Growing up in South Florida — Boca Raton, specifically — I never imagined vacationing there; it was my home. I worked in the mall, attended a local high school and, like most teenagers, never fully appreciated the beauty that surrounded me.
Fast forward several years, and my husband and I were preparing to visit south Florida — this time with our infant in tow. We knew that traveling with an infant would be stressful, but we figured, why not make a mini-vacation out of it? So we planned a fun-filled 48 hours in Delray Beach and its neighboring cities that anyone, with or without an infant, could enjoy.
Start the day with a walk to Foxworth Fountain for breakfast. It’s a little over a half-mile walk, but the route takes you over the Intracoastal, so it’s worth it. The Foxworth Fountain resides inside Delray Shores Pharmacy. The art deco-style building features an old-fashioned soda fountain, and the menu features classic items like biscuits and waffles, as well as trendier toasts and bowls. We ordered the Elvis oatmeal bowl, topped with candied bacon and peanut butter, and the Melty Monsieur toast with dijon mustard, ham, cheese, and tomato. Both were delicious!
After breakfast, grab your beachwear and drive south, about 15 minutes, to Boca Raton. Stop by Gumbo Limbo Nature Center to see where some of South Florida’s sea turtles are rehabilitated. The center was founded in 1984 and provides shelter to several rescued sea turtles. It also sits on the Intracoastal and gives visitors a chance to catch a breath of fresh air as they stroll through the center’s butterfly gardens and sit by the water for a bit. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 per person.
PinThe Elvis oatmeal bowl is loaded with peanut butter, candied bacon and honey — a tasty start to the day! Image: Lia PicardPinThe Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is a secluded gem with plenty of space to explore. Image: City of Boca Raton, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
When you’re done at the nature center, you’ll be right by the beach, so crash on the sand for a bit. Or, if you’re in the mood to do something active, try some kayaking on the Intracoastal. You can rent a kayak through Waterstone Resort.
In high school, my friends and I would go to Max’s Grille for our special occasions (hello, homecoming). It was a treat then, and good news! It’s still thriving and worth a visit now. Go for lunch (or brunch, if you’re there on Saturday or Sunday) when those mid-day pangs kick in. The upscale gastropub is found in Mizner Park, a Spanish-style mixed-used development in east Boca Raton. Grab a table inside or outside on the spacious patio. Standouts on the menu include the fried calamari and zucchini appetizer, the Grille burger topped with house pickles, and the miso-glazed salmon salad.
Afterward, take a stroll down the center part of the development lined with picturesque fountains and gazebos.
PinMizner Park’s plaza is inviting, with fountains and gazebos. Image: NNECAPA
Head back to the hotel for a brief respite before embarking on a walk down Atlantic Avenue. Head west from the hotel, and you’ll find charming clothing boutiques, gift shops, and swanky art galleries. There are also plenty of cafes if you need a pick-me-up. Subculture Coffee has an eclectic atmosphere (make sure you look up and check out the photo collage on the ceiling) and specializes in small-batch roasted coffee. They roast it at their West Palm Beach location each day and send it down to Delray Beach. Their roasts tend to be lighter (less chocolate notes, more fruit notes), which makes for an especially great cold brew coffee. They also have bites (sandwiches, savory pastries, etc.) if you need a treat.
For dinner, Deck 84 is an ideal casual, family-friendly Delray Beach dining option. It’s just over the bridge, making it a quick walk from the hotel, and it’s practically on the water (a walking path separates it). Seafood lovers would be remiss not to order the fresh fish sandwich. When we went, it was a mahi-mahi sandwich grilled to perfection. I opted for the “simply prepared” shrimp, grilled, and served with a side of mango salsa and pineapple rice.
Before heading home, go to Boston’s On the Beach for brunch. At night, it’s quite lively, with live music and dancing, but during the day, it’s a casual joint. Sit upstairs on the outdoor patio so you can take in the ocean one last time before you head back to reality.
PinStop on the bridge to take in the charming Intracoastal view. Image: Lia Picard
**********
Find more fantastic travel destinations in our “Travel” section. Click HERE, and then start packing your bags!
Our unofficial motto at StyleBlueprint is "Be kind. Do good." We encourage this to be the basis for all comments on our articles. Provide feedback that adds to the story. Some controversy or disagreements are part of any good dialogue between friends, but anything that tears down or belittles others is subject to disapproval or removal. Thank you for being a member of the StyleBlueprint community! View our Community Guidelines.
