The Delray Beach Art Trail

Named “Most Fun Small Town in the USA” by Rand McNally and USA Today, Delray Beach is a lively town nestled in the south region of Palm Beach County. The vibrant coastal town is famous for its busy main street, its inviting beach weather, and a thriving arts scene that is reflected in every corner. 
Downtown Delray Beach is exploding with art and cultural adventures. This charming area boasts a plethora of fine art galleries, murals, art installations, and cultural organizations loved by locals and visitors alike. 
If you’re visiting the area, make sure to check out the Delray Beach Art Trail, a guide curated by the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority to help you explore the artistic side of the town.
Let’s have a look at some hidden gems!

Art Installations

While strolling around downtown, you’ll with no doubt come across stunning art installations of any type.
One of our favorites is the LGBTQIA+ Pride Streetscape Art Installation, an artwork that symbolizes solidarity, inclusion, and visibility and that celebrates the city’s diverse community. Inaugurated in June 2021, the streetscape design includes the six colors of the traditional Pride flag as well as the five additional colors of the Progress Pride flag, which represent people of color, and trans and non-binary individuals. 
Another not-to-be-missed art installation is the Art Citywide Chair Project, which includes 15 art chair sculptures, each uniquely inspired by a different City of Delray Beach stakeholder. The colorful art installation was completed in 2017 by award winning artist Agata Ren, whose work has been exhibited in numerous shows nationally and internationally. Look for the sculptures all around the city, take a selfie, and tag @delrayarttrail and @downtowndelray.
Check out all art installations here.

Colorful Murals

In the past few years, The Palm Beaches have been building a reputation as one of the nation’s most dynamic hubs for mural art. Downtown Delray Beach boasts over 40 murals, and many more are in the pipeline. Inspired by The Palm Beaches’ diverse communities and natural beauties, the murals adorn public spaces, streetscapes, and buildings all around downtown.
One of our favorites is the Child Holding Seedlings Mural, which was designed and painted by artist Eduardo Mendieta in 2016. Commissioned by the city's Public Art Advisory Board, the mural shows a black child holding gravel and a seed that is sprouting slightly into a vibrant, colorful background. The artwork was strategically painted on a wall that for years has delineated Delray’s downtown to the east and the largely black and Caribbean neighborhoods that have characterized the west side for decades. 
You can find the mural on the western wall of the Delray Beach Tennis Center (201 W Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444). 
See all murals in Delray Beach here.

Cultural Arts Centers

There are eight non-profit Cultural Arts Centers that bring unique cultural and educational experiences to Downtown Delray Beach. The centers invite you to engage through art exhibitions, educational programs, historic preservation, and exceptional live entertainment.
One of the most popular art centers is Arts Garage, a place where people are surrounded by art, passion, and talent. Named Best Gallery in Delray Beach by TripAdvisor two years in a row, Arts Garage offers an innovative, diverse, and accessible array of visual and performing art experiences. Arts Garage events offering ranges from live music performances (featuring anybody from Grammy awards musicians to emerging local artists) to comedians to arts education programs.
Another cultural destination that is worth checking out is the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum. Located at 170 NW Fifth Avenue in Delray Beach, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum is the only museum in Palm Beach County dedicated to sharing the African, Haitian- and Caribbean-American cultural contributions to Florida and the U.S. The museum is housed in the 1926 Spanish-style home of the late Solomon D. Spady, a prominent African American educator and community leader. Exhibits and shows range from handmade quilts to photographs from the Civil Rights movement. 
Discover all cultural centers here.

Art Galleries & Studios 

Downtown Delray Beach is also filled with dozens of galleries and studios where you can shop stunning art pieces designed by local artists. Take a stroll in downtown during First Friday Art Walk, a self-guided tour of art galleries and studios that takes place on the first Friday of the month from 6 pm to 9 pm. Stroll around Downtown Delray Beach Arts District and explore the vibrant art scene throughout the galleries, studios, and shops. Visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com/artwalk and check out participating artists and galleries and download the Art Trail Map.

Where to Stay in Downtown Delray Beach

There is no shortage of places to stay in Downtown Delray Beach. For a seamless stay for the entire family, choose Hyatt Place Delray Beach. This property is located in the Pineapple Grove Arts District within 1 mile of the beach and is conveniently accessible from I-95. Alternatively, book a room at The Ray, an upscale hotel that embodies all the elements of tropical luxury. Amenities include two highly curated restaurants (one of which curated by Michelin-starred chef Akira Back), a rooftop pool deck with a bar and a restaurant, wellness-focused experiences, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. If you’re looking for true Florida character, stay in the heart of Downtown Delray Beach at the historic Colony Hotel, owned and operated by the same family since 1935.  If you want to be closer to the water, choose The Opal Grand Oceanfront Resort & Spa at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and A1A or The Seagate Hotel & Spa, which offers access to a private beach club and golf course.

Are you visiting Delray Beach in September? Dine out and take advantage of the culinary deals offered during Delray Beach Restaurant Month (Sept. 1-30, 2022). Enjoy more than 50 restaurants, cafes, and fast-casual establishments/eateries at special prices.