Delray Beach --- informed opinions?

[theo]

Anyone care to express a description and/or opinion about the immediate Delray Beach area, based upon their own **first hand knowledge and personal experience** ??

I've spent a fair amount of time in various parts of Florida over the years, but Delray Beach is just a complete unknown to me. Just a name on the map, south of Lake Worth and north of Boca Raton. Completely under the radar (to me, anyhow). Additionally, much to my surprise, no one I know has any knowledge about that specific area either, despite their also having logged a fair amoint of time in FL. Help me to solve this personal mystery with what you've seen and what you know (not what you've heard anecdotally or just read somewhere.....).
Thanks.

 

[BocaBum99]

Delray Beach is wonderful. I love Atlantic Ave. My favorite restaurant there is an italian bistro called "Louie, Louie, too" Lots of nice shops and galleries. We bought a lot of furniture in an Asian antique place called "Angsana", but I think it is closed down now since I didn't see it a couple of months ago when I was there.

On the Beach, I like going to "Boston's" for lunch upstairs overlooking the ocean.

Busch is a good seafood restaurant on the intracoastal. So is City Oyster.

The best time to go to Delray beach is during the Art Festivals in January. They close off the streets and artists from everywhere display their wares.

Heading south on A1A and you will had into Highland Beach and Boca Raton. Beautiful houses.

There is a large tennis stadium in Delray Beach that is great for small tennis tournaments. And, there is a decent public golf course west of the I-95.

 

[joestein]

It seems like a nice area, my parents live in a retirement community there called Lakes of Delray, but other then the lunchonette (the infamous "3Gs")across from their development, I haven't seen that much of the area.

 

[timeos2]

Many years in Del Ray Beach

My Grandparents owned a retirement home in Del Ray Beach since the 60's. Then my uncle inherited that and my Dad purchased the property next door and lived there 7 months a year until 2005 when they moved to Lake City FL. So many of my happiest memories as a youngster enjoying Florida over Christmas or Easter are based on that area.

What it was in the 60's was a sleepy town remote from anything we wanted to do except for Doc's ice cream stand (still there on Atlantic Ave I think). We loved the beach and the downtown which was about 3 miles from the house.

Fast forward to the 90's when my Dad and Uncle were the hosts and the whole family heads down usually for Holiday and often as part of a Orlando trek. The development has made the towns all blend into one. Except for the signs saying welcome or goodbye you don't know where Boca ends and Del Ray begins. Same heading south with West Palm, Miami, etc until you hit the keys. It's one continuous strip of buildings. We once counted 27 McDonalds and 35 KFC's driving from Boca to West Palm on Route 1.

The beach is still nice, downtown has gone very upscale and (at last visit) Doc's was still there. The timeshares in the area are motel conversions - at least one is infamous for closing down after deteriorating for years. Never stayed in any of them. As with all other areas of FL there are every kind of franchise restaurant and store plus a few unique ones (unfortunately my favorite, Antonio's Mama Mia on route 1 closed about 2 years ago - replaced by condos! Boo!).

It's not a destination but you are close to West Palm and Miami and there is plenty to do. We mostly just relax there but thats us.

If you have any specific questions let me know.

 

[Zac495]

I adore the area. My cousin lives there. I love walking the beach and looking at the mansions. I love Atlantic Avenue and Mizner Park. I love sitting outside and drinking at great little places. It's one of my favorite places - I go at least twice a year.

 

[geekette]

Not a Floridian at all

But I was at Delray in September for the first time. I stayed at Dover House on a Last Call - small, but clean and comfortable right across the street from the ocean - I would not recommend it for more than 2 adults + 2 kids and at that you better be a close family.

The area was nice and convenient. Lots of places to walk to. Clean, too. I was alone but didn't have any real concerns for my safety (and I tend to be very aware of what's going on around me when alone at night).

The beach was decent, but a bit more trash than I see at say, Myrtle Beach. Seaweedy, but fine.

I would go again and do more exploring. Nice area.

 

[gjhardt]

Love Delray

We stayed in Delray Beach at Dover House last year for the Orange Bowl. We love the area. Town is really nice and we went up and down the coast enjoying Palm Beach etc.

 

[Jollyhols]

We went for a short day trip from Palm Beach Shores about three years ago.
We had a good impression of the area and thought it would be nice to have been able to spend a bit more time there. The beach area looked great and there were some nice shops and restaurants.

 

[drvine]

Delry Beach - My Favorite!

Hi. I have been going to Delray beach now for about 4 years. I get to stay in my parents condo for a week around April. I just love it. I never eat in so many good restaurants right off the beach! And the beach is clean and empty. The shops are the best. I am looking for for a small house off Atlantic Ave. if anyone know of one. I would move there in a minute! Thanks

 

[lvhmbh]

A mention for Old Calypso for their burger and great bar as well as lots of really good restaurants. Pineapple Grove is wonderful. We love Delray and it DOES have different flavor than Boca. Sorry previous poster but I live in Boca and the areas are quite different. Alot of my friends go to Delray as do I. Great place. Linda