Your Guide to Choosing the Best Delaware Beach for You

Cape Henlopen State Park

Located near Lewes, Cape Henlopen State Park offers a more natural and secluded beach experience. The park features miles of undeveloped shoreline, dunes, and tidal wetlands, making it ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Please note, Cape Henlopen is a Delaware State Park and charges a $10 entrance fee per car.

• Activities: In addition to your typical beach activities of swimming and sunbathing, Cape Henlopen State Park offers hiking and biking trails, fishing piers, and birdwatching opportunities. Cape Henlopen is also a short distance to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. If you need a break from sunbathing take the one hour trip up to New Jersey and walk around the quaint town of Cape May!

• Dining Options: Within the park itself, there is a concession stand selling your typical fare - fries, nachos, pretzels, and snow cones.
  In the town of Lewes, there is a wider selection of restaurants. A stand out is Wheelhouse, known for their seafood and nachos!

Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach is one of Delaware's most popular seaside destinations, known for its vibrant boardwalk, charming shops, and lively atmosphere. It is a great location for young families, groups of friends and solo travelers alike!
Parking can be challenging during peak season, so consider arriving early or using public transportation. The Delaware bus system is called DART and has several stops along the coast.

• Activities: Rehoboth Boardwalk offers a wide range of entertainment options, including shopping, dining, and Fun Land, an amusement park featuring classic carnival games and rides, perfect for kids of all ages! The town also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.

• Dining Options: On the boardwalk,, you can’t go wrong with the classics - Grotto’s Pizza, Thrasher’s Fries, Kohr Bro’s Ice Cream, and Fisher’s Popcorn. If you are looking for a complete meal and maybe some adult beverages, walk down the boardwalk a bit to Summer House where they serve up coast American favorites.

Dewey Beach

Dewey Beach is known for its vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere, making it a popular destination for young adults and party-goers. The beach itself is wide and sandy, with gentle waves that are perfect for swimming and water sports.

• Activities: Dewey Beach is a hub for water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. The town also boasts a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops, making it a great place to relax and unwind after a day at the beach.

• Dining Options: For a true local’s experience, check out the Starboard, a long standing institution in the middle of Dewey Beach known for their bloody mary’s!

Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach is a quieter alternative to Rehoboth, ideal for families and those seeking a more laid-back beach experience. There are significantly more beach front rental properties in Bethany with private beach access. Booking one of these rentals guarantees you will have a great spot to sit and read (or watch your kids play in the waves!) without having to place your chairs at the break of dawn. The town has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, with pristine beaches and a charming boardwalk.

• Activities: Bethany Beach’s relaxed boardwalk is home to a number of quaint stores. A personal favorite is Bethany Beach Books where I stock up on my beach reads every time I’m in town. The bandstand on the boardwalk also hosts free concerts and events throughout the summer.

• Dining Options: Mango’s is a fun Caribbean restaurant right on the boardwalk and is a favorite with the yearly returners. To start your beach day, check out the Penguin for a whimsical penguin-themed brunch experience.
  For a drive-worthy experience, visit Harpoon Hannah’s -- a Fenwick Island tradition overlooking the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. My family loves the baskets of bread that are on constant rotation.