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Southern Living is really hyping up Florida this spring. Recently naming Sanibel Island as Florida’s top beach destination for 2025, now the insightful publication for all things Southern is doubling down on the Sunshine State yet again, highlighting a lesser-known beach town as the perfect place to kick off spring.
Better yet, unlike Sanibel Island, you won’t have to double-check to see what’s open.
The area is still in recovery mode after multiple hurricanes ravaged it.
This turn-key hideaway, too often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of more popular coastal escapes, is gleaming with white-sand shores and pastel-colored boulevards lining the charming town center.
Set on the Atlantic coast (so you know the water is gorgeous), it’s time to pack your sunblock, swimwear, and favorite beach read because Delray Beach is Florida’s top spring getaway.
Plus, it’s a stone’s throw from numerous airports — West Palm Beach (PBI), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and Miami (MIA).
South Florida’s Most Laid-Back Beach Town
Those of us in need of a vacation may hesitate to book a beach trip with the thought of dealing with rowdy spring breakers ruining our Zen.
Well, when it comes to Delray Beach, the college crowds tend to skip over this town in favor of others, even being so close to Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
Delray is your best bet for a relaxing getaway to unwind and recharge. This vibrant town offers everything you’d picture when needing such a vacay.
You know, radiant white-sand beaches, waterfront eats and drinks, and a fun main strip (Atlantic Avenue) to wander sightly plazas and peruse local boutiques for a break from the beaming Florida sun.
While Delray can draw a summer crowd, as most Florida coastal towns do, springtime is a splendid time to visit with far more breathing room on the scenic beaches.
In fact, the only crowds you may see are the fun events filling up Delray’s calendar in the coming months.
Southern Living recommends the 63rd annual Delray Affair, a very popular arts and crafts festival taking place April 4th – 6th.
But here’s a tip. The crowds become so hectic here, this is the perfect time to take advantage of a couple of beach days practically all to yourself!
Delray’s Top Beaches To Visit
Truthfully, you can’t really go wrong with any of Delray’s beaches. It’s not like Miami, where you trade off the iffy waters of South Beach in favor of bottle service and ritzy hotels.
All of Delray’s beaches are worthy of a postcard with Caribbean blue waters you expect this side of Florida.
Delray Municipal Beach (a.k.a. Delray Beach):
Delray Beach is arguably the most popular because of its location. Still offering azure waters and soft sand, the close access to buzzing Atlantic Ave. is too enticing to stray away.
It’s equipped with restrooms and showers, so you can wash off and feel comfortable for a stroll down the main drag for post-beach dining and shopping (don’t skip The Pineapple Grove Arts District!).
Atlantic Dunes Park:
Delray Beach feels urban with the soundtrack of honking cars and all the delights of Atlantic Avenue in the distance.
Visitors love checking out Atlantic Dunes Park for a more serene escape in more of a natural setting.
This beach boasts white sand and calm blue waters, and there’s also a scenic nature trail to enjoy.
This beach is also handicap-accessible with two “Surf Chairs”.
Travel Tip: Contact Oceanside Beach Service if you’re in need of chairs, umbrellas, or cabanas, among other miscellaneous beach equipment.
Best Places To Stay In Delray Beach
Don’t expect the Ritz in Delray, but that’s all part of the small-town charm. That’s not to say you won’t find some luxe stays here; they’re out there!
So, let’s start with the cream of the crop and work our way down:
5-star hotels:
4-star hotels:
3-star waterfront hotels:
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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