You Could Spend Forever Exploring This Delaware Small Town, But We'll Settle For A Weekend
By Meghan Byers|Updated on April 22, 2024(Originally published May 29, 2023)
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Meghan Byers
Author
A New Jersey native, Meghan is passionate about travel and enjoys finding off-the-beaten path destinations. You're most likely to find her at a coffee shop, or hitting the trails with her dogs. She graduated with a creative writing degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has been writing professionally for over a decade.
It may not have the bustling boardwalk of Rehoboth Beach, but for those looking for a slightly quieter but still fun-filled getaway, Delaware’s Dewey Beach has a ton to offer. With lively nightlife options, yet a more casual feel than some of the busier shoretowns, Dewey Beach is the perfect Delaware small town for a unique weekend getaway. Plus, you’re only a short drive away from all that boardwalk bustle if you decide you do want a classic boardwalk stroll — and in the summertime there’s even a trolley you can take between Rehoboth and Dewey, so you’ll be getting the best of both worlds. Without further ado, here are some really fun things to do in Dewey Beach:
With a population of a little over 300, and only about a mile long and two blocks wide, Dewey Beach is tiny. But this little coastal town is anything but sleepy.
Dewey Beach is known for its nightlife, with multiple popular bars and restaurants lining its main street. It's also home to Bottle & Cork, a popular concert venue and bar. There's no lack of entertainment to be found here.
Bottle & Cork, 1807 DE-1, Dewey Beach, DE 19971, USA
And there's plenty of good food. Woody's is one of the best places around to grab burgers, crab cakes, and more, with lots of delicious seafood on the menu - along with craft cocktails to complete the meal.
Woody's Dewey Beach, 1904 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE 19971, USA
There are few better places to catch a sunset than The Lighthouse, a restaurant and bar right on the beach facing the bay, and often featuring live entertainment. Relax with a cocktail in hand, listen to some live music, and enjoy the bayside views.
The Lighthouse Dewey Beach, 124 Dickinson Ave, Dewey Beach, DE 19971, USA
Of course, the sunrises on Dewey Beach can't be beat either. Get up early enough and you're likely to find a quiet beach with a stunning sunrise painted across the sky.
If you've gotten yourself out of bed early enough to catch a sunrise (or never went to bed at all), you deserve a great cup of coffee. And that's just what you'll find at The Dewey Post, along with delicious breakfast and lunch options.
The Dewey Post, 1205 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE 19971, USA
Looking for a Fido-friendly weekend getaway in Delaware? Dewey Beach welcomes your canine friends. Dogs are permitted on the beach during certain hours in the summertime (typically before 9:30 am and after 5:30 pm), and all day from mid-September through mid-May. There are even a few dog-friendly restaurants in Dewey Beach, including the aforementioned Woody's and the Dewey Post.
If you want to enjoy even more of Delaware's natural coastal beauty, Dewey Beach is only around 20-25 minutes away from Cape Henlopen State Park. Here you can hike or bike through forests, dunes, and wetlands on the very accessible Gordons Pond Trail. You can even borrow a bike for free.
Cape Henlopen State Park, 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Dewey Beach makes for an unforgettable weekend getaway, with the perfect location – a little outside of the action of busier Delaware coastal towns, but still central to lots of attractions and entertainment. Check out all the cool places to stay in Dewey Beach, DE.
