Beach locals call the fall the second season, and it’s easy to see why. The crowds have thinned, the weather is cooler and there is still plenty to do. Here are 10 reasons why coastal residents and visitors should get out and about this autumn.
The Festivals
Once designed to encourage visitation after Labor Day, many annual events now attract as many—if not more—attendees than summer festivities. Fall favorites include the True Blue Jazz Festival, the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, the Sea Witch Festival, the Nanticoke Indian Powwow and the Rehoboth Film Festival in November. For more festivals, check out our full roundup.
View this post on Instagram
The Arts & Entertainment
Festivals aren’t the only place where you can savor the arts. Coastal Concerts has a full 2024-2025 season that includes Erinys Quartet on November 9 and the Cuarteto Latinoamericano on February 22. The concerts take place in the Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes. Find the full schedule and tickets online.
888-212-5458 | coastalconcerts.org
Clear Space Theatre’s fall schedule includes performances of “Sweeney Todd,” “Shrek,” and “White Christmas.”
20 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach | 227-2270 | clearspacetheatre.org
Meanwhile, galleries continue to hold art openings and special exhibits throughout the season.
The Birds & The Beasts
The annual bird migration makes Cape Henlopen State Park one of the busiest places for birders come fall. A hawk watch, for instance, is conducted from the World War II bunker overlook in September and October. In late October and early November, thousands of sea ducks, cormorants, gannets and loons migrate past the cape.
Fall is the best time of year to walk your dog on the Rehoboth Boardwalk. The ban is lifted after Sept. 30. Note that dogs by law must be leashed. But judging by the amount of Fidos chasing Frisbees on the sand, the regulation is lax. To be safe, visit a town’s website to view the rules and keep a leash on hand. For pet-friendly beach stays, fun activities, tips and more, check out our guide to pet-friendly getaways at the Delaware beaches.
The Shopping
After Labor Day, many stores start slashing prices to move summer merchandise. Plus, with less crowds in the beach towns, enjoy peaceful shopping with short checkout lines.
The Off-Season Restaurant Specials
Half-priced bottles of wine, $8 burgers and discounted seafood boils are only a few of the promotions diners can savor in the off-season. While these are undeniably tempting, it’s the opportunity to dine without a lengthy wait that appeals to most locals. Find a full list of second season specials at visitrehoboth.com.
The Produce at Farmers Market
Many farmers markets along the coast stay open well into September to take advantage of the harvest. The Historic Lewes Market is open into November. For a list of the dates and hours, visit this farmers markets guide.
The Sea & The Surf
In September, the water temperature off the coast of Lewes on average is 70 to 73 degrees. You can sunbathe and swim into October—longer if you have a wetsuit. Granted, fall is also the time for nor’easters. Storms off the coast can lead to swells. All of that is good news for surfers. After the storm, beachcombers with a keen eye can find treasures on Lewes Beach and Coin Beach, the stretch of sand near the Indian River Inlet.
View this post on Instagram
The Fall Foliage
To appreciate the changes in the light, flora and fauna, leave the beach and hit the trail. Among the most popular are the Junction and Breakwater Trail—which runs alongside farmland, pine forests, open fields and wetlands—and the six-mile Gordons Pond Trail. Also, consider Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and the 143-acre Edward H. McCabe Preserve, both near Milton, the 150-acre James Farm and Holts Landing State Park near Ocean View. Visit our fall foliage guide for more locations.
Fall Fishing
For those who fish, fall means the opening of the point in Cape Henlopen State Park, which is closed in summer to protect endangered beach-nesters and migratory birds. Because the cape is always in flux, each year presents a new challenge for the fishermen, who vie to find the best spot for snappers, blues, flounder and maybe a striped bass.
The Parking
Of course, one of the best things about the beach in fall is the temporary demise of the much-maligned meters. Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany and Fenwick lift parking restrictions the weekend of Sept. 15.
So forget that phone app and put away your quarters. You no longer need to pay to play.
For new activities to enjoy each weekend at the Delaware beaches, check out our weekly events roundup.Â