Winter Guide to Delaware Beaches
Delaware has miles of gorgeous, pristine beaches that are packed with sunbathers and adventure-seekers in the summer. While the beaches are full of activity when the sun is shining and the weather is warm, there are plenty of things to do at the Delaware beaches in the off-season. It's too cold in the winter for splashing in the water and playing in the sand, but the beaches still have plenty to offer in November, December and January.
The cooler temperatures keep the crowds away, but don't let a little cold stop you from getting outside and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Whether you like hiking the beaches and trails or exploring the museums and shops, you'll find fun things to do in Delaware, even in the winter. When you're done exploring for the day, be sure to check out one of the amazing restaurants along the way. Here's your winter beach guide to Delaware fun:
Coastal Delaware Walks & Views in Winter
Delaware's winters are typically mild, so you can explore the many beautiful parks and trails year-round, enjoying the fresh air and gorgeous views of nature. This small state is full of national and state parks, hiking trails and nature preserves to explore during any season. Whether you want to roam boardwalks and ocean piers, wander quiet trails or watch for native wildlife, you'll find a park suited for you. Try these favorite spots for winter walks in Delaware:
Cape Henlopen State Park:
This can't-miss destination is one of the oldest public lands in the nation, established back in 1682. Since then, people have enjoyed the breathtaking natural views from this amazing state park.
Is Cape Henlopen State Park Open in the Winter? Yes!
The beaches here can be crowded in the summer, but during the winter months, they are wide open to explore and enjoy. While it's too cold for swimming and sunbathing in winter, you can have a rare chance to see the beach ecosystems untouched and views of the lighthouse without the crowds. Bundle up, go early and catch the sunrise over the empty beach at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes. Take photos without the crowds getting in your way or just enjoy the serene views in peace. The natural surroundings are absolutely stunning, especially after a snowfall. Choose from several different walking trails, or explore them all.
Brandywine Creek State Park:
This Northern Delaware park makes a great nature-centered destination year-round. Walk, hike or bike around the miles of beautiful park trails, featuring quaint footbridges.
Is Brandywine Creek State Park Open in the Winter? Yes!
The trails at Brandywine Creek State Park follow and overlook a beautiful creek that stays open throughout the winter. The bubbling, winding creek makes for a gorgeous scene, even when it's snowing.
Delaware Seashore State Park:
With more than six miles of oceanside trails to explore, the beaches of Delaware Seashore State Park may just become your favorite year-round destination. On one side, the park faces Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay, both picturesque spots to watch for boats and wildlife.
Is Delaware Seashore State Park Open in the Winter? Yes!
The ocean side of the park features miles of beaches and dunes — and winter is a great time to take in these gorgeous beaches without the crowds of sunbathers. One of the hidden gems in this trail system is Thompson Island Trail. This short hike through marshland and pine forest ends with a beautiful overlook that shows Thompson Island, Rehoboth Bay and the Dewey Beach skyline. This walk is perfect for the entire family. If the weather’s too cold, stop by the brewery of the same name for your seaside picnic.
History and Heritage of Delaware
The coastlines of Delaware were originally explored in the sixteenth century by the Spanish and Portuguese. However, Delaware didn't officially become a state until 1787 when it unanimously became the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States. Therefore, Delaware is technically the first state to make up the new Federal Union. Since then, Delawareans have proudly displayed their heritage and history by honoring it with their extensive museums and historical sites.
One of the smallest states in both size and population, it's full of charming small towns with American history heritage. Each of these small towns offers a unique experience and has its own personality, so you'll want to visit them all.
Check out the seaside town of Lewes, right by Cape Henlopen State Park, for a completely walkable small town. In Lewes, a half-square mile historic district contains lots of museums, as well as charming shops and restaurants — enough to keep any history buff satisfied. Or try New Castle for old-fashioned cobblestone streets and colonial-style architecture. Discover the rich historical past of this quaint small town at the Historic New Castle Court House Museum and see Delaware's first capitol building. Step back in time and experience what towns looked like in Colonial times.
To experience the best museums in Delaware, featuring both the history of the state and the heritage of the whole United States, visit Wilmington and Dover. In Wilmington, Delaware's largest and most populous city, you'll find plenty of museums to visit, among classic Georgian and federal style architecture. Wilmington is host to the Delaware Children's Museum, the Delaware Art Museum and the Delaware Museum of Natural History, as well as several historic mansions that have been converted into museums, like the Winterthur Museum and Nemours Mansion, among others.
In Dover, you'll find the Biggs Museum of American Art, featuring a large collection of Delaware's fine and decorative arts. Be sure to check out the Air Mobility Command Museum, perfect for fans of aviation and military history, and the Johnson Victrola Museum, dedicated to the history of the phonograph.
The many historic towns in Delaware and the wide variety of museums are sure to keep any history buff busy all weekend. With so many choices, you'll want to come back and visit Delaware again.
Coastal Delaware Culture and Art
The small towns of Delaware are a great place to take in all sorts of fine art. Between the fine art museums, locally-run galleries, live music venues and more, art and culture in Delaware are alive and thriving.
The Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington features a famous Pre-Raphaelite collection, plus well-known works from Wyeth and Hopper. The town of Dover hosts one of the finest collections of American fine and decorative arts within the Biggs Museum of American Art. Here, you'll find changing exhibitions on various historical and contemporary art themes.
If you love the smaller boutique galleries, Rehoboth in the off-season is for you. Even in Rehoboth's off-season, the art galleries and shops provide plenty to see. Whether you like paintings, glass art, photography or pottery, you'll find a gallery in Rehoboth featuring local artists and amazing works of art. Gallery hopping may just be one of the best Rehoboth winter activities.
There are also plenty of venues in Delaware that host world-class live shows. There are also several festivals throughout the year, hosting well-known national acts. Check the concert calendars at The Queen, The Grand Opera House or The Playhouse on Rodney Square, all in Wilmington. Or, check out the Freeman Stage and the Dover Downs Hotel and Casino for more options in Dover. You'll find fun events and live music performances all year long at these exciting venues.
Are There Events Near Rehoboth During Winter?
Yes! In Delaware, the festivals and special events are not just limited to the summer. Even during the colder winter months, the vibrant towns of Delaware are host to all sorts of fun events you'll want to check out. Winter is the prime time for craft fairs, holiday shopping and all sorts of winter fun.
Winter Wonderfest is a must-see holiday festival in Milton, on the Hudson Fields. Drive your car through the Light Spectacular — a holiday lights display that all ages will enjoy — or opt for a hayride through the mile-and-a-half spectacular. Check out the Christmas Village at Winter Wonderfest, featuring charming lights and decorations, carnival rides and games, Santa's workshop craft projects, live entertainment, food vendors, craft vendors and more. Try on a pair of skates and take a spin around the ice rink for the ultimate winter fun.
The Rehoboth area is also full of holiday fun to check out. Several tree-lighting festivities and a Christmas parade will put you in the holiday spirit and offer fun for the whole family. Come and meet Santa at Santa's House on the Boardwalk, have your picture taken and tell Santa your wishlist. If you love holiday shopping, Rehoboth has got you covered. Don't miss the Holiday Rehoboth Beach Farmers' Market and the Dewey Beach Sip and Shop for handmade gifts, beer samples and live entertainment.
Many Delaware museums have holiday-themed exhibits and are host to special events throughout the holiday season and winter months. Check out the Visit Delaware calendar for more winter festivals and events like parades, craft fairs, holiday movies, performances and more.
Great Food Any Time of Year
Delaware offers plenty of tempting treats and tasty dishes, no matter what time of year you visit. Since agriculture is a top industry in Delaware, and coastlines are everywhere, you'll find a wide variety of foods to try, made with some of the freshest ingredients around. Delaware is known for its chicken, fresh seafood and boardwalk delights, like french fries with vinegar and saltwater taffy. Local orchards and farms are known for their production of apples, peaches, watermelons, lima beans and more.
Are Restaurants Open in the Winter in Rehoboth? Yes!
During the winter, parts of the boardwalk may close down or become much quieter, but the many restaurants around the area remain open year-round, serving up all sorts of local delicacies and popular favorites.
It's no surprise that fresh seafood is a tradition in Delaware, considering its close proximity to the ocean. There is no shortage of seafood restaurants to try all over the state. You'll find local seafood specialties and preparations, plus more creative menus with an international flair.
Delaware is also home to several fun breweries, where you can sample all sorts of local beers. Using both old-world and modern techniques, these breweries provide a wide variety of high-quality styles, so you'll want to sample them all. Many breweries also feature taprooms or tasting rooms with full menus, so you can enjoy your brew with a delicious meal.
If you're in the mood for the best pizza in Rehoboth Beach, check out Crust & Craft Wood Fired Pizza. At this laid-back restaurant, you'll find artisanal wood fired pizzas, made from the freshest, local ingredients, as well as a fine selection of salads, pasta, seafood and more. The pizzas here start with homemade dough, crushed tomato sauce made in-house and mozzarella. Add whatever you want from their long list of unique and delicious toppings. Crust & Craft also features interesting pizza selections that change with the flavors of the seasons.
To accompany your quality, hand-crafted food at Crust & Craft, choose from a wide variety of fine wines or nearly 40 beer options — including bottles, cans and drafts. Or, try a signature cocktail or homemade soda. Come for happy hour and sit at the bar for the perfect view of the pizza oven — watch those delicious pizzas go in and out of the wood fire oven while you decide which one to order. Pizza is great at any time of the year and a delicious way to end your day of seeing the sights in Delaware.
Dine at Crust & Craft
After a long day of exploring Delaware's beaches, museums, festivals and more, why not relax with a pint and a slice of Delaware's best pizza. Whatever fun things you've found to do, you'll want a unique and delicious dinner that keeps the fun vibe going — you'll find all that and more at Crust & Craft.
Stop by this inventive restaurant along Coastal Highway for a meal you won't forget. With daily happy hours and food specials, you won't break the bank for a night out. Order online for easy pickup or dine in for the full experience. To end your perfect day of Delaware fun, stop by Crust and Craft Wood Fired Pizza.
Updated October 22, 2020
