Don’t forget your sunscreen! Though summer doesn’t officially start until June 21, “the season” begins at the Delaware beaches on Memorial Day weekend.
Millions of people will descend upon Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany and Fenwick this summer, all to experience Delaware’s brand of sun, surf and relaxation.
Maybe you’re one of them, or maybe you’re a hardened local who seesaws between tourist traffic rage and toes-in-the-sand-every-weekend bliss. Regardless, Delaware Online/The News Journal will offer this handy guide to the Delaware beaches every weekend this summer, with information on everything from weather to beach closures to things to do.
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The Delaware beaches have steadied after all the instability caused by COVID-19 and the record-breaking number of tourists that came after (or, at least, after restrictions were lifted).
Following a couple of challenging years, Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany and Fenwick all reported having plenty of lifeguards ready to take their perches on the beach.
The rental market has some availability right now, according to Coldwell Banker Premiere’s Kathy Newcomb, but once July hits, most places are already booked. The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel’s reservations are “on par with previous years,” spokesperson Jennifer Zerby said.
More:Ready to beach? Here are 5 new spots for nightlife & bites at Delaware beaches this summer
Chris Darr, personnel manager at Funland in Rehoboth Beach, said he thinks this season will be at least as busy as the 2022 season, which was the busiest season the amusement park has ever had.
The Starboard’s Steve Montgomery also believes business will be on par with or better than last year. He’s opening three new restaurants over the new few weeks: Starboard Claw and Starboard Sauced, both in Dewey Beach, and Downtown Blues in Rehoboth Beach.
Bottom line: A busy summer is expected. In addition to sunscreen – don’t forget your patience. It’s the beach, after all.
Memorial Day weekend forecast
Partly sunny with a chance of showers is the National Weather Service’s prediction for Saturday, Sunday and Monday at the Delaware beaches.
Don’t let a little spring shower get you down. The likelihood of precipitation maxes out around 40%.
Temperatures are expected to hover around a pleasant 70 degrees, ticking up ever-so-slightly each day.
Weather predictions, of course, are subject to change, so before you make or cancel any plans, get the most up-to-date forecast.
What to know about parking
Parking fees are in effect in all Delaware beach towns, so be prepared to use your ParkMobil app.
Parking prices and rules differ for each beach town. We recommend you arrive early, unless you don’t mind looping around town waiting for a spot to open up.
The Delaware Department of Transportation’s Park and Ride program is an excellent alternative to paying for parking at the beach.
You can park your car for free in one of two lots, at 20055 Shuttle Road in Rehoboth or at 17616 Coastal Highway in Lewes. The bus fare is $2 per trip, $4 daily, $16 weekly for $60 for 30 days. Buses stop at the lots and the beaches multiple times per hour.
What to know about beach replenishment
The Delaware beaches are in the midst of getting some much-needed nourishment from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but operations will shut down over Memorial Day weekend. There’s no sand you can’t occupy in Delaware beach towns, but there may be more in some places than others.
Rehoboth Beach’s replenishment was finished last week and work has begun in Dewey Beach, estimated to be completed in late May or early June. Dredging is also underway in Fenwick Island, slated for completion in early- to mid-June, according to Corps spokesman Stephen Rochette.
Work is expected to begin in both Bethany Beach and South Bethany in early June and be completed later that month.
More on beach replenishment:Rehoboth Beach sand is ready for Memorial Day beachgoers. See the replenished beach
Surf-fishing changes
You can always simply walk-on to Delaware state park beaches to surf-fish – all you need is a fishing license. If you want to drive-on, however, you need to plan ahead.
You’ll need a surf-fishing permit, which also counts as a fishing license. You can get one at most state park offices (it takes a few weeks for them to be mailed if you order one online).
New this year, if you want to drive on state park beaches on a weekend or holiday, you’ll also need a $4 reservation.
What to do this weekend
The Rehoboth Beach bandstand will come to life this weekend with live music Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. Music doesn’t start until June in Lewes and Bethany.
There are a couple festivals to choose from Saturday, both in Milton. SpringFest will take place at Hudson Fields Saturday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a car show, a cornhole tournament, live music, kids’ activities and vendors.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the Horseshoe Crab & Shorebird Festival at Milton Memorial Park. It features vendors, kids’ activities and plenty of marine wildlife-related educational exhibits, all on the shore of the Broadkill River.
In need of some fresh produce, meats or flowers, or just want to see what the locals have to offer? Check out the Lewes Farmers Market at George H.P. Smith Park from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on Sussex County and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught
