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Delray Goes to the Dogs! Spots that are Dog-friendly in Delray

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Delray Beach is known for being very “fur baby” friendly. So, if you love your pooch like we do – and want to take him or her on your daily adventures – this is the town to do it in! There is so much that is dog-friendly in Delray!

Something for Everyone at the Lake Ida Dog Park

We are fortunate to have several dog parks throughout the East Delray Beach area, the most well-known being The Lake Ida Dog Park. This is one of the best spots that is dog-friendly in Delray and it’s quite massive! While it’s called a dog park, it also offers something for every member of the family! You’ll enjoy jungle gyms for those energetic kids, walking trails for active folks, and picnic tables and pavilions that are perfect for family gatherings or a quick lunch break in between activities.

The highlight, of course, of Lake Ida Dog Park, is its beautiful lake. On any given Saturday, it’s fun to see people with their dogs in tow enjoying the lake. They will be fishing, boating, or even kayaking – with Fido along and enjoying it all.

The dog park itself is divided into separate areas by size. There’s a space just for the little ones, and a separate area for the larger breeds. Dog bathing facilities are on the premises as well, so your fur baby won’t leave covered in mud and end up banned from the house!

Going for a Stroll and a Bite on Atlantic Avenue

If you are more apt to walk your dog, as opposed to going to dog parks, there are plenty of options. We occasionally walk our own dog along the Ave downtown. You’ll know Fido is welcome, because throughout town, retail owners keep fresh water bowls out on the sidewalks.

If you get hungry and want to grab a bite, there are several restaurants that are very dog-friendly in Delray, as well. We are fans of local favorite Deck 84, where you’ll find plenty of outside seating, live music and friendly staff who will supply a water dish for your dog. And, if she’s extra good, they will even bring a treat!

A few other Downtown Delray places that will welcome your pooch:

Boston’s on the Beach (You can enjoy the beach area from here, and they offer live music and scrumptious seafood dishes!)

Mellow Mushroom Pizza (a chain, but a good one!)

Dada (a local favorite off The Ave.)

Bru’s Room (perfect place to catch a game and give your furry friend an outing!)

 

Shopping and Sniffing at The Delray Beach Green Market

If you enjoy festivals and markets, well then, you may know Delray has plenty of opportunities to partake! Did you know the Delray Beach Green Market is a hub for dog family activity? Come out to browse prepared foods, shop for fresh ingredients for tonights’ dinner, or just walk around and be social.

You’ll be able to interact with plenty of other dog families, and many green market vendors sell items for your pets! From handmade leashes and accessories to locally-made dog treats… you and your furry friend will find it here! We like to seek out Tweetle Pet Products for their natural and organic treats for pets.

 

Frolicking at Beach Areas that are Dog-Friendly in Delray

What’s better than time on the beach with your puppy? It sure is fun to eat sand and romp in the waves! Some areas of the incredible sandy beaches in Delray are dog-friendly. The exact areas that are good for Fido are sometimes changing, so ask other dog parents at the green market or the Lake Ida Dog Park to tell you where they gather. (Beach access is being negotiated North of Anchor Park off A1A. Local city officials are currently doing a trial run, and the overall idea is to restrict access to pets early in the morning and again from 3-5…. check back for details!).

When headed to the beach, we suggest you bring lots of extra fresh water to rinse out sandy and salty mouths (it’s hard to remember not to drink the briny water!). Also, don’t leave your leash behind in the car. Tote it with you, because – even if you will allow your pup to go off-leash – it’s expected among beach-goers that you will have the ability to re-leash if needed).

 

There are so many options for friendly activities in East Delray near Lake Ida and Lake Eden. The variety of ways to have fun encourages a healthy lifestyle for the entire family – including the four-legged kids. Be sure to check out just the few mentioned here, and let us know about your favorites, too.

Downtown Delray Beach Happy Hours to Check Out – Plus Noreen’s Fave Pairings

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Looking for some Delray Beach Happy Hours? In America’s most fun small town, there are options a-plenty!

How early would you like to start? SALT 7 on the Ave offers happy hour from 3-7pm. They offer $5 Martinis in luscious flavors like Cucumber Watermelon or Blood Orange, plenty of beer and wine options, and a nice selection of small plates starting at only $3! Insider tip: The outside seating here is fantastic – it’s the place to be on a temperate South Florida evening.  

Noreen’s Picks: $5 Cucumber Watermelon Martini paired The Fillet Mignon bites

 

City Oyster is another local, favorite, offering happy hour 4-7pm daily at the bar. You’ll enjoy half-price drink specials and $1 raw bar offerings. For many of us, this is the ideal neighborhood place – the one where everyone knows your name!

Noreen’s Picks: See Wayne or Teddy at the bar and ask them to surprise you with a special cocktail made just for you!

 

Or how about “working late” at The Office? Happy hour here is 3-7pm. A lovely outside seating area at the bar is the perfect setting for drink specials starting at only $3 and food options $4+.

Noreen’s Picks: Blood Orange Martini with Fried Green Tomatoes

 

If you seek a laid back Key West-style option, Crane’s Beach House does a festive happy hour winding down the week on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays from 5-6pm at their tropical tiki bar along the pool. Live music adds to the island ambience. A variety of 50% off drink specials are on the menu, but the sangria is the way to go!

Noreen’s Picks: Try the red sangria! So refreshing!

 

Further east along the beach, look for Boston’s on the Beach!  This classic Delray Beach happy hour spot is offers specials daily from 4-7pm with half-off drink and food specials.

Noreen’s Picks: You can’t beat the value of the one dollar bud light drafts paired with a half- pound of peel and eat shrimp!

 

These are just a few of our personal favorite Downtown Delray Beach happy hours. There are many more options, some inside the local hotels, some stand-alone bars and restaurants. Check out our Dining and Nightlife page for an overview of the area’s hottest spots.

Let us know which are your happiest of happy hours around town. We’d love to feature your favorites in future posts!

Holidays in Delray Beach: Tree Lighting & More

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Holidays in Delray Beach

Holidays in Delray Beach are magical! The month of December brings a record number of visitors to the area each year. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the season and participate in local festivities and traditions:

Christmas Tree Lighting

The month-long Holiday Celebration kicks off with the lighting of the marvelous 100-foot tree located at Old School Square Park (50 NE 2nd Ave) on the Thursday following Thanksgiving.

We like to get downtown early for Happy Hour or an early dinner, so we can get to scoping out the perfect location from which to watch the lighting.

A brand new 100-foot tree was unveiled this year and it is spectacular! Visitors here to enjoy the holidays in Delray are welcome to go inside the tree. There, you can admire the various Christmas scenes and displays that are set up there.

Post-lighting Marvels

After Santa lights the tree, we enjoy walking along Atlantic Avenue. It’s closed to cars fort he evening, allowing for entertainment and activities for all ages along The Ave. The entertainment on the main Old School Square stage starts at 5:00 with the actual lighting (by Santa himself!) is around 7:00 PM. Surrounding the tree are activities for kids of every age: Enjoy Santa’s House, an antique carousel, ice skating rink, mini golf area, a holiday gift shop, and so much more!

Vignettes showcase Santa’s elves in the workshop along with an elaborate model train display… and one or two other surprises.. The Tree is open daily during the day into the evening, however seeing the tree all lit up inside and out is a treat not to miss, so go at night! It’s truly one of the most joyful ways to experience the holidays in Delray.

Holiday Fun All Month Long

The Celebration of the Holidays in Delray continues throughout the month with The Holiday Boat Parade, Breakfast with Santa, The Parade, outdoor movies and concerts, and more. It all culminates with the finale of New Year’s Eve, another awesome outdoor event that we look forward to every year!

Share Your Experiences with the Holidays in Delray

If you get to enjoy any of these events we’d love to hear about your experience too!