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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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 Silver Lake.

Ann Acres
Default Image

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 John Waples Memorial Playground.

Seabreeze
Surf Club Oceanfront Hotel
Surf Club Oceanfront Hotel
2 out of 5
1 Read Avenue, Dewey Beach, DE
The price is $270 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$270
includes taxes & fees
$244 per night
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Dewey Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the overall value and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"My husband I have been coming to this hotel for years. It doesn’t look like much on the outside, but the rooms are nice and comfy. The property is right on the beach and has become our favorite beach hotel. We will continue to come to this hotel when visiting the Delaware coast."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024

Surf Club Oceanfront Hotel
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 $152 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$152
includes taxes & fees
$136 per night
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Dewey Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the comfy rooms and the overall value in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024

Gold Leaf Hotel of Dewey - Rehoboth Beach
Hyatt Place Dewey Beach
Hyatt Place Dewey Beach
3 out of 5
1301 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE
The price is $326 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
$326
includes taxes & fees
$295 per night
Aug 18 - Aug 19
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Dewey Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Rehoboth ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2024

Hyatt Place Dewey Beach
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 vacation home in Dewey Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Rehoboth ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
Great, spacious property in quiet location off the main drag
"Tons of space, overlooks water, nicely appointed. Owner super easy to work with. Great spot!"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2024

Bayfront Family Friendly 2BR on a Marina - Great Location & Beautiful Views!
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, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Rehoboth Beach ...
Peaceful Views
"Our family enjoyed the views from the balcony morning and evening very much. It was a great space to sit and chat. The host was great at getting back to me about any questions. The unit is below another one, so if that is bothersome, look into the top unit. The walk to the beach is close. Friendly ..."

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2024

Bayfront Family Friendly 2BR on a Marina - Great Location & Beautiful Views!
Luxury Bayfront Penthouse Condo 1 block from the beach. Overlooking rooftop pool
Luxury Bayfront Penthouse Condo 1 block from the beach. Overlooking rooftop pool
Dewey Beach
Stay at this condo in Dewey Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Rehoboth Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
Great family getaway!
"We had a fantastic time visiting Dewey. This was a beautiful property in a great location. Perfect for our family of 3 and our dog! We will be back!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2024

Luxury Bayfront Penthouse Condo 1 block from the beach. Overlooking rooftop pool
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

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Susan

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

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Cities near Dewey Beach