Florida's own Delray Beach has clinched the title of the #1 Best Beach in the state, according to votes tallied up in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for 2024. The two-mile stretch of sand, known for its impeccable maintenance and environmental dedication, has managed to charm both locals and visitors, amassing a whopping 3.2 million of the latter on a yearly basis.
City Manager Terrence Moore was quoted in the City of Delray Beach press release, expressing pride and recognition of the honor received, "Our award-winning beach attracts so many visitors, protects us from hurricanes and tropical storms, and is home to an abundance of native plants and animals." Further adding to the beach's accolades, Delray Beach also pocketed the Blue Flag Award for environmental excellence, the second year running. The award, given earlier this month serves as a testament to its pristine ecology and the collective effort invested in its upkeep.
Home to activities ranging from sunrise viewings to various water sports, Delray Beach has cultivated a reputation that goes beyond just surf and sand. It's the synergy of the city staff and the community at large that maintains the beach's allure, a clear reflection of the popular maxim, "It takes a village," as per the City of Delray Beach.
Delray Beach isn't just about shorelines, however. Its vibrant blend of accolades includes recognition of its historical yet dynamic downtown - Atlantic Avenue, which USA TODAY celebrated as one of America’s 10 Great Shopping Streets. Guided by an appreciation for its heritage, Delray Beach was also the first city in Florida to claim the All-America City title thrice, bagging the honor in 1993, 2001, and 2017. Verizon Business rated the city highly as well, placing it fifth-best for small businesses. With all these feathers in its cap, it's no surprise that Coastal Living Magazine once dubbed it America’s Happiest Seaside Town.
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards are known for their digitally powered contests in which national travel experts hand-pick top 20 contenders across a spectrum of categories like food, lodging, and recreation. Ultimate winners gain their crowns through a democratic voting process. Delray Beach epitomizes the caliber of destinations that resonate with both experts and the public, earning it top honors in a state renowned for its beaches.
For more details on Delray Beach and its latest achievements, visit the City of Delray Beach official website.
