DELRAY BEACH

DELRAY BEACH

Over the last few decades Delray Beach has grown to be one of the “hottest” destinations in the country.  This award-winning city, twice named an All-America City, was recently named  “Most Fun Small Town in America” by the Travel Channel, Rand McNally and USA Today!   It was also chosen as one of “The Happiest Seaside Towns” by Coastal Magazine.  

In the heart of downtown Delray Beach, at 51 N. Swinton Ave, is the Delray Beach Center for the Arts (formerly known as Old School Square). Once the Delray Beach High School, its grand buildings have been transformed in to the multi-million dollar centerpiece of the historic downtown shopping district. Delray Beach Center for the Arts houses a museum and theatre as well as an outdoor entertainment pavilion.

Of course, one of the main attractions of Delray Beach is the beach!  Beach-goers have access to two miles of public beach-front for sunbathing, recreational events, swimming and other activities. About half of the actual oceanfront beach is supervised daily by qualified lifeguards.

Parks

A variety of recreational activities are offered at public parks including; Miller Park where baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and other sports are offered; Pompey Park with its $1 million pool, and Veteran's Park that overlooks the scenic Intracoastal Waterway.

Atlantic Avenue and Downtown

Delray Beach's own charming Atlantic Avenue is a treasure trove for the recreational shopper and showcases more than 150 different boutiques and galleries! Downtown Delray Beach also offers top-notch art galleries, antiquing, and live music. The Delray Art League offers sidewalk art shows throughout the winter season at area shopping centers. Visual and performing arts opportunities as well as lectures, historic tours and nature center are available through the Delray Beach Cultural Alliance. 

Arts and Culture

As the 20th century progressed, Delray Beach grew from a farming community into a bustling city known for its unique architecture and thriving downtown. Delray Beach became a winter resort where artists, writers and cartoonists came to escape the brutal winters and hone their crafts. Nationally known cartoonists Fontaine Fox and W.E. Pat Enright were among the luminaries who called Delray home.

Adjacent to Delray Beach Center for the Arts is an emerging "artists district" dubbed Pineapple Grove. The area includes sculpture designed by local artists. The downtown is chock full of art galleries and artists' studios.

One of Palm Beach County's top attractions, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. The 200 acre Morikami park has become one of Palm Beach County's top tourist destinations attracting visitors from throughout the United States and abroad. It is the only museum of Japanese culture in the United States. 

Right next to the Morikami is the new international headquarters of the American Orchid Society, the  largest special-interest horticultural organization in the world.

The Delray Beach Playhouse

For 47 years the 238-seat Delray Beach Playhouse 950 NW Ninth St; has offered local audiences outstanding theater. Located on scenic Lake Ida, the playhouse is one the nation's oldest and most successful community theaters. 

Delray Beach is also a quick drive away from dozens of other theatres, museums and art galleries. Within a 30-minute drive, Delray residents can visit the Caldwell Theatre Company in Boca Raton, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, the Lois Pope Theatre, Plaza Del Mar in Manalapan, and the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra at Florida Atlantic University.