Best Things to do in Delray Beach, Florida In 2023

Wakodahatchee Wetlands

One of the best things to do in Delray Beach for people that like to get outdoors into nature and watch numerous species of birds in their natural habitat is to stop at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands. Located 5-miles west of Atlantic Avenue along Jog Road, the Wakodahatchee Wetlands is situated on 50-acres of Florida wetlands that is home to a 0.75-mile boardwalk and over 150 species of birds. Once you reach the Wakodahatchee Wetlands you will be delighted with the serenity of walking through the wetlands over the boardwalk which offers several gazebos and benches to help you enjoy the surrounding scenery as well as interpretive signs that help explain the eco-system of the area. The wetlands are home to such flora species as duckweed, live oak and sabal palm as well as wildlife that ranges from turtles to raccoons to alligators to frogs. The Wakodahatchee Wetlands is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail where you discover bird species such as pied-billed grebe, black-billed whistling ducks and snowy egrets.

Photo by Ethan Oringel

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

If you like to experience unique cultural events and places while on vacation then an ideal thing to do in Delray Beach is to take a trip to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Located 6-miles southwest of the downtown area along Morikami Park Road, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens are a great place to learn more about the intriguing Japanese culture that exists in the area. Once at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens you will find two museums that are loaded with 7,000 artifacts such as kimonos, textiles, festival robes and numerous indigo dyed costumes. Your senses will come alive while you walk through one of the six unique botanic themed Japanese style gardens that include the fabulous Roji-en: The Garden of the Drops of Dew which highlights the cycles of life that dew drops bring to the natural world. There are nature trails, meditation centers, a traditional tea house and plenty of space for you to experience a surreal time within a tranquil setting. Also at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens you will find the award winning restaurant Cornell Cafe and a quaint museum store.

Photo by Bob B. Brown

Atlantic Avenue

One of the most popular things to do in Delray Beach for travelers who like to shop, eat and visit various entertainment venues like art galleries is to take a walk along Atlantic Avenue. Located between Swinton Avenue and the drawbridge over the Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Avenue is home to numerous shopping boutiques, art displays and eateries that are housed in several historic buildings. When shopping along Atlantic Avenue you will find exciting clothing, fantastic home furnishings and unique jewelry items that are one-of-a-kind. If you get hungry don’t worry because there are restaurants serving everything from ice cream to sandwiches to gourmet fusion cuisine as well as numerous ethnic choices that include Asian, Italian, American and Latin style dishes. In the evening you will find a lively atmosphere that features musicians playing jazz, the blues, rock-n-roll and classic oldies. Other interesting places to stop along Atlantic Avenue include the Cornell Art Museum and the Old School Square Cultural Arts Center and National Historic Site.

Photo by Lisa Jacobs

Delray Beach

Visiting Delray Beach Municipal Beach is a fantastic thing to do in Delray Beach for beach goers and families that are looking to spend some time under the sun while enjoying the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Located along Highway A1A about 1.5-miles south of downtown, the Delray Beach Municipal Beach offers plenty of space for lounging and great swimming conditions as well as numerous facilities to help fulfill a perfect day on the white sand. Once you are at Delray Beach Municipal Beach you will find plenty of vendors with beach and watersport equipment for rent as well as beach volleyball courts. Watersport activities that are popular at the beach include wind surfing, snorkeling, surfing and sailing. Land based fun includes an area to fly kites, play Frisbee and paddleball helps keep families busy while they are enjoying one of the top 35 beaches in the U.S.A. Other facilities at the Delray Beach Municipal Beach include restrooms, picnic areas and there are lifeguards on-duty 365 days of the year for your safety.

Photo by Mberjano

Putt'n Around

When you are searching for the perfect thing to do in Delray Beach with your family that will put smiles on everyone’s face then you should try Putt’n Around. Located 0.5-miles north of Atlantic Avenue along Northeast 5th Avenue, the Putt’n Around is situated within a nice tropical manicured garden that includes 36-holes of exciting miniature golf and an onsite restaurant to help take care of your hunger as well as thirst. The family will be pleased with playing the challenging miniature golf courses that feature waterfalls, windmills, clowns and numerous obstacles for you to maneuver your golf ball around before finding the hole. As you play the two miniature golf courses you will be surrounded by a botanical garden that is packed with beautiful tropical plants that will leave lasting memories. Putty’s Place is a perfect for that quick bite of food whether that is a slice of pizza or a unique hamburger and there is a full wine as well as beer to help quench your thirst.

Craft Food Tours

When you are interested in experiencing the local cuisine and culture then an ideal thing to do in Delray Beach is to plan on going on a Craft Food Tour. You will be thrilled with the opportunity to visit several eateries while learning about the local culture that influences the numerous award winning chefs of the area in their food preparations. Craft Food Tours offers several packages for you to indulge in while walking the streets of this quaint community. You can experience cuisine from ten different eateries while enjoying three beverages as you listen to interesting commentary about the architecture, history and famous people of Delray Beach. Other tours include a lively happy hour opportunity where you will indulge in small bites and several unique handmade cocktails at four local stops that will leave your mouth watering for more fun. Craft Food Tours can also help you arrange that special occasion for you and your family that could range from a birthday to a wedding to a family reunion.

Arts Garage

One of the best things to do in Delray Beach for people looking to experience the local performing arts scene is to take a trip to the Arts Garage. Located along Northeast 2nd Avenue within the Pineapple Grove Arts District, the Arts Garage is a mixture of local artists, musicians and actors that perform on a regular basis for the public. Musical performances at the Arts Garage provide for a glimpse into a wide range of music from jazz to rock to fusion to blues with an assortment of artists from the local area as well as from around the world gracing the stage. The art gallery area features numerous exhibits from local artists that display artworks from contemporary to romantic to photography. There are also numerous theatrical performances that take place in a cabaret style setting where patrons are invited to bring their own food and drink including alcoholic libations to enjoy while viewing entertaining performers from around the area. The Arts Garage also provides several educational programs from music to arts to theatre for patrons of all ages.

Atlantic Dunes Park

If you are looking for a beach scene that has a calm atmosphere with plenty of sand and facilities then the best thing to do in Delray Beach is to visit Atlantic Dunes Park. Located 1.5-miles south of Atlantic Avenue, the Atlantic Dunes Park is nestled 1-block north of Linton Boulevard along Highway A1A and is a perfect place for families to spend the day. Once at Atlantic Dunes Park you will find vendors with beach and watersport equipment for rent as well as unique surf chairs for handicap people. While you are visiting you can take advantage of the nature trail and boardwalk which will have you walking through a unique forested area above the beach. The Atlantic Dunes Park has perfect swimming conditions and there is lifeguards on-duty daily. You have access to a picnic area and restrooms but you need to come prepared because there are no food or beverage services available directly at the park.

Pineapple Grove Arts District

The Pineapple Grove Arts District is an eclectic area filled with chic boutiques and numerous art galleries which has been one of the best things to do in Delray Beach for years. Located between Northeast 2nd Avenue and Northeast 4th Avenue in the downtown area off of Atlantic Avenue, the Pineapple Grove Arts District has a great atmosphere that is packed with interesting shopping venues as well as unique art galleries. The Pineapple Grove Arts District offers a great look into the burgeoning art scene that exists in Delray Beach with over 25 art galleries featuring artwork from local artists and artisans. The fashion scene is easy to spot with numerous stores offering everything from chic clothing to home furnishings to personal beauty items. Another reason to visit the Pineapple Grove Arts District is to eat some incredible cuisine that ranges from Asian to Italian to local Gourmet dishes that will make your mouth water. Entertainment can be found as well within the area with plenty of venues that will keep you listening or dancing to the music.