The Family Getaway Guide to Delray Beach
Grab the grandparents, and set out on an intimate family vacation in Delray Beach, Florida, where multi-generational activities appeal to all.
With miles of beaches, the Pineapple Grove Arts District, and a pinball museum that houses more than 150 arcade games, Delray Beach has activities and attractions for everyone in your family from 8 to 88. Dive into this inside look on how to make a family vacation in Florida work for your youngest and oldest members.
Where to Stay
Envision 115 guest rooms and suites in South Palm Beach, each appointed with decor that reflects the surrounding Atlantic Ocean in hues of green, teal, and azure blue. This is Delray Sands Resort at Highland Beach, a stylish property right in the heart of the upscale seaside village. Spacious suites with sleeper sofas offer plenty of room for families traveling with grandparents, while ADA-compliant accessible rooms can accommodate seniors with disabilities. Private cabanas, tropical pools, and direct beach access, plus a 24-hour fitness center, guarantee that every generation will have a good time at Delray Beach.
Exploring Atlantic Avenue
Lined with boutiques and restaurants and providing views of the Intracoastal Waterway from bridges, Atlantic Avenue is one of Delray Beach’s liveliest spots. Dad and Grandpa can stop in for souvenirs at Puros Cigars, while Mom shops for bohemian chic at Margaux Rivieras; the kids can find something for Fido back home at Waggs to Riches. And everyone can find a flavor at Le Macaron French Pastries.
Snorkeling a Sunken Boat
It’s a history lesson and an afternoon of fun wrapped in one: putting on flippers, a mask, and a snorkel and swimming through the British ship SS Inchulva, wrecked by hurricane winds in 1903 and found right off the beach in Delray. Rent equipment from Delray Beach Watersports, which also rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and small sailboats, and offers windsurfing lessons. Grandparents can watch from the sidelines, or drop them off while you dive at the nearby Veterans Park, a lush landscaped area home to public games of chess, card games, and bridge.
Enjoying Happy Hour at the Wave Pool Bar
Kids will marvel at the glowing bubble wall that separates the indoor and outdoor bar areas of the Wave Pool Bar, a poolside lounge at the Delray Sands Resorts that delights families with an alfresco cocktail fire table, light fare, and breezes from the Atlantic.
Playing Mini-Golf
Taking all the different generations to a traditional golf course might be a tall order, but mini-golf means an easier way to make memories. Putt’N Around has 36 holes set among the palm trees and other Florida fauna – look out for the alligators (don’t worry, while lifelike, they’re plastic) on the Everglades course and the mermaid on the Ocean course, and refuel with pizza, pretzels, and more at the on-site Putty’s Plate.
Visiting Sandoway Outdoor Center
Opened in 1998 at the historic center, this nature center has been entertaining families for nearly 20 years with hands-on learning experiences focusing on Florida’s ecosystems. Year-round exhibits include shark feedings in the coral reef pool, alligator feedings, a children’s activity room, and a reptile and amphibian room. There’s also special exhibits showcasing shark jaws and surf history.
Dining at Latitudes
How can you go wrong at a restaurant with a menu that lists appetizers as “Social Beginnings”? At Latitudes, families can share the crispy Point Judith calamari, the farmer’s board of charcuterie, or the Abaco conch fritters. For your main meal, seafood dishes include the iced shellfish tower, the moist and flaky bronzino in paper, or the everything-bagel-crusted salmon. Then it’s back to sharing for dessert with the rich praline tart or freshly prepared batch of beignets with blueberry compote. No fighting over the last crumb, please.
Playing Pinball at Silverball Museum
A whopping 88 machines at this unique museum in Delray Beach will dazzle pinball wizards, while vintage arcade games – including Asteroids, Frogger, and Ms. Pac Man – will bring back the good times of growing up for every generation. Come Sunday for Family Day, where admission for four people is only $25 and an additional $5 for each person after that.
Where to Stay Opal Grand Resort | Delray Sands Resort
