Start your ideal shoreline escape with a weekend in Dewey Beach!
You can say “good morning” over brunch, kick off adventures on the bay, dive into watersports, savor local bites, and wrap it all up with live music and a memorable night out on the town.
Check out our handpicked activities for the Dewey Beach area below:
Start the Day with Breakfast at The Dewey Post
Just steps from the beach on Coastal Highway, The Dewey Post is the kind of place that feels like summer the moment you walk in.
Housed in a bright, beachy building, it’s known for its welcoming vibe, hand-painted coastal murals, and the smell of just-baked pastries drifting from the counter.
Grab a seat on the sunny outdoor patio if the weather’s nice, it’s perfect for people-watching as the town wakes up.
Locals rave about the banana-nut butter waffle, and the lox board with toasted everything-bagel points is a fan favorite for a lighter, salty start.
- Address: 1205 Coastal Highway
Enjoy the Beach or Kayak Around Rehoboth Bay
Once you’re fueled up, it’s time to get closer to the water.
Dewey Beach’s wide stretch of soft sand is ideal for throwing down a towel and letting the hours pass to the sound of gulls and gentle waves.
If you’re in the mood for something more active, the calmer waters of Rehoboth Bay are perfect for kayaking.
Paddling out in the early hours offers a different kind of peace: gliding past quiet docks, spotting egrets in the reeds, and catching glimpses of the sun’s reflection rippling across the surface.
- Address: 135 Dagsworthy Street
- Click here to see dates, times, and prices.
Grab Essential Gear and Catch a Surf Lesson at Dewey Beach Surf Shop
Tucked in Izzy Plaza, this surf shop feels like a clubhouse for wave lovers. Inside, well-worn boards carry stories; outside, surf-friendly folks chat about swells and styles.
The real gift, though, is stepping into a $100, hour-and-15-minute lesson held on the north side of the Indian River Inlet Bridge, a few miles from the shop.
Your instructor, experienced with both East and West Coast swells, starts with beach drills like popping up and foot placement before getting you into the water to paddle and ride.
Lessons are capped at six people, use 9-foot soft-top boards (provided), and cover everything from ocean safety to wave etiquette.
- Address: 2103 Coastal Highway (Unit B)
- The best way to book a lesson is by texting their shop phone at (302) 227-8288
Have Lunch and a Local Brew at Woody’s
Woody’s is a Dewey Beach staple known far and wide for its award-winning crab cakes: All jumbo lump crab, barely held together, and perfectly seasoned.
The laid-back, beach-bar vibe makes it just as popular with locals as with visitors. You can grab a table inside to catch the game on TV, or enjoy the fresh air at one of the outdoor seats along the sidewalk.
Beyond crab cakes, the menu leans into coastal comfort food like fish tacos, shrimp salad sandwiches, and loaded nachos. Wash it down with a cold local craft beer or a crush, the orange variety is a house favorite.
- Address: 1904 Coastal Highway
Play 18 Holes at Nick’s Mini Golf
Just a skip from the waterfront, Nick’s Mini Golf pops with tropical-theme lanes, quirky windmills, and dinos peeking around obstacles.
Don’t let the compact layout fool you. Each hole hides a sly challenge, and sudden dinosaur surprises can steal a fun groan from grown-up players.
It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone who just wants a light and fun thing to do.
- Address: 2200 Coastal Highway
- Click here to see their prices and here to buy a ticket
Rent a Pontoon and Spend an Afternoon Out on the Water
There’s something special about steering your own pontoon across Rehoboth Bay.
Dewey Beach Watersports makes it easy, giving you a quick rundown before sending you off with everything you need.
You can cruise toward quiet coves, anchor for a swim, or just drift and enjoy the view. To operate a boat, you must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license.
Fishing is allowed from the pontoons, so feel free to bring your gear and try your luck. And yes, you can stop and get in the water to cool off, just remember to follow all safety guidelines.
This is the kind of easygoing adventure that fits perfectly into a beach day.
- Address: 113 Dickinson Street
- Click here to see dates, times, and prices.
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Have a Delicious Dinner at The Lighthouse
As twilight paints the sky, The Lighthouse beckons with a soft, golden glow and dishes that feel lovingly cornered by the sea.
Order succulent seafood plates, lean into a cocktail like their signature Dewey Beach Orange Crush or a delicious Frozen Espresso Colada.
The vibe is casual and friendly, with the hum of conversation mixing with the sound of waves just beyond the deck.
- Address: 124 Dickinson Street
Grab Oysters & Cocktails at The Starboard Raw
Starboard Raw is a small, stylish space that keeps things focused on the essentials: Fresh oysters, good drinks, and easy conversation.
You can settle in at the bar and watch the shucking happen right in front of you, or grab a table by the window and people-watch between sips of a well-mixed cocktail.
The oysters come cold and briny. It’s simple, but that’s exactly the point.
On weekends, happy hour runs 4–6pm on Friday, and Sunday features $11 Espresso Martinis from 6pm to close.
- Address: 2000 Coastal Highway (Unit 102)
Enjoy a Show at Rusty Rudder
Grab an Orange Crush or a Sunset Rum Punch, feel the breeze on your face, and let the music roll you right into the heart of a Dewey Beach night.
At Rusty Rudder, the stage glows under string lights, while the bay shimmers just steps away.
The open-air setting carries the sound of guitars and laughter across the water, with a laid-back, bayside party vibe.
The lineup ranges from local favorites to big-name acts. Coming up, you can catch Kono Nation on Friday, August 15th, and Love Seed Mama Jump on Saturday, August 16th.
- Address: 113 Dickinson Street
- Check out their list of events
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Stay the Night at the Hyatt Place Dewey Beach
Wrap up your stay with ease and comfort at Hyatt Place Dewey.
The hotel offers 144 newly renovated rooms and suites, including 14 exclusive condos, each thoughtfully designed to blend contemporary style with coastal charm.
Some rooms feature stunning bay views, letting you wake up to soft morning light reflecting off the water.
Whether you choose a standard room or a spacious suite, you’ll find modern amenities to help you relax after a day of beach adventures.
Plus, with free self-parking on-site and a location within walking distance of almost everything in town, there’s no need to move your car once you check in.
It’s a practical, convenient way to keep the beach weekend rolling without overthinking it.
- Address: 1301 Coastal Highway
Grab Breakfast at The Starboard
On a Sunday morning, The Starboard is Dewey Beach’s social breakfast hub, where the energy is as much a draw as the food.
Regulars slide into their favorite booths, the Bloody Mary bar stands fully stocked with every garnish imaginable, and the “Hangover Helper” and “Eggs Delmarva” come out of the kitchen as fast as they can be plated.
It’s the perfect place to swap stories from the weekend before heading back out to the beach.
After breakfast, stroll a few blocks east to the sand, Van Dyke Avenue is a great spot to find parking with easy beach access, especially if you’re bringing chairs or boards.
- Address: 2009 Coastal Highway
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Satisfy Your Thrill with Parasailing
For those who prefer their mornings with a rush of adrenaline, parasailing over Dewey Beach is a must.
Picture this: you’re floating hundreds of feet above the sparkling bay, wind rushing by, and views that feel pulled from a postcard.
With a perfect safety record and swift service, Dewey Beach Parasail makes this bucket-list moment totally doable.
- Address: 113 Dickinson Avenue
- Click here to see dates, times, and prices.
End Your Weekend at Nalu Surf Bar
Before heading home, unwind at Nalu Surf Bar, Dewey Beach’s tropical oasis.
This open-air bar and grill offers a laid-back island vibe with palm trees, tiki decor, and a menu featuring Hawaiian-inspired dishes and refreshing cocktails.
Every Sunday from 6 to 10pm, enjoy live music by Matt Quinton, the perfect soundtrack to wrap up your weekend getaway.
Whether you’re sipping a Lava Flow cocktail or tasting fresh poke tacos, Nalu Surf Bar is the perfect spot to kick back and soak up the last moments of your Dewey Beach weekend.
- Address: 1308 Coastal Highway
Have you tried any of these Dewey Beach favorites, or do you have your own must-visit spot? Share your experiences in the comments and follow our blog for more fun activities around Coastal Delaware!