When August rolls around it calls for higher temps and the need to escape the heat. Looking for the perfect destination for the weekend? Here are a few beachside towns that’ll make the best getaway weekend of the summer.
Ocean City, MD
This breezy oceanfront town is the perfect destination for a short getaway trip. Perfect for families, there’s plenty to do from golfing at one of the 17 major golf courses, world famous sport fishing, and tons of shopping. Also known as the White Marlin Capital, Ocean City hosts sport fishermen from across the nation.
For prime dining, head to BJ’s On The Water, a vibrant local spot with delicious crab cakes and live music every night! The next morning you can take a relaxing walk along Ocean City Boardwalk, that’s been a staple in the community since 1902. Another fantastic dinner restaurant is Liquid Assets—a combination of restaurant and boutique store that looks like a wine cellar.
Fenwick Island, DE
This laid-back beach town is always a favorite for first-time visitors. With miles of beaches, there’s plenty of space to lounge and relax. Perfect for families and couples, there are endless options to choose from for the perfect summer weekend. Take a guided kayak tour along the stunning ocean with Coastal Kayak, the most experienced kayak company in the area. With plenty of shops and restaurants, take a walk around and visit the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, a landmark on the Delaware Coast since 1859. Don’t miss the Seaside Country Store, also known as the “Most Unusual Store on the Shore”, you’ll find a variety of goods from homemade fudge to novelty treats.
Rehoboth Beach, DE
A picture-perfect boardwalk beach town, Rehoboth Beach draws in visitors from across the U.S. with its quaint shops and restaurants. There’s plenty to do from trying old fashioned ice cream and taffy to going on kayak adventures.
As the ideal location for family trips, Rehoboth Beach offers plenty of kid-friendly entertainment from amusement parks to state parks. Take a trip to Funland, a family owned amusement park that’s been around since the sixties, where you can play old fashioned arcade games that both kids and adults will love. Looking for some outdoor exploration? Head to Cape Henlopen State Park. This parks offers an expansive stretch of sand for plenty of swimming, fishing, and hiking.
“From the bike trails to outlet shopping, white sandy beaches to sunset cruises, Rehoboth offers something for all ages. The off season offers wonderful festivals like the Sea Witch Festival and the Jazz festival, many 5K runs and microbrewery tours. The price range for real estate varies quite a bit depending on the distance to the beach. You could spend $1,700,000 for a luxury home 3 blocks to the beach or spend $500,000 for a new construction home in Sawgrass North 5 miles from the beach. Two bedroom condos on the boardwalk start in the mid $500’s and two bedrooms condos that are biking distance to the beach start in the low $200’s.” -Debbie Reed, REALTOR ® of The Debbie Reed Team at RE/MAX Realty Group in Rehoboth Beach, DE.
Lewes, DE
The quiet and calm streets of Lewes are perfect for warm summer days. With a charming small-town feel, visitors are able to take a cape water taxi for a tour of the inland waterways or even take a scenic bike ride over to Cape Henlon State Park.
“Lewes is “The First Town in the First State,” known for its historic charm and coastal appeal. It’s nestled next to Cape Henlopen, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, and features relaxing beaches, unique boutique shopping, fantastic restaurants, a sprawling and beautiful state park, and eclectic architecture from centuries of evolution. Once home to a thriving fishing industry, Lewes now features a core historic district and neighboring communities of newer construction homes. It’s a popular vacation destination, as well as a great place to live year-round or in a seasonal/ second home. Delaware offers an attractive retirement tax structure, no sales tax, overall low property taxes, all just a two-hour drive to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC.”
– Lee Ann Wilkinson, REALTOR ®, of The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Gallo Realty in Lewes, DE. The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group is the top-selling team in the state and #4 nationally for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.
