Delaware Beaches

I have only been to Bethany and Rehobath. I haven't found either to be very exciting, but I like Bethany a lot more. Rehobath is a "gay" beach, so I hope that sort of thing doesn't bother you.

 

If you're looking for quiet relaxation, absolutely stay in Bethany. The beaches are private and the town slogan is along the lines of "The Quiet Resort". I'm not sure if there are any hotels in the area, but renting a house there would definately be worth it. The town is small but nice.

For dining/shopping, Rehoboth is the place to be. The nice thing is that it's only about a 20 minute drive from Bethany (watch for cops in Dewey and Bethany btw. go the EXACT speed limit). Rehoboth has everything from casual to very upscale dining. It's been named one of the best dining resorts on the east coast.

Dewey has the best party scene, by far. I don't know if you're looking to party with a bunch of college kids, but if you get the itch, Dewey is the place to

Skip Broadkill and Slaughter beaches, they aren't even real beaches. The nice thing, though, is that the beach towns are so close to each other. The drive from Lewes to Fenwick is about 45 minutes, so you'll really get to stop and see a majority of the towns you listed in the poll.

If you need any other help or suggestions, ask away!

 

Dewey is the nightlife scene.

Rehoboth has made a very family friendly effort the last 5+ years and is quite nice. (Not that it wasn't before just now more diverse).

-dsd

 

How far is Dewey from Ocean City? I will be in Ocean City in 2 weeks so I'd like to check it out.

 

Dave here are the Facts:

Rehobeth: best for dinner,people watching,walking the boardwalk. The beach itself is OK but a little narrow.
The outlet shopping is top notch. Theaters also for evening entertainment. Best Family vacation destination

Bethany: for the serious relaxation opportunity. Quiet,nice beach,OK places to eat.

Dewey: College age party beach. Not crazy and unsafe but definetly a younger crowd. Several night clubs.

Travel time from Bethany to Dewey 20 mins
Travel time from the above to Rehobeth with traffic 30 mins-40 mins.

Travel time to Ocean city to the south from Dewey /Bethany One hour and probably worth it for the first time down there but probably never again. Ocean City is totally a tourist town. More T-shirts shops per square mile than any place in Delaware. Oh and those Towels with the half naked woman on them as well!!! See you soon. Jon

 

I will be sure to pick one of those up for you.

To be honest I really hate Ocean City, especially the boardwalk. Lots of very ignorant people. I will be there in 2 weeks for my friends birthday, but will have to check Dewey out.

 

I think Dewey is closest to DC......

 

Dave I have owned a house on the Deleware shore for 15 years. Actually the closest beach to DC is Broadkill (Kill is creek in Dutch) most quet dead in fact but Cape Cod like dunes and feel. Lewes definately has the best high end restaurants though no other night life, and the state park beach is the least crowded. What is not discussed above is the crowded (impassable) roads. Lewes is 20-25 miles from Ocean City but in the siummer it can be a three to five hour drive. I plan one hour from Lewes to Rehoboth on the best of days and can get there in my boat in 1/2 the time. M

 

i went to rehoboth once and got crabs

 

longer drive, but I'm typing this as I sit in front of the ocean in Corolla, NC. Doesn't get better than this!

 

Why not Ocean City, MD? That's usually where I end up! Buying in Delaware is really expensive right now, I think overpriced to be honest with you. Dewey is convenient, it is a younger town but it is highly convenient to Rehoboth. If you don't have to be within a few blocks of the beach, Lewes is nice right now too. Up and coming area with relatively sane prices. Good restaurants too. Traffic in and out of Rehoboth drives me nuts! Bethany is quiet and expensive, but count on driving to restaurants.

Maybe you should consider Sarasota, Florida...Siesta Keys is nice and only a slightly longer drive from PA than Rehoboth. ;-)

 

Oh, here you go Dave:

www.TheGatewayGrand.com

 

Judging by the size of your dog, im gonna go ahead and say, "I think you are gonna need a bigger boat."

 

what/where/why are you dumping in jersey?

 

Did you ever think of a condo in Wildwood? This way I could borrow the place for Irish weekend. ;-) I was actually surprised to see a lot of $100K to $150K condo's in Wildwood that were in pretty good shape and offered just enough space for six or so comfortably. (OK, couple fold out futons in the living room but still.)

If you're still thinking house in Delaware, how about something more like this:

http://www.pattersonschwartz.com/search/pdMain.asp?ID=534531&category=1&section=mf

 

Alex,
That's what I was thinking. I'm sitting in the cyber cafe on the boardwalk in Wildwood.
Dave,
There are a LOT of properties available here. I drove through North Wildwood , some pretty nice areas.
Will

 

Dave, No one mentioned Fenwick Island. It's the last great hidden spot right before you get to Maryland. Very good and usually fairly uncrowded beaches. Let me know if you need more info . My brother is an Architect living in Fenwick forever full time and knows everywhere and everybody down there. Please PM me if you want. I'm sure he would be glad to help you out with some contacts. Bob

 

Yeah, I was quite surprised how relatively inexpensive some of the properties are. My theory is that it's too far south for New Yorkers and too far north for the DC'ers that buy up DE and OCMD properties.

 

I'm a fan of Fenwick. Nice and quiet, bayside houses on a canal that are still only 3 blocks to the beach and close enough to the party scene if you choose to get wild and want to wander into OC. There are plenty of nice restaraunts close buy. For around $750K you can get a place bayside on the water, walking distance to the beach. Way cheaper if you're not a boater and don't need a bulkheaded property. In fact, Ocean City is a little quiet north of 125th street.

Spang
P.S. My grandmother lived in Stone Harbor and it was getting a little snooty for me too.