Would you believe it if we told you everything you were looking for in a beach vacation was just a 3-hour drive from Berks County? What if we said there were endless possibilities for relaxation, shopping, physical activity and eating just 150 miles from your doorstep? No need to be skeptical; it’s true.  Your next great adventure isn’t in another country, and you don’t need to take a plane or a boat to get there. It’s just down the coast in Delaware at the state’s scenic beaches. Perfect for families and couples alike, the Delaware beaches are rich in history and beauty, offering  fun for everyone.  

Do Dewey Beach Right

1. (Sun)Rise and shine. Start your day right at Dewey Beach’s Sunrise Restaurant. This greasy spoon is cozy and campy, and the food is just what you want to eat while you are on vacation. Bagel sandwich, coming right up.
2. While you may feel like you're stranded (Dewey is only two blocks wide and surrounded by water), no need to worry; you have plenty of beaches in Dewey and right down the road at Delaware Seashore State Park to enjoy some fun in the sun. And don’t miss the chance to partake in some water activities including surfing, water skiing and sailboarding.  
3. The party starts early in Dewey, often known for its party-going visitors; there are plenty of bars to hang out at. Places like Starboard, The Rusty Rudder and Que Pasa? are lively, entertaining and full of energy.  
4. Wednesday nights are a hot topic in Dewey. Bonfires blaze beachside at Dagsworthy Street. Completely controlled, completely safe and completely cool – everyone is welcome. Bring your own marshmallows.
5. If you are in Dewey on a weekend, make sure you stop by the famous Bottle & Cork for their weekly Saturday Jam, with live music by some of the top cover bands and energetic crowds full of beachgoers, the Jam at the Bottle & Cork is as much about the music as it is about the people watching. 
6. At the end of the night, you’ve got to find a place to rest your head. Hyatt Place Dewey Beach is modern, fresh and right in the middle of Dewey. The newest hotel in town, it’s the perfect place to call it a day.

Rehoboth – A Shopper’s Paradise

1. There’s only one way to start your day in Rehoboth – the Royal Treat. Best enjoyed on the front porch of the restaurant, breakfast here is really simple and really good. But you'd best wake up early; the line to dine is long but absolutely worth the wait. Once you’ve finished your first meal of the day, it’s time to hit the bike trails. The Junction and Breakwater Trail wanders riders along the back woods of Rehoboth to Cape Henlopen by Lewes. Natural beauty, quiet paths and the wind to your back, plus a bit of shade from the summer sun. Happy trails for sure.
2. Time to head to the beach!  It is why you’ve headed to Delaware, isn’t it? Rehoboth Beach is not only pristine and clean, but it is also free. Make sure you make it to the shoreline early and set up your spot;
3. Rehoboth gets crowded fast. A bonus tip? Make sure you check the tide for perfect beach chair placement.
4. Before you settle in for the full deep fry (though we absolutely recommend you apply sunscreen), break for lunch to Arena’s Deli on Rehoboth Avenue. They hands down put together the best sandwiches and snacks in Delaware. Arena’s has large portions (perfect for sharing or individually indulging), fresh ingredients and quirky names (like “Big Daddy” and “Surfer Dude”), not to mention a top-notch beer selection. Try the Arena’s Nachos with Chili and a Dogfish Head 60-Minute IPA. You don’t have to share.
5. Now that you have eating, biking and sunbathing taken care of, there is one very important matter to attend to on Rehoboth Avenue…shopping! A haven of boutiques and shops with treasures for everyone, Downtown Rehoboth offers shopping that rivals major metropolitan areas. The best part of shopping in Rehoboth? Getting to know and love the shops and their owners. The fact that it’s tax free doesn’t hurt either. Where will you find us? Hula Sue is a great independent boutique, and the owner, Christy, is wonderful. She has impeccable style and taste, and she is always quick to give you great local tips about the area and where to get your next best meal. Sole also has great women’s clothing from top brands: think big city meets beach. Need a great gift for the home? Visit Mod Cottage or The Pelican Loft for quirky and chic treats.
6. Time to rest your head. It will be very comfortable at the Hotel
7. Rehoboth, a fashionable and sophisticated hotel. Relaxing and luxurious, bright and welcoming, Hotel Rehoboth is divine and conveniently located in the middle of everything in Rehoboth!

Bear Trap Dunes
 

Bethany’s Best

1. What can be better than watching the sun come up over the ocean? It’s gotta be watching it with an amazing breakfast burrito and cup of coffee from Baja Beach Grill. 
2. Okay, you can’t spend every day at the beach. Well, maybe you can, but if you want to take a break from the sand and the surf, take it to the links. Get a golf game going at one of the best courses in Delaware – Bear Trap Dunes. Featuring 27 holes, Bear Trap boasts four different sets of tees for all levels of golfers. Be sure to make time to tee off.
3. Our favorite view of the Atlantic Ocean is from the Indian River Bridge. Spend the afternoon biking to and across this recently constructed bridge. It’s the perfect vantage point to see from the bay to the beach and everything between. Stay safe in the biker’s lane.  
4. Pop into Bethany Surf Shop to find the must-haves for any beach babe or beach bum. And while you are there buying your board shorts and sundresses, why not throw in some surf lessons from the experts at the shop? If surfing isn’t your thing, try a paddleboard tour along the canals of Bethany.  
5. When it’s time to gather up the family and head out for a great meal, don’t go anywhere but Blue Coast. Touted as one of the best seafood restaurants on the East Coast, this establishment lives up to its name. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but we recommend the Seared Dayboat Scallops or the Spice Seared Tuna. The servers at Blue Coast are the best; they provide great service, menu recommendations and conversation. 
6. End your day with a front row seat to a sunset. Stay beachfront at the newest hotel in Bethany – The Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn. This quiet, serene hotel sits right on the beach so guests can enjoy the view from the comfort of their room. Balconies overlooking the ocean and the sand make for a relaxing scene for any guest.
7. In need of a midnight (well, almost) snack? Head down to the Bethany Boardwalk to Dickey’s Frozen Custard. The vanilla and chocolate swirl is classically good. The small size is the perfect amount of sweet without being too much. 

Downtown Lewes
 

Loving Lewes

1. Lewes is the “first town in the first state,” so history runs rampant in this charming little city. So when you visit, why not stay in a turn-of-the-century bed and breakfast like the Savannah Inn?  One part contemporary, one part relaxing, this B&B offers yoga sessions, spa services and a gourmet breakfast served every morning. It’s first class in the first town in the first state.
2. Still feeling historic? Why not learn a bit more about what made Lewes such an important part of World War II by visiting Fort Miles at Cape Henlopen. During the war, Fort Miles provided coastal defense for the Delaware River because of the access it afforded to the giant trade centers of Wilmington, Philadelphia and beyond. Take note of the Observation Towers used during the war; they were used to look out for invading German troops.
3. After your history lesson, take a break from learning and spend some time in the sun at Cape Henlopen State Park. Rolling dunes, cool blue ocean waves, miles of sandy beaches – it’s the perfect coastal oasis.  
4. Hours in the sun can make you hungry. Good thing you can head to the Historic Lewes Farmers Market on Saturdays in summer to collect some local treats and produce from the largest producer-only selection of vendors. You will find everything from fruits and veggies to bagels and coffee. Meander through, meet the farmers and stand operators, and try the local treats.
5. Need some time out of the sun? Visit some of the antique stores and boutiques in Downtown Lewes. We could spend hours wandering through Lewes Mercantile Antiques. It’s the perfect place to find the treasures you never knew you needed.
6. What better way to end the day than with an amazing dinner at The Buttery in Lewes? Inspired cuisine in an elegant historic mansion setting is a diner’s delight. An excellent wine selection is always a plus. Don’t know what to order? We suggest the Buttery’s Signature Crab Cakes.