Have you heard of Delray Beach? When I first moved to Florida and drove down its popular main street, Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach, I was so taken with the vibe that I immediately made up my mind to one day staycation there. The day (weekend, actually) finally came – and I’m sharing what my family and I did so that you, too, can enjoy a fabulous vacation in this quintessential beach town.
Where to Stay
We checked in to Crane’s Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas, just steps away from Atlantic Avenue and a mere few blocks from the ocean. It’s billed as “Delray’s hidden treasure” for a reason – it boasts a tropical feel oozing with mystique. Even though it’s right there in the middle of the bustling downtown action, it feels as if you are miles away in your own secluded getaway.
The famous Tiki Bar and two pools instantly put me in mind of the Florida Keys… and my son gravitated to the hammock for a nice, relaxing swinging session, LOL.
Our accommodation was impressive, and it fit our family so easily since my four-year-old son, Cam, slept on the pull-out sofa. The staff were hospitable and even offered to make up his bed for us, and we took them up on it.
I am very enthusiastic about promoting the “Breakfast For Two” amenity that you can add on to your stay. One of the issues of traveling is that you’re not quite sure what to do for breakfast if you feel like lazing about your room because who wants to venture out bleary-eyed to grab some grub?! I just want it right there… and the Breakfast For Two option makes that possible!
Upon your arrival, your fridge will be well-stocked with items such as fresh cut fruit, bagels and cream cheese, eggs, bacon, yogurt, milk, OJ and more. Pictured here is the pancake mix and syrup, with a fun decorative pumpkin in homage of the beginning of fall.
That’s not to mention how everything you need to whip up a meal is at your fingertips – the kitchen cabinets and drawers have all the utensils, pots and pans, plates, measuring cups, mixing bowls, etc. that you need. It’s practically your home away from home!
I felt as if the location of Crane’s was absolutely PERFECT. It’s so walkable, connected to everything downtown because it’s right off the main thoroughfare. We walked to the beach, we walked to dinner… everything was just right there.
In summary, if you want a lush hideaway that’s in the heart of downtown, book your stay at Crane’s now.
What to Do
Let’s start with the obvious choice… the beach! It took us about 7-8 minutes to walk to the beach, since Cam’s legs are short and he was feeling leisurely.
We also enjoyed some family time at Silverball Retro Arcade. In the travel industry, it’s cliche to say an attraction is “unique,” but that’s the best word to describe this special spot.
It offers classic pinball and arcade games to play, and it’s literally a MUSEUM because these are actual historic games – the Skee-ball games are from 1909, so more than 100 years old!
I also love that it’s an indoor option, which is a necessity on those hot – or even rainy – Florida summer afternoons. There are little step stools for short children (like my son) to stand on and enjoy the fun.
There are delicious food options (like pizza and a huge corn dog), plus a bar which makes it a great happy hour spot for your coworkers. Try it for something different!
If you’re more in the mood for some pampering, then definitely check out Bella Reina Spa. It’s just a quick 5 minute drive from the middle of Atlantic Avenue, and it is a tried-and-true favorite of mine!
My blogger bestie @AprilGoLightly and I enjoyed different treatments, and she asked me if Bella Reina Spa was where I first discovered my favorite nail polish, Dazzle Dry. The answer is a resounding “Yes!” The hand and foot treatments will leave your fingers and toes looking fabulous, and you will absolutely fall in love with them.
Also, it’s a woman-owned business… the owner, Nancy Reagan, is someone I truly admire and appreciate. She is knowledgeable, gracious and smart, and she has been in the biz long enough to have built a reputation for expertise in the industry.
Did you know that Bella Reina Spa even has a partnership with Crane’s Beach House? Off property services are provided by the spa as the resort’s wellness partner. You can sample from a custom menu of full and half-day spa packages exclusively available to Crane’s Beach House guests. I’ve indulged in numerous treatments at Bella Reina Spa, from HydraFacials to microblading of my brows to massages. Make sure you schedule in some “Me Time”!
Where to Dine
You have diverse options of where to eat in Delray Beach, with something to please everyone’s palate. You can’t go wrong with one legendary staple of Atlantic Avenue: City Oyster and Sushi Bar. April and her posse joined mine for a “family double date,” and it was fun for us to enjoy the lively atmosphere and fresh cuisine.
When you’re there, you know you’re getting the freshest of seafood…
…and I highly recommend their oysters, with the selection rotating from the East and West coast. Mine in my Petite Plateau seafood tower were from the East coast, and I savored that briny taste.
Do not sleep on the restaurant’s desserts, because they – like everything else on the menu – are delectable. City Oyster’s bakery is located right above the restaurant, and they make those desserts from scratch!
For foodies who are looking for a more eclectic option, check out the new Delray Beach Market one block off of Atlantic Avenue.
Florida’s largest food hall bills itself as “a lifestyle experience, a beacon of bright energy, a place to connect, a space for visitors to savor and celebrate the vibrance of Delray Beach.”
I enjoyed its low-key ambiance and appreciated how my husband, son and I could all choose to eat something from different vendors.
I went with a salad from Freshop, but I also want to give a shout-out to two other vendors that we sampled – Tip to Tail (for giving my car a little car they had stuck in the tip jar, which made his day) and Big T’s Deli (for making him some plain fried eggs, because he’s picky and basically lives off eggs).
All in all, we absolutely LOVED our Delray Beach staycation, and I can say with certainty that we will be back soon… but it wouldn’t be soon enough! 🙂
Thank you to all businesses mentioned for hosting my family and me for complimentary experiences. As always, all opinions are my own.