We have beautiful beaches in Delaware with each one offering something a little different, depending on how you and your family want to spend the day.
Let’s start from the top…
Lewes Beach
Lewes Beach is on the bay, not the ocean, so it offers a calm place to swim. You can wade in the gentle waves from passing boats, lounge on a raft, or take a leisurely swim. When you aren’t in the water you can build sandcastles, hunt for shells and rocks, and if you are lucky may even find a hermit crab or conch along the coast line. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas at the beach so you don’t have to carry your own. There are bathrooms located by the beach and a Dairy Queen within walking distance. All parking is metered at $1.50 an hour. The beach is wide though so be prepared to walk a short distance across the hot sand.
Cape Henlopen Beach
Cape Henlopen is a state park that offers many activities. They have a couple beaches to hang out on for the day including one you can drive onto as long as you have a 4wd drive vehicle and a beach permit. There is also a fishing pier and nature center that offers a variety of educational programs.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach is a bit busier than Lewes and CapeHenlopen as it has the boardwalk full of restaurants and shops. The beach is long and not too wide so you can usually find a good spot with a view of the ocean. You can rent umbrellas and chairs here too. There are many lunch choices and bathrooms within close walking distance.
Dewey Beach
This beach is known to be more of the college, singles beach, but you will still find plenty of family’s roaming around. There is not a boardwalk so you cross over the dunes on any of the side streets and you are on the beach. You can still rent the umbrellas and chairs and walk to the main street through Dewey for lunch and the restrooms.
State Park Beaches
As you make your way further south on Route 1 you will find many state part beaches between Dewey and Bethany. There are two with concession stands and picnic areas which are usually the busiest.
There are a few others that you pay to park, but do not have any amenities besides a couple of port-a-pottys. These are usually quieter though and you can get a great spot on the beach.
Finally, there are a couple beach access for your 4wd vehicles. Again you must have a beach permit on your vehicle before driving on. If you drive on you must also be actively fishing or at least have a line in the water. Local Insider Tip: The rangers do drive their 4 wheelers through to check for beach permits, but the don’t look for bait so they never know if you are really fishing or not. Driving on the beach offers the convenience of not lugging everything on the beach, plus you always get a spot right on the ocean. However, the beach permits are not very cheap so it may not be cost effective for one day.
Bethany Beach
Better known as my beach! Bethany is known as the quiet resort and hosts to mostly families. There is a small boardwalk, restaurants, shops, and two mini golfs all within walking distance of the main drag. Due to a beach replenishment project you cannot see the ocean from the boardwalk which stinks, but when you walk over the dune it is beautiful. The beach can get narrow during high tide so watch the tide charts carefully (they are posted on each lifeguards chair) to avoid having your camp wash away. There are usually many kids around so your little ones are sure to find some new friends.
Fenwick Island
This is the southernmost beach before entering Maryland. There is a state park with concession stand and then beach access from some side roads. There is not a boardwalk, but the beaches are less crowded allowing more space to spread your things. Along Route1 there are many restaurants, shops, and mini golf places.
If you are looking to hang out with your family and friends for a day, week, or even longer at a beach you are sure to find one in Delaware that meets your needs. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!!
Mel lives in her sandcastle at the beach in Delaware. When she isn’t jumping waves or playing in the sand, you can find her blogging daily at A Box of Chocolates.
Philaburban Mom 