If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Florida, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Just because you can't take a week off from work to explore Florida's small towns doesn't mean you can't enjoy what you need to in only a day. Personally, I live for mini-adventures in Florida whenever I get the chance. It’s an easy way to escape my routine and recharge my batteries, even if only for a few hours. Luckily, we have no shortage of destinations that are ideal for a quick day trip in Florida.

Take Delray Beach, Florida, as the perfect example. Right along Florida’s southeastern coast, Delray Beach is a casual beachside small town known for its blend of laid-back vibes and lively downtown scene. If you only have one day to explore this hidden gem, don’t worry—you can still experience the best of what this charming town in Florida has to offer. Here's where to begin...

Things to Do in Delray Beach

With just over 70,000 residents, I imagined Delray Beach as a bustling small city in Florida. When I visited, I was pleasantly greeted by an artsy walkable downtown with a wonderful selection of quaint boutiques, art galleries, vintage shops, and cafes. Of course, the laid-back beach vibe only adds to its charm, inviting you to slow down and flow to its rhythms. You could easily spend a week here exploring the town and all that it has to offer. But since we only have a day on this micro-adventure, here is everything that you should do on your day trip to Delray Beach.    

Sink Your Feet in the Sand

Your Delray Beach adventure should begin with the town’s crown jewel: its stunning shoreline. It just makes sense to start at the beach, right!? Arriving early to catch the sunrise is a must. The soft golden sands and still ocean views provide a peaceful start to the day. Afterward, take a stroll along the beach, rent a kayak, or simply relax and soak in the sun before the crowds arrive.

Stroll Through the Creative Corners

Once you've enjoyed the beach, head to Delray’s Pineapple Grove Arts District, a vibrant area just off Atlantic Avenue that celebrates local art and culture. Wander through the colorful streets lined with galleries, public art displays, and boutique shops. Make sure to pop into the Arts Garage, a community-driven space where you can admire rotating exhibits or perhaps catch an artist at work. If you’re into murals, keep your eyes peeled as you walk around—the district is known for its street art and quirky sculptures.

Dive into the Local Eats

You've probably worked up an appetite, so let's grab a bite to eat at Boston’s on the Beach. This New England transplant is a nationally recognized restaurant known for serving up delicious food and craft cocktails that pay tribute to the city of Boston. For over 35 years, it’s been a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Not only can you indulge in mouthwatering seafood here, but on the right day, you can catch a game on the big screens or enjoy live music. Some even say it’s home to the best brunch in Delray Beach!

Discover International Culture in Nature

Next up, head on over to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. This museum is a tranquil oasis that will transport you from Florida to Japan in an instant. Explore beautifully landscaped gardens, koi ponds, and bonsai collections as you learn about the history of Japanese culture in South Florida. If you have time, stop by the museum’s exhibitions, showcasing traditional and contemporary Japanese art.

End Your Day With a Tasty Treat

There's no better way to close out your day than treating yourself to something sweet at one of the many ice cream shops in town. Kilwins Ice Cream, a local favorite, is located right on Atlantic Avenue. On a nice evening, sit outside and enjoy your ice cream while watching the people stroll by. Even better, grab your treat to go and head to the Delray Beach Pavilion to gaze at the sky as it glows with shades of golden hues.

Sounds like a pretty action-packed day, huh? But at least you saw some of the best things that Delray Beach has to offer in one fell swoop. If you need some overnight accommodations to turn this day trip into a weekend getaway, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover great hotels and more hidden gems for your second day of adventure.