Welcome to my guide for the best of beach living! Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned resident, there’s always something new to discover in our coastal communities. As your local real estate agent, I’m excited to share with you my top picks for exploring the vibrant scene that our area has to offer. From farmers markets to hidden gems for dinner, let’s dive in!
1. Farmers Markets
There’s nothing quite like the fresh produce and local goods you’ll find at our farmers markets. Here are a few you won’t want to miss:
- Bethany: Sundays, 8AM-12PM
- Rehoboth: Tuesdays, 10AM-2PM
- Sea Colony: Wednesdays, 8AM-12PM
- Fenwick: Fridays, 8AM-12PM
- Lewes: Saturdays, 8AM-12PM
2. Local Shops
Supporting local businesses is at the heart of our community. Check out these charming shops for unique finds:
- Gypsy Teal: Specializing in women’s clothing collections, jewelry, home decor and more.
- The Lost Arts: Find unique vintage gems, handcrafted artisan works, and carefully selected gifts.
- Coral Cove: A great beach boutique that features mid to high end gifts, clothing, home decor, cards, accessories, shoes and more.
3. Coffee Shops
Fuel your beach adventures with a cup of coffee from these cozy spots:
- High Tide: A vibrant place to drink coffee, eat a delicious breakfast sandwich and build your own bowls.
- Drifting Grounds: Energize your morning commute by giving in to your cravings of black coffee with lots of sugar, or relax while sipping your afternoon espresso.
4. Brunch Spots
Start your day off right with a delicious brunch at these hotspots:
- Nectar: Rustic-chic cafe offering homey breakfast & lunch plates, fresh-squeezed juices, craft beer & wine.
- The Dewey Post: Offers a variety of hot and cold breakfast items, coffee and cocktails, and evening ice cream and milkshakes – with or without the booze.
- Honey’s At Station 26: Enjoy All Day Breakfast, burgers, salads, smoothies and much more in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
5. Parks
Take in the natural beauty of our area at these scenic parks:
- Evans Park: A great neighborhood park in the town of Millville, offering playgrounds, pickleball courts, and outdoor fitness equipment, making it a favorite spot for local families and visitors.
- John West Park: Located in the heart of Ocean View, this park offers a playground, grills and a picnic pavilion. Check out their list of events throughout the year!
- Northside Park: A premier recreational destination in North OC boasting 58 acres of expansive green spaces, scenic walking paths, indoor & outdoor sports facilities, and a fishing pier.
6. Trails
We have so many great parks and wildlife areas that are packed with trails, so it was hard to pick just a few! These are some of my favorite spots to get out and enjoy nature (and for more info on Bethany specific trails, check my earlier blog post!):
- Trap Pond: Explore the park’s extensive trails, both on land and in the pond!
- Fresh Pond Trailhead: Offers a serene escape into nature with its scenic trail loop, perfect for walking, jogging, or bird watching.
- Cape Henlopen State Park: A coastal gem offering sandy beaches, scenic hiking trails, and historic World War II observation towers.
7. Drinks and Nightlife
Unwind and enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene at these popular spots:
- Dewey Beer Co: Lively haunt offering craft beers & an eclectic menu of American bites in a cozy, rustic interior.
- Starboard: Dewey’s most famous venue, known for boozy brunches, great live music and late night partying.
- The Libation Room: Relax in a cozy cocktail bar offering a sophisticated atmosphere and artisanal drinks.
- Seacrets: Lively waterfront hotspot with tables in the bay, multiple bars, dance floors, tropical cocktails & Caribbean-inspired eats.
- Bethany Boathouse: A festive open air restaurant serving comfort eats & cocktails with live music and a playground for the kids!
- Fagers Island: Bay front bar, nightclub and restaurant featuring American dining with a global influence.
8. Books
Get lost in a good book at these local bookstores:
- Bethany Beach Books: Bethany’s only independent bookstore offering a curated selection of books across various genres.
- Browseabout Books: Known for its wide selection of books, cozy atmosphere, and community-centric vibe.
9. Music Venues
Experience live music at these top-notch venues:
- Freeman Arts Pavilion: Enjoy an evening under the stars seeing your favorite stars!
- Bottle & Cork: Appreciate live shows including national acts & cover bands at a chill bar with a partially open-air stage.
- The Globe: Live music, good beer, great vibes.
10. Dinner
Savor the flavors of our coastal cuisine at these renowned restaurants:
- The Hobbit: Enjoy inventive American cuisine with stunning bay views.
- One Coastal: Farm-to-table fare prepared by a James Beard finalist chef.
- Henlopen City Oyster House: Indulge in the freshest seafood and the best wine list at the beach!
- Lewes Oyster House: Delight in inspired tavern fare made with local ingredients and creative cocktails.
Whether you’re in search of relaxation or adventure, this local guide promises something for everyone. Embrace the beach lifestyle and let the exploration begin!