I’m a big fan of Palm Beach, Florida. I grew up in Delray Beach and the area is unlike any other place. It’s a perfect blend of tropical, chic and small town vibe wrapped into a popping city. Delray is known for “The Ave.” It is a 2-mile strip of restaurants, bars, small shops and boutique hotels leading up to a glorious beach. Overall, a great place for a quick weekend or a full week of fun.
There is something for everyone and a family friendly town. You could hang out at the beach all day, party all night, or go to dinner at 5:30 like us. We love an early bird special. This trip was 4 days and the first time I have been home since Thanksgiving. It was a treat to see my family and best friend, relaxing and visiting all my favorite places. Also, SUN. You don’t realize how much weather impacts you until you are greeted with sunshine and salt water.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are three airports you can fly into. Palm Beach (PBI) is the closest (20 minutes) and is a small airport which means less lines, traffic and people. Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is the second closest (45 minutes) and Miami (MIA) is the third (1 hour). All major airports service the three cities. From the East coast, you are pretty much guaranteed dozens of flights a day. We booked a car through hotwire and brought our own car seat this time.
WHERE TO STAY
The past couple years when I travel home I have stayed in hotels or Air B&Bs. With a husband and baby in tow, its easier to have our own space and come and go. This trip we used points to stay at the Fairfield Inn Delray Beach. The hotel is pretty new and situated off the strip of the Ave. The hotel is clean and newer. Typically we stay in walking distance of the beach but who turns down a free trip and free breakfast? Not us.
My mom stayed at The Colony this trip which was great. When you stay there you have access to their beach club and are able to bring guests. The next time we go, I want to snag a 2 bedroom room there; the location is central from the hot bars and the beach. The beach club is great and has an “Old Delray” vibe with splashes of color, housewives and retired folks sipping cocktails, reading and swimming. I tried pretty hard to convince my husband to let us move back, get a golf cart and go there every weekend. It was a blend of all the things I love about Palm Beach.
For two days we hung out, had lunch, swam in the pool and checked out the beach. Cooper is officially on a cabana tour of all the pools and beaches, he loves it.
THE FOOD
Literally all food in Delray is awesome. You can pretty much find anything you are in the mood for. I have my go-tos I usually make a pit stop each trip. This trip there were a ton of new places to check out including Delray Market. It’s an Instagram worthy, classy AF food hall… very trendy. There slogan is “Eat.Drink.Beach.Repeat.” SIGN ME UP! We had lunch there and walked around. It’s always fun to see the new places that are brought into town. They have a ton of photo ops including mural walls, props and signs.
“Everyone needs a photo with their best friend in a Chinese take out box.”
We had dinner at Elisabetta’s with my family. The atmosphere is perfect for a night out on the town. All pasta is made in house and delicious. I have been there several times and each dish is better than the next. The service is great too! We got the appetizer sampler for a mix of everything.
I highly recommend the Coccoli Fritti. It’s hands down my favorite thing there. The Cacio E Pepe, Linguine Con Vongole and the Pazzesco can’t be missed.
If you are looking for after dinner fun, bars are aplenty. Fan favorites for the crowd that loves live music include Tin Roof, Hurricanes (locals bar) and Johnnie Browns. For those that go to bed early (AKA Me), I love a nightcap at Vic & Angelos or The Office.
My Go-To Places:
- Sandwiches By The Sea (great for large iced teas & sandwiches for the beach)
- Cafe Luna Rosa (Brunch)
- Brus Room (GWOAT- Greatest Wings Of All Time)
- El Camino (Lunch/Happy Hour)
- Taverna Opa (Dinner)
Overall, another successful weekend of sun, fun and watching my little man soak it all in. Regardless of how long you are there, you won’t regret it.
Have you ever been to Delray Beach?
xo
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