Memorial Day Weekend in Boca, Delray & Highland Beach: Where Locals Spend the Long Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is one of the most beloved long weekends of the year in South Florida. It marks the unofficial start of summer, the moment when the season slows, the snowbirds head north, and the locals reclaim Atlantic Avenue, the beaches, and the Intracoastal. It is also a meaningful weekend, set aside to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Whether you live here year round, are visiting for the long weekend, or are exploring the idea of moving to South Florida, here are some of the best ways to spend Memorial Day weekend 2026 in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Highland Beach.

1. Honor the Meaning of the Holiday

Before the BBQs and the beach days, take time to honor what Memorial Day is really about. The City of Boca Raton hosts its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Boca Raton Cemetery (451 SW 4th Avenue) on Monday, May 25, from 9 to 10 AM. The ceremony features community speakers, City officials, and reserved seating for Gold Star families. It is a moving, intimate way to start the day before the weekend's celebrations begin.

2. Stroll the Downtown Delray Beach Memorial Day Craft Festival

The 28th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Memorial Day Weekend Craft Festival returns Saturday, May 23, along NE 4th Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and NE 2nd Street from 10 to 4. Expect rows of original paintings, artisan jewelry, glasswork, ceramics, and one of a kind pieces from artists across the country. It is one of the best ways to spend a sunny morning downtown, and you can easily pair it with brunch on the Avenue.

3. Spend the Day at the Beach

With its three miles of pristine, lightly trafficked shoreline, Highland Beach is one of the most peaceful places to spend Memorial Day in the area. For a livelier vibe, the Atlantic Avenue beach in Delray Beach and South Beach Park or Spanish River Park in Boca Raton are local favorites. Pack an umbrella, a cooler, and a good book, and you will have everything you need for the kick off to summer.

4. Take the Boat Out on the Intracoastal

The Intracoastal Waterway is at its best on Memorial Day weekend. Locals raft up at the sandbar, drop into waterfront restaurants by boat, and cruise the calm channels between Boca and Delray. If you do not own a boat, day rentals and charters are easy to book through any of the local marinas, and it is one of the most authentic South Florida experiences a visitor or new resident can have.

5. Brunch on Atlantic Avenue or in Mizner Park

Memorial Day weekend brunch is a Delray and Boca tradition. Atlantic Avenue is lined with outdoor patios, sidewalk dining, and live music to set the holiday mood. In Mizner Park, Max's Grille is offering its full brunch menu through 3 PM both Saturday and Sunday, with discounted Bloody Mary's, Mimosas, Aperol Spritzes, and other holiday cocktails. Reservations go quickly, so book a few days in advance.

6. Plan a Resort Day at The Boca Raton

If you want to enjoy a true resort experience without leaving town, The Boca Raton has put together a full Memorial Day weekend lineup. The schedule typically includes a Family BBQ, access to all eight pools, the private beach club, live music, and weekend dining specials at the resort's restaurants. It is the perfect way to spend the weekend with family or out of town guests, especially if you want to give visitors a taste of what makes the Boca lifestyle so special.

7. Catch Live Music and Late Night Dining Downtown

Downtown Delray and Mizner Park come alive on Memorial Day weekend evenings. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, live music, and special holiday menus. Stroll the Avenue after dinner, listen to a few songs at one of the open air patios, and finish the night with dessert or a nightcap at one of Delray's signature spots.

8. Welcome the Start of Summer

Memorial Day weekend is more than a holiday in South Florida. It is the official start of long beach days, summer rentals, sunset cruises, and the slower, sweeter pace that makes living here so unique. Whether you are spending the weekend with family, hosting visiting guests, or thinking about what your own summer might look like in a new home, this is the moment when South Florida feels at its most welcoming.