Beyond the Beach

Delaware has nearly 30 miles of beach coastline, along with almost 350 miles of shoreline (inlets, bays and rivers). And while most people love the allure of the beach and water, some want more.

Here is what Delaware offers beyond the beach.

For the birder

Cape Henlopen State Park – Witness the autumn Hawk migration to Purple Sandpipers to Peregrin Falcons and Brown-headed Huthatches.

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge – 10,000-acre refuge beside the Delaware Bay. Visit the visitor center when you first arrive.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge – 16,000 acres on the Delaware Bay. Most locals say 4 hours is the minimum you’ll want to allot for your visit.

Little Creek Wildlife Area – Birders have reported seeing 250 species here. During fall and winter months, call in advance.

read more here…

For the kids

Jungle Jim’s Waterpark – Seasonal fun includes mini golf, bumper boats, batting cage and much more.

Grove Park – Fun outdoor park open all year. Found on Grove Street in Rehoboth Beach, DE and host to a weekly Farmers’ Market June through October.

Funland – One of our favorite things to do in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware during the summer. Boasting 19 rides, including the SuperFlip 360, 14 midway games, a redemption center, Skeeball, and an arcade, there is something for every kid or kid at heart.

For the history buffs

Rehoboth beach History Museum – Their exhibits show the history of having fun at the beach. Vintage bathing suits, post cards, photos and maps are on display. Little hands are welcome and the museum is handicap accessible. Admission is by donation, so it’s affordable. Seasonal hours so check before visiting and ask about their walking history tours.

Indian River Life Saving Station – The original Station was built in 1876 for use by the United States Lifesaving Service, a government organization created to respond to the alarming number of shipwrecks along the coastlines of the United States and the precursor to today’s U. S. Coast Guard. Museum, gift shop and tours.

For the hiker

Thompson Island Trail Head – From scenic overlook by Lewes Rehoboth Canal. Thsi trail meanders through a mature upland hardwood and conifer forest before traversing a small glade where hikers can catch a glimpse of the tidal marsh. The out and back 1.4 mile trail has an accessible crushed stone surface.

Gordons Pond Trail – This trail is one of the most beautiful biking and hiking paths in Delaware. It runs past the pond, into a forest, through wetlands and over dunes with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Nearly half a mile of the trail is an elevated boardwalk that includes two observation lookout points.

Junction & Breakwater Trail – These two trails link together to create a loop between Lewes and Rehoboth. In a mix of small town and natural areas, experience mature forests, coastal scrub and open fields.  Scenic views of coastal marshes are popular among birders and nature lovers.

For the bicyclist –

The above 3 hiking trails are all very popular among local and visiting cyclists alike. For maps, rules and more, visit here…