Your Guide to Delray Beach/Boca Raton, Florida

Spend less time exploring the internet and more time exploring your destination. We’ve curated the list of top things to do in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida. All you have to do is pack a swimsuit and choose which travel experiences to dive into first.

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Delray Beach, Florida, lines the Sunshine State’s Atlantic coast with its two-miles of powdery, white-sand beaches. Known for its creative and eclectic vibe, downtown Delray offers innovative cuisine, a lively community, inspiring art galleries, and serene pockets of nature. We know how hard it is to narrow down your itinerary for the “Most Fun Small Town in America,” so keep reading to see Opal’s curated list of the best things to do in Boca Raton and Delray Beach.

 

Where to Stay

The Atlantic Suites on the Ave 

Set just one block from the beach on Delray’s iconic Atlantic Ave, The Atlantic Suites on the Ave is optimally located to offer access to both the carefree fixtures of coastal life and the bustle of some of South Florida’s hottest neighborhoods. Whether you need a sanctuary for your family’s getaway or a laid-back, distraction-free home base for long-term business travel, the property’s ocean views and top-notch hospitality will inspire you.

Opal Grand Resort & Spa

A brand-new resort that premiered in 2021, this shoreside sanctuary is the epitome of a contemporary coastal escape. Located on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Ocean Boulevard, the property offers luxury accommodations, buzzworthy dining experiences (including a new rooftop bar and lounge), and a peaceful holistic spa – all ready to transport you as the Atlantic Ocean beckons from just beyond our doors.

Delray Sands Resort

Nestled on the Atlantic between Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Delray Sands Resort combines the intimacy of a boutique hotel with luxurious accommodations and the amenities of a full-service oceanfront resort. Guests can enjoy two oceanfront pools, a modern fitness center, and on-site dining, plus a private stretch of sand situated far from public beaches for the ultimate seaside tranquility

 

Top Delray Beach/Boca Raton Landmarks

Atlantic Avenue

A leisurely walk along Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach will lead you to the area’s most popular spots for shopping, dining, drinking, learning, and inspiring. Downtown is split into six distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique blend of artsy and eclectic charm that will keep you entertained from brunch to happy hour.

Pineapple Grove Arts District

This colorful and vibrant oasis, just off of Atlantic Avenue, is home to Delray Beach’s most popular art galleries, cafes, and boutiques. You’ll find an impressive mix of murals and sculptures created by the local artists both on the street and in the galleries, like the contemporary art you’ll find at Cornell Art Museum.

Delray Municipal Beach

Delray Municipal Beach lines South Florida’s coastline for a mile and a half, giving you plenty of space to lay out your towel and get comfortable under the sun for an afternoon (or longer!).  

S. Ocean Blvd,
Delray Beach, FL 33483

 

Most Popular Things to Do in Boca Raton/Delray Beach

Wakodahatchee Wetlands

Get up close and personal with the wildlife that inhabits the Wakodahatchee Wetlands. The ¾ mile-long boardwalk guides you across the wetlands, where over 178 species of birds and numerous turtles, fish, alligators, frogs, and raccoons can be spotted. Bring your camera, you’re going to wish you had it. 

​13270 Jog Road,
Delray Beach, FL 33446

Atlantic Dunes Park

When you visit Florida, you have to pencil in time to hit up at least a few of the Sunshine States beaches. Atlantic Dunes Park is ideal for a leisurely day spent tuning into the sounds of the ocean with a cold beverage in hand. Just a few minutes outside of Downtown Delray, make this slice of paradise your own sanctuary for the afternoon.

1605 S. Ocean Blvd,
Delray Beach, FL 33483

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

16-acres, two museum buildings, and 6 distinctive gardens showcase the century-old link between Japan and South Florida. The museum is home to several exhibitions featuring Japanese art and artifacts along with workshops focused on tea ceremonies, Japanese traditional music, and Ikebana flower arrangements.

4000 Morikami Park Road,
Delray Beach, FL 33446

Sandoway Discovery Center

Get up close and personal with South Florida’s diverse coastal ecosystems at Sandoway Discovery Center where visitors can meet sharks and fish in the Coral Reef Pool, see South Florida’s largest private shell collection, and a get hands-on learning experience with native and invasive marine and plant life.

142 S Ocean Blvd,
Delray Beach, FL 33483

Silverball Museum

Forget what you think you know about museums, this interactive trip through time encourages you to enlist a playful (and maybe competitive!) mindset as you spend your evening toying with classic pinball and arcade games. Join them for happy hour where you can enjoy half-off drinks and food specials in between rounds!

19 NE 3rd Ave,
Delray Beach, FL 33483

 

The Best Restaurants in Delray Beach/Boca Raton

Obviously no trip here is complete without eating your way through the signature restaurants of each Delray Beach Opal resort, but if you decide you want to venture off property and into town for a bite – here are our local favorites.

© Subculture Group

Dada

Immersing yourself in the local culture never tasted so good. Located in one of Delray’s oldest historic homes, Dada’s welcoming atmosphere is just as infused with creativity as its menu. Their innovative new-American cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails are a must-try in Delray Beach, Florida.  

52 N Swinton Ave,
Delray Beach, FL 33444

Deck 84

If you’re searching for waterfront views, refreshing cocktails, and seasonally-inspired dishes, you’ve come to the right place. Deck 84 provides you with unobstructed views of the Intercoastal Waterway while you enjoy the fresh flavors of their casual American cuisine.

840 East Atlantic Ave,
Delray Beach, FL 33483

Brulé Bistro

Brulé Bistro is famous for its modern take on American cuisine infused with French influence and fresh flavors. Everything in their kitchen is made from scratch and pairs effortlessly with their selection of artisan wines, local brews, and signature cocktails.

200 NE 2nd Ave,
Delray Beach, FL 33444

Latitudes

This contemporary oceanfront restaurant at Delray Sands Resort’s features five unique social and dining spaces for guests to savor the fresh flavors infused in their coastal-inspired dishes. On the menu you’ll find creative entrees like Lobster & Shrimp Fettuccine made with Maine lobster, tiger prawns, lemon, capers, blistered tomatoes, and creamy white wine. Browse their “Social Hour” menu for light-bites including Mini BLT Wedge Bites and Fire Roasted Chicken Wings – perfect for sharing with the table or enjoying solo.

2809 S Ocean Blvd,
Highland Beach, FL 33487

Drift

Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa’s newest dining addition, Drift, brings together elements of sailing culture, the sea, and authentic social experiences. Open for lunch, dinner, dessert, and everything in between, diners can choose from a wide range of garden-fresh dishes like Maple & Pomegranate-Glazed Brussels Sprouts or a Lobster Cobb Salad. If you’re looking for something straight from the sea – try their Spicy Fish Tacos or the Ora King Salmon Ala Plancha complete with warm ancient grains, braised greens, roasted eggplant puree, and preserved lemon butter. 

10 N Ocean Blvd,
Delray Beach, FL 33483

 

Local Favorites in Delray Beach/Boca Raton

Saltwater Brewery

A day in the sun getting you in the mood for a craft brew? Saltwater Brewery, Delray Beach’s first locally produced microbrewery, is complete with a tasting room and outdoor beer garden for guests to relax in. Remaining loyal to their coastal roots, they’re famous for creating eco-friendly six-pack rings that protect marine life from plastic pollution. 

1701. West Atlantic Ave,
Delray Beach, FL 33444

The Green Market

Get inspired by Delray Beach’s favorite Saturday morning ritual: a trip to The Green Market. Every Saturday you can find 65+ vendors sampling and selling their goods to the public including just-picked citrus, freshly-baked treats, tropical fruits, vegan & gluten-free products, and handmade goods. Grab a green juice, find a seat, and enjoy the live music from 9 am-2 pm. 

Corner of E. Atlantic Ave. & N. Swinton Ave.

Arts Garage

Offering a diverse range of creative experiences from visual arts, theatre, arts education, and music, Delray Beach’s Art Garage gives you (and its community) the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local creative culture. Check out The Marshall Family Foundation Gallery to learn more about these artists and see their work.

94 NE 2nd Ave,
Delray Beach, FL 33444

The “Village by the Sea” has more to offer than just miles of uninterrupted beaches and a pleasant climate. This lively hub of creativity will leave you feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and connected, thanks to the engaging community that calls Delray Beach, Florida home.