Essential Delaware beaches: 20 things every visitor must experience

Besides the beach, there are numerous trails to explore. Start with a stroll along a 3-mile paved trail that loops the park. Take a break and climb to the top of the World War II observation tower for a spectacular view. There’s a $10-a-day entrance fee March 1-Nov. 30 for out-of-state vehicles.

15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, 302-645-8983, destateparks.com/park/cape-henlopen/

Housed in a Victorian-style building on the main drag in Rehoboth since 2006, the restaurant serves diners local steamed crabs and other fare in a homey setting with a front porch. “In July and August, it’s best to come on a weekday before 5,” says Ilya Shmidt, a restaurant manager. “Weekends are really busy.”

167 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, 302-227-2529, 227claw.com

See treasure from shipwrecks and more than 10,000 maritime artifacts. The exhibits change often to reflect new finds.

708 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, 302-539-9366, discoversea.com

Tour the brewery at Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales. Free samples are a bonus. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety.

6 Cannery Village Center, Milton, 302-684-1000, dogfish.com

Get an insider’s look at the town’s restaurants. The three-hour tour includes “five bites, five sips plus a specialty shop.” Paul Cullen, a former bassist with Bad Company who lives in Rehoboth, is one of the tour guides. “Each owner or chef tries to out-do each other,” he says.

Rehoboth Beach, 800-979-3370, eatingrehoboth.com

Enjoy a free movie on the beach on Mondays, starting at dusk. The summer season kicks off on June 13 with “The Peanuts Movie.” Dewey Beach also shows movies on Mondays.

Bethany Beach, off Garfield Park, 302-539-8011, townofbethanybeach.com

Kids love the pint-size rides at the boardwalk amusement park that’s been open since 1962. But adults can have fun on grown-up thrills, like the Gravitron.

6 Delaware Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 302-227-1921, funlandrehoboth.com

Roodini, a baby kangaroo, visits the miniature golf course, as well as other animals, who are part of the Barn Hill Preserve. “We’re helping raise money to build an animal preserve [in Delaware],” says golf-course owner Pat McArdle.

Route 54 and Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, 443-497-1931, facebook.com/minigolfdownunder/

The pizza chain had a humble beginning in Rehoboth Beach in 1960. Although there are shops throughout Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania, a Grotto visit is a must while on vacation. “The regular cheese pizza is the most popular,” says general manager Jason Hoenen.

Multiple locations, including 36 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 302-227-3278, grottopizza.com

See where the locals shop for fresh produce at this seasonal market from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Nov. 19. You’ll also find eggs, breads, baked goods, flowers, herbs and nice vendors.

George H.P. Smith Park, Johnson and Dupont Aves., Lewes, 302-644-1436, historiclewesfarmersmarket.org

Learn the fascinating history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, the precursor of today’s Coast Guard. Use your cellphone to take a self-guided tour. “It’s set up like a living-history museum,” says Hallie Kroll, the Life Saving Station’s historical interpreter. “It’s like it was at the time.”

Delaware Seashore State Park, 25039 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, 302-227-6991, destateparks.com/attractions/life-saving-station/

Guided kayak tours include trips to see dolphins and the sunset plus history tours with the Lewes Historical Society. “All our tours are family-friendly,” says co-owner Matt Carter. “We prefer [ages] 10 and older. But we’re flexible with younger children.”

514 E. Savannah Road, Lewes, 302-745-2925, questkayak.com

Take the family to one of the many free evening concerts like the Morrison Brothers Band (July 8) and Glenn Miller Orchestra (July 31).

Rehoboth Avenue and the boardwalk, 302-644-2288, rehobothbandstand.com

Wake up early and ride a bike from daybreak to 10 a.m. through Sept. 30. You can rent bikes at several places, including Bike to Go. Store manager Chris Hepner recommends riding early to avoid the crowds. “7 a.m. to 8 a.m. is ideal,” he says.

Rehoboth Beach boardwalk

Dozens of big-name stores have set up shop at this sprawling outlet center, from Coach and Lululemon Athletica to Kitchen Collection and Harry and David.

Tanger Outlets, three locations on Route 1, Rehoboth Beach, tangeroutlet.com

Dewey Beach is known as a party town for a reason. Head to these two stalwarts for music, games, drinks and fun.

The Starboard, 2009 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach, 302-227-4600, thestarboard.com; Bottle & Cork, 1807 Highway One, Dewey Beach, 302-227-7272, bottleandcorkdewey.com

“Rock the Boat” cruises are fun for the whole family on Friday evenings from mid-July until the end of August. Dance on the deck as you make a round trip from Lewes to Cape May, N.J.

43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, 800-643-3779, capemaylewesferry.com

The karaoke is loud and fun, and people even dress up. Join the crowd at 9 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays.

134 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 302-226-1139, ppgrill.com