Downtown Delray has become one of the most concentrated lifestyle districts in South Florida—and the numbers on the street tell the story.
Each year, my wife Lynda and I put on our walking shoes and count what’s here.
No Google search. No AI. No business directory.
We walk it.
This year we covered Atlantic Avenue from west of Swinton to A1A, Pineapple Grove, NE 4th Avenue and the side streets in between.
My 2026 Downtown Delray count:
* 91 restaurants.
* 17 coffee spots.
* 14 dessert and sweet spots.
* 11 gyms and fitness studios.
That’s 133 places to eat, grab coffee, work out or satisfy a sweet tooth—all within the downtown core.
And that number doesn’t include our shops, galleries, hotels, salons, parks, entertainment venues or the beach.
That’s what struck me during this walk.
We talk about Downtown Delray as a walkable community, but walkability means much more than sidewalks. It means having a reason to walk.
Coffee in Pineapple Grove. Lunch on Atlantic. A workout a few blocks away. Dinner near Old School Square. Ice cream on the way home.
That mix creates a downtown people want to use—not just visit.
And Delray continues to invest outside the core.
What Other Downtown Delray Things are Going On
Last week, the City and CRA broke ground on the new Pompey Park Recreation Center. The City approved a $59.19 million guaranteed maximum price for the project. It’ll bring a new recreation center, pool, playground and community spaces to this historic part of downtown Delray.
Then there’s the $32 million Delray Muni Golf Course project. I’ll share more aerial photos soon – the course looks stunning.
And the big one – the $290 million downtown Delray Water Treatment Facility that should be completed in mid-2018. It’s been about 60 years – since the mid 50’s – since the facility was last updated. This may be the most important downtown Delray capital investment ever. It’ll become Florida’s most advanced water system when it’s done.
To me, these are pieces of the same story.
A great city gives people reasons to get out of their house and connect.
So, get out there. Walk downtown Delray. Try someplace you’ve never been. Support a local business.
You might be surprised by how much is going on in downtown Delray.
See you around town.
P.S. I published my latest Delray Beach Real Market Update video last night that shows a different story than what you’re hearing nationally.
(Main Photo Above: A List of the downtown Delray 91 restaurants).
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*** The Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival on 4th Avenue, September 26-27
*** Brulé & Orin Swift Restaurant Month Wine Dinner – did someone say, wine?
*** My latest townhome listing in west Lake Worth. 4-bed, 2.5-bath beauty in Lakeshore At The Fountains. Golfers will love this one with low non-mandatory membership and two courses.
*** In the Path of Development this 2025-built downtown Delray home puts Delray Beach’s finest dining, boutiques, and beach scene within easy reach — while the city grows around you. Families – yes. Investors – you bet.
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*** South Florida Inventory is BELOW 2019 ***
Last week’s supply was 49,311
Today’s supply is 49,484
*** Supply is DOWN 55 of the last 71 weeks ***
