Summer is practically in full swing now that we’re a couple weeks into June – and that means that it’s time to start packing up the car for those weekend beach trips.
But a new year also brings changes to the Delaware beaches. What should you know before you sink your toes into the sand?
We’ve got you covered.
For anyone looking to visit the beaches during the weekend of June 10, this guide will help answer questions ranging from dining to parking to the latest weather reports.
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What do the beaches look like?
After a nor’easter in May, many of the Delaware beaches saw steep cliffs in the dunes and damage to the dune crossings.
While the Delaware beaches are now ready to welcome visitors for the summer, visitors may notice that the shoreline still looks a little different. Many of the beaches may still be narrower at points, especially during high tide. However, the beaches will keep widening as the ocean naturally returns some of the sand to the shore.
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A few beach entrances also remain closed while the state works on repairs.
In Rehoboth Beach, only one crossing – one at Surf Avenue – was closed as of June 8.
In South Bethany, all beach walkways have reopened except for the one at South Third Street, according to Town Manager Maureen Hartman. This entrance included an accessible ramp compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and that ramp was wiped out in the storm.
The state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is responsible for repairing or replacing the ramp, Hartman said. In the meantime, anyone needing assistance to access the beach can contact the South Bethany Beach Patrol to schedule a day and time in advance to use a beach wheelchair.
While some drive-on beach access points were closed at the Delaware State Parks, all entrances were reopened at Cape Henlopen State Park.
Delaware Seashore State Park did not announce any changes to its closures. As of May 29, the the following areas were closed: Keybox, Conquest and Faithful Steward crossings. The Conquest pedestrian crossings were also closed.
The Delaware State Parks encouraged visitors to follow the Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore state parks Facebook pages for updates on closed dune crossings.
All other beach entrances in Lewes, Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach are expected to be open.
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What to expect at restaurants, beach businesses
Delaware’s beach towns are preparing for a summer that’s as busy – if not busier – than last year.
That means it’s once again time for this reminder: Have patience, folks.
Many restaurants, bars, and others in the service industry are still facing staffing shortages. While some businesses are getting more help from international students than in the past two years when COVID-19 restrictions limited that workforce, several other factors are impacting the seasonal labor shortage this year – especially a lack of affordable housing.
Remember last year when some businesses were limiting hours or services? Visitors could see that again this summer, according to Carol Everhart, president of the Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of Commerce.
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It may be wise to make early reservations, follow your favorite spots on social media or call ahead to stay updated on any changes.
As far as outdoor dining, many beach towns found ways to continue that in the 2022 season. However, Rehoboth Beach no longer allowed parking spaces to be blocked off for dining on public sidewalks. So, don’t expect to see those familiar red barriers in Rehoboth this summer.
OUTDOOR DINING:Rehoboth Beach passes new outdoor dining rules for public sidewalks ahead of 2022 summer
Public health guidelines, COVID cases
An unfortunate reality: COVID-19 is still present for summer vacations at the Delaware beaches.
The Delaware Division of Public Health reported that an average of 17.4% of tests were coming back positive as of June 7. Cases were on the rise throughout May, compared with March and April, but it seems that the reported cases may be on the downward trend again.
(Just before Memorial Day weekend, DPH was reporting an average of 20% tests that were positive).
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While hospitalizations are not nearly as high as they were during the first omicron surge, the number of people in the hospital with COVID-19 has also increased since the spring. The state was reporting 126 people hospitalized and 19 in critical condition this week.
So, what should you do? This is the latest advice from DPH:
- Stay home if sick and get tested if you have symptoms or were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
- There are no mask mandates, but DPH advises masking up in indoor places or if you are at higher risk for illness.
- Get vaccinated and boosted when you’re eligible.
- Stay informed and turn to reliable sources for data, information, and treatment options like de.gov/coronavirus.
Don’t know if you’re eligible for a booster? Check your eligibility with this guidance from the state:
- People ages 5 and older if it has been five months after their second dose of Pfizer.
- People ages 18 and older if it has been five months after their second dose of Moderna.
- People ages 18 and older, if it has been two months since their initial dose of Johnson & Johnson.
- People who qualified for an “additional/fourth” dose of Pfizer or Moderna because they have certain immunocompromising conditions or are 50 years old and older. They can get their booster dose 6 months after receiving their third dose.
Want to know where to receive booster shots? Visit coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/where-can-i-get-my-vaccine/#publichealth.
Parking and transportation
All resort towns from Lewes to Fenwick Island have their seasonal parking rules in place.
Rehoboth Beach set new dates for its parking season – May 15 to Sept. 15 – which matches that of Dewey, Bethany, South Bethany and Fenwick.
Another change to note in Rehoboth: Because of the pandemic, Rehoboth offered free parking after 4 p.m. on Mondays for the past two years. That Meterless Monday program will not continue this summer.
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Both Rehoboth and Lewes increased some parking rates this year. It is now a universal $3 per hour rate in Rehoboth, and Lewes is charging $1.50 downtown and $2.50 at the beaches.
Lewes has several free non-metered parking lots listed on its website, as well as metered lots and spaces on side streets.
When visiting Delaware State Parks like Cape Henlopen, parking is included in the entrance fee.
In Dewey Beach, parking is free in all permit-only and metered spaces Monday through Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. only. All other days and times, you must pay to park on public streets.
Fenwick Island and South Bethany mostly require permits to park, but Fenwick offers free parking on its side streets after 4 p.m.
In Bethany Beach, all spaces are either metered or require a permit through Sept. 15.
Many of these towns and cities offer payment through the ParkMobile app.
For more about parking (or State Park fees), visit each beach town’s website:
If planning to visit one of the State Parks later in the afternoon, it’s wise to check the parks’ Facebook pages where staff will post whether the park is closed due to full parking.
Multiple lots were closed intermittently starting as early as 11 a.m. over Memorial Day weekend.
Consider taking the Beach Bus
Want to forget about parking or paying for gas? Take a bus to the beach. Parking is free at the park and rides in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.
The Beach Bus has already started its routes and will continue seven days a week until Sept. 11. The stops include Rehoboth Beach and the Boardwalk, Lewes, Long Neck, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Ocean City in Maryland, Millsboro and Georgetown.
The cost to ride the bus is $2 per trip, $4 for a daily pass, $16 for a seven-day pass or $60 for a 30-day pass.
Traveling from northern Delaware or Kent County? The 305 Beach Connection from Wilmington to Rehoboth Beach started last weekend. It runs Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through Sept. 5.
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Riders taking this bus will pay $6 for one-way trips from Wilmington, Christiana Mall and Odessa and $4 from Dover and South Frederica. A daily pass is $10 from New Castle County and $8 from Kent County.
If traveling around Bethany Beach, the town also offers a trolley with a single route that runs from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and costs 25 cents per trip.
In Lewes, the new seasonal transit option Lewes Line cost $1 per ride. Stops include the two municipal beaches, downtown locations, the library and more. To learn more, visit: https://www.ci.lewes.de.us/363/Lewes-Line.
Weather for the weekend of June 10
The Rehoboth Beach area should be getting some rain this weekend, but that shouldn’t put a damper on your beach plans.
If you can get to the beach early, Friday is expected to bring mostly sunny skies with a high near 75, according to the National Weather Service forecast. Clouds will likely move in for the evening, but the weather service isn’t predicting rain until 2 a.m.
There is a much higher chance of rain on Saturday morning, with an 80% chance mostly after 8 a.m. The temperature will be around 71 during the day and 65 at night. Saturday evening should bring cloudy skies and a slight chance of rain.
On Sunday, the sun makes an appearance again – the weather service is predicting partly sunny skies with a high near 74 and a low around 65.
Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.
