A Day Trip to the Delaware Beaches

Maybe you’ve got only a day to enjoy a trip to the sun, sand and sea. Well, good news — a day trip to Southern Delaware packs a lot of fun into a few hours. 

What to Do at Bethany Beach

No Bethany Beach day trip would be complete without a visit to the beach, and thanks to the pedestrian-friendly Bethany Beach, you have plenty of attractions to keep you busy all day, including: 

  • Chief Little Owl: This 24-foot totem pole has been at the corner of Delaware Avenue and Garfield Parkway since 1976. Check out the history and take a fun selfie here.

  • The beach: Bethany Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area, with plenty of room to swim, walk, comb the beach for shells and soak in the sun. If you can, try to catch a sunrise or sunset here, and be sure to check out the boardwalk for a stroll and to grab some snacks and souvenirs. You can spend your whole day at the beach and still enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

  • Town Museum: Inside the town hall, this museum tells you about the area's history, which started as a religious retreat. This destination is perfect for history buffs or as a rainy day activity.

  • Bethany Beach Nature Center: Stroll along the boardwalk through wetlands and check out the plants and wildlife. Be sure to pack your camera, because you never know what you might see!

  • Golfing: Both the Bear Trap Dunes and Captain Jack's Pirate Golf are great ways to spend a few hours working on your game.

What to Do in Coastal Delaware

Coastal Delaware has even more to offer beyond the beauty and excitement of Bethany Beach. During your day trip, you might also want to check out:

  • Rehoboth: You can spend a day here fishing or going on boat tours or sightseeing. With a mile-long boardwalk, several museums, stunning parks, horseback riding and more, you can easily fill your time here.

  • Laurel: If you’re looking for something offbeat and memorable, Laurel is a small town known for having the largest chicken houses and the largest sprinklers in the state. Laurel is also a great place to bring your camera for a long country drive. Check out the woods, too, where you can see wildlife roaming.

  • Lewes: Lewes has a stunning lighthouse and the last lighthouse built by the U.S. Lighthouse Service. Lewes beach is a great place to visit and relax, and the small town also has several unique art galleries. Be sure to visit Cape Henlopen State Park, and if your trip is during Easter weekend, take in the annual Great Delaware Kite Festival.

Plan Your Adventure

Are you ready to make a day of it? If you’re heading to Coastal Delaware, be sure to download the free and definitive travel guide from Ocean View Brewing. This is the insider’s view of what to do in the region, including all the tips and tricks to make your trip a blast. 

Caroline Judge