Stretching two blocks wide and 1 mile long, the compact town of Dewey Beach offers a walkable destination with a plethora of nightlife options. The soft sandy beaches rarely feel crowded, and the inlets of Rehoboth Bay are ideal for water sports. And while it’s quietly family-friendly on weekdays, come Friday night through Sunday afternoon, Dewey positively sizzles with live music and socializing at late-night bars and buzzy restaurants. This story is part of our May Battle of the Beaches issue. Check back as we break down our favorite beaches in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey.
Where to Stay
Hyatt Place Dewey Beach is located on the south end of Coastal Highway overlooking Rehoboth Bay. Along with a free breakfast, there’s an indoor pool and a small private beach. Room options include one- and two-bedroom condo units with kitchenettes. If you prefer listening to the crashing waves, choose the newly renovated Atlantic View Hotel. The balconies face the ocean, and there’s a small outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and afternoon cookies.
Where to Eat
There are no chain restaurants in Dewey, so take your pick of the many locally owned treasures, starting with Dewey Beer Co. In addition to tasty brews, the menu offers a surprisingly wide selection of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and entrées, including Asian-infused favorites like General Tso’s chicken and lo mein. Just south of Indian River Inlet Bridge in Bethany Beach is Big Chill Beach Club, a seasonal restaurant steps from the shoreline. Part of the Delaware State Parks system, there’s a $10 parking charge for the dazzling setting, but you can take a walk on the beach after your meal. Starboard Claw serves an array of elevated seafood options along with steamed blue crabs and local oysters on the rooftop deck. You’ll find good slices up and down Coastal Highway, but Grotto Pizza is an institution and stays open until 1 a.m. on weekends. Hungry beachgoers love the stacked bagels at Baked Coffee Bar and sweet treats at The Dewey Post.
Where to Play
Dewey is the only Delaware beach town that allows dogs to romp on the beach year-round (before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. from Memorial through Labor Day). Whether you want to rent a jet ski, standup paddleboard, or pontoon boat, Dewey Beach Watersports has you covered. Alley Oop Skim offers instruction on skim boarding and surfing for those looking to enhance their skills. Indian River Life Saving Station in nearby Rehoboth opened in 1876 to rescue passengers from shipwrecks. Located inside the Delaware Seashore State Park, you can take a lantern tour, learn surf fishing, and visit the museum to learn the maritime history of the region.
Where to Go Out
Some of Dewey’s hot spots opened decades ago. Bottle & Cork first welcomed friends to its sandy floorboards in 1936 and continues to pack in revelers with regional bands and even famous artists like Gavin DeGraw. Back in 1960, The Starboard began serving delicious food and cocktails, including its famed orange crush cocktail and bloody mary bar. Starboard caters to all ages but comes alive for weekend brunch and late-night music. One of the best things about Dewey’s nightlife is that some bars are literally on the sand. Northbeach is a bayfront spot with a perfect combination of dance music, beautiful sunsets, and free pizza at its Friday happy hour. Perched on a huge deck overlooking Rehoboth Bay, the dog- and kid-friendly The Lighthouse Dewey Beach is an all-day bar with live music and volleyball.
Feature image of The Big Chill Beach Club courtesy Visit Southern Delaware
This story originally ran in our May Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
