So you're heading to Dewey Beach? Smart choice. Having spent every summer here since I was a kid, I'll let you in on a secret – most visitors completely miss half the good stuff. They show up, hit the main beach, maybe grab a drink at Starboard, and call it a day. Big mistake. Let's fix that.
Honestly? Dewey Beach isn't just another seaside town. It's got this energy – part laidback surf vibe, part nonstop party, with quiet nature escapes sandwiched in between. The tricky part is knowing when to dive into which scene. Get ready for the real scoop.
Can't-Miss Beach & Water Activities
Obviously you're here for the beach. But not all sand is created equal in Dewey. Timing and location make all the difference.
Surfing Dewey Beach Style
The break near Dagsworthy Street is where locals go (36 Dagsworthy St). Waves get decent mid-tide, especially with northeast winds. Lessons? Dewey Beach Surf Shop charges $75 for 90-min group sessions. Open daily 9am-6pm May-Oct.
Last July I watched tourists struggle near the pier while decent 3-footers went untouched just two blocks north. Don't be that person – ask staff about current conditions.
Kayaking the Rehoboth Bay
Skip the ocean for calmer waters. Coastal Kayak rentals (37340 Roxana Rd) offer single kayaks ($25/hr) and clear-bottom kayaks ($40/hr). Go during slack tide unless you want a workout paddling against currents.
| Water Activity | Location | Cost | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stand-Up Paddleboarding | Rusty Rudder Marina | $30/hour | Early morning |
| Jet Ski Rentals | Bahia Marina | $110/30 mins | Weekday afternoons |
| Fishing Pier Access | Rodney Ave | Free (license required) | Dawn/Dusk |
Local Tip: Parking near the beach? Forget it after 10am in summer. Use the free Jolly Trolley ($3 day pass) with stops along Coastal Highway. Runs every 20 mins 10am-2am.
Where to Eat (Without Tourist Traps)
I've eaten my way through Dewey's restaurants for 15 years. Some spots survive on location alone, but these? They earn it.
Breakfast That Won't Disappoint
Sunrise Restaurant (1700 Coastal Hwy) opens at 7am. Their crab omelette ($18) uses actual lump crab, not filler. Get there before 8:30am or expect a 40-min wait. Cash only – they mean it.
Tried the "famous" pancake house down the street last year. Fluffy? Sure. Worth the $16 and hour wait? Not even close.
| Restaurant | Must-Order | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woody's Dewey Beach | Crab Cake Sandwich | $$ | 11:30am-1am |
| Nalu Dewey Beach | Fish Tacos | $$ | 11am-10pm |
| Starboard Raw Bar | Oyster Shooters | $$$ | 4pm-1am |
Nightlife That Doesn't Suck
Dewey's party reputation? Deserved. But between the sticky floors and overpriced drinks, you need strategy.
The Starboard Reality Check
Yes, you should go once. No, don't stay all night. Cover charge jumps to $20 after 10pm on weekends. Their "Bucket of Liquor" special? Basically fruit punch with a vodka splash ($40). Better move:
- 8pm: Happy Hour at Bottle & Cork (free appetizers with drinks)
- 10pm: Live band at Starboard
- Midnight: Head to Rusty Rudder for actual dancing space
Local Trick: Bar wristbands work all weekend. Get stamped Friday night to avoid $15 re-entry fees Saturday.
Secret Spots Most Visitors Miss
Want the Dewey Beach locals won't tell you about? These aren't in the brochures.
Northbeach Mini-Park
End of New Orleans Street. Tiny parking lot (free!), no crowds, killer sunset views over Rehoboth Bay. Bring bug spray – marsh mosquitoes don't play.
Bay Island Trail
Undeveloped stretch behind Ruddertowne. Spot herons, terrapins, sometimes dolphins. Accessible only at low tide – check charts at DeweyBeachCam.com.
Family Stuff That Won't Bore You to Tears
Got kids? Dewey Beach isn't just for drinkers. Try these:
- Beach Treasure Hunts: Rent metal detectors from Dewey Beach Hardware ($15/day). Best finds happen near lifeguard stations where people drop stuff.
- Mini-Golf Without Kitsch: Viking Amusements (1920 Coastal Hwy) avoids the clown themes. $10 adults, $8 kids. Open till 11pm.
- Free Concerts: BayCenter Pavilion hosts bands Fridays in summer. Bring blankets, not chairs (space rules).
Seasonal Things to Do in Dewey Beach
Timing changes everything here. What works in July will disappoint in October.
| Season | Top Activities | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Surfing, nightlife, festivals | Crowds, parking chaos, price hikes |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | Kayaking, fishing, dining deals | Reduced hours, chilly evenings |
| Spring (Apr-May) | Beach walks, birding, uncrowded photos | Water too cold for swimming, some closures |
Dewey Beach Events Worth Planning Around
Some festivals are legit. Others? Cash grabs. Save your time:
- Running of the Bull (June): Actual costumed bulls racing on the beach. Absurdly fun. Free to watch.
- Sea Witch Festival (Oct): Skip the crowded parade. The dog costume contest on Saturday morning? Priceless.
- Fireworks (July 4): View from Silver Lake for less chaos. Starts at 9:15pm sharp.
Local Intel: "Polar Bear Plunge" in February? Great cause, miserable experience. The water hits 34°F. Rather mail a donation and watch the crazies on TV.
Practical Dewey Beach Survival Tips
Stuff nobody tells you but you need to know:
- Beach Tags: Required May 15-Sept 15. $8/day or $35/season. Lifeguards check religiously 10am-5pm.
- Dog Rules: Allowed on beach before 9:30am and after 5:30pm Memorial Day-Labor Day. Year-round off-hours.
- Bike Rentals: Dewey Beach Bike Shop charges $18/day. Cruisers only – no hills anyway.
Dewey Beach Trip Planning FAQ
What's the best free thing to do in Dewey Beach?
Sunrise yoga on the beach (Monday/Wednesday/Friday 7am at Dagsworthy). Bring your own mat. Watching drunk tourists stumble home at dawn? Also free.
Where can I park without losing my mind?
Municipal lot at Rodney Street charges $4/hour max $20/day. Secret: Streets west of Coastal Highway (like McKinley) have free unlimited parking if you arrive before 9am.
Is Dewey Beach family-friendly or mostly party scene?
Both. Daytime skews families. After 10pm? Pure party zone. Stay east of Coastal Highway for quieter lodging.
What should I absolutely avoid?
$30 beach umbrella rentals. Buy one at CVS for $25 and leave it behind. Drinks in souvenir cups ($15 refills). Food trucks after midnight – just don't.
Best rainy day activity?
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk (15 mins north). Museums? Nah. Hit Dogfish Head Brewery tour ($15, book 3 days ahead).
Look, at the end of the day, the magic of Dewey Beach isn't in checking off activities. It's in letting the place surprise you. Last August, I skipped the bars and spent a night watching bioluminescent plankton light up the bay. Zero photos, best memory. So yeah, plan your things to do in Dewey Beach... then ditch half that plan when something better comes along.
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