Delaware is home to many charming beach towns along its 381 miles of coastline to explore. As a DC area resident, some of my favorite beaches within driving distance of DC are in Delaware! From charming small towns to great places for a party, these Delaware beach towns have something for everyone.
Over the years, I’ve gotten the chance to explore the different beaches on this list on trips, and I am excited to share more about each one with you. As you take a look, I’ll share some things about each beach town and who might enjoy visiting the most.
1. Rehoboth Beach
This makes it first on the list as the most well-known Delaware beach town and one of my personal favorites. Rehoboth is known for its boardwalk, which is lively all day long and includes a small theme park – Funland. There are several hotels, restaurants, and bars in this area, but it’s very family friendly.
The town also has a strong LGBTQ+ presence and community. Many of the establishments have been there for a long time, and it has the feel of a historic (as in like 1950s) East Coast beach town.
- Best for: Those looking to be in the middle of the action with a family friendly atmosphere.
- Attractions: The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Funland amusement park, and many unique shops and restaurants.
- Beaches: Wide and less clean than the others, with plenty of lifeguards and areas for relaxing or enjoying water sports.
- Stay: Coast Rehoboth Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, The Bellmoor Inn & Spa, Beach Houses in Rehoboth
2. Lewes
One of my personal favorites (again) on this list is Lewes. Lewes is a historic and picturesque beach town offering a more cultural and quiet experience. It’s also more laid-back than nearby beach towns, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate history, art, and nature.
Lewes was founded in 1631, and its rich history is reflected in its beautifully preserved buildings and museums. Strolling through the town’s historic district, you’ll love stopping into the cute shops and visiting historic spots along the waterfront.
The beach in Lewes is more tranquil than ocean-facing beaches, offering a quiet spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach combing. Nearby Cape Henlopen State Park is also the perfect spot for a clean, pristine beach and some wildlife viewing!
- Best for: Couples, coastal town/history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and small groups
- Attractions: Cape Henlopen State Park, historic sites, and museums. There are also many boutique shops and high-end dining options.
- Beaches: Lewes Beach’s calm waters make it ideal for families with young children, and the nearby state park offers more scenic and rugged beach landscapes.
- Stay: Dogfish Inn, Beach Houses in Lewes
Photo by Max Shein on Unsplash
3. Bethany Beach
Not far from Rehoboth is a beach town known for being much quieter and relaxed, Bethany Beach. Bethany Beach has a small town feel and is popular with families and retirees who often rent (or purchase) a beach house here.
The nice thing about Bethany too is that it is very close to Rehoboth so if you want to get to somewhere more lively and still family friendly, you can do so easily.
While quieter and more relaxed, Bethany does have a boardwalk, restaurants, and nice long stretch of beach. The beach is wide and clean, with a gently sloping shoreline and lifeguards on duty during the summer months. It tends to be less crowded than other Delaware beaches, making it perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
- Best for: Those looking for a quiet, family friendly atmosphere.
- Attractions: A boardwalk lined with quaint shops and restaurants and summer concerts at the bandstand.
- Beaches: Less crowded than Rehoboth, known for being clean and safe for swimming. Lifeguards on duty in the summer.
- Stay: Addy Sea Historic Oceanfront Inn, Bethany Beach Ocean Suites, Beach Houses in Bethany
4. South Bethany
Just south of Bethany is the neighboring town of South Bethany. South Bethany is a mostly residential town and even smaller and quieter than Bethany. It’s extremely peaceful here and the laidback atmosphere makes it ideal for those looking for a quiet getaway.
The western edge of South Bethany borders the Assawoman Bay, offering plenty of opportunities for water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Many homes in South Bethany have direct access to canals leading to the bay, making it popular among boat owners.
It’s also great for fishing and charters. So even if you aren’t staying here, you may want to check it out for a day trip.
- Best for: Those looking for a quiet getaway or beach house getaway
- Attractions: Assawoman Wildlife Area, a few small businesses, fishing, and boat charters
- Beaches: Clean, wide sandy shores perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
- Stay: Beach Houses in South Bethany
Photo by Allen Dewberry Jr on Unsplash
5. Dewey Beach
Now we switch gears to one of the funnest beach towns in Delaware, Dewey. Dewey is known for its beach parties and nightlife during the summer. It’s a really fun town to spend a weekend in with friends exploring live music, the bars, and of course relaxing at the beach.
Dewey is situated on a strip between the Atlantic and Rehoboth Bay, with access to both the ocean and bay, it’s perfect for watersports. You get the best of both worlds here with the chance for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, while also getting calm water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing.
- Best for: Friends getaways, college students, young adults
- Attractions: Watersports like jet skiing, paddleboarding, and nightlife with plenty of bars and live music venues.
- Beaches: These are great for water sports, with wide sandy areas for sunbathing. In the summer, there are lifeguards.
- Stay: Hyatt Place, Beach Houses in Dewey
6. Fenwick Island
The last beach town on our list is a little town tucked away between Deleware and Maryland, Fenwick Island. This island is a laidback beach town that is far less crowded and like South Bethany, has a residential feel.
While it is called an island, it’s actually along the coast south of Bethany just before Ocean City. The nice thing though, is it’s just north of the highway so you’ll miss some of the traffic and definitely all the cars in town that are headed to Ocean City (a popular beach town in Maryland).
There’s water on both the east and west side of Fenwick Island, giving the option for calm bay waters or the waves in the Atlantic. his makes it a great place for water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, and boating.
- Best for: Laid back feel, couples with young families looking for calm beach
- Attractions: The Fenwick Island Lighthouse, water parks, and mini-golf are popular family-friendly activities. It’s also close to Ocean City, MD, for more entertainment options.
- Beaches: Quiet and perfect for relaxation, with fewer crowds than the bigger beach towns.
- Stay: Fenwick Shores, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Beach Houses in Fenwick Island
Tips for Visiting Delaware Beaches
- Prices in the summer are high. It is just that way due to its proximity to major cities like DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York. Book in advance for the best deals and consider going in shoulder season (before Memorial Day or after Labor Day).
- The most popular places to stay at beaches in Delaware are the many vacation rental homes. They are perfect for families or groups that are headed there together. There’s really no shortage, but make sure you book 3-6 months in advance for the best options!
- Happy hours are everywhere. If you love seafood and a nice drink, you’re in luck! Happy hour can be found somewhere almost daily in many of these beach towns. Research ahead if you’re with family, as some places won’t allow kids in their bar area, while others will let you sit anywhere in the restaurant to enjoy the HH prices.
- Head to the beach early to grab a spot at popular beaches. They fill up quickly, and it can be harder once you get to around 10- 11 am to find a good spot!
- Try all the local food! Delaware is known for oysters, orange crushes, boardwalk fries (with vinegar!), and local beers. Delaware has amazing fresh seafood and oysters, and the drink to try in the mid-Atlantic while at the beach is a crush or local brew.
- Plan ahead for parking. Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, Lewes, and Fenwick all have metered parking in certain areas. Plan to pay to park or if you stay somewhere close by, you can also consider walking.
- Take advantage of the state parks. The beaches in state parks are clean, have a lifeguard on duty, and tend to be less crowded. Plus, they are well-maintained and offer extras like coastal touch tanks, viewing decks, and wildlife.
- If you don’t own a beach umbrella and chairs, choose a beach or hotel that offers rentals. The state parks and several hotels around popular beach towns offer umbrella and chair rentals—they make all the difference!
- Pack your essentials and bring a cooler. Beach essentials include sun protection, towels, snacks, drinks (Delaware beaches don’t generally allow alcohol; check ahead), and plenty of water. Beach toys, an umbrella, and chairs are great additions, too.
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I hope this helps you feel ready to plan an amazing Delaware beach getaway! Every town has something to offer, and with how easy it is to drive up and down the cast, you’ll love exploring many of these coastal towns on a trip, even if you can’t stay in all of them.
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