By Lincoln McElwee
So what might your family find along Delaware’s iconic coastline you ask? Why grand adventures with small-town charm, of course! That’s right. The gorgeous state of Delaware is a veritable beacon for history buffs, beach bums, family-friendly travel and tremendous amounts of fun.
Still not convinced? How about historic boardwalks and environmentally-sound beaches? Coastal train rides and watersports galore?
Don’t worry—you don’t have to choose just one amazing experience while getting your travel fix along the Northeast’s gorgeous stretch of coastline. Visiting Delaware’s shoreline will allow you to partake in the greatness that is choice, to bask in the sand and the sun, to eat like a foodie and explore our nation’s history all while visiting some of the best family-friendly beaches around!
So head to the Atlantic coast and kick off your shoes. Live in the sand for a spell; enjoy life like a local—Delaware’s iconic coastline will definitely have you covered from sunrise to sunset!
Strong Accolades for the Eclectic Coast
The Natural Resources Defense Council, called “One of the nation’s most powerful environmental groups” by The New York Times, has designated not one but two of Delaware’s beaches as the cleanest in the United States. This recognition has indeed placed both Dewey and Rehoboth Beach as two of the top rated beaches in the United States!
- Dewey Beach: https://www.beach-fun.com/dewey-beach-info.html
- Rehoboth Beach: https://www.beach-fun.com/rehoboth-beach-info.html
But wait … there’s more!
Bethany Beach, located north of Fenwick Island and next to the ever popular Rehoboth Beach, was ranked as one of the top 10 Best Beaches for Families by Family Vacation Critic in 2013. Add to this accolade the praise from Travel + Leisure Magazine, which named Bethany Beach not only a favorite family beach but, along with Fenwick Island, one of the “Best Secret Beaches on Earth” and you have a beauty of a beach that’s safe, fun, and family-oriented!
Visit the Bethany Beach Boardwalk for ample sightseeing and fine dining! The Bluecoast Seafood Grill is a great place to bring the family. Try the steamed shrimp dumplings for a starter. And for the main course, the spice seared tuna.
- Bluecoast Seafood Grill: http://www.bluecoastseafoodgrill.com/
The boardwalk is also home to community events, such as movies on the beach and the upcoming 36th Annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival on September 6th, 2014. The arts festival will include a number of activities for children, a Farmers’ Market, wine tasting and, of course, fine art.
- Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival: http://web.bethany-fenwick.org/events/36th-Bethany-Beach-Boardwalk-Arts-Festival-662/details
With restaurants, walking trails, a boardwalk and the interactive Bethany Beach Nature Center, there’s sure to be something for everyone in the charming town of Bethany Beach.
- Town of Bethany Beach: http://www.townofbethanybeach.com/
- Bethany Beach Nature Center: http://www.inlandbays.org/visit-us-bethany-beach-nature-center/
Diamonds in the Rough
Just south of Bethany Beach lies the equally unassuming Fenwick Island. But don’t be fooled by Fenwick’s unpretentious nature—this coastal treasure packs a punch!
Whether you happen to be tuckered out from paddle boarding, parasailing, wave runners or banana boat rides at Shark’s Cove Marina, or pontoon boats and kayaking from Coastal Kayak or DalMarVa Board Sport Adventures, or simply filled to the brim from all the fresh seafood at one of Fenwick Island’s outstanding seafood restaurants, such as Just Hooked or Catch 54, be sure to save some time for some downtime!
- Shark’s Cove Marina: http://www.sharkscovemarina.com/
- Coastal Kayak: http://coastalkayak.com/
- DalMarVa Board Sport Adventures: http://www.delmarvaboardsportadventures.com/
- Just Hooked Restaurant: http://justhookedfi.com/
- Catch 54: http://www.catch54.com/
You can unwind from it all with a comprehensive assortment of nearby lodgings! Both the Seaside Inn and the Fenwick Islander Motel offer fantastic lodgings only steps from the beach. There is even the possibility of vacation home rentals for larger events, such as family reunions.
- Seaside Inn: http://seasideinnfenwick.com/
- Fenwick Islander Motel: http://www.fenwickislander.com/
With mini-golf, go-carts, waterslides and lazy rivers at the always popular Viking Golf Amusements and Thunder Lagoon Water Park, the summer fun just doesn’t have to end! In the mood for a bit of fun on “dry land?” Visit Fenwick Island State Park, complete with drive-on beaches, designated surfing and lifeguards.
- Viking Golf Amusements and Thunder Lagoon Water Park: http://www.vikinggolfamusements.com/
- Fenwick Island State Park: http://www.destateparks.com/park/fenwick-island/index.asp
With the insurmountable beauty of the Atlantic coastline, you’ll soon see why these two quiet destinations crouched between Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City, Maryland are truly worth a visit!
