The time has come. Siesta Key has formally been knocked off… and it is not Clearwater, the standard silver medal placeholder taking its place.
There all the time appears to be an annual battle between these 2 Florida paradises.
In reality, every city welcomes beachgoers with an indication claiming to be the ‘#1 seaside’, but each cannot be true, proper?
USA Today lately unleashed the 2025 rendition of their Reader’s Choice Awards and the massive winner for “Best Beach in Florida” was simply as shocking as 2024 since there’s all the time a lot hype, particularly centered round Siesta Key.
But it is not Southwest Florida we’re honing in on right now; it is considered one of solely a pair of Blue Flag-certified seaside getaways in America, nestled within the shadow of Miami.
Delray Beach: Florida’s Surprising Reigning Champ
Delray Beach has received the identical award 2 years operating, and that is probably the most shocking reality of all.
Knowingly or not, typically journey publications attempt too exhausting to be cute by throwing their viewers a curveball for clicks, which may simply be surmised final 12 months, however there’s nothing click-baity about crowning Delray for the second straight 12 months.
What is cute is rating Siesta Key as #8 out of 10 in Florida, whereas Clearwater nonetheless sits fats and glad at #2.
For what it is price, I’ve by no means been right here. I’ve been to Siesta Key, although, and have a tough time believing any Florida seaside can prime it.
Immediately upon stepping foot on the sugary white sand (and lugging a cooler by means of it), I assumed to myself, “I get it. This place is pure paradise.”
Well, earlier than I seen all of the retirees in swimwear who clearly do not personal a mirror…
But, do Delray guests really feel the identical manner?
No lie, the primary evaluate that pops up on Google reads ‘I got here right here for Memorial Day weekend and the seaside is stuffed with seaweed and smells like useless fish’
Overall, Delray holds a formidable 4.7 Google ranking.
Small, Yet Mighty: 2 Miles Of Pristine Shores
Hopefully, the fish stench was that reviewer’s higher lip after too many tacos, however fact be advised, it was doubtless the aftermath of the sargassum invasion we reported on in early May.
That’s what you get for not studying Travel Off Path, bud!
Sargassum is an icky brown algae that is principally unimaginable to cease, even with superior discover. Unfortunately, summer time is primetime sargassum season within the Atlantic.
Though, a majority of the time Delray Beach really is pristine. With solely 2 miles of shoreline between Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, if the ambiance have been as described above, it would not meet stringent Blue Flag requirements.
There’s a motive, in any case, that there are solely 2 Blue Flag-certified seashores within the entirety of our nation. Kinda pathetic if you concentrate on it since Los Cabos alone has 23 of them…
Delray’s waters are a vivid crystal blue alongside smooth sand excellent for seaside day lounging or sundown strolls.
It’s additionally tremendous near city, referred to as the “Village by the Sea”, the place you will uncover Delray’s artsy vibes and hidden gems such because the retro Silverball Pinball Museum and tranquil Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.
Where To Stay In Delray Beach
No seaside journey is full with out an superior place to remain, and with Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach all in shut distance, Delray has some stiff competitors.
There’s even a Trader Joe’s a block from the seaside to fill up on seaside snacks for the day!
I can not be the one one hooked on their Buffalo Ranch popcorn, can I?
According to TripAdvisor, these are vacationers’ 3 favourite motels in Delray Beach this summer time:
Opal Grand Resort & Spa
The Seagate
The Residences at Latitude Delray Beach
If it have been me, I’d go for Delray Sands Resort (additionally an Opal model), which is smack dab on the seaside and fairly priced at simply $229 in the course of summer time.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No advertisements, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.