10 Fun Things To Do in Delray Beach, South Florida's Colorful Escape

Just off the A1A highway (which becomes South Ocean Boulevard in town), you can step through a verdant archway and onto a sandy path that leads you straight to the ocean in all its glory. Bisecting Atlantic Avenue is the Intracoastal Waterway, which divides Delray's biggest tourist draws into two distinct halves—one beach-centric, the other not so much. Some hotels have their own private beach clubs, so you don't have to choose between "in town" or "on the beach." You can easily enjoy both.

Get the full beach-club experience at the historic Colony Hotel, convenient to both restaurants and nightlife during your stay, making it ideal for girls' trips and romantic getaways. The Colony's Cabaña Club is just two miles from the hotel on a private beach with a heated saltwater pool, complimentary showers, changing rooms, towels, and parking.

The sleek and modern Seagate Hotel & Spa is about as close as you can get to the beachfront. Along with its own private beach club, pool, and water sport rentals, it offers access to golf and tennis at the Seagate Country Club for those looking to skip the sand. The Seagate trolley is at your disposal to drive you anywhere within a 3-mile radius of the hotel. Dinner, anyone?

There are unique shops in Delray to find something to take home, such as the Snappy Turtle, which captures breezy, colorful South Florida style to a tee. Find handcraft bespokse purses and jewelry that make perfect splurges for anniversaries and birthdays at Furst. You're bound to find more tempting spots along your stroll downtown.

Pineapple Grove features a variety of shops, galleries, and eateries, as well as colorful murals that turn this part of town's streets into artwork. It'll make you feel like you're in an old Miami neighborhood—and that a picture or two is absolutely necessary. Search out the many vibrant murals scattered across town.

What's really fun about Delray is the impressive restaurant scene and al fresco dining. Find waterfront seats at Deck 84, which helps you enjoy the sunset with a cool cocktail and fried shrimp tacos. Caffe Luna Rosa, right across South Ocean Boulevard from the beach, has an old-school Italian vibe, and the popular breakfast pizza on the brunch menu will fortify you for half the day. 

El Camino (shown here) serves super tasty Mexican food, and its drinks are made with freshly squeezed juices. Make it your last stop, or you'll be tempted to park there for the duration. Gary Rack's Farmhouse Kitchen is a lively little eatery that's packed for lunch. Try the chicken flatbread with shaved Granny Smith apples on top.

Even if you're not always a raw oyster lover, you can't help but be persuaded by the menu at City Oyster & Sushi Bar, where you can try an incredible array of bivalves. Serving a local-favorite brunch with unlimited mimosas or Bloody Marys for less than $20, City Oyster is a beautiful, airy restaurant that combines white-tablecloth food and refined service with a beach-casual attitude.

Just in case you're interested in something other than food, check out the Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square. It's housed in a 1913 schoolhouse and brings contemporary art to the city. One of the quirkiest attractions in Delray Beach is the Silverball Museum, a throwback vintage arcade. Forgoing the need for change machines and pockets full of quarters, the Silverball lets you play anything you want as many times as you can for just $15 an hour. That's some budget-friendly fun.

Any day at the beach isn't complete without beach time spent wandering for shells and looking for dolphins in the distance. During high season, you'll find rental businesses offering paddleboards and kayaks.