The town began as humbly as you could imagine, when one tiny shack was built in 1876 to serve as a shelter for shipwrecked sailors. Called the Orange Grove House of Refuge, it was mysteriously situated among orange trees, though no one knows who would have planted them. It’s as if the spirit of Florida had always been there, ready to welcome visitors. The intersection of beach and railroad led to rapid expansion in the early 20th century, and a community of artists, writers, and poets helped sustain it through the lean years of the Depression. Because the town never went bust, there are remarkably preserved buildings in art deco, mission, colonial, and bungalow styles, as well as typical Florida cottages. The city is still influenced strongly by its arts community, with a thriving visual arts scene, live theater, a history museum, Japanese gardens, and festivals and concerts throughout the year.

Delray Beach is an out-and-about kind of town, and that’s reflected in a vibrant dining scene. At every price point — from sidewalk cafés to fine dining at the waterside — deliciousness is at the ready. With ingredient-driven local restaurants, haute cuisine from Miami chefs looking for a less-hectic lifestyle, and beyond, the Delray Beach dining scene has become a destination for foodies from all over the world. An exciting retail scene spills out onto those same sidewalks — and along beachfront strips, in converted bungalows, and at upscale shopping centers. Shops and boutiques cater to every aspect of the perfect Florida lifestyle, from typical beachwear to elegant homewares to the kind of high fashion you’d find in Miami or New York or Paris.