Delaware Resort Beaches: Perfect for Singles, Couples and Families

An estimated 6 million people visit Delaware beaches each year. And for a state that boasts less than 900,000 full time residents, there has to be something special that attracts all those people to our humble state every year.

With the majority of the beach tourism industry focusing around the beaches in Sussex County, non-locals are familiar with one or all of Sussex County's beaches, Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, and Fenwick.

Lewes gets the honor of being the first town founded in the first state. It is also the southern port of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, a portal for tourists to enter Delaware and for Delawareans to quickly travel to New Jersey. Lewes doesn't have the most famous nightlife of all the Delaware beaches but it does have great fishing and shopping opportunities as well as a charming historic district.

Rehoboth beach is the next resort town south of Lewes and is a bit more lively than it's northern sister. Although all the Delaware beaches are separated by only a few miles they all have very distinct personalities. Rehoboth is home to the Tangier Outlet Malls where thousands flock to shop every summer. Rehoboth also has a collection of eclectic shops, amusements, and sporting activities for adults and children alike to enjoy. Rehoboth is home to many upscale and fine dining resturants as well. The largest and most commercialized of the Delaware resort beaches, Rehoboth has activities to keep you busy year round.

Dewey Beach is the most racus of all the Delware resort beaches. With a paltry 300 or so year-round residents, the small beach town only two miles long and two blocks wide swells with over 30,000 visitors each year. Known as a party town, locals and tourists alike frequent the world famous bars. Ruddertown, The Starboard, and Sharkies are packed every night in the summer and pedestrian traffic going to and from each hot spot back traffic up through the whole town. The Bottle and Cork, the self proclaimed "best rock bar in the world," features nationally known bands. Dewey Beach attracts party goers of all ages as well as families who take advantage of Dewey's beautiful beach and lodging.

Bethany Beach is only 6 miles south of Dewey, but is the complete opposite of Dewey's party atmosphere. Bethany Beach is home to many restaurants and bars, Mango's Bar sits just feet from the ocean on the boardwalk, but Bethany Beach is known as "The Quiet Resort" and attracts mostly families and retired individuals seeking a quiet beach experience. Bethany is surrounded by Delaware Seashore State Park, spanning the six miles to the north, and private multi-million dollar houses and condominiums to the south.

Fenwick Island is the southern most Delaware resort beach and like its sister to the north is a quiet retreat between Dewey Beach and Maryland's party beach, Ocean City, a few miles south. The town is on a barrier island close to shore and directly before the Maryland state line.

No matter which beach you visit you won't be disappointed. The Delaware beaches have a dizzying array of shopping, dining, and amusement opportunities for everyone and every interest.