Top Beaches to Visit Around Delray Beach
There’s a reason the beaches in Delray keep showing up on best-of lists. Powder-soft sand, turquoise waters, and lush natural scenery shape an idyllic getaway that draws in Florida residents and global travelers year after year.
USA Today named Delray Beach the Best Beach in Florida for 2025, and it’s one of only three beaches in the country with a Blue Flag designation. That’s not branding; it means the water is tested, the shoreline is protected, and getting onto the beach is simple, with direct, well-maintained access points that lead you straight to the sand.
Guests of The Ray are spoiled for choice when it comes to picture-perfect beach days. Read on to explore the best Delray beaches for every mood, from lazy afternoons with a summer read, to kid-friendly spots with beach sports galore.
Delray Beach Pavilion - Start Here
At The Ray Hotel, our complimentary beach shuttle is at your beck and call.
Climb aboard and cruise to the pavilion at A1A and Atlantic, located at 1-23 S Ocean Boulevard. When you arrive, chaise lounge chairs and umbrellas are already set. No standing in line for rentals, no hauling bags down the block.
Need a break from the sun? Strut to the shaded pavilion for an ice-cold drink, or visit a nearby restaurant for lunch by the water.
For those who prefer the scenic route, the beach is just over a mile from The Ray hotel. Pick up a coffee at Stingers, pop into a shop that catches your eye, and follow Atlantic Avenue until it meets the water.
Insider tip: This is a great spot for sunsets, too! The light hits straight across the water, and the sky tends to go soft pink before it fades out.
Delray Public Beach - For the Social Scene
This is the beach you see on Delray postcards. Wide shoreline, soft sand, clear water, and a cool laid-back atmosphere.
Watch as paddleboards cut past the break, families stake out their spot for the day, and locals greet the sun with a morning kayak.
It’s easy to laze away hours here. Dive in, wander, grab fresh seafood at a beachside cafe, then circle back for another stretch in the sun. It’s also close to downtown Delray Beach, dotted with local art galleries and cozy beach shacks.
Insider tip: Opt for rideshare or bicycle here. Parking is limited, especially on weekends.
Delray Municipal Beach - For Quieter Solo Beach Days
Keep walking south and things stretch out.
This is where the Blue Flag flies, and you can see why. The sand is consistently clean, the entry into the water is smooth, and everything is kept in order without feeling over-managed.
Volleyball nets are set off to the side, cabanas are spaced well, and there’s enough distance between setups that you’re not negotiating for space. If you want a longer swim or a quieter afternoon, this is your move.
Atlantic Dunes Park - For a Scenic Escape with Fido
At 1605 S Ocean Boulevard, the locally-loved Atlantic Dunes Park is dog-friendly and wholly serene, shaped by crystal-clear water, soft sand dunes, and lush vegetation.
Pass through a natural trail of sea grapes and palms before the beach opens up wide and clean. There’s less foot traffic, more sand, and a shoreline that feels closer to its original state.
That’s not to say the beach is without amenities. Restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and lifeguard supervision are all close by.
Insider tip: Take advantage of The Ray’s complimentary beach bikes to ride along the park trails.
Anchor Park - For Quick Dips & Family Hangs
Small, easy, and a little under the radar, which is exactly the point.
Anchor Park is situated at 340 S Ocean Boulevard, a hidden gem offering a peaceful escape from the crowds, and a quick, easy setup for those short on time.
Anchor Park also features a playground, picnic areas, and well-maintained sand – perfect for families, with easy access to the water and recreational facilities.
Stay Longer Than You Planned
By the time you head back, the salt is still on your skin, the sun starting to dip. This is where The Ray comes back into the picture. A rinse, an outfit change, then up to the rooftop where the pool catches the last of the light. Rosewater starts to fill in, cocktails in hand, the sky shifting overhead. Later, dinner at Akira Back or a table at Campi. Maybe one more stop at Ella before calling it.
It’s usually around this point you realize you’re not done quite yet.
One more morning at the water. One more afternoon that stretches a little longer. When you’re looking at Delray Beach, Florida hotels, that extra time ends up mattering more than anything else you can add.
With our Stay More, Save More offer, book three nights and receive up to 35% off, giving you extra time for beachside lounging, sun soaked afternoons, and effortless Delray days.
Book your stay, take the extra day, and head back to the beach.