Dewey Beach, DE

Travel Guide

Dewey Beach showing kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views as well as an individual child
Dewey Beach featuring a beach and general coastal views
Dewey Beach showing general coastal views and a beach
Dewey Beach which includes general coastal views, a beach and signage
Dewey Beach showing a lighthouse

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 Silver Lake.

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 Bottle & Cork and Dewey Beach.

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
$163 nightly
The price is $181 total per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
$181 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a 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! (1,005 reviews)
"The hotel is super close to the beach, so it's very convenient. It's also very close to a bunch of cafes, bars, and restaurants. The only downside is the property is a little dated and the air conditioner specifically was very loud, especially at night."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

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
$308 nightly
The price is $342 total per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
$342 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Dewey Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Great for the family! Easy and convenient from location, parking, access to events and the beach."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Hyatt Place Dewey Beach
The Bay Resort
The Bay Resort
2.5 out of 5
126 Bellevue St., Dewey Beach, DE
$165 nightly
The price is $184 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$184 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Dewey Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (760 reviews)
Great place to stay
"The room was cold, the bed was comfortable, and the water pressure was good. Also loved that there was a litle kitchenette"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

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.
Steps to Shore: Newly Renovated Dewey Beach Home!
Steps to Shore: Newly Renovated Dewey Beach Home!
Dewey Beach
Stay at this property in Dewey Beach. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Dewey Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Amazing Place in Dewey Beach
"The place is amazing. Right by the beach and a couple minute walk to all the town of Dewey has to offer. Super clean, great accommodations. Absolutely hoot to come back and stay here again!"

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Steps to Shore: Newly Renovated Dewey Beach Home!
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, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Dewey Beach are located ...
Great location but property in need of TLC
"The beach was steps away and all the restaurants and entertainment was within walking distance. The property was in n need of repairs, things that weren’t quick fixes. The cleaning crew didn’t do a proper job, we had to clean it ourselves, but we did get the cleaning fee back. The Vacasa Agent Jessica, ..."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2024

Enchanting condo w/ ocean-view, with balcony, pool, washer/dryer, & dog-friendly
Stunning Bayside Townhome w/ Private Beach, Breathtaking Water Views, & Parking!
Stunning Bayside Townhome w/ Private Beach, Breathtaking Water Views, & Parking!
Dewey Beach
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Dewey Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
Delaware getaway
"Convienent, clean, spacious, location adjacent to Dewey beach. Would stay again. Enjoyed our time here."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Stunning Bayside Townhome w/ Private Beach, Breathtaking Water Views, & Parking!
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%
4 - Good
98
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
11
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

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