I recently returned from a multi-generational family vacation in Dewey Beach, Delaware. While most people know Dewey for its nightlife and bar scene, it ended up the perfect spot for our group ranging in age from 5-years-old to 65 years old. During our visit, we tried new restaurants and generally avoided traffic on Highway One by walking to all the Dewey Beach hot spots. Here are my tips for the best things to do, where to stay, and where to dine.
Where to Stay
There are several hotels in and near Dewey Beach that may work for you. For a two-bedroom condo-style room, try Hyatt Place Dewey Beach overlooking Rehoboth Bay (it can be a bit noisy on the weekends). For casual hotel with great views, the Atlantic View Hotel fits the bill. My extended family stays at the Gold Leaf Hotel Dewey It’s a quick walk to the beach and affordable when booking in advance.
For our vacation, we rented through VRBO and found a four-bedroom townhouse on Dagsworthy Street with room to spread out. It had balconies with views of the ocean and complimentary beach chairs. If you find a rental in your price range, and are staying more than three days, vacation rentals are best option. But watch out for hidden fees and try to rent directly with owner or rental agency when possible.
Where to Eat
The sky’s the limit in Dewey Beach. We have our favorites, like Dewey Beer Co., Starboard’s family of restaurants, and the Big Chill Beach Club. But I’m also a fan of the takeout places like Nick’s Philadelphia Cheesesteaks. We got lunch there three times. I love the reasonable prices, freshness of the food and friendly owners.
We also ordered from Grotto Pizza twice, because it’s our family’s favorite for decades. We tried the sushi at Nalu Dewey Beach and pasta at Mama Maria’s. You can walk to anything in Dewey.
What to Do:
Dewey Beach is the only Delaware beach town that lets you walk dogs on the beach year round (in the summer months it’s before 9 am and after 5 pm). That’s why dog lovers choose Dewey. Beyond hanging at the beach, you can rent a Jetski, stand-up paddle board, kayaks, or pontoon boat at one of the outfitters like Dewey Beach Watersports.
A lesser known hidden gem is the Indian River Light Saving Station. You can tour the museum to learn about the history of shipwrecks and how Delaware’s volunteer rescuers became the official U.S. Coast Guard. Also at Delaware Seashore State Park, you can climb the 57-foot World War II fire tower at Tower Beach with a snack bar and bathrooms. You can be also lazy. Hey, it’s the beach! For our vacation, we took long walks and swam. We also spent a day visiting Ocean City, walking on the Boardwalk and taking the kids on amusement park rides.
If you’re interested in Ocean City, I recommend Ashore Resort and Beach Club. It’s a fabulous hotel with so many amenities and the only bar on the beach.
Nightlife in Dewey (it isn’t Only for GEN Z)
While it’s been a while since I partied into the night, you can find some early bird specials among Dewey’s nightlife scene. Some of these gems have been around for decades. Bottle & Cork started in 1936 with its sandy floorboards and has been a go-to spot for live music, from local bands to famous artists.
Back in 1960, The Starboard opened its doors and started serving legendary brunch food, including their famous Orange Crush cocktail and Bloody Mary Bar. It’s a place for all ages, but definitely pulls in the party crowd at night.
Some of Dewey’s bars are literally on the sand! Northbeach is a bayfront spot with a perfect mix of vintage rock and stunning sunsets. We always go for the free pizza hours for Friday happy hour. For a fun and all-day experience, head to Lighthouse Dewey Beach, perched on a huge deck overlooking Rehoboth Bay. It’s a dog-friendly and kid-friendly bar with live music and volleyball.
To read more about the best beach destinations, check out Northern Virginia Magazine’s June 2025 issue. I wrote about Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Travel and Dish 
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