Seaside Towns in DELAWARE

Delaware is a state in transition, especially in southernmost Sussex County. This region of historic towns and long-time summer vacation destinations is growing as more retirees and remote workers find new homes in Delaware’s welcoming seaside towns.

Lewes

Founded by Dutch seamen in 1631 on Delaware Bay, the picturesque town of Lewes honors its Old World traditions with restored homes dating to the 17th century and unique exhibits at the Zwaanendael Museum. Walking tours in the downtown area include historic churches and the Cannonball House Maritime Museum. Visitors and residents enjoy boutique shopping on Second Street, a choice of locally owned restaurants with sidewalk and terrace seating, and community events in Canalfront Park. Featured on the lively 2023 calendar are the Lewes Tulip Celebration (April 1-16) and the Mid-Atlantic Seaglass and Coastal Arts Festival (June 3-4). Lewes is also the gateway to the 5,000-acre Cape Henlopen State Park with its pristine beaches and seaside hiking/biking trails.

Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach and neighboring Dewey Beach are traditional vacation destinations on the Delaware oceanfront. The mile-long Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is a wide promenade with restaurants, shops, and arcades. The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand Summer Concert Series, featuring musical performances on Friday through Sunday nights, has been a local staple since 1963. Area marinas offer dolphin- and whale-watching cruises, as well as deep-sea fishing charters, while local outfitters rent paddle boards and ocean kayaks. The Delaware Seashore State Park just south of Dewey Beach is a favorite day-trip destination, while both communities will again this year be open for arts-and-crafts business at the 40th Annual Spring Sidewalk Sale (May 19-21).

Millsboro

Located on the banks of the Indian River, with direct access to Indian River Bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond, Millsboro is a natural launching point for fishing charters and kayak adventures. The waterfront Cupola Park hosts community events that include live music and a weekly farmers market in the spring and summer. The adjacent downtown area offers antique shopping, local-artist galleries, and casual restaurants with fresh produce and seafood from the surrounding farms and coastal waters. You’ll also find sites on the National Register of Historic Places like Harmony Church and the impressive Naticoke Indian Museum that honors the region’s Native American heritage.

Fenwick Island

The town of Fenwick Island, along with Bethany Beach and South Bethany, is part of southern Delaware’s “Quiet Coast.” But, there’s still plenty to keep you entertained in this popular vacation destination, including leisurely strolls along the Fenwick Boardwalk and longer walks on three miles of protected oceanfront at Fenwick Island State Park. You can also check out the sweeping views from the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, historic artifacts at the Discoverssea Shipwreck Museum, and the Carolina Street Garden & Home floral displays. Viking Golf and Amusements offers an 18-hole mini-golf course, a go-kart track, and the Thunder Lagoon Waterpark, while the Candy Kitchen has been making saltwater taffy and other sweet treats since 1937.

For more about these and other destinations for vacation, relocation, or retirement, go to VisitDelaware.com.

Find Your Ideal Home in Delaware

There are many reasons people choose to relocate to or retire in Delaware. For one, the cost of living is hard to beat. There’s no state income tax, and property prices are notably reasonable. Find your ideal home here.

By JG Walker