Community Corner

Delaware Beach Guide 2013

Want to know which Delaware beach is best for your vacation?

By Sonia Dasgupta

Here's a quick guide to the Delaware beaches with some information about each beach and even (SHHHHHH!!!) some local secret spots. 

Rehoboth Beach

If you're looking for the traditional beach town experience, Rehoboth Beach, DE is the place to go. With a boardwalk that hosts mini-golf, t-shirt and trinket shops and Funland — it's the perfect place to go with the family.

Expect to spend some time finding parking as only on-street, metered parking is available along the beach. Bring some quarters — you can fill the meters for several hours, but it might cost you a bit. Rehoboth recently introduced pay by phone parking. 

Local Tip:
 Park in the DART park-and-ride along Route 1 and take the bus to the boardwalk. Two adults with two children (46 inches or less in height) ride round trip to the beach on Route 305 Beach Connection for $18.90.

As for food, there are plenty of fun, beachy options—from Thrasher's Fries, Grotto's Pizza, and Dolle's salt water taffy — you'll stay full and fill all of your summer food cravings. But there's also some fancier seafood options — Big Fish Grill and The Cultured Pearl

Don't bring alcoholic beverages or glass onto the beach and if you bring down some of those Thrasher's Fries, watch out for the fearless seagulls, who have been known to scare a toddler or two. 

Oh and if you're looking to shop, there's always the Tanger Outlets.

Dewey Beach

Looking for a place to have fun? Maybe, some adult fun? Dewey Beach is the perfect destination for those looking for a place to spend their day partying while they get some sun.

The beach is clean and walkable from most bars and restaurants, but don't bring booze onto the beach. Check out The StarboardRuddertowne USA and The Lighthouse for some great deals. The Starboard has a Bloody Mary bar and brunch each Sunday and you'll usually find a crowd there throughout the day. Ruddertowne USA is known for their drink specials and nightly shows, while The Lighthouse has a taco toss every Friday at 4 p.m. and is known for their "Orange Crushes."

A number of other area bars and restaurants have specials as well and although there is a party atmosphere, there are fun activities for children as well. Just check out the websites ahead of time and expect a few drunk college kids (or adults) to make a fool of themselves. 

Bethany Beach

If you're more of the type that wants a quiet, quaint family getaway, Bethany is the beach for you. 

Known for its gorgeous sunsets and scenery, outdoor activities and golf, it's the perfect place for families to wind down together while staying active. 

Try out kayaking, windsurfing or boating while you are there. Check out the area's farmers market or vineyards.

Try the crabs at Bluecoast Seafood Grill, the seafood at Mango’s or Italian food at DiFibeo’s


Lewes

Another quiet destination, Lewes is perfect for those with young kids or the couple wanting a romantic weekend away. The beach is smaller, but steps away from the beach houses you may be renting. There's also Cape Henlopen State Park, which has campgrounds, perfect for those wanting to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. 

The town is cute with tiny shops and restaurants and the kids will want a sweet treat at King’s Ice Cream. You can also head up to Cape May, NJ with the help of the ferry

Tower Road

If you'd like to just pay once for parking and spend your time on a clean beach, try Tower Road, which is a part of the Delaware Seashore State Park. 

You pay one parking fee and you can walk onto the beach that's miles long and often not as crowded as Dewey or Rehoboth. 

There's showers available to the public as well as a snack stand. But what's best about this beach is you can bring a cooler along with meals and drinks and save some money. The money you spend on parking goes back to the upkeep of the park. 

Insider Tips: Check out Key Box and Broadkill Beach — two other quiet beaches that are not as tourist heavy. Broadkill is great for having bonfires and camping, while Key Box is great for those with 4-wheel drives that want to fish in the ocean. 

Check out hotel options and rentals here. 


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