How to Have the Best Day Ever in Boynton Beach

The best time to drive up to Boynton Beach is first thing in the morning—it’s only about an hour if you beat the traffic. When you hit Delray Beach, head west toward Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market. Take a selfie with some of the farm’s animals (camels included) and then pick your own produce or peruse the indoor market for farm-to-fork items, like freshly grown veggies, homemade jams and even bioorganic wines. (Psst: Buy a bottle of rosé and a couple baskets of berries. They’ll come in handy later.)

Serving doughy bagels, lox platters and pastrami sandwiches for more than 50 years, Flakowitz is a Boynton Beach icon. This no-frills New York–style deli has even been visited by Food Network’s Guy Fieri, so you know it’s good. Go for the hand-sliced nova platter with everything bagels, scallion cream cheese and potato salad. Make sure to pick up a handful of raspberry and chocolate rugelach for the road.

Oceanfront Park is easily one of South Florida’s most gorgeous beaches. Think of it as a private island–style stretch of sand, except it’s within driving distance and totally free. There’s not a lot of shade, so pack a floppy hat, sunscreen and a pair of oversized sunnies. Remember the rosé and strawberries we told you to pick up? Make yourself a beachside picnic and enjoy the calming sounds of the waves. Yep, you’re definitely not on Miami Beach anymore.

Head just a bit farther north and spend an afternoon at Eau Spa, a 42,000-square-foot oasis complete with steam rooms, whirlpools, saunas, bath lounges and bottomless sparkling wine and cupcakes (yes, cupcakes!). Be sure to take advantage of the Scrub and Polish Bar, where you can create a personalized blend of aromatic herbs, oils and sea salts.

Start your drive back to Miami with a stop in Delray Beach. About 20 minutes south of Boynton, head toward Atlantic Avenue for dinner at Park Tavern, a neighborhood joint known for its burgers and cocktails. (We love the French onion burger with caramelized onions and melted Gruyère, paired with a grapefruit mule.) Walk off your dinner with a stroll up and down the strip—it’s like a less touristy version of Lincoln Road. (There’s a Ben & Jerry’s on the east side near the beach, but you didn’t hear that from us.)