Impromptu Florida Trip ... Delray Beach and Morikami Japanese Gardens

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Leaving Key Biscayne behind, we set off for the second chapter of our Gold Coast tour. Our destination was another Ritz Carlton property, just south of Palm Beach.

We hopped on the highway, passing through Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, exiting near Delray Beach to stop by the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.

Morikami Sand Garden

The web site describes the Morikami Gardens as “authentic Japanese-style gardens … intended to be experienced through nature as a whole by becoming in tune with a sense of space and rhythm, light and shade, texture and sound…”

It was all that and more. Although it started to pour down rain the moment we paid our admission, it didn’t dampen our visit, just our clothes and hair. As the rain drove all the other visitors inside to seek shelter in the café and lobby, the two of us, as often happens, set off in the opposite direction … outside for a stroll. Although not ideal conditions, the rain somehow nicely complemented our experience. The solitude was nice and the moisture made the gardens appear even more exquisitely beautiful, lush and peaceful.

Morikami Rain Chain

As we walked around the garden lake, at every turn we discovered a view more lovely and serene than the previous one. A waterfall here, a dense grove of trees there, coy ponds, sand and rock gardens, a bonsai exhibit ... there was something new to explore everywhere. Special surprise elements, such as the rain chains, made it extra delightful … as yes indeed, it certainly was raining.

Japanese gardens are not something that one would expect to find in Southern Florida, but no one should miss the opportunity to explore this tranquil oasis outside Delray Beach.

After the gardens we found ourselves wandering around the small town of Delray Beach. The rain had stopped, but once again it started to pour. As it was lunch time, we ducked inside Deck 84 for shelter and a bite to eat. We were seated in the bar area, which was bustling on this Sunday afternoon with sports fans and casual diners alike.

Bar at Deck 84, Delray Beach

It was unfortunate that it was raining, the lovely deck, situated right on the Intracoastal Waterway, sat completely void of customers. But we were still able to enjoy the view and, as an extra treat, we had live entertainment to enjoy.

The menu offered a wide range of food … snacks, light bites, flatbreads, sandwiches, burgers, salads, main dishes …a perfect selection to please just about anyone. We very much enjoyed our lunch in this friendly, fun restaurant in Delray Beach.

We hated to leave this nice place and refuge from the rain, but it was time to head on toward our hotel near Palm Beach. Choosing the coastal route rather than the highway, we meandered though one lovely area after another until we came upon our hotel for the next two days.