We feel sorry for those in the region who only know the Jersey Shore or Ocean City, Maryland.
Sure, they are bigger than the Delaware beaches and have more to do, but they seem a bit, uh, soulless compared with the character found at our summertime playgrounds.
Lewes has the feel of a small New England port town with Stephen King writing a novel in a house overlooking the quaint Lewes and Rehoboth Canal.
Rehoboth Beach has a mighty melange of families seeking fun, candy, games and rides, along with an established LGBTQ community that helps make it stand out from its competitors with big boardwalks.
Undiscovered gems:The best ‘secret’ beaches in Delaware: Broadkill, Pickering, Slaughter. Plan your visit.
Just south, Dewey Beach may still be a run-and-run town for the young (and young at heart) looking to bar-hop, but it’s growing into more than that as more families visit and also settle down in what once were group beach houses.
Bethany Beach is the opposite of Dewey with a small boardwalk and sleepier feel known as “The Quiet Resorts” in tandem with Fenwick Island, the smallest of Delaware’s beach towns ― and the closest to the way Delaware’s beaches once were before development took over years ago.
With five coastal Delaware towns to choose from within 25 miles of each other, it can be tricky to figure out what’s right for you and your fellow beach-goers.
To help, the Delaware Online/The News Journal newsroom brainstormed a local’s guide to Delaware’s beaches to help point the way.
Whether you want to let loose at a beach bar, take a quiet nature walk or escape a rainstorm with the family for some indoor shenanigans, we have plenty of ideas because we’ve done them all ourselves.
With the temperatures rising, it’s time to grab your bathing suit and soak in some sun.
Rehoboth Beach
If you’re searching for the classic American summer beach experience, Rehoboth and its milelong Boardwalk, which dates back to 1873, is the place for you.
Soaked in nostalgia, it’s the land of beach umbrellas, saltwater taffy, and, of course, hungry seagulls looking for a runaway french fry.
Its main drag, Rehoboth Avenue, is packed with non-chain shops and eateries, and you’ll find the LGBTQ-heavy Baltimore Avenue just a block away.
What makes it unique?
A beach scene. A foodie scene. A gay scene. That’s the reason Rehoboth is Delaware’s favorite playground for so many.
It’s where President Joe Biden has his summer beach house in North Shores, sometimes seen riding bikes on the Gordons Pond Trail located in Cape Henlopen State Park. NBC News “Today” co-anchor Hoda Kotb also has a home here, often seen on the Boardwalk or at Browseabout Books, a beloved independent bookstore that dates back to 1975.
Other celebrities spotted over the years: Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, NBA great Michael Jordan, actor Denzel Washington, auteur John Waters, TV host Kathie Lee Gifford, actor Richard Gere and even U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
By day, the sun and the beach rule with shopping at the town’s bountiful boutiques a close second. By night, you can stroll the romantic alleyways lit by string lights where they serve crepes and sell tie-dye after a fine dining experience.
Where to eat?
There are some staples that have become so intertwined with the town that it’s almost a crime not to stop in at least once, if not to just taste what generations of beachgoers have been drawn to.
Grotto Pizza‘s “legendary taste” has several locations in town with its distinctive sauce swirl and use of a mild cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella. Traditionalists should try a couple of other family-owned hometown favorites: Louie’s Pizza (since 1974) and Nicola Pizza (since 1971, but now located on Route 1), also home to their famous “Nic-o-boli” strombolis.
Besides pizza, the Ocean City, Maryland-founded Thrasher’s with its three Rehoboth locations is a go-to for French fries for decades (try with salt and vinegar!), along with the more down-home Boardwalk legend, Gus & Gus Place. Other Boardwalk spots that have lines for good reason: Kohr Brothers (soft-serve frozen custard), The Ice Cream Store (100-plus varieties of ice cream) and Dolle’s (saltwater taffy and caramel popcorn).
But Rehoboth is much more than beach food for the masses. In fact, its restaurant scene just may arguably be the best in the state, ranging from breweries armed with impressive kitchens to fine dining spots that have foodies flocking.
The Back Porch Cafe is a classic, splurge-worthy restaurant where “everything but the baguettes” are made in-house.
Other favorites include Houston White Co. for steaks and red wine, Lupo Italian Kitchen’s to try shaved Brussels sprouts and lobster bucatini, and Henlopen City Oyster House for its impeccable raw oysters and other seafood dishes that never fail to please. Salt Air also has seafood that keeps people coming back, along with a banana cream cake dreams are made of.
Mariachi Restaurant is a favorite for Mexican and Latin-American foods, along with Dos Locos with its unique mid-Atlantic take on Mexican food. For Asian cuisine, The Cultured Pearl Restaurant & Sushi Bar is the GOAT for sushi with Stingray as another favorite and Confucius, which boasts an array of upscale Chinese dishes.
For breakfast, the newly-expanded Egg is a cool spot with inventive offerings such as siracha bacon “candy” and a peanut butter French toast sandwich. But if you’re really hungry (and hungover), the Crystal Restaurant is a more traditional down-home diner-type setting that draws long waits at peak times.
Bars near the beach:Here are 5 new spots for nightlife & bites at Delaware beaches this summer
Where to drink?
Rehoboth Beach has its own King of Beers: Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats. Founded in town in 1995, the brand has helped put Rehoboth on the map, drawing beer tourists from around the world.
Purple Parrot Grill’s outdoor biergarten is a fun detour tucked off Rehoboth Avenue with indoor fun including karaoke and DJs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, drawing gay and straight alike.
Other LGBTQ hot spots include AQUA Bar & Grill with a deck that acts as a magnet for day-drinking fun-seekers, along with Rigby’s Bar & Grill, Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant (a spinoff of the Arlington, Virginia, spot) and Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, which boasts an outdoor, sand-filled patio.
And if you really want a taste of the local scene, drop into the original Arena’s Deli and Bar downtown where deli sandwiches and a full bar collide with live local music Thursday through Sunday during the summer.
Where to be entertained?
The drag scene at Blue Moon, which melds dining with stage shows since 1981, is unmatched. Drag shows sometimes join karaoke at Purple Parrot as well. The LGBTQ organization CAMP Rehoboth has its own arts and culture offerings, as well as Clear Space Theatre Company with its own renditions of musicals and other shows all summer long.
For live music, Dogfish has a large stage, making bands as important as the beer, just like founder Sam Calagione likes it. You’ll find a mix of local, regional and even national acts on their calendar. And if you’re willing to head out to the highway, The Pond has local live music nightly, anchored by Thursday nights with hometown standbys Lower Case Blues featuring guitar slinger Jake Banaszak and funky bassist B.J. Muntz.
For families looking for live music, the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand has it all, ranging from tribute acts and orchestras to local cover bands and military bands. It’s been free since first launching in 1963 just off the Boardwalk, giving musicians and fans alike beautiful views and an ocean breeze.
For the kiddos (and grown kiddos), Funland amusement park (first opened in 1961) is a must-stop with rides and games right on the Boardwalk, with five generations of the Fasnacht family working to keep the throwback just like parents remember from their own childhood.
Above Ryan’s Beach Shop you’ll find an 18-hole mini-golf course with killer panoramic views. And if you head out to the highway, Jungle Jim’s water park with its waterslides, go-karts and bumper boats is a freshwater alternative to the ocean.
What do I need to know about parking?
If you visit Delaware’s biggest beach town, also expect the biggest beach crowds. If you plan to park in a metered space, you’re going to be spending a fair amount of time looking for one.
Rehoboth Beach parking is by meter or permit only between May 15 and Sept. 15. Meters run 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., while permits are only enforced through 5 p.m.
Meters are $3 an hour and can be paid with quarters or via ParkMobile. Download it before you get there to save a headache. If you’re into masochism, change machines are available at the following locations:
- Center of Rehoboth Avenue at First Street,
- Center of Rehoboth Avenue across from City Hall,
- The Parking Department, 1 City Hall Drive
Rehoboth has two metered parking lots, off Christian Street next to the senior center and off Rehoboth Avenue next to the Fire Department.
Click here for a map of Rehoboth Beach parking areas.
Permits can be purchased at the Parking Department or from multiple kiosks throughout town. Check the city’s website for hours.
Don’t forget: All perpendicular or angled parking in Rehoboth Beach, except handicapped, is head-in only.
If just the thought of spot-hunting on a summer day in Rehoboth causes a blood pressure spike, try DART First State’s Park & Ride on the highway. The air-conditioned buses will drop you off at the Bandstand and are able to get you there quicker than a car thanks to bus-only lanes.
What do I need to know about the beach?
Once on the beach, there are no tents, tarps, cabanas, pavilions or canopies allowed, except for small baby tents that must be anchored. Beach umbrellas must not be wider than 7 feet, 6 inches wide.
Expect to be very close to your neighbors. If you have pearls to clutch, leave them at home.
The entire 2-mile area of beach within the corporate city limits is guarded between Memorial Day and Labor Day, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
If you’re into surf-fishing, it’s only permitted when lifeguards are off-duty, except for the beach area between the jetty north of the Henlopen Hotel and 250 feet north. Of course, you’ll need a Delaware fishing license.
Sorry, pet owners. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk between May 1 and Sept. 30.
Getting outdoors beyond the sand
The 6-mile Junction Breakwater Trail from Rehoboth Beach to Lewes gets crowded, but it’s a good option for soft-surface running or walking. For a longer workout, you can connect to the 8-mile Lewes-Georgetown Trail.
Grove Park Canal Dock now hosts Cape Water Tours & Taxi, which offers tours, cruises and taxi service from the dock, much as they do on the Rehoboth and Delaware bays.
Also, try Cape Henlopen State Park and Gordons Pond to the north or follow the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal south to Thompson Island Preserve.
What to do on a rainy day?
When raindrops fall, the family-owned Movies at Midway on Coastal Highway is a longtime favorite, as is shopping nearby at Tanger Outlets, also located on the highway.
If you have wheels, you can also drive out to Dogfish Head’s brewery in Milton, located about 13 miles away. It is there where you can get a tour, sip their specialties and eat in the Tasting Room & Kitchen.
The aforementioned Purple Parrot is a fun place for rainy day drinking and Browseabout Books also offers refuge of a different kind.
What are the don’t-miss annual events?
In the summer, the Fourth of July is the star of the show. When the city hosts its annual fireworks display, a city with only about 1,500 year-round residents draws up to 100,000 some years who fill every square inch of the beach, Boardwalk and sidewalk that can be found. (Get there early and stay late to avoid the nightmare traffic jam each year.)
A Piping Out the Summer parade is held on the Boardwalk on Labor Day to close out the season and The Sea Witch Festival attracts thousands of revelers during the Halloween season, making it well worth an autumnal return to Rehoboth. Also in the fall, the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival draws national acts to the beach, playing on stages throughout town.
Hidden gems you should know about
The Bellmoor Inn & Spa may be an expensive place to stay, but if you like bougie, the breakfast in the morning (free with your stay) is worth it. They have made-to-order omelets and a very nice buffet spread. The hotel now has a bar and you can take your cocktails and sit in the lush courtyard.
And when it comes to shopping, boutiques abound, including Bella Luna and its eclectic jewelry, gifts, decor and artwork. For surf shops, try Quiet Storm and Sierra Moon. And to go back in time, ’60s-themed Sunshine Octopus has tie-dye, while Gidgets Gadgets has vinyl and retro toys.
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Dewey Beach
Only 20 blocks long and two blocks deep, Dewey is a unique strip at Delaware’s beaches, best known for its nightlife.
While Dewey can still party hard, the days of the Girls Gone Wild bus stopping in town seem to be long gone as Dewey has grown up a bit over the past decade or so.
More family-friendly events have been rolled out as the number of families who live in town or visit for vacation has risen a bit.
Even so, summer weekends are dominated by masses of day-and-night drinkers, bopping from bar to bar in search of cover bands and fun.
What makes it unique?
Dewey is home to only about 300 people year-round, but that number swells in the summer as group beach houses begin to fill, some housing 20 or more people.
Bar-hopping in Dewey is as commonplace as reaching for water and aspirin in the morning to soothe a raging hangover. But the town is more than its drinkables.
There’s a cool surfer scene on the ocean side, Rehoboth Bay offers more relaxed water fun, and there are even movies on the beach for the kids.
While there are plenty of adults in town (even if some act like children when drunk), the town’s relaxed beach vibe also draws teens and tweens running around with lacrosse sticks and skateboards.
The town’s motto is “A Way of Life” and it is. With out-of-towners dominating, it still has a tight-knit feel. If you go enough, everyone will know your name, especially if you dress in a ridiculous costume, which is still a familiar Dewey sight.
Where to eat?
Sure, Dewey is filled with quick bites. Perhaps the most famous was Mama Celeste’s Pizzeria, located next to The Starboard, one of the biggest and most beloved bars in the state, never mind Dewey. Mama Celeste’s owners “Mama” and “Papa” retired in the off-season and it will be open this year as the new Starboard Sauced, serving New York-style slices to late-night hordes of hungry bar-goers. Celeste “Mama” Gutt will be working there some days, so you may see her familiar face behind the counter.
But for a more proper meal, you have to visit Woody’s Dewey Beach, best known for its award-winning crab cakes since 2009. It’s small. It’s busy. It’s worth it. They even ship their crab cakes across the country for those who can’t make the trip to the beach.
Those looking for healthier options in the land of pizza and fries have found a home at Gary’s Dewey Beach Grill, where hummus platters, salads, turkey breast cheesesteaks and sushi are served, along with fresh beer brewed on-site.
In fact, it’s another brewery in town that just may have the best menu: Dewey Beer Co. Its slightly higher-end offerings have more of a Rehoboth Beach restaurant scene feel, allowing for more civilized meals of shrimp and chorizo lo mein, chicken & waffles and steak sandwiches.
The Starboard is a favorite for brunch, especially their weekly “Suicide Sunday” celebrations with a massive Bloody Mary bar and a singing Elvis impersonator wandering around the bar. For an open-air lunch under a roof with live music, try Jimmy’s Grille Dewey, best known for its fried chicken.
Also, the old Hammerheads will be replaced by the new Starboard Claw.
Where to drink?
Did you say drink? You’re in the right town.
There are four major bars, all with their own vibe and all within a half-mile.
We’ll start with The Starboard, the iconic bar with a shark head busting out of the top of the building. A hodgepodge of bar rooms, the ‘Board is home to the best Orange Crush in town. It’s not even close. They are served in 16-ounce cups with oversized straws for extra-easy drinking and come in many flavors: orange, grapefruit, lemon, watermelon, mango and more. Throw in DJs, live music and celebrities (we’re looking at you, Delaware native Ryan Phillippe) and you have a night to remember … or perhaps a night to try to remember.
The other three major watering holes are owned by the same restaurant group so you’ll see a lot of the same acts, drinks and people. Still, each is a unique slice of Dewey.
The Rusty Rudder with its large deck and Rehoboth Bay views is more easy-going during the day and turns up at night with cover bands. Local legends Love Seed Mama Jump have a Thursday night residency there that has been going for decades.
Four blocks north is northbeach, also located along the bay with killer sunset views. A sandy patio along the water is the perfect place to try the bar’s signature frozen Dewey Devil drink. The bar draws a younger crowd, especially at night, encouraged by DJs and dancing inside.
A block from northbeach is the Bottle & Cork, a 21-only nightclub that hosts national acts with a schedule that has been weighted more toward modern country in recent years. But it’s the Cork’s Saturday “Jam Session” that makes it special. The tradition begins at 5 p.m. and usually rotates three to four cover bands until 1 a.m. A sea of crushed beer cans cover the ground by the end.
Other spots to hit include Hawaiian-themed Nalu Surf Bar & Grill, Dewey Beach Country Club (a golf-themed bar, not an actual golf course) and The Lighthouse, a long-serving favorite recently rebuilt after a fire.
And Dewey Beer Co. has more than good food — it boasts the top-ranked beers in the state.
Where to be entertained?
Nearly every bar in town hosts cover acts or DJs, some both day and night. It’s what Dewey does and it does it well.
In addition, the town added Nick’s Mini Golf recently, a small course where Ed’s Chicken and Crabs stood until a single-car accident caused a fire in 2016.
Another family-friendly idea is the free weekly movie nights on the beach, a partnership between Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce and the town of Dewey Beach. Films screen Mondays at 8:30 p.m. on the beach at Dagsworthy Street. Glow necklaces are available for a $1 donation.
What do I need to know about going to the beach?
Seasonal parking permits are available for those staying in town awhile. You can purchase them via an automated kiosk outside of the Town Hall, at 105 Rodney Ave., or online.
Otherwise, between May 15 and Sept. 15, the ParkMobile app makes paying (and adding time) much easier. Metered spaces are $3 an hour. Some take coins but not all.
More:More sand coming to Delaware beaches faster. Schedule moved up as another dredger arrives.
Be warned: Finding a metered spot in Dewey can take time and patience in the summer. But there is a silver lining: Parking in Dewey is free Monday through Wednesday from 5 to 11 p.m. Also, those with handicapped license plates or placards park for free.
As for the actual beach, rules allow surf fishing, bonfires with a permit and dogs before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m. during the summer.
Canopies, umbrellas and open-sided tents are permitted on the beach, but should be behind the lifeguard stands so they can see the water. No alcohol is allowed on the beach during the summer.
Getting outdoors beyond the sand
Dewey Beach Watersports is your gateway to fun on the bay, offering personal watercraft, pontoon, stand-up paddleboard, kayak and bike rentals. They also offer fun “banana boat” rides on a tube.
Another option is Cruisin’ Tikis, a six-person tiki bar boat that goes out on the bay for a unique BYOB experience on the water.
What to do on a rainy day?
When the beach is a washout, The Starboard’s digital billboard out front always has the same message: “When it rains, we pour!” The bar fills with wet party-seekers and can be a rowdy scene, even in the morning hours.
Just south of Dewey, you’ll find the Indian River Lifesaving Station, which dates back to 1876 when it was built to save shipwreck victims near the coast. It has been restored to its 1905 appearance and is an interesting visit on a rainy day for history buffs.
What are the don’t-miss annual events?
In the summer, there is only one event that matters: Running of the Bull.
Held each July, the straight-up goofy event at The Starboard features two people in a bull costume crossing the highway (with a police escort) followed by hundreds of the bar’s patrons. They then all run along the beach and return to the bar parking lot where a celebrity matador squares off with the bull, capping one of the weirdest (and most fun) events the state has to offer. Started by a handful of Starboard regulars in 1997, it now draws thousands dressed in red and white just like in Pamplona, Spain.
Hidden gems you should know about
One of the best parties in Dewey each year happens after the summertime visitors leave. The Dewey Business Partnership hosts an all-ages end-of-season party in mid-September on the beach from New Orleans Street to Dagsworthy Street, complete with a band on stage and alcohol and food in hands. It usually costs $5.
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Lewes
If you’re looking for more of that New England seaport town feel, Lewes is for you.
Unlike some other beach towns in the state, Lewes has a large year-round population, giving it more of a hometown vibe than a tourist trap.
With the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal cutting through town and a beautiful Lewes Canalfront Park to watch the boats go by, it’s about as scenic as it gets.
Throw in historic houses, a slower pace than Rehoboth and Dewey, and its fair share of fine restaurants and you realize why it’s one of Delaware’s best towns.
What makes it unique?
Its charming, historic blocks boast quaint homes, Dutch architecture and blooming tulips everywhere in the spring. And if you want to visit the Jersey Shore, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal is right near the beach, ready to bring you and your car the 17 miles across Delaware Bay.
Where to eat?
Agave Mexican Restaurant is a true gem and a local favorite. So much so that the long wait there is a punchline because of the crowds. Started in 2007 with 30 seats, they now have two locations (the other is out on Coastal Highway near Rehoboth). Be sure to try the puffy fish tacos, margaritas and even a flight of guacamole. (There’s one on Del. 1 as well.)
For fine dining, Heirloom is a must-visit. Delaware Online/The News Journal food writer Patricia Talorico once wrote it “might be Delaware’s best restaurant,” wowed by the “feminine, but not at all frilly, upscale restaurant” with entrees ranging from pan-seared scallops to grilled flank steak.
Other fun stops include The Station on Kings cafe and market for pastries, Touch of Italy for sandwiches, Mr. P’s for wood-fired pizza and Raas for some of the best Indian food in the state.
Families really like Crooked Hammock Brewery. It’s not just for the fresh beer for parents, but the “Backyard” filled with family-friendly games like ping pong, ring toss and cornhole.
For breakfast, Kaisy’s Delights is a treasure with omelets, quiches and croque monsieur sandwiches. Try the signature Kaisy bowl for dessert. Also, Bountiful Bowls is good for an acai bowl and Nectar Cafe for great brunch and juices/mimosas. And if you can get to Coastal Highway, Surf Bagel has bagels that even New Yorkers will concede are delicious.
Where to drink?
While most bars and restaurants close by 10 p.m., it doesn’t mean the night has to be over. Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant stays open until 1 a.m.
Before it gets late, the Crooked Hammock and Big Oyster breweries offer fresh brews. Try Solar Power, a Belgian blonde from Big Oyster, which is like a Blue Moon beer on steroids.
One of the most scenic spots to grab a drink is Grain on the Rocks, located right at the ferry terminal near the beach. Striper Bites, a casual bistro, is also a favorite bar/restaurant for many who like a nightcap.
Half Full is the place to go if you want to grab a glass of wine or appetizer while waiting for tables at Agave or Striper Bites and Nassau Valley Vineyards is a 4-mile drive inland.
Where to be entertained?
Crooked Hammock and Irish Eyes often host local music acts, as does Stango Park with its Summer Concert Series on Tuesday nights. On Coastal Highway, blues can usually be found at Bethany Blues BBQ.
During the pandemic, Grain began hosting large-scale concerts at its waterfront location, selling seats in socially distanced pods. Its Rocking the Docks concert series has lived on with ticketed shows under the stars.
What do I need to know about going to the beach?
Lewes has a calm and shallow beach, which is great for children. Don’t plan on seeing any surfing or boogie boarding.
Lewes beaches have a little loophole for dogs in the summer season. They’re permitted, leashed, before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Surf-fishing is similar: Only before 8 a.m. or after 6:30 p.m.
Beach parking lot meters are in use May 1 to Sept. 30 and downtown meters through Oct. 14. Meters are in use in all areas from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Meters are $2.50 per hour at the beaches and $1.50 per hour downtown. There is a three-hour maximum downtown. Quarters are accepted only at downtown meters (a change machine is located at Mary Vessels Park, behind Biblion on 2nd Street), while cash is only accepted at the beach parking lots. Credit cards are accepted for all metered parking through the ParkMobile app, with a 50-cent fee.
There is limited metered parking at the beach with many deciding to park at nearby Cape Henlopen State Park instead. Also, check out the new Lewes Line pilot program that can be picked up all over town.
And be sure to walk up to the nearby Dairy Queen for a cone, like locals have done since it came to town in 1954.
Getting outdoors beyond the sand
If you walk around Lewes, you’ll find plenty out there.
The Lewes and Rehoboth Canal and Lewes Canalfront Park are the crown jewels, but also try Blockhouse Pond at George H.P. Smith Park for a peaceful getaway with a little bass fishing if you’re up for it. (Fisherman also can be found at the wharf by the drawbridge.)
The Lewes Unleashed Dog Park is great for your four-legged friend or if you just want to see doggies out there playing. The Georgetown-Lewes Trail is worth a walk with a big chunk of it running through town. People who live along it go all out with landscaping and decorations.
Just south of town is the 5,193-acre Cape Henlopen State Park filled with all sorts of outdoor fun, a beach and a nature center.
Gordons Pond is also a fun trail for a walk or run. You can connect from the beach via the bike loop or park at Herring Point or Gordons Pond and go from there.
What to do on a rainy day?
Go shopping inside at The Brush Factory Kings (unique home goods) or try a rum tasting at Beach Time Distilling.
As we mentioned in the Rehoboth Beach entry, Movies at Midway is great for rainy day films. Also try Lefty’s Alley & Eats with bowling, laser tag, ax-throwing and an arcade all under one roof.
Shell We Bounce Trampoline Park is also open, giving your kids an opportunity to bounce around so much that they fall asleep early that night.
Biblion Used Books and Rare Finds, as well as its sister store The Vintage Underground, are great for cozy escapes in Lewes. You can probably find something for anyone: the bookworm, the person who likes buttons with sassy sayings, the record lover and more.
What are the don’t-miss annual events?
During the summer, you should try to be there for the Fourth of July holiday when the annual Doo-Dah Parade kicks off. Dating back to 1968, you can watch or join the fun-loving parade. Just be sure to be wearing red, white and blue because everyone else will be.
The same day also offers the Lewes Independence Day Boat Parade with decorated boats making their way along the canal as spectators watch from the canal banks.
Hidden gems you should know about
The historic Lewes Farmers Market is a must and probably the best in the state. And try the rotisserie chicken at Lloyd’s Market, a terrific family-owned market that has local produce and milk from Lewes Dairy.
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Bethany Beach
This tidy coastal town greets visitors on Coastal Highway with its 24-foot Chief Little Owl landmark totem pole made by sculptor Peter Wolf Toth.
With its own half-mile Boardwalk — half the size of Rehoboth’s — the “Quiet Resort” is a dainty throwback that draws an older crowd looking for a slower pace than other bustling beach towns.
What makes it unique?
Bethany has none of the buzz of Rehoboth or Dewey and that’s by design.
Many restaurants close by 10 p.m. even on weekends. Good luck finding a bar with a band. Bars — establishments that focus mostly on selling alcohol — are not allowed in town, and bands are mostly relegated to the town’s Bandstand.
Families and retirees dominate the area, which has a small number of shops downtown — and almost all are not chains, though Five Guys arrived several years back.
The Boardwalk isn’t mobbed like Rehoboth or Ocean City and most businesses have built up out on Route 26, which has seen plenty of growth as more and more restaurateurs and retail shops have moved in.
Overall, it’s a sleepy getaway. Perhaps that’s why actor (and New Castle native) Ryan Phillippe purchased a summer home here for seasonal escapes from Los Angeles.
Where to eat?
If you’re traveling from the Rehoboth/Dewey Beach area, there are a couple of restaurants on the way to Bethany that offer unbelievable views near the Indian River Inlet Bridge.
First is Big Chill Beach Club with its 360-degree views from an iconic circular bar high above the Atlantic Ocean, offering beers and bites in the sun. On the other side of the bridge in Delaware Seashore Park, you’ll find a real hidden gem: the former Hammerheads Dockside, now a Big Fish Restaurant Group’s Dockside Marina Bar + Grill. It had been a small eatery and bar complete with a sandy patio with palm trees and live music on a stage along the dock. Expect more of the same, but with the Big Fish stamp all over it.
The newest addition to the Bethany area is on Route 26 in the form of SoDel Concepts’ Ocean View Brewing Co., which brews its own fresh beer and offers a unique menu with favorites like fried chicken and food challenges like The Naptime: a sandwich with doughnut buns, a fried lobster tail and fried egg. (Um, what?!?)
SoDel also has a pair of seafood-themed menus that draw crowds at Matt’s Fish Camp and Bluecoast, along with North East Seafood Kitchen in Ocean View, just outside of town.
Fans of Italian must stop at DiFebo’s Restaurant and slurp on some of Big Bob’s Sunday gravy or try their nearby DiFebo’s Market, filled with local goodies, baked goods, paninis and homemade deli case items.
A family-style local’s pick on the highway is The Cottage Cafe, owned by a pair of college buddies since opening in 1993, serving down-home breakfast, lunch and dinner.
In downtown, the large-scale Mango’s has stunning beach views, a happy hour that fills the bar and a menu that has everything from tacos and steak to burgers and seafood. A block away is Bethany Blues BBQ, which smokes its own meats for lovers of brisket and pulled pork. (A new, third location will open in downtown Rehoboth Beach this summer.)
Other area restaurants worth your money: Sedona (American cuisine), 14 Global (tapas/small plates), Mickey’s Family Crab House and Misaki (sushi).
For sweets, try Sandy Pony Donuts with their mouth-watering hot, made-to-order doughnuts. They got their start as a food truck on Chincoteague Island and expanded northward. Oh, and Rosenfeld’s Big Fish in South Bethany offers cake slices as big as your head and hefty one-pound eclairs (along with Jewish deli standbys.)
Where to drink?
Mango’s with its lively bar and beach views is the most fun you’ll have in downtown.
If you drive just outside the town limits, you’ll find Bethany Boathouse on the highway with a fun beachy atmosphere and a nighttime party vibe worth checking out.
Bethany Blues also has a large bar filled with bourbons and The Salted Rim Margarita Bar & Grille further out on Route 26 in Millville has margaritas away from the beach crowds.
Where to be entertained?
The Bethany Bandstand has musical acts on Thursday evenings if you want the “Pleasantville” experience of a small-town event.
Mango’s hosts bands Friday and Saturdays at 10 p.m. until they close at 11:30 p.m., and acoustic acts can be found at Bethany Blues BBQ on Saturdays for happy hour.
Bethany Boathouse takes advantage of being outside the town limits by offering the most entertainment around with nightly live music and a true bar experience for those looking for late-night excitement.
And don’t forget that the Freeman Arts Pavilion with national acts is only 9 miles away, and the Jolly Trolley will pick you up in town for select shows so you can leave your car behind.
Want to head inland? Shipwrecked Mini Golf & Ice Cream is about 2 miles west off Route 26. Also, check out the Millville Boardwalk for mini-golf, ice cream and even a giant beach ball pit.
What do I need to know about going to the beach?
There are plenty of no-nos: no tents, canopies, tarps, cabanas, ball playing, kites or alcohol, and umbrellas can be up to only 3 feet wide. No dogs on the beach or boardwalk from May 15 to Sept. 30. Surf-fishing is allowed only when lifeguards are off-duty.
All perpendicular or angled parking is head-in only in Bethany Beach. It’s pay- or permit-to-park May 15 through Sept. 15, between 10 a.m. and 4, 8 or 11 p.m., as indicated by signage. There is a two-hour limit on Garfield Parkway.
Meter rates are $2.50 per hour, paid via ParkMobile or using credit cards or quarters at pay stations and meters. Change machines can be found throughout the beach and 100 blocks of Garfield Parkway, as well as at North Pennsylvania Avenue and Central Boulevard.
Parking in Bethany Beach is very limited. Metered parking can be found on Garfield Parkway, the beach blocks, Atlantic Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue. Most other downtown parking areas are reserved for those with residential or business permits.
This map of Bethany Beach parking areas will help with any confusion. Probably.
Parking permits can be purchased at the Police Department (214 Garfield Parkway) at a rate of $25 per day, $75 for three days and $175 for seven days. Permits are valid in all pay-to-park areas except Garfield Parkway.
And here’s a quaint option: Trolleys continuously run from the Friday before Memorial Day through mid-September between 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and cost only a quarter. (Driver does not make change, so time to hunt for some coins!)
Getting outdoors beyond the sand
Fresh Pond just north of town off the coast is part of Delaware Seashore State Park, an oasis with walking trails and the nearby James Farm Ecological Preserve.
Right on Coastal Highway, you’ll find the 6.8-acre Bethany Beach Central Park for a whole lot of manicured grass and pickup games.
Seven miles out of town you’ll find Holt’s Landing State Park, a 203-acre bayside escape with a salt marsh, forest, hiking trails, crabbing, a boat launch and family fun nights with music.
And if you’re thinking about where you might want to stay next time you visit, look into the Indian River Cottage rentals north of Bethany Beach at Delaware Seashore State Park. They’re perfect for a more quiet and secluded experience, so book early.
What to do on a rainy day?
For kids — and the grown-up kids that come out in some of us on summer vacations — video games, Skee-Ball, air hockey and pinball can be found at the Shore Fun Family Fun Center just off the Boardwalk.
Dickens Parlour Theatre, located 5 miles west of town, hosts nightly magic performances during the summer, along with live music.
When it rains, the town’s independent bookstore fills (Bethany Beach Books) as does Bethany Beach Comics and Gaming, along with the dozen or so boutique shops that can be found along Route 26.
If Daddy or Mommy needs a drink, Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery is a 15-minute drive west for wine, live music and food trucks. (They say children are welcome but must be under the supervision of an adult at all times.)
What are the don’t-miss annual events?
If you stay until the end of Labor Day weekend, definitely attend the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral, which dates back to 1985. A jazz band will mourn the “death” of the summer with a march down the Boardwalk as others pretend to weep, dressed in black. Totally unique.
Also, the Fourth of July fireworks on Bethany Beach is about as red, white and blue as you can get, complete with live music at the Bandstand.
Hidden gems you should know about
Take a 20-minute drive south to theAssawoman Bay State Wildlife Area. Sure the name will make the kids giggle, but you’ll find more than laughs there: bald eagles, herons, egrets, woodpeckers, deer, amphibians, reptiles and more.
Fenwick Island
Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: Fenwick Island is not an island just like Coney Island is not an island.
But it is a tiny beach town that reports only about 350 people as residents. Unlike Rehoboth, Lewes, Dewey and Bethany, it has a beach and that’s about it except for a few restaurants (some of which are quite good) and shops.
What makes it unique?
There’s no Boardwalk or large-scale amusements, but they don’t need it since they border the massive, touristy Ocean City, Maryland.
Even though Fenwick is quiet, it’s not quite like Bethany since the excitement of Ocean City sometimes spills over.
Where to eat?
James Beard-nominated chef Matt Kern purchased Fenwick farm-to-table restaurant One Coastal, giving the local favorite a shot in the arm with high-end entrees worth the money. (He had previously been at Heirloom in Lewes.)
Just like in Bethany, the beach-based SoDel Concepts restaurant group runs a handful of spots that bring in the bodies during the summer, including seafood-heavy menus at Catch 54 (with sweet bay views) and Matt’s Fish Camp and Mexican cuisine atPapa Grande’s.
Other dining rooms to drop into include Our Harvest (platter-style feasts available), Nantucket’s (fine dining seafood) and Warren’s Station, which is family-friendly and does not serve drinks.
And for your sweet tooth, a Fisher’s Popcorn with caramel popcorn of all flavors — a perfect gift to bring back for whoever is watching your dog.
Where to drink?
The bayside Harpoon Hanna’s off Route 54 is your best shot at a beachlike, fun bar experience, complete with a Tiki bar, nightly live music and a sports bar that’s open until 1 a.m. It’s also a scenic spot for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.
Where to be entertained?
Viking Golf & Go-Karts is tucked away off Coastal Highway on Island Street with 18 holes of golf, go-karts and water park in one spot.
And just like for your Bethany visits, it’s a short drive to Freeman Arts Pavilion for ticketed concerts with national acts. (It’s 5 miles east of town, and Jolly Trolley offers rides for select shows to and from Fenwick.)
What do I need to know about going to the beach?
Parking requires paying a meter or purchasing a permit in Fenwick Island, between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. from May 15 to September 15.
Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach May 1 through September 30. Surf fishing is permitted only when lifeguards are off-duty, unless they say otherwise.
If you go to Fenwick Island State Park, you should get there real early on weekends because the small lot fills up very quickly. (It’s $5 for residents and $20 for non-residents.)
Getting outdoors beyond the sand
Fenwick Island State Park has 3 miles of ocean beaches for swimming and surf fishing, along with access to Little Assawoman Bay with kayaking and stand-up paddleboards available.
What to do on a rainy day?
The DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum on Coastal Highway is a great escape — just like some of the tales you’ll find inside with rotating exhibits that focus on maritime heritage with 10,000 artifacts to dig through.
Hidden gems you should know about
It’s easy to miss, but Jimmy’s Kitchen on Coastal Highway is that greasy spoon breakfast spot that draws locals early, opening at 7 a.m. and closing 5½ hours later each day. Try the chipped beef or “The Heavyroller,” a five-egg omelet that may send you right back to bed.
The staff of Delaware Online/The News Journal contributed to this report. Have a story idea? Contact Ryan Cormier of The News Journal at rcormier@delawareonline.com or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormierdelawareonline) and Twitter (@ryancormier).
