Delaware Beaches (Milford, Lewes, Delmar: mobile home, buy, theater)

[Blessed123]

What are the general differences between Rehoboth, Dewey Beach and Fenwick Island? I will be moving to Delaware soon and want to get a feel on what the local beaches are like. We have kids, so a place that is more kid-friendly with activities is good. Also, I'd like to know what beaches are "better"....bigger, nicer sand, etc.

Thanks a bunch!

[doctorjef]

Rehoboth is more family-oriented, bigger, more serious restaurant scene, more variety, has a significant gay scene, better overall appearance, more things to do. Dewey is party central for 20-somethings and for single 30-somethings that can't get over being 20-somethings. Bethany Beach, which you didn't mention, is the quietest and most family oriented. It has less to offer, apart from a quiet family get-away. Fenwick Island is less commercially developed than Bethany, so there's not much there besides beach and some residences. Rehoboth is the most rounded overall.

[Dee1953]

Rehoboth is great for kids.The surf can be rough...known for the undertow at times. The Boardwalk is great for letting older kids go it alone...when our kids got bored at the water we felt safe turning them loose with a pocket full of quarters for the arcades.
The above poster pretty well summed it up.We have been going to RB for vacation for about 15 years...I went there before that when I was in highschool.We now own a small mobile home in a park about a mile from the beach which is our "summer home". Someday hope to make the move permanent...maybe a bigger mobile home. Don't get there as often as I would like but hoping to be there in about 2 weeks and stay for awhile!
Lewes Beach is also great for small kids. It is on the bay,hence calmer water.Can't get the grandkids outof the water when they come to visit.

[doctorjef]

The beach at Lewes is small, but the town itself is charming -- the oldest in Delaware, with structures dating back to the C17. A number of good restaurants and many shops worth a look in. You can also take the ferry from Lewes to Cape May, NJ, known for its abundant Victorian architecture. Even if you are staying in Rehoboth, Lewes is worth it for a side-trip.

[Blessed123]

Thanks for the input! I know I didn't ask...but no one mentioned the option of Ocean City, MD -- a short trip south, right? I know I'm in a Delaware forum, here...but honestly....do you all think OC, MD is better (without being biased?) Just curious. THANKS AGAIN!!!

[Blessed123]

How do you pronounce that? It seems like a very quaint town...something my family would like.

[Summering]

It is pronounced like "Lewis" ( so my cousins in that area tell me)

Many in the family do head to Ocean City, MD......It has a bit more for kids. The wooden structures on the beach to climb on, more rides.......etc.

But, for a more quiet and peaceful time I agree with the above posters. Rehoboth makes for a nice time for all in the family. The Fun Park is inexpensive.....There is plenty around to keep you busy.
There is really no need to go further. Sometimes the kids just take the ride up to OC one night for the kids pleasures. But, parking is hard to comeby in the evenings by the rides.

The little walkways full of quaint shops in Rehoboth makes for a fun time for a family stroll.

Your a quick hop to Henlopen State Park and the ocean swimming there......just a beautiful place.

[from PA]

My oldest son and the family go to Ocean City,MD for their summer vacation every year. They prefer OC to the NJ beaches and really it is right next to Rehoboth. I usually stay with them a few days and then I also get a visit with them too ! You are correct about timing too. It usually takes me about 1 hr +/- 15 min. from Magnolia. I turn off RT. 1 at the split in Milford and take Rt. 113. Very little traffic that way.

[doctorjef]

Couple things --

Yes, Lewes is pronounced as though it were "Lewis" and is the same name of a coastal town in the south of England.

Why is Ocean City, MD better than the DE beach towns? Most here think it is a bigger hassle and lacking in charm. I don't know, not having been there myself.

I'd like to drive all the way down the Delmarva pennisula this summer. What about the VA southern finger of the Delmarva? I expect it is quite remote. Is there anything worthwhile to see and/or do there?

[superman7515]

Originally Posted by doctorjef

Why is Ocean City, MD better than the DE beach towns? Most here think it is a bigger hassle and lacking in charm. I don't know, not having been there myself.

I'd like to drive all the way down the Delmarva pennisula this summer. What about the VA southern finger of the Delmarva? I expect it is quite remote. Is there anything worthwhile to see and/or do there?

Having lived in Delaware my whole life, Ocean City has innumerably more options of things to do. Better restuarants, more attractions, night clubs for adults and under 21, more amusement rides and places such as Ripley's Believe It or Not on the boardwalk is always interesting. The beach is probably closer to 70+ yards wide in some locations, it's absolutely massive in comparison to the DE beaches.

As for the southern finger, there is Chincoteague in Virginia which was a shipping village that is now becoming more and more touristy. It's most famously known from the novel and subsequent films "Misty of Chincoteague", about the large wild pony population there at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and is owned the fire department. Every year the fire department has a carnival which includes a Pony Penning where the "Salt Water Cowboys" of the department drive the ponies through the water at the smallest part of the channel at low tide and drive them down the main street of town to the fair grounds. They're then examined by veterinarians, given food and water, and some are chosen to be auctioned as a fundraiser for the fire department, which serves the dual purpose of keeping the population at a managed level to prevent disease or starvation. The permit to graze on the National Wildlife Refuge indicates that they must keep the herd at 150 or less. It typically draws 30,000 plus.

There is also a NASA Flight Facility on Wallops Island (which you must cross to get to Chincoteague). They just launched a TacSat-3 rocket from there this week and the facility also includes a research airport where expiremental and scientific aircraft are tested. There's also a museum on site with many interesting exhibits.

If you enjoy camping there are places like Captain's Cove and Trail's End where you can buy lots in the area (I have one in Trail's End where I usually go for as long as possible in the summer) as well as camping on the beach at the refuge. Or you can head even further south to Cherrystone Camping Resort. It's a pretty large campground that has things like a splash park, pools, charter fishing, and lots of other activities.

Cape Charles is kind of like Lewes. There is the Bay Creek Railway that has dinner excursions if you'd like a throwback. An arts center type theater with performing arts, dance troupes, and year-round plays. Lots of eateries and merchants.

Okay, it's a Delaware thread so I'll get off the Virginia info, but there's plenty to do. Feel free to ask for info on anything.