A beach is possibly nature’s most perfect playground: kids can scavenger hunt for shells, build sand castles and shallow pools in the sand, ride the ocean’s edge on a skim board and so much more. With so much to do at the water’s edge, it’s no wonder many families choose a beach for their summer vacation. If you’re looking for some of the area’s best beaches, follow the traffic to Southern Delaware. Because so many migrate to Reboboth Beach in July and Aug., it has become known as the nation’s summer capital. Near-by Lewes, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island are also packed with family-friendly activities and worth a visit. Scroll down for a quick guide to what to see & do and where to eat & sleep with kids in Southern DE.
photo: Lewes.com
Lewes
If you’re looking for a road-trip that will make your kids smarter, head to the historic town of Lewes in Delaware which holds the title of “The First Town in the First State.” Lewes was colonized by the Dutch in 1631 and has played many roles in history since. It was bombed by the British Royal Navy in 1812 (the cannonball can still be seen at the maritime museum) and it was an important stop on the Underground Railroad during the American Civil War. Today, you can visit many of these historic sites for an educational adventure. Or spend the day at one of the bay beaches where you can skip the waves and let the littles splash in calm waters. Check out our guide to Lewes, DE here.
Rehoboth Beach
Just a quick 3 hour trip from Washington, Rehoboth Beach ranks as the #1 beach destination for DC residents. In fact, so many people make the drive from DC to Delaware that this small town is often referred to as the nation’s “Summer Capital.” From boardwalk staples like Funland amusement park and Zelky’s arcade to natural attractions like the free public beach and Gordon’s Pond State Park, it’s no wonder families flock to this beach destination. Check out our guide to Rehoboth Beach here.
Dewey Beach
Walk two to three blocks east or west of Rt. 1 and you’ll hit the water in this narrow little hamlet. With the Rehoboth Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, this thin strip of a town has an almost island feel. Lending to the laid-back atmosphere are a number of outdoor restaurants and bars and the popular East of Maui where you can rent kayaks, surf boards, skimboards and more. While this hamlet has a party town reputation during summer months, there are plenty of family-friendly perks (and off-season, it’s a family paradise). Check out our guide to Dewey Beach here.
Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is the less commercial cousin of Rehoboth Beach. You’ll find a similar strip of shops and upscale restaurants located on and near a much smaller boardwalk. Family is the focus in this town where much of the accommodations are home rentals. For those looking for digs with lots of perks, Sea Colony boasts 12 heated pools and many oceanfront condos for rent. There are also two hotels in town. Like Dewey, the beaches are broad here and offer plenty of room to run around. If you reach Bethany by way of Delaware, you’ll cross the Indian River Inlet Bridge which is fun to drive or walk over when it turns blue at night. Check out our guide to Bethany Beach here.
Fenwick Island
If you want to balance the hustle-and-bustle of Ocean City with the serenity of state parks and quiet beaches, Fenwick Island is the ideal location. Straddling the Delaware Maryland state line, Fenwick Island is just steps away (literally) from the action-packed fun of Ocean City. Spend nights on the Ocean City boardwalk, ride the amusement park attractions at Jolly Roger or Trimper Rides and then retire to quieter digs in this family-friendly town. Fenwick Island has its fair share of beach attractions, as well, like Viking Golf & Go Karts and Thunder Lagoon Water Park. Fenwick is known to have some of the cleanest beaches in the area. Stretch out anywhere on the 3-mile stretch or head north to Delaware Seashore State Park. To the south, you”ll find Assateague Island where horses roam free. Check out our guide to Fenwick Island here.
—Meghan Yudes Meyers
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