Sandwiched between Rehoboth Beach (just 2.5 miles to the north) and Delaware Seashore State Park 4 miles south, Dewey Beach is known for drawing the most energetic visitors to Delaware beaches. Water sports, from jet skiing to kayaking, reign supreme here by day (though lounging at the beach is perfectly acceptable as well!), and when the sun falls, the nightclubs and bayside restaurants come to life. Its central location among the Sussex County coastal destinations makes it easy to travel between them, with Cape Henlopen State Park about 10 miles north, Bethany Beach about 11 miles south, South Bethany about 12 miles south, and Fenwick Island about 16 miles south.

Dewey Beach springs to life in the summer months, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when all you need to pack is your beachwear. Daytime highs sit in the 80s Fahrenheit and lows usually don’t go below the mid-60s, but pack that extra layer, as it can feel chilly at times. Of course, that’s also the beach destination’s busiest season, so book early and pack your patience. May and September temperatures are in the mid-50s to 70s, perhaps a strategic time to visit and still enjoy comfortable temperatures without the crowds. Winters in the coastal town have quite the bite, with temperatures in the 30s and 40s. Average monthly rainfall is fairly consistent year-round, between 3.2 to 4.8 inches, so be sure to monitor conditions while you’re there.

Dewey Beach

The very set-up of the beach showcases what an active lifestyle beachcombers chase here. Tucked between the lifeguard stands are eight volleyball nets and 14 tetherball stations. When it’s time to hit the water, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and other water sports are popular area activities.

Rehoboth Bay Marina

This full-service marina offers boat rentals to head into the area’s waters for fishing, clamming, or crabbing, which the area is so well known for.

Coastal Highway

The main drag in town is home to a brewery, a hot dog stand, bars, and restaurants serving seafood, pizza, and Mexican food. Also on the highway (which is known as Highway 1 as well) is a grocery store and convenience store for all your beach day essentials.