We’re sailing daily and welcoming all methods of travel – vehicles, foot passengers and bicycles. We’re back to normal operations, so come join us aboard the vessel, grab a coffee or breakfast from Lewes Coffee Company, stop in for lunch or dinner in the Lewes Terminal, or grab a bite to go in the Cape May terminal. Masks are no longer required indoors or outdoors, nor are they required inside the terminals. Please note that reservations are required. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Please check CMLF.com for additional departures times. Sailing 365 days a year!
We love the Delaware Beaches, so be sure to clean up after yourself while you’re here. When you visit, be sure to follow these guidelines to help keep the area’s beaches clean for everyone, including the ecosystem.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach has both leash and pooper scooper laws in place that are enforced. Dogs are prohibited from the beach and boardwalk from May 1–Sept. 30.
Outdoor smoking is regulated in public spaces through the Smoke Free Initiative. There are smoke-free areas throughout the city where smoking a cigarette, cigar, pipe or any other matter or substance that contains tobacco is prohibited.
Dewey Beach
Dogs are allowed on the beach before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m. from May 15–Sept. 15, but they must be licensed with the town.
Fines apply for not cleaning up after your dog, along with littering, year-round.
Smoking is prohibited on the beach/beach dunes and in town parks.
Bethany Beach
No dogs on the beach and boardwalk from May 15–Sept. 30.
No smoking or vaping unless in a designated smoking area.
Trash cans are available at all beach entrances on the beach and boardwalk.
Fenwick Island
No pets or other animals are permitted on the beach at any time between May 1–Sept. 30.
All dogs in Fenwick Island must be on a leash and their waste disposed of. Disposal bags are located along Bunting Avenue.
Smoking is prohibited on the beach, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes or other products or devices that contain tobacco, herbs, weeds and/or marijuana, e-cigarettes and vaporizers.
Delaware State Parks
Delaware State Parks are pet friendly. Per Delaware State Law, dogs are prohibited from all swimming and sunbathing beaches from May 1–Sept. 30. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet. Use the available “doggie dooleys” to dispose of dog waste.
In 1994, Delaware State Parks established the Carry In – Carry Out Trash-Free Parks Programs. Trash cans were removed from most areas and visitors must take their trash with them when they leave to reduce the strain on the park’s limited resources.
Tobacco-Free Zones prohibit the use of smoking or other tobacco products in designated areas.
5 of the Most Instagram-Worthy Sights and Landmarks in the Delaware Beaches
By Arielle Patterson
During your trip to the Delaware Beaches, chances are you’ll be taking tons of pictures. These photos will give your family and friends a mere glimpse into your Delaware Beaches vacation. With so many remarkable and historic attractions and fun-filled activities, you’ll want to find the best backdrop for scenic selfies and group pics. So, break out your camera or cell phone and get ready to explore the Delaware Beach’s picture-perfect sights & landmarks.
1. Fenwick Island Lighthouse
The Fenwick Island Lighthouse was originally constructed in 1858 in an area that was once incredibly isolated. Today, the lighthouse is situated right at the Delaware-Maryland state line amid businesses and homes. Snap a few photos in front of the historic 87-foot-tall light house and, while you’re there, view the Transpeninsular Stone that marks the state line.
2. Gordons Pond Beach
Wide and unobstructed, Gordons Pond Beach at Cape Henlopen State Park is the perfect place for picturesque sunrise and sunset views. While you’re there, take some photos standing by the historic WWII Fire Control towers right on the beach.
3. Indian River Inlet Bridge
If you’re cruising along Coastal Highway, just north of the Indian River Inlet, pull off for a picture-perfect view of the Indian River Inlet Bridge. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth and Indian River Bays, the bridge provides scenic photos at all times of day. At night, catch the bridge illuminated with blue and white lights.
4. Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
The mile-long Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is filled with photo opportunities. Take a ride on one of the old-fashioned amusements for a bird’s-eye view of the boardwalk. Or have a photo shoot at one of the boardwalk’s other attractions and shops. Grab an ice cream cone and make the ocean the backdrop for the perfect beach summer photo.
5. The Lightship Overfalls (Photo at top of page)
The Lightship Overfalls was the last lightship built for the U.S. Lighthouse Service, commissioned in 1938. Today, the historic lightship is docked along the canal in Lewes. Take your photo in front of this historic landmark—one of only 17 remaining ships and one of the few still open for public tours.
The Fresh and Flavorful Tastes of the Delaware Beaches
By Julie Matthews
Did you know “Culinary Coast” has been trademarked by the Southern Delaware Tourism for the Delaware Beaches area? This name fits. Over the past couple of decades this region’s increasingly growing culinary scene, with award-winning restaurants and top-shelf chefs, has truly become exceptional. The small town, beach vibe may feel laid-back, but the dining scene here is elevated.
After experiencing a few meals, guests will quickly realize that the diverse, creative menu offerings here far exceed standard coastal cuisine with seafood platter variations. Not to worry, you will still find the more traditional coastal menu staples such as crab cakes and other shellfish and fish along with the common sides that often accompany them like corn-on-the-cob and coleslaw. What makes the dining scene in the Delaware Beaches so heightened is the abundance of fresh flavors diners will experience.
Having both the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay at its front step, and the Chesapeake Bay not far away, ensures that the region has some of the freshest seafood available. While it is best known for its blue crabs and clams, there is no shortage of other fresh catches, including fish, oysters, mussels, clams and more. Not just fried or heavily seasoned, the fresh seafood is often paired with local ingredients, giving it a whole next level of flavor. From reimagined traditional seafood dishes to sushi, the Delaware Beaches will impress food lovers with the highest expectations.
The Delaware Beaches is not only bordered by water but also farmland. Agriculture makes up a significant part of Delaware’s economy, including Sussex County’s, so restaurants in the area have access to the freshest ingredients for preparing food. Restaurant chefs incorporate local, seasonal produce—including corn, soybeans, lima beans and watermelon—into their dishes and diners enjoy flavorful meals with the highest quality ingredients.
The state’s poultry industry enhances its strong culinary community, so the availability of fresh chicken further widens the assortment of fresh food options that its restaurants offer diners. The area’s collection of farmers, fisherman, culinary experts and other local food specialists has established a well-connected, culinary network, all of which contribute to the high-quality food produced here.
Phenomenal seafood with matched quality in a variety of other menu choices, including vegetarian, is just one part of what makes for good coastal cuisine. Almost as important as what you eat is where you eat. Outdoor dining by the water is another key factor when it comes to coastal dining. Enjoying an excellent meal while viewing the waves breaking in the ocean or eating on a deck overlooking the scenic bay and watching a beautiful sunset—this is coastal dining at its best. As a complement to your meal, add a local libation from one of the more than a dozen craft breweries, wineries and distilleries in the area, or a fruity mixed drink if that’s more your style.
However, it’s not all about gourmet in the Delaware Beaches, as comfort food definitely has its place here as well. Boardwalk specialties from pizza and burgers to hot dogs and sandwiches are popular beach eats, as are beach treats such as Boardwalk fries doused with vinegar, flavored popcorn and ice cream. All of these foods can be hard to resist, especially when they have close ties to childhood memories of visiting the beach.
Did you know that peach pie is Delaware’s official state dessert? While in town don’t forget to grab a slice, especially if it’s made with peaches from a local orchard.
As with so much in life, the food scene in Delaware Beaches is about balance. In this case the balance of meals created from high-quality ingredients but still delivering the feel-good, comfort factor. Delaware Beaches are a refreshing mesh of small town charm meets relaxed beach living meets big city culture. There’s always something new to try or to try in a different way.
Curated specifically to complement your dockside relaxation. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple sipper, a hard-hitting party starter or an easy mocktail, these dockside lemonades are sure to get the job done and persuade you to craft another round.
Tropical Rum-onade (Photo above) • 2 oz pineapple coconut rum • 1 oz pineapple juice • 1 oz lemon-lime soda • 4 oz lemonade • Sugar for rim (garnish) • Lemon juice (garnish) • Mint (garnish) Sugar your rim using fresh lemon juice (optional). Combine the pineapple coconut rum, pineapple juice, lemon-lime soda and lemonade over ice and mix. Sip away!
Peachy Keen Arnold Palmer • 1 oz bourbon • 1 oz peach liqueur • Splash of simple syrup • 3 oz tea (sweet or unsweet) • 3 oz lemonade • Fresh peaches (sliced) • Mint (garnish) Combine the tea, lemonade, simple syrup, bourbon and peach liquor in a glass over ice and stir. Toss in as many peach slices as desired. Bottoms up!
Wave Catcher • 1 oz vodka • 1 oz blue curaçao • 4 oz lemonade • 2 cups crushed ice • Maraschino cherry (garnish) • 1 lemon (sliced for garnish) Shake your ingredients and 1 cup of crushed ice. Strain and add the other cup of crushed ice. Garnish with your maraschino cherry. Sip and relax!
Strawberry Lemonade Tequila Sipper • 2 oz tequila • ½ oz Cointreau • 5 oz strawberry lemonade • Fresh strawberries (garnish) • 1 lemon (sliced for garnish) • mint (garnish) Use the lime juice to salt the rim of your glass. Shake the tequila, Cointreau and strawberry lemonade and strain over ice. Garnish with a fresh strawberry, lemon wedge and mint. Blend ingredients to turn your sipper into a slushie!
Lemonade Sangria Mocktail • 4 oz lemonade • 2 oz club soda • 2 oz white grape juice • 1 orange (sliced) • Fresh strawberries (sliced) • Fresh peached (sliced) • Mint (garnish) Pour your lemonade, club soda and grape juice over ice and stir. Add in as much fruit as desired. Cheers!
Delaware Beaches offer much more than summer fun. Whether you are looking to listen to live music, buy eclectic artwork for your home, participate in holiday festivities or just take a break from the beach, guaranteed something entertaining is happening here.
Throughout the year the area hosts events and activities of all sizes for people of all ages and interests. And while this area has a cozy, small town charm, it knows how to throw major celebrations. In fact, a number of the Delaware Beaches’ annual festivals are widely recognized and attract visitors from around the country and world. While there are many events going on year-round to choose from, consider checking out these popular (and editor’s picks!) annual events planned for 2022-2023.
Sea Witch® Festival
Fri., Oct. 28 through Sun., Oct. 30, 1 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
The 32nd annual festival, produced by the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, is a three-day Halloween party not to be missed. Join the thousands who attend this event each year in Rehoboth Beach. Costume parades, trick-or-treating, contests, monster art and so much more! Beach-Fun.com/Sea-Witch-Halloween-Fiddlers-Festival.html
Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival
Sat., June 4 and Sun., June 5, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m
In its 13th year, this festival will include dozens of sea glass and coastal artists and their works of art including sea glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, driftwood, ceramics and much more. Come purchase beautiful pieces of art and enjoy live music and great food. The festival will be held at Lewes Historical Society in Lewes. Admission is $5 per person each day and children 12 and under are free. HistoricLewes.org/Events/Mid-Atlantic-Sea-Glass-Coastal-Arts-Festival.html
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival
Thur., Oct. 13 through Sun., Oct. 16
With a tagline “The Greatest Jazz Festival in the World!,” this is an event music lovers will definitely want on their calendars! Over 25 artists are lined up to play at this year’s music event to be held in multiple locations in Sussex County. Since 1990 top jazz and R&B musicians—including Al Jarreau, Peabo Bryson, Queen Latifah and more—have been performing at this annual event. RehobothJazz.com
Winter WonderFEST
Sat., Nov. 19 through Sat., Dec. 31, open nightly
Take a one-mile drive or an open-air wagon ride through the “Fields of Christmas Dreams!” at Winter WonderFEST in Milton. With its 7th season happening in 2022, this event’s dazzling light display is a community tradition in Delaware Beaches. Presented by Festival of Cheer, Inc., Winter WonderFEST is not only full of family fun but the event raises money in support of community charities. WonderFestDE.org
Fire and Ice Festival
Fri., Jan. 27 through Sun., Jan. 29
Marking its 6th year in 2023, this event’s festivities will include ice sculpture tours and demonstrations, bonfires, fireworks, music and tastings. Bundle up and come celebrate the Delaware Beaches at this unique event. FireandIceDE.com
All dates and times are subject to change. Please call ahead or check online before attending.
YES! The most susceptible are people who are blue-eyed, fair-skinned, tan poorly or have red or blonde hair.
Should I use sunscreen?
Yes. There is evidence that sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer and sunburn and slows the aging effects of the sun. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with the highest number, preferably 30 or greater, if you are more likely to burn.
Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours while you’re in the sun and more often if you are perspiring or swimming. The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Use a sunscreen with a higher protection factor on the areas that are more exposed: the tip of the nose, ears, collarbone, top of the feet and shoulders. On your lips, use only those products designed for that area. Keep all sunscreen and sun medications away from the eyes.
What are other ways I can protect my skin from the sun?
Along with wearing sunscreen, seeking shade helps protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Furthermore, covering up as much as possible with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor, helps provide sun protection. Wearing sunglasses with ultraviolet protection and a hat, preferably with a wide brim, are also important protection measures.
Can medications add to sun sensitivity?
Yes. Some examples are Tetracycline and diuretics. These have the potential to cause a bad burn from an amount of sun that would not ordinarily be harmful.
What should I do about a bad burn?
Take a cool bath or shower and then apply a moisturizer, particularly one containing aloe vera. Drink extra water and take special care to protect your skin while it is healing.
Recommended Precautions Your Children and the Sun:
Children younger than 6 months old should be kept out of the sun. Dress your baby in sun-protective clothing and cover their head with a hat.
Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher, which also has broad-spectrum protection and is water resistant; however, minimize sunscreen use on children younger than 6 months old. Reapply sunscreen on your child every two hours or right after swimming or sweating.
Why Many are Calling Delaware Beaches Their Second Home
By Julie Matthews
Are you or somebody you know considering purchasing a second home in the Delaware beaches vicinity? What’s not to love here? Laid-back, relaxing, beautiful beaches and shorelines; high-quality cuisine; and boundless activities for everyone of all ages. Delaware’s beaches are a favorite beach resort more and more visitors are making their home.
These past couple of years have pushed people to re-evaluate the priorities in their lives. Certainly, the pandemic has influenced people’s decisions as far as how and where they work, vacation and retire.
Redefining Lifestyles
The Delaware beaches—including Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, Lewes and Fenwick Island in Sussex County—have become an increasingly popular destination for second-home buyers. A second home in this area allows homeowners to escape to the beach on the weekends and leave behind the hustle and bustle and everyday stresses they may experience living or working in the more congested, larger cities such as Baltimore and Philadelphia. For just a few hours on the road, they can get away to a whole different atmosphere, full of natural beauty, without having to travel too far.
Living at one of Delaware’s beaches is especially appealing for people in retirement or close to their retirement years. A second home allows them to test the waters, so to speak, for their new life in a different location. They may be seeking beach life; however, moving down south to the Carolinas or Florida may be too far or big of a change. They may not be quite ready to leave their “forever” home and community where they have laid down roots. Having a bonus home at the Delaware beaches, they can travel back and forth between their real lives and their retired lives. If they have family back home, they can still have the flexibility of attending important family events.
Practical Perks
Delaware beaches offer their residents, whether primary or second-home residents, a high quality of life in a relaxed beach atmosphere. Delaware residents enjoy a number of desirable financial incentives, including tax-free shopping and low property taxes. Furthermore, here homebuyers often get more for their money compared to some other beach resort areas on the East Coast. As far as cost-of-living measures, Delaware is a comparably more affordable option when looking at some of its neighboring states. In addition, Delaware’s centralized location on the East Coast is convenient, and its smaller geographical size and population makes it fairly easy to navigate within.
The fact that a significant amount of new planned communities, including 55-plus communities, are cropping up in the area is definitely a major draw to this region. Neighborhoods are being built in previously rural areas just outside of the beach towns. These newer communities are full of amenities, such as clubhouses, pools and recreational activities for residents. The newer construction of these communities offer owners low maintenance living and convenience, which are important factors for those in retirement.
Endless Entertainment
While its beaches are the main attraction, this area offers visitors and residents a wide array of activities that expand beyond the beach providing residents a well-rounded lifestyle. For recreational activities they can head to the water for some fishing, boating or kayaking. Or they can hit the trails at one of the nearby state parks for hiking and bicycling, or tee off at one of the many golf courses in the area.
Shopping enthusiasts have a variety of shopping options from local beach stores to charming boutiques and antique stores to the Tanger Outlets. Of course, the area boasts an impressive dining scene with numerous fine dining options including award-winning restaurants with outstanding coastal cuisine to casual beach dining. A relaxing day at the spa can be easily arranged at one of the area’s spas, and for those wanting an exciting outing on the town there are numerous breweries and wineries—and even a casino a short distance away.
All of these great benefits make Delaware’s beaches an excellent choice for making it home.
Despite being the largest city on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Salisbury offers a charming small-town feel. Just west of Ocean City, Salisbury’s tranquil, waterfront atmosphere makes for the perfect day trip.
There’s no shortage of outdoor experiences to be had in Salisbury. Go for a bike ride on the nationally recognized Sea Gull Century bike road. Or visit the scenic Pemberton Historical Park. There you’ll find streams and ponds perfect for kayaking or canoeing. The park also has nature trails that are great locales for spotting the area wildlife.
Pemberton Historical Park
Find even more wildlife at the Salisbury Zoo, home to over 100 species, including river otters, red wolves and the spectacled bear. The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, another must-do on the Eastern Shore, has large collections for wildfowl art, as well as Native American carvings and modern and antique decoys.
In Salisbury, you’ll also be able to attend a Delmarva Shorebirds baseball game, experience the local craft beer scene and indulge in the flavor of the Eastern Shore.
Salisbury’s Arts & Entertainment District is the hub of all the city’s creative happenings. Plan your trip during one of the 3rd Friday events or Friday Night Live concerts to enjoy live music, local businesses and vendors and more fun in downtown Salisbury.
The Country House in Salisbury is worth the trip from just about anywhere. The Country House gives its customers many decorating options, including coastal treasures, farmhouse and primitive country styles. The many impressive displays throughout the 20,000 square-foot store blend timeless pieces with newer items to help make your house a home.
The Country House
The Country House is not just for lovers of country décor. It has a huge variety of products and gifts, including Simply Southern clothing, jewelry as well as a large assortment of candles, signs and beautiful florals.
hen Delaware Beaches are mentioned, Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach and Lewes are typically the first towns that come to mind. While this is not a surprise, knowing their popularity with vacationers, the beach resort’s surrounding areas also have noteworthy attractions not to be overlooked.
Sussex County, the home of the Delaware Beaches, and Kent County, to the north, are full of interesting places to visit. An afternoon to one or a handful of their towns can be a fun, mini getaway in and of itself where visitors can unplug and set off on a road trip on the backroads through the state. Some of these towns are just several miles outside of the shores, where there are completely different landscapes and architecture.
From terrific restaurants and breweries to local shops and museums, the greater area has much to offer visitors exploring the region. Let’s get to know some of the neighboring towns of the Delaware Beaches.
Milton
Located along the Broadkill River, this is a quaint historic town with Victorian homes in a mostly rural setting. Beer enthusiasts will want to check out Dogfish Head Brewery, one of the town’s hotspots, which was the first craft brewery in the state of Delaware. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Edward H. McCabe Nature Preserve provide opportunities to get out into nature, as does taking a tour of a local lavender farm. History buffs will enjoy viewing the exhibits at Milton Historical Society Museum.
Georgetown
Centrally located in Sussex County, this town takes great pride in its well-rounded community. It hosts Return Day, a unique holiday for the state of Delaware held on the Thursday after Election Day in November, at the town center’s “The Circle.” This is a beautiful area including a park and fountain and is listed in the National Historic Record. For a unique cultural experience, check out the Marvel Carriage Museum’s collection of antique carriages and the restored buildings on its property.
Laurel
This historic small town is surrounded by natural beauty. Broad Creek runs through Laurel and the area also has a number of eye-catching lakes and ponds. Not-to-be-missed is Trap Pond State Park, which is an impressive recreational playground with hiking and biking trails, kayaking and canoeing, bird watching opportunities and more. Learn about the town’s history at the Laurel Heritage Museum, in the old Laurel Train Station, and view its distinctive Waller Photographic Collection.
Delmar
On the Delaware-Maryland border, Delmar is known as “The Little Town Too Big for One State.” Along Route 54 stop by the Middle Point – Mason Dixon Marker, a roadside attraction marking where surveyors Mason and Dixon started their historic survey resulting in the dividing line between the northern and southern states of our country. Delmar’s proximity to Salisbury, Maryland also provides the area many “big city” attractions close by.
Millville
This small town, whose motto is “A Beautiful Way of Life,” is just several miles outside of Bethany Beach but feels many miles from the beach crowds. Some of its family-friendly activities in town include a theatre with magic and live entertainment, and a new facility with mini golf and arcade.
Milford
Located in Kent and Sussex counties, this quaint town is all about local. Head downtown and stroll around Riverwalk and enjoy its views of the Mispillion River. Grabbing a great meal and checking out the art scene are also among the many things to do here. Another highlight is Abbotts Mill Nature Center, on Milford Millponds Nature Preserve, with scenic trails, a historic working gristmill and a handicap-accessible boardwalk.
Harrington
Take a road trip north to Harrington, located in Kent County, and discover Harrington Raceway & Casino. Try one of Harrington’s excellent dining options or learn about the area’s history at one of its interesting museums. And did you know Harrington plays host to Delaware’s State Fair?
If you’re looking for different scenery and to learn something new, carve out some time for exploring more of Delaware!
