The off-season window is closing, but there’s still time to enjoy two of Coastal Delaware’s most loved beach towns without the peak season crowds & all of their best off-season activities.

From laid-back moments in Lewes to the coastal charm of Dewey Beach, this is a great time to experience these spots at a slower, more enjoyable pace.

Dewey Beach

Delmarva Discovery Tours

If you are looking to pack a little more variety into your plans before the off season ends, Delmarva Discovery Tours offers a mix of experiences that go way beyond the typical day out. 

You can choose from all-inclusive tours that take you to local breweries, wineries, and distilleries along the Delaware Beer Wine and Spirits Trail, with everything planned out for you so all you have to do is show up and enjoy. 

There are also more relaxed options like wine and garden tours that include stops at a lavender farm and a local winery, which makes for a really scenic and easygoing experience. 

If you are visiting with family, they also offer seasonal tours that include local farms and fun stops like a dairy farm for fresh ice cream. 

On top of that, you can build your own custom tour using their shuttle or party bus to create something that fits exactly what you are in the mood for. 

For something more active, their eco tours on paddle boards and kayaks let you explore the calm bay waters in a way that feels both peaceful and a little adventurous.

• Address: 135 Dagsworthy Street
• Contact: 302-260-9008
• Book now

Dewey Beer Co.

If you are spending time in Dewey Beach before the off-season ends, Dewey Beer Co. is one of those spots that is easy to add to your plans, especially if you are looking for something casual with a strong local feel. 

This original location sits just steps from the ocean and right in the middle of everything, which gives it that classic beach town energy. 

What really sets it apart is how fresh everything is, with beer traveling just a short distance from where it is brewed to your glass, making the whole experience feel a bit more connected and authentic. 

With a good food menu and a relaxed atmosphere, it's the kind of place where you can stop in for a quick drink and end up staying longer than you thought. 

• Address: 2100 Coastal Highway
• Hours: 4pm to 9pm (Monday to Thursday); 12pm to 10pm (Friday); 11am to 10pm (Saturday); 12pm to 9pm (Sunday)
• Contact: 302-227-1182

The Starboard

The Starboard is one of Dewey Beach's most famous places and has been drawing crowds for decades. If you want something a little more lively before the off-season ends, go there. 

This place is known for its lively atmosphere and has become a popular spot for great food, live entertainment, and a social scene that brings together locals and tourists. 

From their well-known brunches to live performances and DJs, there is always something happening that keeps the energy going.

It has been part of the community for over 60 years and continues to evolve while still holding onto that classic Dewey Beach vibe that people come back for year after year. 

• Address: 2009 Coastal Highway
• Hours: 8:30am to 1am (Thursday to Saturday); 8:30am to 8pm (Sunday)
• Contact: 302-227-4600
• Upcoming events

Rusty Rudder

For a spot that really leans into the coastal atmosphere, Rusty Rudder is hard to beat, especially if you are trying to enjoy as much of that waterfront vibe as possible before the season shifts. 

Set right along Rehoboth Bay, this restaurant offers a large outdoor deck where you can take in the views, feel the breeze, and settle in with food, drinks, and live music playing throughout the week. 

The beautiful scenery, laid-back atmosphere, and steady stream of entertainment make it easy to relax. 

You can go there for a drink and end up staying for the music, the sunset, and the vibe.

• Address: 113 Dickinson Street
• Opening hours: 4pm (Friday); 12pm (Saturday)
• Contact: 302-227-3888 & [email protected]
• You can check out their entertainment schedule here

Woody's Dewey Beach

If you are looking for a reliable spot in Dewey Beach before the busy season kicks in, Woody’s is one of those places that consistently delivers. 

Known for their award-winning crab cakes and burgers, this local favorite has been around since 2009 and has built a strong reputation for both the food and the atmosphere. 

You can stop in for something casual like homemade chips and lunch on the porch after the beach or come back later for dinner and a more lively vibe. 

With multiple “Best of” awards over the years, including recognition for their crab cakes and as one of the top restaurants in Dewey Beach, it is an easy choice to add to your off-season list.

• Address: 1904 Coastal Highway
• Opening hours: 11am to 1am (carry-out from 11am to 9pm)
• Contact: 302-260-9945

Lewes

Image Generated by AI

The Listening Booth

The Listening Booth is a great place to go if you want to do something more personal and meaningful before the off-season ends. It's not like a normal night out. 

Created under the nonprofit We’re Listening, this space is centered around original music, songwriting, and storytelling, with a mission that goes beyond entertainment. 

The goal is to make a place where people can feel connected in a world where being alone and disconnected is so common. 

That gives every performance a little more weight, because it is not just about hearing music but about sharing a moment with other people in a way that feels honest and personal. 

They have some showstopping performers at incredibly affordable prices & the reviews speak for themselves – put this one high on your must do list for the area & you won’t be disappointed!!

• Address: 18388 Coastal Highway (#11)
• Contact: 302-200-3883 & [email protected]
• Upcoming shows

Lewes Public Library

The Lewes Public Library is more than just a place to check out books. If you want to spend some time somewhere useful and welcoming before the off-season ends, this is the place to go. 

The current library was shaped by community input and designed to serve as a true civic and cultural hub, with expanded spaces for meeting, studying, learning, and gathering. 

Along with collections and reading areas, it includes features like study rooms, a Teen Room with its own Tech Suite, dedicated spaces for children and programs, and a strong focus on serving people of all ages. 

What also makes it stand out is its place within a larger cultural campus in Lewes, surrounded by other community-centered spaces that add to the experience of spending time there. 

• Address: 111 Adams Avenue
• Hours: 10am to 8pm (Monday to Thursday); 10am to 5pm (Friday); 10am to 2pm (Saturday)
• Contact: 302-645-2733
• Calendar of events

Cape Water Tours

If you want to get out on the water before the off-season winds down, Cape Water Tours gives you plenty of ways to do it while taking in some of the best views around Lewes. 

You can choose from a wide range of public cruises and tours offered by the company. You can go on an educational and nature-focused cruise or a more laid-back one, like a sunset cruise, a dolphin-spotting trip, or a live music outing on the water. 

The variety is what makes it so appealing. It works just as well for people who want to learn more about the local ecology as it does for people who just want to have a beautiful and memorable ride. 

They also offer private charters for larger groups, along with a water taxi service that adds a fun and easy way to travel between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach while skipping the usual traffic. 

Even in the off-season, they continue offering seal and bird-watching experiences, which makes this a great option if you want to enjoy the coastal landscape in a way that feels a little more special.

• Dock's address: 217 Anglers Road & 43 Cape Henlopen Drive
• Contact: 302-644-7334
• Schedule a tour

Cape May–Lewes Ferry

For an outing that feels scenic from the very start, the Cape May–Lewes Ferry is one of those classic coastal experiences that is worth doing before the off-season ends. 

The ride itself is a big part of the appeal, with open views across the bay, fresh air, and the chance to spot dolphins and lighthouses along the way. 

Even though it is a practical way to travel between Lewes and Cape May, it feels much more like part of the adventure than simple transportation. 

You can bring your car, your bike, or just yourself and enjoy the crossing as a chance to slow down and take in the surroundings. 

It's a simple way to make your plans more memorable, especially if you want to do something that really feels like it belongs on the Delaware coast.

• Address: 43 Cape Henlopen Drive
• Contact: 800-643-3779
• Book now

Image Generated by AI

Lefty’s Alley & Eats

Lefty's Alley & Eats is one of those places where you can easily turn a simple outing into a full experience if you want to get some energy before the off-season ends. 

It combines dining, entertainment, and social activities all in one spot, making it a great option whether you are going out with friends, family, or a larger group. 

Along with a strong food and drink menu and two full bars, the space is packed with attractions and live entertainment that keep things interesting no matter how long you stay. 

It is also a popular place for events, from birthdays to team gatherings, with a setup that makes planning feel easy and stress-free. 

The whole idea is to have fun without thinking too much about it, which makes it a good choice when you want something fun and different from the usual.

• Address: 36450 Plaza Boulevard
• Hours: 11am to 9pm (Sunday to Tuesday); 11am to 10pm (Wednesday & Thursday); 11am to 11pm (Friday & Saturday)
• Contact: 302-864-6000

Nassau Valley Vineyards

If you are in the mood for something a little more relaxed and scenic before the off-season wraps up, Nassau Valley Vineyards offers a peaceful setting that feels like a break from the busier beach areas. 

As Delaware’s first and only award-winning winery, it brings together wine, history, and a bit of countryside charm all in one place. 

The self-guided tour is a standout, walking you through thousands of years of winemaking history while also giving you a closer look at how the vineyard operates today. 

Along the way, you will come across interesting details about the origins of wine, the process behind it, and even an art gallery space that features rotating exhibits from regional artists. 

• Address: 32165 Winery Way
• Contact: 302-864-6000 & [email protected]
• Tours & Tasting

Shell We Bounce

If you are looking for something active and family friendly before the off-season ends, Shell We Bounce is a fun way to mix things up, especially if you are traveling with kids. 

This trampoline park and entertainment center has a lot of things to do to keep everyone moving. 

There are trampolines, arcade games, a play area for kids, and even a café where you can take a break without having to leave. 

They also offer group events, classes, and organized activities, which makes it more than just a quick stop. 

It's a great choice if you want something that everyone can do together and have fun with.

• Address: 32295 Lewes Georgetown Highway
• Contact: 302-827-4453
• Special Events

Crooked Hammock Brewery

If you are looking for a place that really captures that laid-back coastal lifestyle before the off-season ends, Crooked Hammock Brewery is one of those spots that delivers exactly that. 

Think open spaces, yard games, and the kind of setting where you can hang out for hours without feeling rushed. 

The beer is brewed on-site and designed to be easy to enjoy, pairing well with a menu that leans into that cookout-style feel. 

It is the kind of place where the atmosphere is just as important as what you are ordering, making it a great choice if you want to slow down, connect with people, and enjoy a more easygoing side of the area.

• Address: 36707 Crooked Hammock Way
• Hours: 11am to 9pm (Monday to Thursday & Sunday); 11am to 10pm (Friday to Saturday)
• Contact: 302-644-7837
• Upcoming Events

Lewes Mercantile Antiques

Lewes Mercantile Antiques is a great place to spend a lot of time looking around if you like to find interesting things. 

This store in downtown Lewes has items from more than 30 different dealers, so you can look through a huge selection of things, including furniture, lighting, jewelry, glassware, collectibles, and more. 

The mix of antique, vintage, retro, and even some modern pieces keeps things interesting, since every section feels a little different from the last. 

The variety makes it feel less like a typical store and more like a collection of small shops all in one place.

• Address: 109 Second Street
• Check out their current hours
• Contact: 302-645-7900

The Brush Factory on Kings

If you are drawn to spaces that feel creative and a little unexpected, The Brush Factory on Kings is a fun place to explore before the off-season ends. 

This shop is all about mixing art, furniture, clothing, and home goods in a way that feels constantly changing, so every visit can be a little different from the last. 

You will find a blend of vintage and new pieces, along with unique items like sea glass decor, garden pieces, and one-of-a-kind finds.

The overall vibe leans into a slightly quirky, curated style that encourages you to look around and get inspired rather than just shop with a specific goal in mind. 

• Address: 830 Kings Highway
• Hours: 10am to 5pm 
• Contact: 302-864-7005

Image Generated by AI

Hopkins Farm Creamery

If you are craving something sweet before the off-season ends, Hopkins Farm Creamery is one of those must-stop spots that feels like a true local treat. 

Every scoop of ice cream is made right on the farm using fresh milk from their own dairy cows, which gives it that rich, homemade flavor you can immediately notice. 

The variety is huge, with everything from classic favorites like chocolate and vanilla to more creative options like apple strudel, salted caramel crunch, and cow pie loaded with peanut butter cups. 

It is the kind of place where you might go in planning to pick one flavor and end up standing there way longer, trying to decide, which is honestly part of the experience.

• Address: 18186 Dairy Farm Road
• Hours: 12pm to 8pm (Monday to Thursday); 12pm to 9pm (Friday to Sunday)
• Contact: 302-645-7163

Enjoy these last few days of the off-season to the fullest, and keep coming back to our blog for more ideas and things to do in Coastal Delaware.

Have any questions about our blog(s), the Coastal Delaware real estate market, or local life in our beautiful beach towns? Do you think there is something we should write about? Did you see an event coming up that we should know about? Shoot us an email at [email protected] or give us a call at (302) 212-0074. We would love to hear from you!