Delaware Beaches Offers Activities for All

While the Delaware Beaches is absolutely one of the most relaxing coastal vacation destinations around, it can also be one of the most exhilarating. There are so many exciting, family-friendly ways to spend your time in the region.

Spend a Day on the Water

Surfing 

Since the waves here are simply perfect year-round, why not use your vacation as an opportunity to learn how to surf? There are plenty of shops where you can rent a surfboard and get private lessons from a local pro. From first-timers to the casual surfer looking to learn new tricks, surf instructors work with people of all ages and skill levels. 

Fishing 

Fishing opportunities are a cinch in the Delaware Beaches. Go on a headboat charter or do some surf fishing. You’ll be excited to know that flounder, sea bass, tautog, yellowfin tuna and marlin are several fish in Delaware’s local waters. Sailing out of nearby Ocean City, Maryland, Miss Ocean City offers a family-friendly bay fishing adventure. 

Kayak 

Take a ride down Delaware’s watery nature trails. Peaceful and equally pleasurable, make sure you take advantage of the many miles of bayfront coastline aboard a kayak. There’s nothing quite like enjoying the cool breezes from your own waterfront view. Start making plans by contacting Coastal Kayak. 

Stand-Up Paddleboard 

More serene, yet with extra strength required, learn the popular pastime of stand-up paddleboarding. All you need is a board and paddle, which Coastal Kayak also rents, and you’re set to go. You’ll enjoy incredible views of the horizon and possibly even catch glimpses of dolphins. 

Tiki tours 

Cruise around the Delaware waterways onboard a festive tiki boat. These unique tours offer visitors a fun way to sightsee along Delaware’s shores and party in style. Guests onboard Island Time’s tiki boat can look forward to tour times throughout the week, a large bar and lounge area, cheerful lighting and much more. 

Area Amusement Parks 

Enjoy a day packed with family fun at Jolly Roger Amusement Park, which celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2024. The Jolly Roger at 30th Street location in Ocean City is home to Splash Mountain and Speedworld, plus you will find the classic amusement park rides everybody knows and loves from a carousel and fun slide to swings and bumper cars, a train and much more.  

Waterpark 

Thunder Lagoon Waterpark will add even more excitement to your visit. With a Lazy River ride, six slides, activity pool and kiddie pool, the entire family will make a splash here.  

Mini Golf 

Mini golf is a popular summertime activity that’s perfect for all ages. With locations both indoors and outdoors, your family will love wandering through a jungle safari or hitting the high seas with pirates. Have a ball at Old Pro Golf’s themed indoor and outdoor courses or try out one of the entertaining courses offered at Nick’s Mini Golf, including their new indoor-outdoor location with a Jurassic theme in Rehoboth Beach. Find more great adventures at Viking Golf, where you will also learn about Viking history while wandering through the course’s captivating landscaping. After doing some souvenir shopping at the Sea Shell Shop, stay around for a 19-hole game of miniature golf at the charming beachcomber-themed Shell We Golf course adjacent to the store.   

Get a Bird’s-Eye View  

View the region from above aboard one of Cloud Dancer’s two-passenger bi-planes. These air tours provide once-a-lifetime experiences and spectacular views of the ocean and the bays in the area. 

Nature Parks 

Spending time at scenic Delaware Seashore State Park will be entertaining for the whole family. With miles of both ocean and bay shoreline, the area offers fun water activities such as surfing, kayaking, fishing and more. Set aside some time to tour the interesting Indian River Life-Saving Station and learn the history of Tower Three, which recently opened to the public after more than 15 years of renovation efforts.  

Animal Encounters 

Experiencing wildlife up-close is a special activity the whole family can enjoy together. Located in Frankford, Coastal Wilds is a zoological park featuring a range of fun opportunities to spend time with adorable animals, such as Encounter Tours, Otter Swims and Sippin’ with Sloths. Red Kangaroo, Eurasian Lynx, Fennec Fox, Green Iguana and Capybara are some additional amazing species to come see! 

Local Museums 

Feed your appetite for knowledge with something new this vacation by exploring a nearby museum. Check out event schedules to see what programs and exhibits are on display. 

Tax-Free Shopping 

A main reason Delaware shopping is so special is that it is tax-free, seven days a week, 365 days a year. While significant, that’s just part of why shopping here is incredible. From the quaint antique shops in Lewes to the eclectic boutiques in downtown Rehoboth, shopping takes on many forms in the Delaware Beaches. People come from all over to stroll the streets of our charming towns and shop the expansive variety of stores here.  

Beach Shops  

While at the beach, purchasing some beach-themed gifts is a must. At the Sea Shell Shop discover nautical gifts, shells, art, collectibles, hermit crabs, homemade fudge and even mini golf! Also be sure a visit to Seaside Country Store, in Fenwick Island, is on your agenda for unique coastal gifts, tasty food items and much more.  

Pick up some last-minute beach gear at Holly’s Treasure Chest before you hit the beach or stock up on groceries at Weis Markets so you’re covered for any meals or snacks while you are in town. Satisfy your sweet tooth by stopping by a favorite local staple, Candy Kitchen. Delicious fudge, salt water taffy, hand-dipped chocolates, you’ll find all this and many other treats! Have a delightful culinary experience and shop for special gifts at The Spice & Tea Exchange® of Rehoboth, which not only offers a large variety of teas but spices and seasonings, sweeteners and much more.  

Antiques & Repurposing Shops 

Those with a flair for antiques or repurposed furniture will love exploring these scenic, rural towns for one-of-a-kind furniture and goods. There are actually more than 500 antique dealers in southern Delaware in the form of antique shops, flea markets and auctions.  

Fenwick Island is home to vintage and reclaimed furniture shops, where you can purchase their pieces or bring in your own piece for a custom application. If you’re looking for vintage furniture with modern elements, then head to Lewes for the latest new furniture collections. 

Outlets 

Browse through well-known shops, as well as stores only found in Delaware, as you discover apparel for all ages, along with accessories, entertainment stores, dining and more all in one area. You will find yourself walking out of one store and quickly spotting your next stop to continue shopping for jaw-dropping deals and tax-free items. With all the trendiest brands the outlets have to offer, you will have no choice but to treat yourself. 

No matter what kinds of items you have on your shopping list, you will be sure to find whatever you are looking for in the
Delaware Beaches.