Summer and Delaware’s beaches go hand in hand. Over the years, I’ve come to love the coastal communities as a year-round destination. Spring and fall bring the allure of one-of-a-kind festivals, migratory birding hotspots, and outdoor pursuits.
Rehoboth Beach, known as the Nation’s Summer Capital, draws the most visitors, especially those from the Washington, DC area. The mile-long boardwalk with its classic beach bandstand invites visitors to indulge in a frozen custard or try their luck at an arcade game.
The towns of Lewes, Dewey Beach, and Bethany Beach also have their own vibes. In charismatic Lewes, the Zwaanendael Museum highlights Delaware’s maritime history.
Music lovers are drawn to Dewey Beach. Bethany Beach, known as the Quiet Resorts, speaks to families for its laid-back atmosphere and boardwalk community.
Ocean Front Beaches in Southern Delaware
The allure of playing in the surf, catching some rays, and walking the boardwalk draws visitors to the town’s lifeguarded beaches. Numerous hotels and delectable restaurants are within walking distance of the beaches.
Southern Delaware also hosts magnificent state parks with wide sandy beaches. Cape Henlopen State Park, located north of Rehoboth Beach, features tons of activities.
The area played a role in protecting the coast during World War II. The Fort Miles Museum illustrates these efforts, along with a walkable artillery park.
Numerous biking and hiking trails crisscross maritime forests and along the seaside in Cape Henlopen. The 3.2-mile Gordons Pond trail opens to scenic overlooks and birding opportunities.
The kid in all of us will enjoy the Seaside Nature Center with its 500-gallon touch tank.
Delaware Seashore Park nestles between the bay and the Atlantic Ocean. That translates to over 20 miles of shoreline for fishing, kayaking, and beachgoing.
The park is a popular destination for RV and tent camping. I particularly enjoy the sunset views from the Big Chill Beach Club, which is located within the park.
Fenwick Island State Park offers three miles of oceanfront and access to Assawoman Bay for a low-key beach day. This park is also a favorite for fishing and paddling.
Nature Beyond the Beach
In addition to the trails within the state parks, outdoor lovers can explore Southern Delaware’s natural habitat.
Some of my favorite destinations for hiking and enjoying wildlife include James Farm Ecological Preserve and the Burton Island Trail.
Both trails wander through the forest with sweeping views of the inland bays. The paved 17-mile Georgetown-Lewes trail will also help you earn some miles.
As Delaware is located along the Atlantic Flyway, bird watchers have many opportunities to enjoy migratory birds, resident shorebirds, and raptors.
In addition to Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore State Parks, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge has 10,000 acres and protects over 245 species of birds.
Aquatic animal lovers will want to book a trip with Cape Water Tours. You may have a chance to see dolphins in the summer or even seals during the winter months.
The sunset tour also features views of the East End Lighthouse.
Botanical Gardens at the Beach
Tucked away in the small town of Dagsboro, the Delaware Botanic Gardens is doing big things.
Founded in 2019, the gardens evolved from a community vision that sought to preserve 37 acres of farmland.
The result is a sustainable, wildlife-friendly green space that features native plants and paths through woodland gardens.
Upon entering the garden, I am always struck by the natural meadow designed by Piet Oudolf, the famous Dutch landscaper and designer of the New York Highline.
According to Executive Director Stephen Pryce Lee, the meadow fits with the garden’s objectives of teaching people to engage with nature.
Farm Tourism
In addition to tourism, agriculture is an economic driver in the region. The fertile soil and diversity of the area allow farmers to highlight their harvests to the public.
Brittingham Farms exemplifies this with 5 acres of lavender and a farm store. You can enjoy a pasture filled with curly-wooled Leicester Longwool heritage breed sheep.
Brittingham Farms encourages people to visit and experience the lavender during summer.
This is not a U-pick farm. Instead, you can enjoy a picnic, pet the sheep, and discover their lavender distillation process.
Be sure to visit the farm store, where you’ll find balsamic vinegar, lavender sugar, and bath products.
Story Hill Farm, which practices regenerative farming, offers opportunities to pick wildflowers and visit the property.
You can see the animals such as Darla the pig and adorable Randall cattle. The farm store has a diverse range of products from the region.
I had to buy locally roasted coffee and house-made Henlopen Sea Salt during my visit.
Distinctive Cuisine and Beverages
Southern Delaware prides itself on being the Culinary CoastTM. From James Beard-nominated chefs to award-winning pastry chefs, you can find some incredible eats.
One Coastal has a menu that rotates with seasonal products, which is a must-try. Henlopen City Oyster House serves up a wide selection of seafood and oysters.
My sweet tooth is always satisfied at Thompson Island Brewing.
Wine lovers will enjoy discovering Delaware’s first winery, Nassau Valley Vineyards. The cellar offers tastings and a self-guided museum on the history of wine. The museum alone is worth the visit, but the wines are also award-winning.
Southern Delaware is also home to world-class breweries. Dogfish Head Brewing and Eats in Rehoboth Beach is a local favorite with a full menu and live music.
I enjoy discovering what’s new on tap at Dewey Beer Company. Brimming Horn Meadery offers something different with honey-fermented beverages.
If You Go:
Southern Delaware resort towns are two to three hours from Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Beach rentals can fill up in the summer months.
If you drive to the town’s beaches, you’ll likely need a parking permit from mid-May to mid-September.
The spring and fall seasons are quieter and still filled with plenty to do. The Avenue Inn and Spa, located a block from the beach, has spacious rooms and fun amenities such as milk and cookies at bedtime.
Author Bio: Julie Dee Suman is a Maryland-based freelance travel writer and photographer. She has traveled extensively, including over 48 countries across six continents. In addition to featuring the Mid-Atlantic Region, Julie enjoys destination travel with a focus on nature and wildlife excursions. She is a member of the Travel Writers Café and Outdoor Writers Association of America.
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