Chapter 4: The Perfect Delaware Beach Vacation Itinerary
When traveling with a large group of family or friends, it can be challenging to create an itinerary that everyone is excited about. Everyone has unique preferences on where they want to go and what they want to do. Learn how to plan like a pro so you can relax and enjoy your vacation. This chapter will explain how to create a stress-free coastal itinerary that makes everyone happy.
Are You Traveling With Family or Friends?
Are you planning a family vacation for the kids or a coastal escape with your friends from the office? The guest list determines the vibe of your trip. Young children often desire excitement and adventure, while adults generally prefer relaxation and unique experiences. Keep this in mind while you plan your vacation itinerary. With some thoughtful planning, Coastal Delaware is the ideal destination for either scenario.
How Long Is Your Stay?
The length of your trip also has a significant impact on your plans. Shorter trips are easier to prepare for since they're only a few days. But, you have to think carefully about which activities you choose for your brief stay. If you've chosen an extended getaway, you can fit more adventures into your schedule. However, it's important to balance your itinerary with enough activities to keep you occupied and entertained while still allowing time to relax and recharge.
A Day Trip to the Beach
If you only have one day in paradise, wake up early to make the most of it. Drive to the beach at the crack of dawn to watch a spectacular sunrise over the ocean. Early birds get the first pick of the beach, so you can claim your spot on the sand.
After a few hours of swimming and sunbathing, you'll probably want some lunch. Enjoy fresh coastal cuisine at one of the local restaurants. After your meal, you can return to the beach or try another activity.
You could explore one of the local amusement parks or enjoy an afternoon of shopping at the tax-free outlets. Take advantage of the breathtaking views by enjoying dinner by the water. Catch 54 has fantastic food and stunning views of the bay.
Round out the evening with a casual stroll down the boardwalk while you watch the sunset over the ocean.
A Long Weekend at the Shore
A long weekend at the beach is the perfect opportunity to recharge. Start your trip off right with a long day at the beach, soaking in the sun and watching the waves roll across the shore. When you've had your fill of the ocean, you can freshen up for dinner and enjoy a meal at one of the local seafood grills.
Wake up early the next day to catch the sunrise over the ocean. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at Surf Bagel before heading out for a morning at the beach. You could spend the rest of the day on the shore or plan an exciting adventure in the afternoon. Take your family to the Funland theme park or book a water tour to explore the East End Lighthouse off the coast of Cape Henlopen.
By the time you return, you'll probably have worked up quite the appetite. End the night with a deliciously filling wood-fired pizza from Crust & Craft.
On the final day, spend the morning soaking in your last few hours of sun. For lunch, grab a bite on the boardwalk and a souvenir to commemorate your trip. On your way out of town, stop by the local outlets for a few hours of tax-free shopping.
A Week in Coastal Delaware
An extended stay in Coastal Delaware allows you to go with the flow and not worry about cramming things into a few days. You can be a lot more relaxed with your schedule and plan things as you go. Here's a complete itinerary for the entire week:
Day One
On the first day, you could start your trip off with some retail therapy at the tax-free outlets and local boutiques. While you're out, grab a drink and a bite to eat at Thompson Island Brewing Company.
In the afternoon, spend some time on the beach or take the kids to the arcade. Stroll around the boardwalk and look for other activities you might want to try later in the week. Then, finish off your first day on the coast with some fresh local seafood for dinner at Matt's Fish Camp.
Day Two
Rise at the crack of dawn to watch the sun come up over the ocean. Scour the beach for an interesting shell you can take home as a souvenir. Since you'll be up early, grab coffee and breakfast at one of the local cafes. Then, make your way over to downtown Rehoboth and spend the day exploring the art galleries, gift shops and other eclectic boutiques.
Take a break to change into your bathing suit and grab a snack before heading to the beach for an afternoon in the sun. For dinner, fill your belly with freshly made pasta and wine from Lupo Italian Kitchen.
Day Three
Rally everyone to make breakfast together and enjoy a slow start to your day. When everyone's ready, go to the beach for a long day of swimming and sandcastle building. If you get hungry, walk over to the boardwalk for a quick bite to eat. Once you've had your fill of the shore, head back to the boardwalk to walk around or play a few arcade games before dinner.
After spending the day in the sun, you might want a casual night inside. Pick up some artisanal wood fired pizzas from Crust & Craft to make the evening a little more special. Finish out the night chatting with your friends or playing some board games with the kids.
Day Four
About halfway through the week, spice things up by planning a group excursion. Pack a picnic lunch and slather on some sunscreen before heading out for Cape Henlopen State Park.
There are many things to see and do with your friends and family in Cape Henlopen. Rent a few kayaks and go paddling across the Delaware Bay or borrow a bike and cruise the paved route through the forest, dunes and beach. There's also a fishing pier, nature center and Fort Miles historical area to explore. Make your way to the Point Overlook and see if you can spot the Harbor of Refuge or East End Lighthouses from the shore.
When you've completed your adventure, freshen up and head over to Fish On Seafood Grill & Bar in Lewes for a flavorful dinner on the patio. The lively bar and outdoor dining area is the perfect spot for couples, families and singles to relax for the evening.
Day Five
With only a few days left of your trip, you probably want to soak up as much beach time as you can. Grab your gear and head out for another fun morning on the beach.
You could spend the whole day on the sand, or wrap up around lunchtime and head out for some quality time at the local attractions. There's miniature golf, batting cages, water parks and other family-friendly activities scattered along the coast. Enjoy a few hours of amusement before dinner time.
Whether you stay in Rehoboth, Bethany or Fenwick Island, there's a boardwalk nearby with live entertainment almost every night. Check their schedules online to see what's happening during your trip. Enjoy a fabulous seafood dinner at Bluecoast Seafood Grill and Raw Bar, and make your way to the boardwalk to watch a performance or listen to some live music at the bandstand.
Day Six
Today is the day to do whatever you want! Squeeze in some activities you've been wanting to try or spend another day on the beach if you prefer. If you haven't already, you could dedicate some time to visiting the Funland amusement park or go see the 87-foot tall Fenwick Island Lighthouse. From May through October, they offer tours of the grounds. While you're at Fenwick Island, check out the Discoversea Shipwreck Museum. They display shipwreck artifacts from all over the world.
You can't leave Coastal Delaware without sampling the craft beer scene. Break for lunch at Ocean View Brewing Company to enjoy tasty food and try some Delaware brews in the outdoor beer garden.
Dewey, Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island often host movies on the beach around dusk. Check online to find out when and what movies are playing near you. Gather plenty of blankets and popcorn and enjoy a movie night that your kids will remember for years to come.
Day Seven
After a wonderful week on the Delaware Coast, there's just enough time to enjoy a long day on the beach. Soak in every last minute of the shore, and don't forget to snap some group photos in front of the ocean.
Take your final stroll along the boardwalk and pick up some souvenirs to take back home.
Enjoy a seafood feast at the best waterfront restaurant in Delaware — Catch 54. Make a reservation on the patio so you can end the trip with one last spectacular sunset over the bay.
Planning a Beach Vacation on a Budget
Vacations are an investment in your personal growth and well-being. They give everyone time to recharge and spend quality time together. While it's okay to splurge a little here and there, proper planning can help you cut out unnecessary expenses. Here are some cost-saving tips to help you make the most of your Coastal Delaware vacation:
1. Start Saving Early
Most people plan their vacations several months in advance. Calculate all of your expenses now and start saving. By the time of your departure, you'll have all the money set aside so you can relax and focus on quality time with your loved ones.
2. Pack Well
Purchasing forgotten essentials at a gift shop can rack up unnecessary costs. Double-check your suitcase to make sure you have everything you need. Although packing can seem overwhelming, making an organized list and starting early will ensure that you have a stress-free experience and don't leave anything behind.
3. Choose Affordable Lodging
Accommodations are often the largest travel expense. Here are a few methods to help you save money on lodging:
Book your stay far in advance when rates are the lowest.
Check out short-term vacation rentals in the Delaware area. They're often larger and more affordable than hotels.
If your schedule allows, plan your trip during the week when nightly rates are more affordable. Most rentals and hotels charge more for the weekend.
4. Search for Local Specials
For some people, escaping the kitchen and sampling the local cuisine is one of the best parts of a vacation. When choosing a restaurant, look for weekly specials or happy hour deals to help you save money. The following restaurants in Coastal Delaware offer happy hour specials daily — even on weekends:
5. Bring Lots of Toys and Games
Bring plenty of toys and games to keep your children occupied. Boogie boards and sandcastle kits cost a premium at coastal gift shops. If you bring your own gear, the beach provides hours of free entertainment. That way you can save your vacation budget for other family beach vacation activities like a dolphin cruise or gourmet seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Designing a Family Vacation Checklist
Preparing for your trip should be fun and build anticipation for your upcoming adventure. The key to a stress-free experience is starting early and staying organized. Planning a family vacation checklist will help you keep track of your thoughts and focus on one thing at a time. Consider adding these important tasks to your vacation checklist:
1. Choose Your Destination
Coastal Delaware has nine famous beaches with unique vibes and amenities. List the pros and cons of each based on what you and your group like to do on vacation. Once you've made a final decision, you can search for accommodations that fit your budget and needs.
2. Make Travel Plans
Once you've chosen a location, you must find a way to get there. Arrange a flight or vehicle to travel to your destination. Getting an E-ZPass can save you a lot of time and money if your route includes toll roads. Signing up is free, but some states require you to load a certain amount onto your account for future trips. Register your vehicle a few days in advance to ensure your account is activated before your departure.
3. Make Reservations
Reserve your lodging far in advance to secure your spot for the lowest rate. Purchase tickets for events and activities you want to do before they have a chance to sell out. Make dining reservations at popular restaurants that tend to fill up quickly.
4. Clear Your Schedule
Request time off work with plenty of notice. Reschedule any plans or appointments on your vacation dates. Postpone meal delivery subscriptions or cleaning services while you're away.
5. Prepare Your Home
Before you leave for vacation, make sure all of your household responsibilities are taken care of:
If you have pets or a lot of houseplants, arrange for someone to take care of them while you're away.
If you're taking a trip without the kids, make sure their caretaker has everything they need to keep them happy and healthy.
Pay any bills that are due while you're away.
Ask a friend or family member to bring in your mail, or set up a hold at the post office.
6. Purchase Travel Essentials
Go shopping for items you need for your vacation like travel snacks, beach towels or sunscreen. Travel-sized toiletries are a popular item that people buy to make packing easier.
7. Create a Packing List
Make a packing list with everything you need for yourself and your family. Here's an example of what you might need for a day at the beach:
Swimwear
Sandals or water shoes
Cash for the boardwalk
Books or magazines
Reusable water bottle
Plastic zip-top bags to carry snacks and protect your phone
Portable speaker
Beach towels, umbrellas and chairs
Water toys and games
Floaties or life jackets
Goggles
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Beach hat
Beach bag
Cooler
Double-check your list before you leave to make sure you've packed everything.
Include SoDel Concepts Into Your Itinerary
Breathtaking beaches, endless entertainment and delicious cuisine make Delaware beaches the ideal destination for all kinds of travelers. With everything from bustling boardwalks to peaceful state parks, you can choose your own adventure based on your travel preferences. Relax on the beach, hike through nature, sample the local seafood or shop until you drop. There's something for everyone to enjoy!
From young children to mature adults, tourists of all ages appreciate the charm of the Delaware Coast. Each Delaware beach town has a unique personality that appeals to different travelers. Families, couples and singles can all appreciate the local activities and attractions. There's always something to do in Coastal Delaware with frequent festivals and events.
The perfect getaway starts with a thoughtful itinerary. Consider whether you're planning a beach trip with friends or a romantic getaway with your spouse. Choose activities that match the vibe of your trip. A vacation checklist makes it easy to organize your thoughts and make decisions. With a bit of planning, you'll make memories in Coastal Delaware to last a lifetime.
Food is an integral part of any vacation. Meals provide opportunities to experience the local culture and cuisine. With a bounty of fresh seafood and farm-fresh produce, Delaware offers an array of fantastic dining options. SoDel Concepts has opened a dozen restaurants that feature simple yet beautiful coastal cuisine. From casual seafood joints to upscale Italian eateries, our restaurants provide a welcoming atmosphere and top-notch service.
Our eateries are the perfect venue to chat and reflect on the day while you enjoy a delicious meal. Make sure you stop by one of our restaurants while you're visiting Coastal Delaware.