org/
