Weekend in Delray Beach, Florida, one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: Florida's "Village by the Sea" was recently awarded "Best of the Road" by Rand McNally and "Most Fun Small Town in America" by USA Today. The part of Atlantic Avenue that runs through the center of town (I-95 to the ocean) is the longest main street in Florida — and lined with art galleries, upscale shops, fine restaurants and nightly entertainment. Family-friendly festivals include the Delray Beach Wine & Seafood Festival (Nov. 8-9) and the 16th Delray Beach Garlic Fest (Feb. 6-8, 2015). The Delray Downtowner gives free rides on demand to anywhere in the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods. Free trolley service, providing "park and ride" public transportation, runs throughout downtown and to/from the beach.
Getting there: West Palm Beach airport is 15 miles from Delray Beach. Round-trip rates (21-day advance) from $224; nonstop Delta.
BUDGET
Stay: The Parliament Inn offers eight fully furnished studios, one- or two-bedroom suites with private patios. Situated between the Intracoastal and a short stroll to "Blue Wave" beaches, enjoy a lush tropical setting around the pool, dripping fountain, sun deck and barbecue grill. Studio and one-bedroom suites, $93-$100; $188, two-bedroom suite. 1236 N.E. Eighth St. (also known as George Bush Boulevard). 561-276-6245, www.parliamentinn.de/en.
Eat: Revive after shopping Atlantic Avenue with a strong Italian coffee at Caffe Martier — a great people-watching spot. Or, stop in for breakfast, lunch, a dessert or an evening drink. Paninis, wraps and sandwiches, $7-$13. 411 E. Atlantic Ave. 561-450-6169, http://caffemartierdelray.com.
Experience: Atlantic Dunes Park is one of the most popular beaches with nature trails, a boardwalk, picnic tables, shady trees and pretty sand beaches for swimming (1605 S. Ocean Blvd.). More than 140 different species of birds have been spotted at the 50-acre Wakodahatchee Wetlands (free entry). Stroll a three-quarter mile boardwalk that winds through three of the wetlands' ponds with interpretive signs on the wetlands' ecology and natural history. 13026 Jog Road. 561-641-3429, www.pbcgov.com/waterutilities/wakodahatchee.
MODERATE
Stay: Sundy House, named one of the "30 Great Inns in the U.S." (Travel + Leisure magazine), features uniquely themed rooms and suites with hand-painted details and original artwork. The Stable Building features six equestrian-themed guest rooms with kitchenette; one- and two-bedroom suites in the Townhouse Building. Rates from $129. Unique to the property is the 1-acre Taru Garden featuring more than 5,000 plants and over 500 varieties of foliage from all over the world, two fish ponds, streams, waterfalls, gazebos — all along quiet coral paths. 106 S. Swinton Ave. 561-272-5678, www.sundyhouse.com.
Eat: Find authentic Caribbean cuisine at the tiny family-owned/operated Bamboo Fire Cafe. Menu classics include ceviche, cracked or fritter conch and goat, chicken, pork or veggie jerk. Starters, $5-$10; entrees, $11-$17. 149 N.E. Fourth Ave. 561-749-0973.
Experience: Explore a series of six diverse gardens inspired by a different historical period and style of Japanese gardening at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens. On-site are a Pan-Asian cafe and a museum store; $14. Plan to visit during the Lantern Festival, Oct. 18. Entertainment includes taiko drumming, traditional Japanese folk dancing, and a street fair with games and shop stalls. At night, the highlight of the evening transforms Morikami Pond into a sea of lanterns, which, in accordance with Japanese custom, guide the departure of ancestors' souls. 4000 Morikami Park Road. 561-495-0233, www.morikami.org.
SPLURGE
Stay: The historic and family-owned/operated Colony Hotel (circa 1926) is surrounded by downtown boutiques, restaurants and galleries. The hotel's Cabana Club offers a private beach, a new Olympic-size saltwater swimming pool and a plunge pool (scheduled van service between the hotel and club). This Old Florida charmer even has a staff-operated elevator. Room rates from $125-$165; from $195 for two-bedroom suites and select summer season rooms from $99. 525 E. Atlantic Ave. 561-276-4123, http://colonyflorida.com.
Eat: Only local ingredients are used in dishes at Max's Harvest. Appetizers from $6-$13; $14-$18 small plates; $21-$34 entrees ($49 for a 12-ounce Wagyu steak). Opt for a table in the quiet outdoor dining court. 169 N.E. Second Ave. 561-381-9970, www.maxsharvest.com.
Experience: Walk or bike to over 60 historic locations and past Art Deco treasures built throughout the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s (Historic District maps at www.downtowndelraybeach.com). Rent a cruiser bike for the day ($20) or a tandem bike ($50) from Rickwagen's Bike and Sport. 298 N.E. Sixth Ave. 561-276-4234, http://delraybeachbicycles.com. Once a month, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum offers a Trolley Tour, which takes riders through the city's five historic districts with interactive, personalized stories of Delray Beach's interesting origins; $20. 170 N.W. Fifth Ave. 561-279-8883, www.spadymuseum.com.
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