For an economical, uncrowded winter beachside vacation, the welcoming town is just an easy 35-mile drive north on U.S. Highway I-95 along the Florida coast from the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area. Most major airlines schedule regular flights to and from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Atlantic Avenue is Delray’s 20-block long main retail area, with many stores and restaurants. You’ll find vacation clothing, swimwear, scuba equipment, souvenirs and other items to appeal to both young and older visitors. Also restaurants serve dishes from Mexico, Ireland, Germany, Russia and the good old USA. There are more than two miles of white sandy beaches at Delray’s waterfront, clean, uncrowded and closely patrolled. There are usually free beach chairs and unbrellas in the sand every few yards. November and December daytime temperatures are in the mid-70s, and mid-60s at night.

Delray surfing history goes back more than 50 years, and it’s still a popular spot for both locals and visitors. There are also boat rides available for ocean and Intracoast Waterway sailings and fishing excursions.

Marriott Delray Beach Hotel: 10 North Ocean Boulevard, Delray Beach FL 33483, with seasonal pricing from about $150 to $250. It’s conveniently just across the road from the beach and a one-block walk to the city’s Atlantic Avenue shops and restaurants.

City Oyster Restaurant: 213 East Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach FL 33444, 561-272-0220. Enjoy dinner at this unusual combination of Italian ristorante and-Japanese sushi cafe. Cost about $40. cityoysterdelray.com