Wilmington to Rehoboth & Lewes: Delaware Beaches Loop
Route: Wilmington ➔ Dover ➔ Lewes/Rehoboth Beach ➔ return via DE-1 (or US-13), ~180–200 miles round-trip.
Head south from Wilmington on DE-1, and in about an hour you’ll reach Dover, Delaware’s capital. It’s worth a stop: check out the historic Green downtown and the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover Air Force Base (free admission to see vintage planes and aviation history up close). Continue south to the coast about another hour to Lewes. In Lewes, you’ll find Cape Henlopen State Park, where you can climb an old WWII observation tower for panoramic ocean views or relax on a quieter beach (Cape Henlopen has great biking trails too). Just east of Lewes is the lively Rehoboth Beach, one of the most popular beach towns in Delaware. Stroll the classic boardwalk, grab some Thrashers french fries or saltwater taffy (a Delaware beach tradition), and take a dip in the Atlantic. If you love shopping, don’t miss the Rehoboth Outlet Centers along Route 1 a huge selection of stores and remember, Delaware has no sales tax! For a bit of nature, you can drive further south to Bethany Beach or Fenwick Island for a more laid-back vibe or even cross into Maryland to see the wild ponies at Assateague Island (an extra 45 minutes or so, but unforgettable if you have time).
Places to Eat:
- Boardwalk Bites: Try Thrasher’s French Fries on the Rehoboth boardwalk (these vinegar-doused fries have been a beach tradition since 1929) and pick up some saltwater taffy or caramel popcorn at Dolle’s or Fisher’s for a sweet treat. For a classic Delaware beach meal, you might also sample Grotto Pizza or a bucket of boardwalk fries with malt vinegar.
- Seafood & Brews: If you’re craving seafood, head to a local spot like Big Fish Grill in Rehoboth for crab cakes and fresh catch. In Lewes, the waterfront restaurants are great for steamed blue crabs. Or unwind at the Dogfish Head Brewpub in Rehoboth Beach enjoy a craft beer with burgers or seafood in the town where the Dogfish Head brewery was born.
Lodging:
- Beach Overnight: Consider turning this trip into a mini getaway. The Rehoboth/Lewes area has plenty of accommodations from oceanfront hotels in Rehoboth (for example, the Boardwalk Plaza or Atlantic Sands) to cozy inns and B&Bs in Lewes. For a unique stay, the Dogfish Inn in Lewes offers a stylish, beer-inspired boutique motel experience right in town. If you prefer nature, Cape Henlopen State Park also has campgrounds, so you can fall asleep to the sound of the surf.
Pro Tip: Summer traffic heading to the Delaware beaches can be intense. If you’re driving down on a Friday afternoon in peak season, expect slowdowns on DE-1 especially approaching Dover and around Milford. Leaving early in the morning or later in the evening can save you from the worst jams. Once at the coast, be prepared for parking rules: most beach towns charge for parking near the beach in summer bring quarters or use the ParkMobile app for metered spots. (Rehoboth Beach fills up fast, but there’s a park-and-ride shuttle on the outskirts of town as an alternative.) On the way back, consider taking US-13 for part of the journey as a change of scenery you’ll pass through small towns like Harrington and Smyrna, and in summer you might find farm stands selling fresh peaches or corn. Total drive time for this loop is about 4–5 hours (not counting stops), making it a full but fun day trip. Even better, make it a relaxing 2–3 day escape with an overnight at the beach to fully enjoy the sun, sand, and boardwalk nightlife