Located on Florida’s southeast coast, Delray Beach is a two-mile expanse of surf and sand that attracts a wide range of visitors, from families to college students to retirees. Colorful stucco homes with clay tile roofs line the streets and bring a sense of Old World aesthetics to this modern vacation destination.

A drive down A1A will take you from the palm-tree-lined streets of Delray Beach to historic towns of Old Florida, past the mansions of Vero Beach, to the natural wetlands and beaches of South Florida. It’s less than 30 minutes to major cultural hubs like West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale, but you may never want to leave the city, as it has its own thriving art scene and vibrant nightlife. No matter what time of day you visit Downtown Delray, the cobblestone sidewalks of Atlantic Avenue – “The Avenue” to locals – are teeming with activity.

One of Delray Beach’s biggest draws is the year-round warm weather. Spring is the peak tourist season, with people traveling from all over to participate in the city’s Spring Break festivities. Things are calmer from late May to early October, when the weather is a little warmer and more humid. Delray’s annual restaurant week happens each August, and is a great way to sample some Caribbean delicacies. If you’re a surfer, you may want to come during the fall, when the area hosts the Palm Beach County Surfing History Project, with historical displays paying tribute to the sport and culture. You’ll find the best weather in the winter when the crowds are smaller, and downtown Delray hosts major annual events like its arts festivals, fashion week, and tennis tournament.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

The Morikami Museum is home to six beautiful, serene Japanese gardens. You’ll find exhibits and educational events hosted inside the museum, where visitors of all ages can learn about traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.

Wakodahatchee Wetlands

One of the most popular wildlife photography destinations in the Palm Beaches, the Wakodahatchee Wetlands is home to more than 150 species of birds, as well as otters, alligators, and other animals native to the South Florida Wetlands. You can observe these animals safely in their natural habitat from the miles of boardwalk that run over wetlands and water, available to the public free of charge.

Pineapple Grove Arts District

Just off The Avenue is the center of the Delray Beach art scene: Pineapple Grove, marked by a large, brightly colored sign and a massive pineapple mural. You can admire the work of this community at the neighborhood’s galleries, custom furniture stores, and a public space known as Artist’s Alley.