Exploring the Beaches of Delaware: A Guide to Rehoboth, Bethany, and Lewes (2024)
Delaware may be the second smallest state in the US, but it’s home to some of the best beaches on the East Coast. The state’s 28 miles of Atlantic coastline are dotted with quaint beach towns, pristine stretches of sand, and a variety of outdoor activities for all ages. From the family-friendly Rehoboth Beach to the laid-back Lewes Beach, and the wildlife-rich Fenwick Island State Park, there’s a beach for everyone in Delaware.
Exploring the Beaches of Delaware: A Guide to Rehoboth, Bethany, and Lewes
So grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and get ready to soak up some sun on the shores of the First State.
1. Rehoboth- Dewey Getaway
Rehoboth-Dewey Getaway in Delaware: A Perfect Beach Vacation Destination
Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches are two of the most popular vacation destinations on the East Coast. Located in Sussex County, Delaware, these two small towns are known for their beautiful beaches, lively boardwalks, and a plethora of activities for visitors of all ages. The two towns are separated by a short strip of land, but they offer very different experiences.
Rehoboth Beach is a charming and vibrant town that is perfect for families. The beach is clean and wide, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports. The town is home to a lively boardwalk that has an amusement park, mini-golf courses, and plenty of restaurants and shops. The boardwalk also features live music, fireworks, and other fun activities throughout the summer.
Dewey Beach, on the other hand, is more of a party destination. Known as the “Little Town with a Big Beach,” Dewey Beach has a reputation for its lively nightlife scene. The beach is great for surfing and other water sports, and it is known for its lively atmosphere.
Whether you prefer a quiet day at the beach or a lively night out, Rehoboth-Dewey is the perfect destination for a beach getaway. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including parasailing, kayaking, and fishing. They can also visit the many restaurants and bars in the area, which serve fresh seafood and other local specialties.
The area also boasts many shopping options, including beach-themed souvenir shops, art galleries, and boutiques. There are also several outlet malls in the area, which offer a wide variety of stores and great deals on brand-name merchandise.
In conclusion, Rehoboth-Dewey is the perfect destination for a beach vacation. With its beautiful beaches, lively boardwalks, and abundance of activities, it has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or a fun night out, Rehoboth-Dewey is the place to be.
2. Lewes Beach in Delaware: A Hidden Gem on the East Coast
Lewes Beach in Delaware is a hidden gem on the East Coast that offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, relaxation, and recreational activities. Located on the Delaware Bay, this small beach town is a popular destination for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here’s a closer look at what makes Lewes Beach so special.
Location and Accessibility
Lewes Beach is located in the town of Lewes, Delaware, which is situated on the southern tip of Cape Henlopen. The town is easily accessible from nearby cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., and can be reached by car, bus, or train. The closest airport is the Philadelphia International Airport, which is approximately a two-hour drive away.
Natural Beauty
Lewes Beach is known for its natural beauty, which includes pristine sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and stunning sunsets. The town is surrounded by lush greenery, wetlands, and wildlife, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The beach itself is a peaceful and relaxing spot, with plenty of room to spread out and soak up the sun. 
Recreational Activities
For those who want to do more than just relax on the beach, Lewes Beach offers a range of recreational activities. The calm waters of the Delaware Bay are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll or bike ride on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal Trail, which offers stunning views of the town and the bay. For birdwatchers, the nearby Cape Henlopen State Park is a popular spot for observing migratory birds.
Historic Charm
In addition to its natural beauty and recreational activities, Lewes Beach is also rich in history and culture. The town has a rich maritime heritage, with a long history of shipbuilding, fishing, and trading. Visitors can learn more about the town’s history by visiting the Zwaanendael Museum, which houses exhibits on Delaware history, culture, and natural resources. The museum is located in a replica of a Dutch 17th-century town hall, which adds to the town’s charm.
Lewes Beach in Delaware is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, relaxation, recreational activities, and historic charm. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, Lewes Beach has something to offer everyone. So if you’re planning a trip to the East Coast, be sure to add Lewes Beach to your itinerary!
3. Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is a small coastal town in the state of Delaware, located on the Atlantic coast. With its wide sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and charming boardwalk, Bethany Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
One of the main draws of Bethany Beach is its pristine beaches, which stretch for miles along the Atlantic coast. The soft sand and gentle waves make it a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. There are plenty of beachfront restaurants, shops, and cafes to explore as well, making it easy to spend an entire day at the beach.
At Bethany Beach a summer fest is done between the months of June and August. You have bonfires starting at 8 pm for visitors and locals out here. Plus, movie screenings are done every Monday at dusk.
In addition to its beaches, Bethany Beach is also home to a charming boardwalk. The boardwalk is a popular spot for visitors to take a stroll, enjoy an ice cream cone, or simply people-watch. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and amusement parks along the boardwalk, making it a great spot for families with children. 
For those looking for more outdoor activities, Bethany Beach offers plenty of opportunities for water sports. Visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft to explore the Atlantic coast, or try their hand at fishing in the many nearby lakes and rivers.
Overall, Bethany Beach is a perfect destination for those looking for a relaxing beach vacation. With its pristine beaches, charming boardwalk, and abundance of outdoor activities, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to visit this Delaware gem year after year.
4. Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island is a small coastal town in Sussex County, Delaware. Located on a barrier island, Fenwick Island is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Little Assawoman Bay on the other. With its pristine beaches, tranquil waters, and stunning sunsets, Fenwick Island is a popular vacation destination for families and beachgoers.
One of the main attractions of Fenwick Island is its wide, sandy beaches. The town has a number of public access points to the beach, which are free and open to the public. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or simply relax on the sand while enjoying the ocean breeze and the sound of the waves. Fenwick Island is also known for its excellent surf fishing, which is a popular activity for both locals and visitors. 
In addition to the beach, Fenwick Island offers a variety of other activities for visitors to enjoy. The town has a number of restaurants, shops, and other businesses that cater to tourists, and there are several golf courses and miniature golf courses in the area as well. For those who enjoy water sports, there are opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing in the calm waters of Little Assawoman Bay.
Fenwick Island is also home to several parks and nature preserves, which provide opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities. The Fenwick Island State Park is located on the southern end of the island and features a wide, sandy beach, as well as trails for hiking and biking.
Overall, Fenwick Island is a charming seaside town with plenty to offer visitors of all ages. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an outdoor adventure, or a family-friendly destination, Fenwick Island is definitely worth a visit.
5. Delaware Seashore State Park
Delaware Seashore State Park is one of the most popular destinations for beachgoers in Delaware. This state park is located along the Atlantic Ocean and offers more than six miles of sandy beaches, making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities.
In addition to the beautiful beaches, Delaware Seashore State Park also has a variety of other outdoor recreational activities. The park offers camping facilities, which are perfect for those looking to spend a night or two in the great outdoors. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, windsurfing, and other water sports. 
For those interested in history, the park features a unique attraction in the form of the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum. The museum showcases the history of the United States Life-Saving Service, which was a precursor to the modern-day Coast Guard. Visitors can explore the station, which was built in 1876, and learn about the brave men who risked their lives to save others from shipwrecks along the coast.
The park also offers a number of hiking trails that are perfect for those who want to explore the natural beauty of Delaware Seashore State Park. The trails take visitors through a variety of different environments, including marshes, forests, and sand dunes.
Overall, Delaware Seashore State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in spending time on the beach or exploring the great outdoors. With its beautiful beaches, camping facilities, water sports, hiking trails, and historical attractions, the park offers something for everyone.
6. Slaughter Beach
Slaughter Beach is a small, quiet beach town located on the Delaware Bay in Sussex County, Delaware. Unlike some of the more well-known beaches in the area, Slaughter Beach offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a relaxing getaway.
The beach at Slaughter Beach is a natural, undeveloped beach that stretches for miles, offering visitors the opportunity to walk, swim, and sunbathe in a natural setting. It is also an ideal location for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of shorebirds, including ospreys, sandpipers, and terns.
In addition to its natural beauty, Slaughter Beach has a rich history. The town was named after William Slaughter, a local farmer who owned the land where the town was established in the 1600s. The Slaughter Beach Historical Society has preserved many of the town’s historic buildings, including the Slaughter Beach Life-Saving Station, which was built in 1876 and served as a rescue station for shipwrecked sailors.
Slaughter Beach also offers several recreational activities, including kayaking, fishing, and crabbing. The town has a small marina where visitors can rent boats or launch their own, as well as a fishing pier that extends into the Delaware Bay.
For those seeking a quiet and peaceful beach experience, Slaughter Beach is an excellent choice. Its natural beauty, rich history, and recreational opportunities make it a unique destination for visitors to the Delaware shore.
7. BroadKill Beach
Broadkill Beach is a hidden gem on the Delaware coast. This secluded beach is located in the northern part of the state, between Lewes and Milford. It is a perfect destination for those who seek a peaceful and natural environment.
The beach is named after the Broadkill River, which flows into the Delaware Bay nearby. This river estuary provides a unique ecosystem for birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking. The beach itself is relatively uncrowded and has a wide shoreline, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing and long walks. 
Broadkill Beach is a great location for families with children as the water is shallow and calm. The beach has plenty of wildlife, including horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, and seagulls. Visitors can also observe dolphins swimming in the ocean.
The area is also home to the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a 10,144-acre protected area that is a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife. This refuge offers hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and breathtaking views of the salt marshes.
Overall, Broadkill Beach is a peaceful and quiet place to relax and escape from the crowds. It is a hidden gem that offers a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Delaware is a beautiful state with some of the top-notch beaches on the East Coast. Rehoboth-Dewey, Lewes, and Bethany are some of the most famous and classy beaches, offering visitors a wide range of recreational activities and entertainment options. Rehoboth and Dewey beaches provide a perfect beach vacation destination, with lively boardwalks, beautiful beaches, and an abundance of activities for visitors of all ages. Lewes Beach, on the other hand, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, relaxation, recreational activities, and historic charm. Meanwhile, Bethany Beach provides visitors with wide sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and a charming boardwalk, which makes it a great place to visit with family and friends. Overall, Delaware’s beaches have something to offer everyone, and a trip to this beautiful state is definitely worth considering.
