There are so many great beach towns in Florida, but when you live here, it's easy to get into the routine of visiting the same places year after year. I recently traveled to Delray Beach, a small city on Florida's southeast coast, and it was a nice change from the towns I'm most familiar with in Florida. While my husband and I were only in Delray Beach two days for work, I've highlighted our experience below in case you're planning a trip to the area sometime soon!
Where to Stay:
I'm all about finding hotels that are more on the contemporary side, so I chose to stay at Aloft Delray Beach after a quick Google search of the area's hotels. This newer hotel blends sleek design with modern style and is in close proximity to Atlantic Avenue, the beach, Pineapple Grove District and much more. Aloft Delray Beach has everything you would expect in a normal hotel, but with an innovative twist. One of my favorite areas was located on the first floor where the WXYZ bar was. Surrounding the bar were several lounge areas where you could relax with friends or play a game of pool. A 24/7 fitness center was located on the fourth floor, along with a rooftop pool and outdoor bar.
Where to Eat:
When we first arrived in Delray Beach, we were starving and looking for a lively restaurant after our 3-hour drive. Rocco's Tacos was easily the busiest spot on Atlantic Avenue, and we had heard great things so we decided to check it out. The restaurant itself was authentically decorated, and there were endless options when it came to cocktails. After a meal that consisted of chips and salsa, shrimp tacos and rice and beans, we were delightfully full and ready to explore the area.
I was craving an açaí bowl, which is how we came across Bear's Food Shack. The moment you step through the doors, you will feel like you've been transported to a Hawaiian surf shack. Brightly colored tables line the room along with fun beach decor. While I originally chose the place because of my açaí bowl craving, I had a hard time ordering one because of how many delicious items they had on the menu! I ended up sticking with my plan and ordered the Monkey Bowl, which consisted of an açaí blend, granola, peanut butter, Nutella, a full banana, chocolate chips, a drizzle of honey and topped with coconut flakes. It was absolutely delicious, and I highly recommend this spot if you’re interested in something a little more on the healthier side.
A trip to Delray Beach wouldn't be complete without waterfront dining. We chose to have dinner at Deck 84, which offered unobstructed views of the Intracoastal Waterway. As we sat on the patio, we watched the Atlantic Avenue Bridge go up several times as larger boats passed beneath. This casual waterfront restaurant prepares local and seasonal-inspired dishes and even allows you to bring in your catch of the day for them to cook. A must-try for ambiance and taste!
Where to Explore:
Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach is a beautiful place to visit, and Atlantic Avenue is one of the reasons why it is so enjoyable. The avenue is filled with dozens of restaurants, shops and art galleries so there's literally something for everyone. It’s extremely walkable and everyone is very friendly. You can plan to spend your day at the beach and head to Atlantic Avenue afterward to decompress.
Located right off Atlantic Avenue on Northeast Second Street is where you'll find the Pineapple Grove Arts District. This vibrant area is filled with artwork, boutiques, restaurants, salons, spas and much more. If you really want to experience Delray Beach from a local's perspective, then Pineapple Grove Arts District is a must.
If you find yourself needing to catch up on some work, Seed Workspace is a local co-working space that offers upscale and inspired workspaces. It's designed as an alternative to a traditional corporate workspace and includes a lounge space, a zen relaxation room, private meeting space and a reception center. Drop in for the day for only $25 and you'll be given a desk with access to top-speed WiFi, ethernet cables, a printer, a copier, a scanner and complimentary water, coffee and espresso.
Whether you're in town for work, vacation or just a weekend getaway, Delray Beach is sure to offer an incredible experience for you! Have you been to Delray Beach before or do you plan on going soon? Let me know in the comments below!
