DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — Two South Florida beaches are flying Blue Flags — a prestigious recognition placing them among only three beaches in the entire United States to earn the designation in 2026.
Spanish River Beach in Boca Raton and Delray Beach Municipal Beach have both received Blue Flag status from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association for the 2026 season. The designation means both beaches meet and maintain the highest standards for environmental quality, safety, education and management.
WPTV connected with beachgoers in Delray Beach, who say the recognition matches what they already experience, most of them, daily.
"The water, the beach, and the sun,” said Bob Wilmot, who said he takes walks by the beach daily with his dog. “It's a great way to start your day."
Christian Montoya, who was getting ready to surf, agreed.
"The ocean is really nice, the water is warm," Montoya said.
The Blue Flag program, administered globally by the Foundation for Environmental Education and in the United States by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association, evaluates more than 30 criteria. Beaches must demonstrate consistent excellence across water quality, environmental management, safety services and public education efforts to receive and retain the designation.
It is the second year that Spanish River Beach has earned the recognition. For Delray Beach Municipal Beach, it marks the fourth consecutive year.
Westward Beach in Malibu, California, is the only other beach in the United States with the recognition this year.
To see all the locations around the world with this recognition, click here.
