Delray Beach
Delray Beach, FL

Delray Beach centers on its Municipal Beach, a lively stretch across from the town's walkable Atlantic Avenue strip of shops and restaurants. Dogs aren't allowed on the sand itself, though they're welcome on the sidewalk and grassy dune area running the beach's full length, a workaround that at least lets pets tag along for the walk.
The walkable Atlantic Avenue backdrop gives it more character than a typical beach strip, though the no pets rule on the sand itself is a real limitation for anyone hoping to bring a dog all the way to the water.
How we score beachesMetered parking across the street from the beach is inexpensive and pay-by-app, easier than hunting for free street spots further inland. Take your dog along the sidewalk and dune strip rather than trying to sneak onto the actual sand, enforcement here is real.
Metered parking is available across the street from the beach, generally inexpensive and payable by app.
The beach is a short, flat walk from metered parking along the strip.
Dogs aren't allowed on the municipal beach or in beachfront parks, but are permitted leashed on the sidewalk and grassy dune area along the beach's full length.
Winter and spring bring South Florida's driest, mildest weather and the biggest snowbird crowds. Summer's heat and hurricane season, June through November, thin things out despite the warmest water of the year.
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