Day On, Day Off: Delray Sands Resort & Delray Beach
What to do in Delray Beach? We’ve got the lowdown on how to spend two days here – one spent exclusively on property at Delray Sands Resort, and another, entirely in the town of Delray Beach.
Digging Delray?
Day On at Delray Sands Resort
Breakfast of Champions at Latitudes
Sleep in, then start your day at Latitudes, serving one of the best breakfast menus available on the coast beside a gorgeous ocean view, courtesy of the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows (or, opt to sit on the Outdoor Terrace for even more up-close-and-person ocean views). Order creative spins on breakfast staples like Nutella-stuffed french toast, fruit blintzes, and five different types of eggs benedict while the barista handcrafts your perfect morning beverage.
Hit the Beach
Forget the hassle of parking, then trying to stake a spot on the sand at the nearby public beaches. Delray Sands is set on its own private stretch for a day spent enjoying the ocean away from the crowds. Not to mention, the resort provides the beach chairs and umbrellas, so you don’t have to lug any gear, and friendly beach attendants deliver drinks or light bites from the Wave Pool Bar.
Retreat Poolside
When you’ve had enough of the sand and salt water, head over to the swimming pool. With lounge chairs and umbrellas, it’s the perfect spot to work on that book and drift in and out of naps. There’s also a separate pool for children, leaving the larger pool (and the whirlpool) to adults who want to take it easy. If you need a snack to tide you over or want a libation or two, Wave Pool Bar has you covered.
Latitudes for Dinner
Finish the day with dinner back at Latitudes, which offers a refreshing twist on nautically infused decor. Don’t expect salt-encrusted ropes, lobster traps, or weather-worn wooden signs that hang above tables – just pristine white sand views of the Atlantic and an unconventional theme of “bubbles.” Yes, bubbles, which are conveyed in the form of glass chandeliers and a wave wall. As for the dinner menu, guest favorites include tuna poke, mini ahi tuna tacos, Alaskan king crab, as well as the restaurant’s signature iced shellfish towers.
Day Off in Delray Beach
Breakfast at The French Bakery and Cafe
Start your day with a light breakfast at The French Bakery and Cafe. Rest assured, they live up to their name, with breads and pastries made fresh in-house by French-trained professionals. Almond croissants, tarts with baked fruits, walnut-raisin bread, and plain and chocolate croissants are among the choices. Consider grabbing a warm baguette for the road.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
You may not expect a lesson in Japanese arts and culture during your visit to South Florida, but that’s what you get at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. For more than four decades, Morikami has educated and delighted visitors via their museum and gardens. Take the peaceful mile-long stroll through the gardens – in a way, it’ll feel like a walk through time, as each garden represents the ninth through twentieth centuries. After, grab a bite at Cornell Cafe before exploring the museum’s current exhibitions. Admission is $15 for adults ($13 for seniors) and $9 for children.
Sandoway Discovery Center
What’s Florida without getting up close and personal with marine life? Sandoway Discovery Center is based in an almost-century-old beachfront home and opened its doors as a discovery center in 1998, offering guests a peek behind the curtain of Florida’s delicate ecosystem. Visitors can explore the turtle pond and seashell gallery, as well as take in the ever-popular shark, stingray, and occasional alligator feedings. At only a $5 admission, it’s well worth the stop.
The Pull of Pineapple Grove Arts District
Located just off of Atlantic Avenue on NE Second Street, Pineapple Grove is an eclectic artsy enclave dotted with murals and sculptures and and a mix of boutiques, bistros, art galleries, salons, and spas. Not to mention, it’s anchored by a performance art powerhouse: the Arts Garage. This catch-all cultural hub draws thespians, musicians, visual artists, comedians, and more for a full slate of scheduled entertainment year-round.
Dinner at Drift
Drift into Opal Grand’s nautical social and dining experience and go on a “coastal culinary voyage.” Find a seat at one of their five unique dining spaces from the main dining room, chef’s gallery, two private social event zones, a mixology room and bar, and an outdoor verandah. Their menu offers a mix of seaside-inspired cuisines like Crispy Branzino, Pan-Seared Grouper, and Coastal Shellfish Stew.
Soak Up Delray Beach After Dark
Just because the sun has slipped below the horizon, that doesn’t mean that this beachside community goes to sleep. Actually, it’s when Atlantic Ave heats up with noteworthy nightlife that will make your night out one you’ll remember for a long time. Check out some of our top picks in “Delray Beach After Dark,” including a speakeasy-style social club that, upon closer inspection, is edgier than you think and a bright-pink flamingo-themed bar serving up three tropically-chic lounges, VIP cabanas, and courtyard stage for bands and deejays to perform.
