Delray Beach Named Florida’s Best Beach for Third Straight Year

Florida is home to more than 800 miles of coastline and some of the country’s most famous beaches, but one South Florida hotspot continues to stand above the rest. 

Delray Beach has been named the No. 1 Best Beach in Florida for the third consecutive year in USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, solidifying its reputation as one of the Sunshine State’s premier coastal destinations. The full results: 

1. Delray Beach 
2. Treasure Island Beach
3. Clearwater Beach
4. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
5. Panama City Beach
6. St. Pete Beach
7. Barefoot Beach Preserve
8. Destin
9. Surfside Beach
10. Fort Lauderdale Beach

Located in Palm Beach County between Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, Delray Beach earned the top spot thanks to its combination of pristine shoreline, crystal-clear water, natural dunes, and vibrant downtown district located just steps from the sand.

The annual USA TODAY rankings begin with nominations from travel experts and editors before being opened to public voting. Delray Beach previously claimed the title in both 2024 and 2025 and successfully defended its crown again in 2026.

“Winning this award three years in a row speaks to the unique experience Delray Beach offers,” said Laura Simon, executive director of the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, following the announcement.

The city’s municipal beach stretches roughly two miles along Florida’s Atlantic Coast and attracts millions of visitors each year. In addition to its scenic beauty, Delray Beach has earned national recognition for environmental stewardship, including multiple Blue Flag certifications, an international designation recognizing excellence in water quality, environmental management, and sustainability.

The accolades don’t stop there. A separate study conducted by Beach.com recently ranked Delray Public Beach as having the clearest and bluest water in the Southeast, beating more than 1,300 beaches across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Researchers analyzed five years of satellite data to determine water clarity and color, with Delray taking the top spot in both categories.

While Florida’s Gulf Coast destinations often dominate national beach rankings, Delray Beach’s continued success highlights the growing popularity of the state’s Atlantic Coast. Visitors are drawn not only to the beach itself but also to the city’s walkable downtown, restaurants, art galleries, shopping, and year-round events.

For beach lovers planning a Florida getaway this summer, the latest rankings suggest the state’s best stretch of sand may be found in Palm Beach County.

Ava McDonnell

Ava McDonnell is the Editorial Manager & Digital Content Creator for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with English BA in 2026. She also has experience in editing using AP Style and SEO guidelines. Originally from Clermont and now in Tampa, Ava loves all things local. Ava has always had a passion for learning about people's lives and sharing accurate stories with the world. She is dedicated to getting the job done right while making content interesting for readers. Aside from writing, you can find her indulging in the great outdoors with the people she loves. Whether it is hiking, taking photographs, or trying new activities, she is up for almost anything.

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