Delaware may be one of the smallest states in the United States, but it’s not without amazing summer retreats. As the very first state, it’s steeped in a rich history you won’t find anywhere else in the US. With sandy beaches, lush forests, and many things to do and see, it’s a great place to unwind this summer. Bigger cities like Dover or Wilmington are great, but the crowds and traffic are anything but relaxing. Outside the larger cities are cool, adorable towns with beaches, hiking trails, and historical sites worth checking out in 2024.
Dewey Beach
Dewey Beach is one of those bustling beach-side towns without a shortage of things to do day or night. Watersports are the way to go, and visitors can recharge their batteries on its pristine sandy beaches or seek adventure with one of its many watersports activities. Other great spots are Delmarva Board Sports, where you can rent a board or kayak, or Good Vibes Tiki Cruises for an energetic day on the ocean. As the sun sets, it’s time to take a walk on The Dewey Beach Baywalk for peaceful views of the Rehoboth Bay (it’s especially amazing at sunset). Lucky tourists may even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two.
Apart from the outdoor scene, the great thing about Dewey Beach is its thriving nightlife. In fact, Dewey Beach is noted as one of the most popular nightlife spots in Delaware. Head to Dagsworthy Avenue on Mondays for a family-friendly movie night or Wednesdays for a fun public bonfire. The local pubs and restaurants offer live music, cold drinks, and fresh seafood. Before leaving, be sure to hit up Woody’s Dewey Beach for some of Delaware’s famous crab cakes.
Bowers
Bowers is a perfect beachy getaway if you love relaxing beachside in one of the most historic towns in the state. Bowers is one of the oldest settlements on Deleware Bay and was initially called Whitwell’s Delight in the 1600s. Today, it’s a cool and kitschy beach town that’s fun for the whole family. You can spend the day soaking up the sun on the sandy Bowers Beach, book a boat charter at Captain’s Lady Charters, or learn more about the town at the Bowers Beach Maritime Museum.
If you can’t get enough fresh seafood, Bowers Beach is the place to be. JP’s Wharf serves up fresh seafood in their seaside dining room. Their seafood comes in fresh every morning, and it’s a must-try for anyone in the area.
Rehoboth Beach
There is no shortage of things to do at Rehoboth Beach. While the sun and sand are enough to melt your stress again, there’s much more to see and do. The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is one of the most popular attractions in the small coastal town. It offers many whimsical local shops, delicious seafood, and family-friendly attractions. Nearby, Funland’s amusement area and arcade will surely be a big hit with the kids. With over a full mile of seaside shops, it can keep kids and adults occupied for a full day. For visitors in August, check out the 51st Annual Fine Art and Fine Crafts Show at Henlopen Acres. This lively event has live music, a beer garden, and live art demonstrations, making it a must-see this summer at Rehoboth Beach.
If you are a nature lover, you must check out Rehoboth Beach’s more popular natural attraction: the Great Marsh Preserve. It provides over 17,000 acres of scenic views of Delaware’s wetlands. Walk one of their many accessible trails, or rent a canoe to venture deeper into these lush marshes. It’s the perfect spot for bird-watching or snapping a few nature photos.
Harrington
Harrington’s biggest claim to fame is the Harrington Raceway & Casino. While it is a great place to gamble, it also offers excellent food and buffets, live entertainment, and concerts. Think of it as a mini Atlantic City sans the crowds. It’s also the home of the Delaware State Fair in July, which hosts concerts, holiday shops, and many year-round attractions.
Harrington is also a great place to slow down and take in the beautiful Browns Branch County Park scenery. It features a playground for the kids, picnic tables, family-friendly hiking trails, and a wetland boardwalk with wooded views. After the outdoor fun, downtown Harrington is the place to be, with plenty of locally owned restaurants, cafes, and shopping.
Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island is a great summer escape for people who love the beach but hate the crowds. This kitschy beachside town boasts fun local shops, delicious restaurants, and no shortage of breathtaking views. While the beaches are a great place to unwind, Fenwick Island State Park is the place for adventure. Adventurers can fish, kayak, paddleboard, sail, or walk the beach boardwalk at this lovely state park. Those looking for some good photos should head to the Assawoman Recreation Area at sunset to admire the scenery on this undisturbed shoreline.
After exploring the coastline, most people head into town for the eclectic local shops. Shopaholics can stroll the Village of Fenwick Shoppes or grab a bite to eat at Matt’s Fish Camp. Meanwhile, maritime enthusiasts opt for the Discoversea Shipwreck Museum, a fun place to explore and discover treasures from the bottom of the ocean.
Bethany Beach
Need a summertime escape with plenty to do for the whole family? Bethany Beach is a quaint and eclectic seaside town with scenic beaches and plenty of attractions on and off the beach. Head down to the Joseph Olson Boardwalk for an afternoon of shopping and eating. It’s not a huge boardwalk but offers various kitschy shops, food stands, and seaside views. It’s all the fun of a boardwalk without the chaotic crowds. At night, head to the Bandstand area on the boardwalk to listen to live music with the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore.
Away from the beach, there are family-friendly parks, mini-golfing, and go-karting facilities to keep you entertained all week. The summer of 2024 is a great time to check out the Bethany Beach Concert Series, which offers live bands through October right on the beach. Before leaving, cultural enthusiasts can check out the Bethany Beach History Museum and Nature Center for insight into this sleepy little beach town.
Smyrna
While most people equate Delaware to beach towns and coastal charm, there is much more to see. Tourists interested in this side of the state can head inland, just north of Dover, to the historic town of Smyrna. Nestled near the Blackbird State Forest, it’s home to beautiful wooded views, museums, and the tranquil Lake Como. Spend an afternoon hitting up the local attractions like the Smyrna Museum, which dates back to the 1700s. There, visitors can explore many historic artifacts and paintings, as well as admire the architecture of the historic building.
After exploring the many shops and cafes in the downtown area, recharge your batteries at Lake Como. It’s a great place to take in scenic views, fish, picnic, or swim. Or, head to the Big Oak County Park for gorgeous wooded hiking trails and a playground for the kids.
Lewes
Back to the coast from Smyrna, Lewes is a fun summer getaway that has something for everyone. The historic town perfectly blends history, natural beauty, and scenic beach views. Tourists can spend a day soaking up the sun at Lewes Beach or explore one of the many shops and restaurants by the ocean. However, Lewes is so much more than a fun beachside town.
As one of the first settlements in Delaware, it’s known as the “First Town in the First State.” As such, many historical sites and museums are worth checking out while in Lewes. Among these, the Lewes Maritime Museum and the stunning Zwaanendael Museum stand out, showcasing everything from local shipwrecks to the town’s settlement. For a more leisurely afternoon, explore the Historic Lewes Farmers Market and the Fort Miles Historic Area right on the Atlantic Ocean.
Cool Off This Summer
Whether you want to relax seaside, lakeside, or poolside, these cool towns in Delaware have a little something for everyone. Explore the fun shops of the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, soak up the sun at Bethany Beach, or explore the historic town of Lewes. Indulge in some of the freshest seafood in the state, and spend your evenings walking along the beach, listening to the waves crash along the shore. These towns have all the charm of a bustling tourist attraction with a quirky flair that makes each unique and memorable.
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