Florida's 'Village By The Sea' Is A Gorgeous Beach Getaway With Turquoise Waters

Nicknamed "Village By The Sea," Delray Beach has a blend of coastal beauty and walkable charm that's made it one of Florida's best beach getaways. Tucked between busy Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, this artsy town is lively and low-key at the same time. Delray is the perfect pick for beach lovers who want crystal-clear water and culture without the crowds. Not only was Delray Beach named USA Today's best beach in Florida for 2025, but it's one of only three beaches in the U.S. to be awarded the Blue Flag award.

One of its best features is undoubtedly the turquoise shoreline. The white beach stretches for nearly two miles, with soft sand, well-kept facilities, and lifeguards on duty. The water is usually clear enough to see your toes, making it a favorite for families, couples, and solo beachgoers alike. Visitors can easily find beach chairs and canopy rentals to settle in for a day by the sea. The beach also has designated areas for fun activities like volleyball, windsurfing, snorkeling, kites, and Frisbee.

Once you've had your fill of the sun and sand, Delray Beach has more to explore. Just a short walk away, you'll find the main strip of Atlantic Avenue lined with sidewalk cafes, local boutiques, salons and spas, upscale shopping, and more. You can grab a cocktail on a rooftop bar with ocean views, pop into an art gallery, or catch live music on an open-air patio. And if unsure where to start, swing by the Visitor's Center on your way in — it's right where Atlantic Avenue meets the sand — for info and recommendations. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a week, the easygoing energy makes Delray Beach easy to fall in love with.

Delray Beach punches far above its weight when it comes to culture, nature, and food — three things you might not expect from a place with "village" in its nickname. It may be best known for its beautiful coastline, but a little time in town will show you its artsy side. While Atlantic Avenue has a handful of boutiques and galleries for art lovers to check out, Pineapple Grove Arts District is just off the main strip. Here, you'll find public art, working artists studios, Artists Alley, and the Arts Garage — a must-visit for live performances like theater productions, stand-up comedy, and concerts.

Another attraction is the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens just a short drive from downtown. Visitors can stroll through landscaped gardens, check out rotating exhibits, and learn more about the Yamato Colony, a group of Japanese farmers that settled in the area in the early-1900s. Admission is $16, with occasional discounts available. Nature lovers should head to Wakodahatchee Wetlands, a free-to-enter elevated boardwalk that winds through a wildlife-filled ecosystem home to everything from herons and turtles to alligators. The parking lot is busiest from February to April, so get there early to snag a spot.

Delray also has a serious food scene. You'll find everything from fresh-caught seafood and oyster bars to white-tablecloth dining and international flavors. There are a wide range of highly-recommended spots for foodies. Le Sorelle is a must-visit for Italian fare, Dada is an upscale American spot with an off-beat, artsy vibe, and Deck 84 is a favorite for casual waterfront dining. Craft Food Tours also offers a guided food tour for $99. Considering all those options, you should definitely bring your appetite to town.

Delray Beach is easy to reach in under an hour from either Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). And once you're in town, you don't really need a car. For anyone driving, it's located right off I-95. There's a ton to do within walking or biking distance, especially if staying close to Atlantic Avenue or the beach. With Delray Beach as home-base, you can also visit hotspots like Boca Raton and West Palm Beach — or check out other small towns like Jupiter, a lesser-known Florida beach town perfect for escaping the cold. 

For accommodations, there's something for every vacation-style — from boutique hotels and oceanfront resorts to cozy inns and AirBNB rentals tucked into charming neighborhoods. The Opal Grand Resort can't be beat if you love swanky, resort-style digs. The Seagate Hotel is another of the more well-known upscale options, with amenities like on-site dining, a spa, beach club, golf club, and more. Smaller spots like Crane's Beach House are great for a laid-back vibe that's near the sand.

While Delray's downtown is walkable, there's also a free local shuttle through the Ride Freebee app to help you get around. And the town has a year-round calendar of events — from the Delray Affair arts festival each spring to holiday boat parades, farmers markets, and more. Whether visiting in winter to escape the cold, heading down in summer for hot beach days and lower hotel rates, or on a road trip along the beautiful Florida coastline, Delray Beach makes a strong case for being more than a day trip. It's a place where visitors often become regulars and locals say they've been "living on vacation" for years.