The Atlantic coast boasts a multitude of fantastic beach towns. With so many great options, which is best for you and your group? This article highlights the gems in southern Delaware: Dover, Milton, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island. The big allures to this area are the clean beaches, a host of unique experiences, the wealth of appetizing dining and entertainment options, and the wide variety of big-name outlets and smaller, independently-owned boutiques. Bonus: there is no sales tax in the state!
My family has been visiting the Delaware coast for decades, and we continue to find it an excellent place for relaxing respites throughout the seasons. This article highlights the places of interest along the Atlantic coast, beginning in the Dover area and stretching south to Fenwick Island.
This article was completely updated from the one previously published in 2019. More information on how to enjoy the Delaware beaches is included in this edition.
Map of Delaware Beaches & Sites
This map shows the major beach towns in Delaware and interesting places to visit.
Why Delaware beaches?
- Delaware beaches are free.
- No endless line of high-rise hotels. The beaches are not as busy and crowded as those in Maryland or New Jersey. Although there’s a lot to do, the crowds never grow too big to be annoying.
- There are nature and wildlife preserves and historical sites to enjoy.
- The beaches are almost year-round destinations. They offer special weekend events (featuring jazz music, craft shows, classic cars, charity-run walks/runs, beach cottage tours, Christmas parades, and “polar bear” plunges in the ocean) that draw visitors even in the off-season.
- Most towns also offer boat, kayak, canoe, jet ski, and stand-up paddleboard rentals, miniature golf, arcades, and golf courses. Search online for eco kayak tours, fishing charters, and whatever water activity you favor. Bike rentals are available in most towns, and cycling can be a fun way to explore a place. In Rehoboth Beach, you’ll also find water parks and movie theaters.
- Enjoy the “Culinary Coast” wealth of great dining options. You’ll find creative dishes and elevated dining experiences in addition to traditional beach fare. Check online (at TripAdvisor and/or Yelp) for suggestions to match your dining interests.
- The southern Delaware beach communities offer
- unspoiled beaches (with regular beach replenishment every few years)
- lifeguards during the summer season,
- vendor service for chair & umbrella rentals and snacks, and
- vacation homes and condos for rent, along with hotels/motels.
- Your dog is welcome to join you on vacation, though pooches are not allowed on the beach from May through September.
This article lists the major southern Delaware beach towns from north to south. We start in Dover, and even though it’s not technically a beach town, it has some great spots to explore. Then we head south along Route 1 to the fun coastal towns.
How far is it? As a reference: it’s about 60 miles from Dover to Fenwick Island and 24 miles from Lewes in the north to Fenwick Island to the south. Bear in mind that this mileage is typically to the center of the towns.
Dover Area
Dover has several places of interest and key attractions very close to Route 1, the major artery running north to south in the state. If you’re not driving from the north (through Dover) to the beaches, you can travel there from the southern Delaware beaches. It’ll take about 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic congestion.
Air Mobility Command Museum
Museum Main Entrance: Route 9, 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover | 302-677-5938
Located just off Route 1 in Dover, the Air Mobility Command Museum features planes that have been retired by the U.S. military. There are plenty of vintage planes and many exhibits about past military conflicts. Visitors are invited to climb aboard some planes to look around the interiors. Retired military folks are on hand to offer background information to visitors. Admission and parking are free. Here’s a guide to the Air Mobility Command Museum.
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
2591 Whitehall Neck Rd, Smyrna (10 miles north of Dover) | 302-653-9345
If you have time while visiting or passing by the Dover area, consider visiting this wildlife refuge — a sanctuary for native and migrating birds. Check out this Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge guide to make the most of your visit. No admission charge.
John Dickinson Plantation
340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover | 302-739-3277
The boyhood home of John Dickinson (1732-1808), one of the country’s Founding Fathers and a signer of the U.S. Constitution, is just south of the Dover Air Force Base (and very close to Route 1). Visit the mansion, the slave quarters, the smokehouse, and the gardens. Recent archeological findings include evidence of Native American presence on the land before the plantation was built and an African American burial site. Guided tours are available. Check for current days and times of operation. No admission charge.
Milton
Broadkill Beach
69 Broadkill Rd, Milton
You’ll surely find some solitude at Broadkill Beach, a strip of land with Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge (see listing below) to the west and Delaware Bay to the east. There’s essentially one road that runs north-south along the beach. Being situated on the bay, the water is calmer than the beaches further south that face the Atlantic Ocean.
Dogfish Head Brewery
6 Cannery Village Center, Milton | 302-684-1000
If you enjoy a cold brew (and also distilled spirits), there’s an interesting tour at Dogfish Head Brewery. Dogfish Head Brewery was one of the first craft breweries in the country. It’s a short drive north of Rehoboth Beach, off Route 1, in Milton. Also under the umbrella of Dogfish Head are restaurants and an inn — all in neighboring towns.
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
11978 Turkle Pond Rd, Milton | 302-684-8419
Situated just off Route 1 between Dover and Lewes, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a tranquil spot for walking, birding, fishing, or even canoeing and kayaking. My husband and I have stopped to enjoy walking the trails here — a welcome refuge for us while driving to/from other places. No admission is charged.
Lewes
The Dutch were the first to colonize Delaware in 1631. Later, the British took control of the town. After being conveyed the land by the British crown in 1682, William Penn named the town Lewes (to commemorate another town in England).
Today, Lewes (“Loo-iss”) oozes charm with many historical buildings and an appealing dining and shopping scene. You’ll find a variety of independently-owned shops and boutiques here. Lewes is a small, tidy municipality with a quaint downtown that is absolutely delightful and relaxing — and very dog friendly. You’ll often see a pooch lounging under an outdoor dining table while its owners enjoy lunch.
The best way to explore Lewes is on foot. Park the car, and wander down Front Street, Second Street, and the side streets. You’ll no doubt see historical markers describing the historical significance of dozens of properties. Plus, you’ll find some pleasant parks as well as plenty of unique shops and restaurants.
Lewes Canalfront Park
211 Front Street, Lewes
This 3-acre park sits on the bank of the Lewes & Rehoboth Canal and is one of the lovely parks in Lewes. Here you’ll find the
- 1938 Lightship Falls, a ship that served as a floating lighthouse. Tours are offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day, plus on some fall weekends.
- the Lewes Life Saving Station. Call (302-645-7670) for current days and hours of operation.
- gardens, a fishing pier, a kayak launching site, a playground, and recreational facilities for tennis, pickleball, and baseball.
Lewes Maritime Museum
118 Front Street, Lewes | 302-645-7670
Sometimes called the Cannonball House, the Lewes Maritime Museum (operated by the Lewes Historical Society) traces the town’s history as a maritime hub. The building is dubbed the Cannonball House because a cannonball was stuck in the foundation of the building during a British naval bombardment during the War of 1812. Check for historical walking tours the museum usually runs on weekends; book early online as they fill up quickly.
Zwaanendael Museum
Savannah Road at King’s Highway, Lewes | 302-645-1148
The Zwaanendael Museum was built in 1931 to commemorate the town’s 300th year since the Dutch first settled here. The museum tells stories of its Dutch history, area shipwrecks, and the rise of railroads in the area in the 1850s. Relax outside in the adjacent park on a nice day. Also, check out the museum’s YouTube channel to learn more about this area’s history. Open year-round; check for current days and hours of operation.
The following sites are outside downtown Lewes, a short drive away.
Lewes Beaches
Both Savannah Beach and Johnnie Walker Beach have lifeguards during the summer, restrooms with showers, and metered parking.
Cape Henlopen State Park
15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes | 302-645-8983
Cape Henlopen State Park, with over 5,000 acres, is unique because its grounds include Fort Miles, a retired military base, and a fire control tower (that served as a World War II military lookout) along with beaches, snack concession stand, restrooms, campsites, hiking and biking trails, bike rentals, and a nature center. Plan your outing using this Cape Henlopen State Park guide.
The park’s history as a public gathering spot began way back in 1682 when William Penn (who was granted the land by the British crown) deemed this acreage a place to be enjoyed by others. Thus, it was never commercially developed. The Cape Henlopen Lighthouse used to guide ships in the area, but now it stands over a protected harbor enjoyed by visitors. This park is a perfect destination for swimming in the ocean, kayaking, boating, camping, hiking, and biking.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry
43 Cape Henlopen Dr., Lewes| 800-643-3779
Past the downtown, you’ll find the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which makes a journey to historic Cape May, New Jersey, a realistic day trip. The ferry runs year-round in all weather (except when it’s deemed unsafe). The trip across Delaware Bay takes about 90 minutes one-way. You can park in the parking lot and walk aboard the ferry or drive aboard for the 17-mile trip. Reservations are required; book online or call 800-643-3779.
Rehoboth Beach
Visited by many, Rehoboth Beach is the largest beach town in Delaware. It is a perennial favorite in polls of great American beach towns, and its mile-long boardwalk is a big draw for visitors.
Around town, you’ll find an amusement park, arcades, plenty of interesting local shops, and loads of good restaurants along the main drag and on side streets.
Mention Rehoboth Beach to people, and many think of the shopping outlets of major brands of apparel, shoes, home goods, and more. The outlets are separate from the actual town of Rehoboth Beach (with the boardwalk) and sit on either side of Route 1, northwest of downtown. With the state’s lack of a sales tax, Rehoboth Beach outlets are a magnet for many.
Dewey Beach
Dewey Beach is often a festive place. Evenings in town are lively with music (often live) and bars — the big ones are Bottle & Cork, Northbeach, Rusty Rudder, and the Starboard. Summertime beach fun includes movies on the beach and bonfires.
Dewey Beach is dog-friendly which means that dogs are allowed on the beach during the summer season — a rarity in the area. Get a license from the town for your visiting canine, and then you can both hit the beach — just remember to obey the time restrictions for dogs on the beach: before 9:30 am and after 5:30 pm from May 15 to September 15 (while leashed).
Delaware Seashore State Park
South of Dewey Beach, Delaware Seashore State Park land falls on either side of Route 1 just south of the Indian River Inlet Bridge. The beach has lifeguards during the season, plus there’s camping, fishing, surfing, biking, and a restaurant in the park. There is a parking fee during the summer season. For a great coastal view, climb up the metal spiral staircase inside Tower 3, a World War II fire tower that was recently renovated and opened to the public.
Indian River Life-Saving Station
25039 Coastal Hwy (along Route 1, south of Dewey Beach) | 302-227-6991
Located in Delaware Seashore State Park south of Dewey Beach, the Indian River Life-Saving Station helped shipwreck folks. Also, it warned ships if they were getting too close to shore. Active from 1876 to 1962, the Indian River Life-Saving Station is now a historic site and a museum. They have a variety of activities throughout the year.
Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is a popular destination for families. In fact, it is one of ten nearby towns (including Fenwick Island) that are dubbed the “Quiet Resorts.” It has a laid-back vibe and is a great base for exploring other coastal experiences.
The centerpiece of Bethany Beach’s activity is the bandstand on the boardwalk. It’s a lively place from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. That’s when various bandstand performances rock the stage on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Seating on the bandstand benches is free but fills up fast; audience members are welcome to bring their own chairs.
Also, Bethany Beach hosts movies on the beach (summer evenings at dusk), a farmer’s market on Sunday mornings, and summer exercise classes on the beach. Check the town’s website for a complete list of activities. For visitors in the spring, there’s an Easter sunrise service at the bandstand jointly hosted by several local churches.
The 24-foot totem pole welcomes visitors to Bethany Beach and helps us remember that this land once was home to the Nanticoke nation. The totem pole standing there was carved from red cedar harvested in the Pacific Northwest.
From the totem pole east to the Bethany Beach boardwalk, you’ll find lots of good dining and shopping options. Also, if you continue west from the totem pole, you’ll be on Route 26 and find more restaurants and local shops.
Bethany Beach Museum (Dinker-Irvin House)
318 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach
Located in a vintage cottage near the downtown, the Dinker-Irvin Museum showcases life in Bethany Beach in the early 1900s. The cottage once served as a post office and houses interesting artifacts, photographs, and exhibits telling the story of this classic beach town. No admission is charged.
Bethany Beach Nature Center
807 Garfield Parkway (Route 26), Bethany Beach | 302-537-7680
Open year-round, the Bethany Beach Nature Center’s short trail leads visitors to forest and wetlands settings. Expect to see various wildlife, including birds like eagles, egrets, osprey, and herons. Also, the nature center has programming for children during the summer season.
Fresh Pond Trail
Hickman Road, Bethany Beach (off Route 1 and Fred Hudson Road)
Fresh Pond Trail is in a small park bordering the Indian River Bay and has a 3.5-mile loop trail for peaceful walks — a nice change of pace from busy beach fun. It’s a short drive from Bethany Beach. There is a parking fee during the summer season.
Holts Landing State Park
27046 Holts Landing Road, Dagsboro (6.5 miles west of Bethany Beach)
Holts Landing State Park has trails for walking, biking, and horseback riding along with a boat launch, fishing pier, and large playground. Also, it’s a great spot to fish, crab, clam, and kayak. There is a parking fee during the summer season.
James Farm Ecological Preserve
30048 Cedar Neck Road, Ocean View
A few different trail options await at James Farm Ecological Preserve. Choose a woodland stroll to a sandy beach on the Indian River Bay or a different woodland walk for marshland scenes. Either way, the trails are over fairly flat terrain. James Farm Ecological Preserve is located 4 miles west of Bethany Beach. There is no fee.
South Bethany Beach
South Bethany Beach sits directly south of Bethany Beach and is mostly residential. This translates into a beach with plenty of elbow room. There are full-time residents, of course, but quite a few vacation rentals are also available.
Homes line the beach and the bay — and in between. Route 1 bisects the bayside and oceanside properties. Parking for the beach is along the residential streets on the eastern side; some rental properties come with parking passes to use during your stay.
The canals on the bayside lead to Little Assawoman Bay for boating, crabbing, fishing, water skiing, and windsurfing. The canals also lead to the Assawoman Wildlife Refuge and the Assawoman Canal, where you can kayak and watch for interesting wildlife.
Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island has a quiet and relatively uncrowded beach at the southern state line. Fenwick Island is mostly residential, although some small hotels/motels sit a few blocks off the beach.
In town, you’ll find some popular independently-owned restaurants, long-time classic spots like Candy Kitchen, Fisher’s Popcorn, Kohr Brother’s Ice Cream, miniature golf courses, and a water park. Most of the dining and entertainment spots are along Route 1 and Route 54 (which heads west from Route 1).
Further inland is the Freeman Arts Pavilion, which hosts performances by top entertainers; check out their lineup while planning your trip to the beach.
Just south of Fenwick Island is bustling Ocean City, Maryland, where you can find plenty of additional entertainment and dining options.
Fenwick Island Lighthouse
103 146th Street, Ocean City, Maryland
Erected in 1859 (and decommissioned in 1978), the Fenwick Island Lighthouse’s beam helped direct ships up to 15 miles away from dangerous spots as they approached Delaware Bay.
For history buffs, there’s an engraved stone near the base with the coat of arms of William Penn (who was granted a Royal Charter by King Charles II in the 17th century for land that became Pennsylvania and Delaware) on one side and the coat of arms of the Calvert family (who were granted a British Royal charter to settle what became known as Maryland) on the other side. These two families had a long-running dispute about where the boundary line should be between Delaware and Maryland.
The lighthouse sits on the Delaware-Maryland state line, and it’s easier to appreciate it from the Maryland side; this explains the address in Maryland. Lighthouse hours (to view inside only) are on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 am-Noon from June through September.
Fenwick Island State Park
Fenwick Island State Park features a stretch of sandy beaches between South Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island on either side of Route 1, offering the bay on the west side of the road and the ocean to the east.
State park facilities along Route 1 have beach access, a parking lot (which can fill up quickly), restrooms, and a snack bar. A section of the beach has lifeguards during the summer season. A nominal fee is charged to enter. By the way, dogs are permitted in Fenwick Island State Park during the summer — but only on the stretches of beach that lifeguards do not oversee; dogs are permitted on the entire beach in the off-season (October through April). Surf fishing is a big draw along the unguarded stretches of beach.
Beyond the Beaches
Delaware Botanic Gardens
30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro | 302-321-9061
The Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek feature a variety of garden settings, including meadows, woodland, wetland, and pond. Walking trails guide visitors through the various environments. It is open Thursdays through Sundays. There is an admission charge for adults.
Trap Pond State Park
33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel | 302-875-5153
To spend some time hiking, biking, or boating away from the beach crowds, consider Trap Pond State Park — about a 45-minute drive inland from Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island. Here you’ll find shady trails around a tranquil pond from which bald cypress trees grow. Also, you can rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, or pedal boats to enjoy some time on the water. Bring a picnic lunch, too, so you’re all set for a few hours of unwinding here.
Summary of Coastal Activity Options
| What You’re Looking For | Where to Find It |
|---|---|
| Busier beaches | Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach |
| Quieter, less crowded beaches | Milton, Lewes, Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island |
| A dose of history | Dover, Lewes, Indian River Life-Saving Museum south of Dewey Beach |
| Time in nature | Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (north of Dover); Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge (Milton), Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes); Holts Landing State Park (Bethany Area); Delaware Seashore State Park: Fenwick Island State Park; Trap Pond State Park (Laurel, west of Bethany Beach) |
| Nightlife | Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach |
| Family-focused area | Milton, Lewes, Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island |
Related Articles
- Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover
- Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Smyrna
- Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes
- Fresh Pond Trail, Bethany Beach
- Holts Landing State Park, Dagsboro
- Indian River Lifesaving Station, near Rehoboth Beach
- James Farm Ecological Preserve, near Bethany Beach
- Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Milton
- Trap Pond State Park, Laurel
Final Thoughts
In southern Delaware, you’ll find well-maintained towns that welcome visitors without the crowded beaches and touristy vibes often found in the larger beach towns elsewhere along the Atlantic coast. With communities hugging the Atlantic Coast in Delaware, you can’t go wrong. Basically, there’s something for everyone, and they are all great places to enjoy some R&R.
Which Delaware Beach is the Best?
My advice: Choose a town that suits you and your group for daytime beach fun and sleeping. Then you can venture to other towns for places and activities that strike your fancy for other times during your stay. Since there are many dining options, check online rating sites (like TripAdvisor or Yelp) to find the type of restaurant that suits your tastes and budget. There are so many superb restaurants in the area that you’ll have to prioritize your favorite picks — and wait for a return trip to the shore to sample the rest.
Year-round Attractions
Also, each town has restaurants and shops open year-round (though some are only open on the weekends during the late fall through early spring). Some people prefer to visit in the “shoulder seasons” of spring and fall — rather than the hot summer — since the weather is usually very pleasant and fewer people are around, making it easier to get seated quickly at top restaurants.
Heed the Speed Limits!
One final tip: obey all speed limits while driving through the beach towns. Typical speed limits are 25-35 miles an hour, and the police enforce the speed limits. (Don’t say you weren’t warned!)
Comments?
If you’ve enjoyed some time at a Delaware beach or town, share your thoughts and suggestions for other visitors. Thank you! 🙂
We love South Bethany!
South Bethany does have a lot to offer, especially the uncrowded beach and its proximity to Bethany Beach with its varied dining and shopping options.
I really appreciate all the info in one place. I have enjoyed many years of family get-togethers and many many precious memories in Bethany. Perfect location for all!
Hi Alison, I’m glad you found that article helpful. Bethany Beach is indeed a great place for family gatherings and fun times! Thanks for your comment!
McCabe’s closed this past New Years Eve.
You are right! I was sad to see McCabe’s (gourmet food market) close in South Bethany, but I am looking forward to what the new owners have in store. Early plans called for keeping a gourmet market plus adding a fish market and deli — and enlarging the outdoor dining space. The new establishment should be open in early summer — not too long from now!🤞🏻
Flounder fishing off surf or bay charter BOAT AVAILable??
Flounder limit an size an seasons??
Hi Bill, Maybe your best bet for information is Delaware’s state fishing report (see link below) and a local bait shop or marina. Good luck!
https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/fishing-report/
I’ve spent a handful of summers in a shared summer rental on the Delaware beaches. It’s a great, clean, and friendly place with something for everyone.
Yes, indeed! The southern Delaware beach towns vary in size and personality which makes this whole area so appealing.
Great info! Vacationed here with my family as a kid, such an amazing place.
Super! Seems like we both enjoy time along the Delaware shore! It’s a great place for folks of all ages.