12 Facts to Get Better Acquainted with Delaware Beaches
By Julie Matthews
Delaware Beaches is an East Coast treasure, where you will discover beautiful beaches and parks, rich history, delicious cuisine, epic events and coastal charm all rolled together in one delightful package. See how well you know this remarkable region.
DID YOU KNOW? Today Rehoboth’s boardwalk is a mile long, but its original boardwalk built in 1873 stretched the entire length of the town’s oceanfront.
DID YOU KNOW? Rehoboth Beach has the nickname of “Nation’s Summer Capital” since the resort was initially promoted as “the” vacation destination for residents of the Washington, D.C. area.
DID YOU KNOW? Built in the early 1940s by the U.S. Army to guard the area, today eleven historic World War II fire control towers stand tall, ranging in size from 40-90 feet, along Delaware’s coastline between Cape Henlopen State Park and Fenwick Island State Park. In recent years, Fire Control Tower 3 and 7 have been restored and are open to the public.
DID YOU KNOW? Delaware Beaches consists of 25 miles of coastline and includes five towns: Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island and Lewes.
DID YOU KNOW? Delaware Beaches has three lighthouses including Fenwick Island Lighthouse (1859) in Fenwick Island, the Delaware Breakwater Lighthouse (1885) in Lewes and the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse (built 1901 in Lewes). The last of which is the only operating lighthouse in southern Delaware.
DID YOU KNOW? Along with tax-free shopping, the area has a large selection of shops, including outlets with 115 brand name stores in Rehoboth Beach.
DID YOU KNOW? Over the years, the Delaware Beaches have been recognized for having the cleanest water quality in the United States, with Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches awarded as “Superstar Beaches,” according to the National Resources Defense Council assessments.
DID YOU KNOW? The historically rich Lewes is known as the first town in the first state due to its being one of the first locations that the settlers landed.
DID YOU KNOW? Delaware Beaches’ Ocean to Bay Bike Tour, which marked its 35th anniversary in 2024, is an award-winning annual cycling event held each April. Cyclists of varying skill levels gather for the popular ride throughout Sussex County.
DID YOU KNOW? In 1964, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry began transporting passengers back and forth on the Delaware Bay between Delaware and New Jersey and continues today. This scenic voyage is a family-friendly experience offering interesting views from wildlife sightings to lighthouse sightings. (See ferry schedule on page 29.)
DID YOU KNOW? Delaware Beaches is such a foodie destination that Southern Delaware Tourism has trademarked the name “Culinary Coast” for the area. Its elevated culinary scene boasts award-winning restaurants, first-rate chefs, fresh seafood, farm-to-table and so much more.
DID YOU KNOW? When it opened in 1995, Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats in Rehoboth was Delaware’s first brewpub, as well as the smallest brewery in the United States. Today Dogfish Head has multiple locations including an inn in downtown Lewes.
