Delaware's Most Charming Beach Towns
Known as “the First State” for being the first to ratify the Constitution of the United States in the then small town of Dover in 1787, Delaware’s storied past is just what a history lover will delightful savor. The second-smallest state in the country is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, New Jersey and the Atlantic Ocean to the east; and Maryland to the south and west. Boasting a terrain that slants downwards from the picturesque hilltops of Piedmont — to the sandy beaches that fringe the Atlantic coast, Delaware’s landscape features several natural attractions that make the state worth backpacking for.
Besides, “the Diamond State” is home to many charming towns many of which dot its rugged shoreline. Read on to discover the eight most charming beach towns in the state that Thomas Jefferson reportedly referred to as “the jewel among the nations.”
Dewey Beach
Named after George Dewey, the celebrated hero of the Battle of Manila Bay in the Spanish-American War that helped establish the US as a naval power, Dewey Beach has been a tourist hotspot for a long time. Enticingly nestled between Rehoboth Bay and the wrinkled surface of the Atlantic Ocean, Dewey Beach is just what “charming” looks like. With a population of less than 400, this town exudes a distinctive small-town allure that first-time visitors will find irresistible. The town boasts several offerings. It has a pretty beach; just steps away from downtown. While the beach is only about a mile long, it is wide enough for one to enjoy paddle boarding, parasailing, or skimboarding. And when night arrives, Dewey Beach roars to life with such rocking entertainment venues as the Rusty Rudder; a sizzling must-do when visiting Dewey Beach.
Rehoboth
USA Today has this April 2023 named Rehoboth among the 10 best coastal small towns— not in Delaware— but in the United States. Rehoboth was the only Delaware entry on the list. The truth is that any visitor will want to lace up for a town that boasts such nationwide fame. There are many attractions in Rehoboth that make days short and nights shorter. Visitors will be blown away by the town’s awesome beaches, some of the prettiest in the state. Rehoboth also boasts one of the most iconic boardwalks on the East Coast. And for avid shoppers or foodies, amazing options are close to the boardwalk including Grotto Pizza and Thrasher’s Fries. But for the freshest oysters, Henlopen City Oyster House is just the place to go.
Lewes Beach
Incorporated in 1818, Lewes is the oldest city in “the Diamond State.” Fortunately, age has not greyed away the town’s charm and allure. Like some cabernet sauvignon or just any other wine, Lewes just seems to get better with age. The town is temptingly curled up on the north where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Boasting waters that are not wild but relatively calmer, Lewes Beach is a huge draw for families with children; and for obvious reasons. Whether one will want to take a plunge and swim or lay around and sunbathe, Lewis Beach fits the bill. Besides, one will enjoy other water-based activities on the menu including kayaking, skimboarding, or stand-up paddleboarding.
Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach boasts a population of less than 1,000 and is just the ideal spot for one who wants to wind down far from the noise of whirring cars and honking horns. In this oasis of quiet, visitors will enjoy a range of pleasures that travel the whole gamut. Beach bums will particularly get a blast. Whether walking barefoot on the fine sand and savoring the body-wide sensations—or just sunbathing in the homey atmosphere around the shoreline, Bethany Beach is the epitome of charm. There is also the chance to swim in waters that are clean and calm, engage in beach yoga, or just whip a novel and transport the mind far away. Besides, Bethany Beach boasts a boardwalk which, while only about a third of a mile in length, boasts a nice variety of shops and classy restaurants—and offers nice views of the dunes down to the beach.
Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island has all the elements of charm and allure. It has a pretty beach, a state park, an amazing water park that children may not get enough of, and dozens more. Thunder Lagon Water Park and Viking Golf & Go Karts, located in the same place, are entertainment draws wildly famous with families. For some therapeutic blue-space experience, the most southeastern of all the beaches in Delaware will not disappoint. One can warm his ankles in the sparkling sand or indulge in the many water-based activities on offer. If looking for a break, Discoversea Shipwreck Museum, located at 708 Coastal Highway, displays artifacts uncovered from shipwrecks, including such oddities as a walrus penis bone and a desiccated merman.
Bowers Beach
One of Bowers Beach's charms lies in its convenient location. Nestled just about 13 miles from Dover, the capital city of Delaware, Bowers Beach is actually part of the Dover, Delaware Metropolitan Statistical Area. But it Is not just the location. Bowers Beach is a slow-paced bayside fishing town that will not fail to cast its spell on a first-time visitor. Boasting a population of only about 260, a visitor to Bowers Beach will feel like she has the whole town to herself. For seafood connoisseurs, Jp's Wharf, located at 201 Hubbard Avenue, boasts great views looking out to the bay and is the perfect place for a bite. Other than the beach, visitors might enjoy spending an hour or two at the Maritime Museum located steps away from the beach.
New Castle
Boasting easy access from both I-95 and I-295 and nestled just 6 miles from Wilmington, New Castle’s ease of access has made it a famous getaway for those who want to steal a few hours of quiet and serenity. While this town is irresistibly laid-back with a pretty beach and all the attendant allure, New Castle is to a large extent a history lover’s gem. And while there are many spots of interest, the Historic downtown is by far the town’s highlight. New Castle’s cobblestone streets are lined with historic structures that are the most numerous and authentic in the United States—except for Williamsburg, Virginia. Lastly, no one goes to New Castle without passing by Jessop's Tavern whose stones have seen more than three centuries.
Seaford
Those who believe there is charm in the smooth glow of the moon, the glorious luminescence of a sunset, or a walk by a peaceful river, will want to keep Seaford on the rudder. This is the reason: Of the things one should never miss at Seaford, the Seaford Riverwalk tops the list. This pleasure spot is located at the start of the Seaford-Blades Bridge and extends for a few steps — before joining a boardwalk that boasts amazing 360-degree views of charm. There is a floating dock connected to the boardwalk that anglers often make good use of. While one will enjoy strolling on the Riverwalk, several benches line the stretch where one can sit and just take in the bucolic views of the Nanticoke River.
The Takeaway
Delaware, the first state to ratify the Constitution, may not always be the first on a vacationer's to-do list. But for those who have an idea of its secret gems, the second-smallest state in the country will inspire repeat visits. Since the state borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east, it has a cornucopia of beach towns that radiate fadeless charm. From frequent mentions such as Rehoboth to underrated gems such as Seaford, Delaware’s coastline is worth exploring.
