A Guide to Delaware's Most Popular Beaches

Although I'm not a native Delawarean, I've come to understand very quickly why anyone, whether a Delaware native or not, could fall in love with the "Small Wonder" state, especially in the summertime. Delaware has a quaint way of mixing American Revolution style with modern-day culture, all with a touch of Mason-Dixon southern charm. As a proud northerner, I was a bit struck when I moved to Delaware by the slightly slower pace of day-to-day life, but the change can be greatly appreciated after one moves at an almost non-stop pace in big cities like New York and Chicago. However, one of the best parts about Delaware is its location. Delaware offers a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the Big City, but if one ever misses the excitement that a large city offers, Philadelphia and New York are just a short drive away.

In the summer, the biggest draw to Delaware, for many people, is the great number of wonderful coastal beaches the state offers. In all, there are five beaches along Delaware's coast. These are Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Lewes Beach, Dewey Beach, and Fenwick Island. Each beach offers something different, so depending on what you're looking for in a vacation spot, a Delaware beach may be the perfect place to spend your summer vacation or weekend getaway. Here are a few bits of information about three of Delaware's most popular beaches: Rehoboth, Dewey, and Lewes Beach.

Lewes Beach

The town of Lewes, Delaware, is the most northern of the Delaware beach towns, and is by far the oldest town in the state. It was first settled in 1631, and boasts some very impressive historical sites, so for those who love history, Lewes Beach is just for you. The town Is brimming with original Colonial architecture, antique shops, and the Zwaanendael Museum, not to mention some great waterside restaurants. Before you leave Lewes Beach, you must ride the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which takes you on a beautiful trip down the picturesque Delaware Bay.

Dewey Beach

If you are a water sports fanatic Dewey Beach is for you. Located a bit further south than Lewes and about two hours from Washington, D.C., Dewey Beach is most notably recognized for its beautiful Oceanside and bayside communities. There are always a large variety of beach activities taking place at Dewey, often well into the evening. Some of the most popular beach activities at Dewey are free movies, right on the beachfront, every Tuesday night, and bonfire luaus on Wednesday, right up until Labor Day.

Rehoboth Beach

If a cosmopolitan beach resort is what you're looking for, look no further than Rehoboth Beach. Located between Lewes and Dewey Beaches, Rehoboth Beach is one of the most popular beach communities in the nation. Rehoboth features an active nightlife scene that rivals that of Miami or South Beach, plus fabulous high-end shopping opportunities at the Tanger Outlets, at tax-free, discounted prices.