Dewey Beach, DE

Travel Guide
Dewey Beach featuring a beach and general coastal views
This small coastal Delaware village is known for its scenic beach, exciting nightlife and proximity to nature reserves and state parks.

Located on a thin strip of land less than two blocks wide, Dewey Beach is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay. No matter where you are in this compact Delaware village, with a population of less than 500, the beach is always just a short walk away. 

Dewey Beach is known for its nightlife and public events, including live music and festivals. Spend an evening hopping between nightclubs and bars after enjoying a seafood meal at restaurants that line the town’s street. During the summer Dewey Beach hosts a range of activities from outdoor movies to community bonfires. Come in late September for the Dewey Beach Music Conference, which brings up-and-coming artists to the area for a weekend of concerts.

Stroll a few minutes up the waterfront to the picturesque village of Rehoboth Beach, which is defined by its relaxed atmosphere and variety of restaurants and brewpubs. Save room in your suitcase for what you may bring home after a trip to Rehoboth’s Tanger Outlets. Dozens of factory stores here offer discounted prices. If you’re looking for a more boutique shopping experience, the village of Dewey Beach offers souvenir shops and locally run stores.

Enjoy some peace and quiet a few minutes south of Dewey Beach at Delaware Seashore State Park, which features 6 miles (10 kilometers) of pristine beaches. Bird watchers will relish an excursion to nearby Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. The protected area is widely considered to be the best wetland habitat along the Atlantic. Cape Henlopen State Park, about 20 minutes’ drive north of Dewey Beach, has a World War II-era observation tower where you can get panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park also offers activities such as disc golf on an 18-hole course, kayaking and horseback riding.

Dewey Beach is a two-hour drive from Philadelphia. Come by ferry from New Jersey. Rent a car to explore the nearby beaches and wildlife parks.

Where to stay in Dewey Beach

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Rehoboth by the Sea

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

While visiting Rehoboth by the Sea, you might make a stop by sights like Dewey Beach and Silver Lake.

Rehoboth by the Sea
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Ann Acres

4.5/5(26 area reviews)

While Ann Acres might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Dewey Beach and East of Maui.

Ann Acres
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Seabreeze

While Seabreeze might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Dewey Beach and Silver Lake.

Seabreeze
Gold Leaf Hotel of Dewey - Rehoboth Beach
Gold Leaf Hotel of Dewey - Rehoboth Beach
2.5 out of 5
1400 Coastal Highway One, Dewey Beach, DE
The price is ¥11,525 per night from May 7 to May 8
¥11,525
per night
May 7 - May 8
Stay at this beach hotel in Dewey Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"It was great to be able to get a room with 3 queen beds for my big family!"

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2024

Gold Leaf Hotel of Dewey - Rehoboth Beach
Surf Club Oceanfront Hotel
Surf Club Oceanfront Hotel
2 out of 5
1 Read Avenue, Dewey Beach, DE
The price is ¥13,777 per night from Apr 28 to Apr 29
¥13,777
per night
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this beach hotel in Dewey Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (930 reviews)
"great. The view was terrific."

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2024

Surf Club Oceanfront Hotel
The Bay Resort
The Bay Resort
2.5 out of 5
126 Bellevue St., Dewey Beach, DE
The price is ¥13,777 per night from Apr 24 to Apr 25
¥13,777
per night
Apr 24 - Apr 25
Stay at this motel in Dewey Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (572 reviews)
"The stay was very good and only mark against the property is the rooms are a little tired and could use an update. Staff was excellent and location is great. Very accommodating as a dog-friendly hotel."

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2024

The Bay Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bayfront Family Friendly 2BR on a Marina - Great Location & Beautiful Views!
Bayfront Family Friendly 2BR on a Marina - Great Location & Beautiful Views!
Dewey Beach
Stay at this apartment in Dewey Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a balcony. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Great rental!
"The apartment was perfect for our family and dog. It was very nice. The location was perfect to walk to the beach and restaurants. We really enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2024

Bayfront Family Friendly 2BR on a Marina - Great Location & Beautiful Views!
Enchanting condo w/ ocean-view, with balcony, pool, washer/dryer, & dog-friendly
Enchanting condo w/ ocean-view, with balcony, pool, washer/dryer, & dog-friendly
Dewey Beach
Stay at this condo in Dewey Beach. Enjoy a water park, onsite parking, and an in-room DVD player. Popular attractions Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Cape Henlopen ...
8/10 Very Good! (7 reviews)
St Patty’s Day
"This was perfect location for Dewey! Everything was in walking distance. This condo had everything we need for the weekend!"

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024

Enchanting condo w/ ocean-view, with balcony, pool, washer/dryer, & dog-friendly
Adorable Beach House in perfect location
Adorable Beach House in perfect location
Rehoboth Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Dewey Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an in-room DVD player. Popular attractions Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Cape ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
Great time
"Great location."

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2023

Adorable Beach House in perfect location
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Dewey Beach

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
137
" "5 - Excellent 55.24193548387097%
4 - Good
98
" "4 - Good 39.516129032258064%
3 - Okay
11
" "3 - Okay 4.435483870967742%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.4032258064516129%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.4032258064516129%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 22, 2020

Beware of the Mexican restaurant. Not much open so we ended up there for awhile. Like it should be on an episode of Bar Rescue!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 2, 2020

We love Dewey/rehobeth/lewes. Always a great time, relaxing, and pet friendly.

5/5 - Excellent

Susan
Oct 15, 2019

Best beach location on the coast. Quiet, dog friendly, no boardwalk noise or crowds. Easy to get to all points for shoppong and dinning.

5/5 - Excellent

Libby
Oct 14, 2019

Dewey Beach in October is great fun. Often days are warm enough to lay on the beach. Nights cool enough for bonfires. Columbus Day weekend is Greyhounds Reach the Beach which is awesome. It used to also be Dewey Goes Pink which livened up everything

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 11, 2019

Crab cakes at Woody’s. That and the ocean. What more could you need?

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 30, 2019

Not sure if we missed it but did not see any faucets/water spigots to wash off sand. Also, PLEASE RECYCLE.

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