Travel Guide to Delaware’s Scenic Coastal Highway: Sights, Sounds & Tastes
Whether you’re already in Delaware or you’re planning a trip, you have so much to see and do. Even if your trip is to Southern Delaware, you’re sure to have a full itinerary, because Coastal Highway offers something for everyone. No matter if you’re the adventurous type looking to get out on the ocean or bays, or you want a peaceful seaside vacation, you’ll find something to enjoy in The First State!
Visit the areas along Coastal Highway for amazing sights, sounds and tastes — you’re sure to find a bit of paradise off this route. We’ll highlight the beaches, shopping, attractions and more that are can’t-miss destinations in Delaware.
Learn more about:
Traveling Tips & Scenic Drives on the Delaware Coast
Delaware is easily accessible from many East Coast locations. Visitors from Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York will have an easy time getting here, but no matter where you're from, it's worth the road trip — or flight!
Once you arrive, you’ll need to know how to get around the area. For the ultimate scenic drive, travel Route 1. Commonly referred to as Coastal Highway, this road takes you along for a stunning journey.
On one side, find bays and salt marshes. On the other, see the beautiful stretch of the Atlantic. Whether you’re going from place to place or looking for a scenic route, Coastal Highway is the perfect option.
Travel between state parks, beaches and plenty more to experience all that Route 1 has to offer. Hit the beaches, shop the day away and find entertainment galore. Be sure to wind down from the day at a Coastal Highway happy hour bar and fill up on delicious food throughout the day. You’ll need to refuel after all the fun you’ve had at the attractions and beaches!
What are the Most Popular Beaches & Destinations in Delaware?
It’s not an experience of the sights and sounds of Delaware without a visit to the beaches! Unsurprisingly, Coastal Highway can take you to many of the beautiful beaches along Delaware’s coast. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a beach along Route 1 that’s perfect for you. You’ll never be bored with a tour of these spots!
Lewes
For something secluded and peaceful, relax on the shores of Lewes Beach. As a beautiful bayside destination, the town of Lewes features charming streets and shops. While you’re there, be sure to check out attractions like the following:
The quarter-mile-long pier: Walk the pier at Lewes Beach for even more amazing views. With access to the Delaware Bay, the pier brings you closer to the tranquility.
Cape Henlopen State Park: Enjoy breathtaking sights at Cape Henlopen State Park. The park hosts an iconic viewpoint featuring scenery like a lighthouse near the ocean. Visitors can camp or fish in the park, but many find enjoyment by relaxing in solitude.
The WWII observation tower at the park: One of the highlights of Cape Henlopen State Park is the WWII observation tower. You can climb to the top for a panoramic vista, where the beauty right off Coastal Highway awaits.
A ride on Cape May-Lewes Ferry: Depending on where you travel from, you may be able to catch a ride on the ferry. Offering transportation to those on foot, bike and by vehicle, the ferry gives you incredible views of the shoreline. See lighthouses, wildlife and scenic shores during your journey.
The Historic Lewes Farmers’ Market: You’ll find many farmers’ markets throughout Delaware, but the Historic Lewes Farmers’ Market has a special place in the community. You’ll find the fresh and local produce you’d expect to see at a market, along with educational and marketing tips for farmers looking to improve their businesses.
Lewes combines charm with relaxing beach views, perfect for anyone looking for a beach experience away from well-known sites. It’s only a half-hour drive north of Rehoboth Beach, so be sure to stop by on your visit for some tranquil views.
Rehoboth Beach
It’s one of Delaware’s most well-known beaches for a reason. There’s so much to see and do in Rehoboth Beach that you won’t know where to begin. On your visit to this Delaware area, be sure to try the following activities:
Walk the boardwalk: Journey down the boardwalk for the ultimate sights, sounds and tastes of the beach. Walk to enjoy the views or stop into some shops for saltwater taffy and souvenirs.
Build a sandcastle on the five-star beach: Visit in time for the sandcastle contest or make something for fun on your visit. It’s a great way to experience the sand and surf, but you could always lay out a blanket to relax on the beach instead!
Take a jog as the sun sets or rises: Run along the boardwalk or coast — either way, you’ll be among beautiful views. Even an early-morning or late-evening stroll will put you at ease as you take in the sights and sounds.
Visit the Rehoboth Beach Museum: See how the community developed on your visit to the Rehoboth Beach Museum. The local historical society runs the museum, which makes a perfect stop-in for history enthusiasts.
You have plenty more options on and off the beach, no matter what you want to do. While Rehoboth Beach is great for anyone — especially families — you’ll also find a beach with nightlife excitement on Coastal Highway.
Dewey Beach
Adventurous, young and fun — Dewey Beach is perfect for visitors looking to hit the town at night. Just 5 minutes south of Rehoboth, Dewey Beach spans two blocks but comes packed with fun. You could even take a trolley ride between the two beaches for some extra memorable fun!
At night, Dewey Beach comes alive with bars, nightclubs and live music. It’s the perfect destination for a trip to the coast with your friends, especially if you all love to party and get out at night. Dance the night away, then head to the beach the next day for some fun! The adventures continue during the day, and activities include:
Windsailing
Dolphin watching
Jetskiing
Parasailing
Boating
Wakeboarding
Of course, you could always relax in the sand and water. But when there’s so much to do, you might as well have a bit of an adventure. Since Dewey Beach is between the Atlantic and Rehoboth Bay, you have twice the fun to find!
While the beaches of Coastal Highway offer enough views and excitement to pack a whole trip, there’s still so much more to do along Route 1.
Unique Attractions Along the Coastal Highway
For more entertainment along Coastal Highway, there is a lot to find. Fans of music, culture, thrills and other forms of entertainment will find something that interests them. If you aren’t in search of any specific adventure, there are different ways to entertain yourself all along the highway. Almost anywhere on Route 1, you can:
Take a bike or scooter tour of the area
Visit one of the parks
Fish at the parks or go on a fishing charter
Experience culture and history at one of the museums
If you prefer to have a plan, your options continue! You may want to check out ideas like the following:
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand: Catch a performance during the summer concert series at the bandstand. The peaceful ocean ambiance combines with delightful music. Watch a show as the sun goes down during your visit.
Clear Space Theatre Company: See a show year-round at Rehoboth Beach. The company puts on about 150 shows a year, so you’re likely to visit during a performance run. Check out one of the exceptional shows by this professional theatre company.
Funland: As the name implies, Funland is great for some child and adult fun! Featuring games and rides galore, the park is a great spot to visit after you’ve had a day of fun on the beach.
DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum: For those interested in odd artificats and maritime life, the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum contains plenty of fascinating items. Explore recovered artifacts from shipwrecks in this curious collection. With over 10,000 items on display, the museum has one of the largest artifact collections in the mid-Atlantic.
A drive down Coastal Highway will reveal more sights and sounds to discover. You’ll find plenty to do on the waterways, as well. Try out surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, or take a cruise and see some wildlife on a dolphin tour. Play in the waves, warm up in the sun and recharge before heading out for more adventures.
You don’t have to visit during beach season to experience Coastal Highway. There’s something to enjoy any time of year, especially with all of the shops and stores in the area.
Where Can I Shop Along Delaware’s Coastal Highway?
With tax-free shopping in Delaware, you’ll want to head to the shops. You’re sure to find a deal no matter where you go, and as a bonus, you pay what’s on the price tag.
Delaware offers something for every type of shopper, whether you’re looking for any of the following:
Antiques: Find quirky, vintage and unique pieces at the antique shops along Coastal Highway. The shops are perfect whether you’re looking for vintage clothing, antique decor or classic sports memorabilia. Shop where the locals shop for intriguing finds.
Boutique shops: Support local businesses and find high-end pieces at the boutique shops of Coastal Highway. These shops are perfect for visitors looking for an upscale experience. Whether you window shop or you’re looking to buy, you’re sure to find beautiful pieces at the boutiques of Delaware.
Malls and department stores: Take advantage of the tax-free shopping and head to the malls around Delaware. You’ll find plenty of options along Coastal Highway, so take a shopping spree after your day at the beach.
Farmers’ markets: For the ultimate local experience, check out the farmers’ markets of the area. Get local produce and baked goods or walk around to enjoy the locals’ favorite shopping destination for food and other goods.
Gift shops: It isn’t a trip to the beach without some shell-themed knickknacks or saltwater taffy. There’s no shortage of gift shops in the area, from ones on the boardwalk to other stops along Coastal Highway.
If you’re interested in any of the types of shopping above, take a trip to places like:
All that shopping is sure to build up an appetite. Find something for breakfast, lunch, dinner and anything in between along Route 1 to satisfy your hunger.
Indulging in Food and Drink Near Coastal Highway
Whether you’re looking for a happy hour bar or a delicious meal, you’ll find it on Coastal Highway. Rehoboth, Lewes and Dewey beaches, along with other towns in the area, all have a wide range of offerings. From diners serving up classic breakfasts to seaside seafood joints, Delaware has it all.
Get your fill for every meal of the day and then some with a drive along Route 1. Some great restaurants along the way include the following:
Bluecoast Seafood Grill and Raw Bar: Visit this Rehoboth Beach location for fresh seafood with simple preparations.
Fish On: If you’re in Lewes, stop in for delicious seafood in a casual environment.
Matt’s Fish Camp: With fresh seafood, local craft beer and a raw bar, this restaurant is a delightful stop if you’re in Lewes.
Lupo Italian Kitchen: Get your fill of fresh pasta paired with Italian wines at this Rehoboth Beach restaurant.
Coastal Highway also features some stops along the Delaware Beer, Wine and Spirits Trail. Stop by one for a drink to savor or check off different destinations. Either way, you’ll have a great time with your friends along the bars of Route 1. Indulge in locally crafted beers at the breweries, taste artisan wines at the wineries and try some flavorful spirits at the bars. There are plenty of beverages for every taste!
If you’re craving fresh seafood, Italian fare and wood fired pizza, you can find it all in one place. Visit us at Crust & Craft for the best pizza near Rehoboth Beach and more.
Tastes of the seaside in Coastal delaware
After taking in the sights and sounds of Coastal Highway, you need to experience the tastes. Crust & Craft is the best wood fired pizza shop around. Our menu combines the meals and drinks you crave, made by our talented chefs using locally sourced ingredients.
Join us for happy hour on Coastal Highway or stop in for some delicious food. We’re glad to give you a taste of Delaware and the best pizza near the beach on your visit! When you’ve had your beachside fun on Coastal Highway, be sure to swing by and let the good times continue.
Contact us online today or call (302) 313-5029 for more information about the best pizza shop on Coastal Highway!