While Delaware’s beach towns attract many out-of-towners during the summertime, off-season events and attractions keep coastal residents entertained all year long. For northern Delaware residents, a day trip to the beaches is an often underrated form of fall and winter entertainment.
From shopping and local museums to brewery and winery tours, these local hotspots are top picks to keep in mind during the fall and winter months.
Lewes
Crooked Hammock Brewery
Offering easygoing, flavorful craft beer and backyard vibes, Crooked Hammock is a great option for gathering around a firepit on a chilly fall or winter night with friends and family, beer and great food. The popular local brewery changes its beer lineup often, so check crookedhammockbrewery.com to see what’s on tap for fall and winter.
36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes | 644-7837
Shell We Bounce
This family-owned trampoline park and family entertainment center will have you (literally) bouncing all day long. Aside from trampolines, there are several entertainment amenities perfect for the entire family like virtual reality, an arcade, a kid zone with a jungle gym, an enclosed playground and a café. Open daily at 10 a.m., bounce time slots begin every 30 minutes in addition to special events and classes happening weekly.
32295 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Lewes | 827-4453
Lewes Polar Bear Plunge
One of the First State’s signature events, the 2024 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge will take place on Sunday, February 4. The yearly event is held on the first Sunday in February, during which time guests can take the plunge into the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a great opportunity to jump into freezing cold water with your friends and family and hundreds of others to benefit Special Olympics Delaware.
Register Online | 831-4653
Cape May–Lewes Ferry
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry allows residents to enjoy Delaware’s tax-free shopping and local attractions, plus the scenic and historic destinations of southern New Jersey—all in one day! The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is family-friendly and offers numerous kids’ attractions, plus events and excursions for the whole family. The ferry and its events operate year-round, so check cmlf.com for more details.
43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes | 1-800-643-3779
Lefty’s Alley & Eats
Lefty’s is the perfect place for family fun all year long. With off-season attractions like bowling, an arcade, axe throwing and a TOPGOLF Swing Suite, there’s plenty to do at Lefty’s. Plus, the craft kitchen and bar is always serving up creative cocktails, mouthwatering food and crisp beer and seltzer. Rent out private karaoke suites to enjoy a music-filled evening with family or friends.
36450 Plaza Boulevard, Lewes | 864-6000
Seal-Watching Tours with Cape Water Tours
Cape Water Tours are a great way to enjoy the Delaware Bay during the off-season. While the company runs exciting tours all year long, the seal tours are a major hit throughout the cold season. Register online for a weekend tour departing from Lewes. Tickets are $30. Binoculars and all types of cameras are encouraged to capture the moment!
43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes | 655-7334
Rehoboth Beach
Clear Space Theatre Company
Located in downtown Rehoboth Beach, Clear Space Theatre is an off-season hotspot for professional local performances and acting classes. Clear Space puts on over 100 performances a year, with Sweeney Todd running throughout October. Children and adults alike can also sign up for classes at the theater. Clear Space offers classes in acting, voice and more for all ages and experience levels. Find more information and show tickets at clearspacetheatre.org.
20 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach | 227-2270
Movies at Midway
This independently-owned multiplex building brings the hottest upcoming movies right to the beach. Located on Route 1 between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach just north of the Tanger Outlets, the theater boasts a full cinematic experience complete with comfortable seats, high-quality speakers, digital projectors and stadium-style theater layouts. The theater also provides handicap seating and assistive listening devices.
18585 Coastal Highway, Suite 1 | Rehoboth Beach
Tanger Outlets
With over 130 stores and designer brands to choose from, no one will run out of places to shop at the Tanger Outlets. Perfect for stocking up on gifts for loved ones (or yourself), the outlets are a staple at the beach. Browse all of the latest sales and deals at tangeroutlet.com/deals.
36470 Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach | 226-9223
The Bellmoor Inn & Spa
Whether you want an off-season staycation experience or just a day of pampering, The Bellmoor is the perfect place to unwind in Rehoboth. The spa menu boasts 44 different kinds of massage—including couples and CBD-infused—and other pampering body treatments. With cozy rooms and suites, The Bellmoor offers a great staycation experience for couples looking to wind down after the holiday season.
6 Christian Street, Rehoboth Beach | 888-699-8563
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Rehoboth Beach Museum
Beach-goers have a long history of enjoying the sun and sand of Rehoboth Beach, and the Rehoboth Beach Museum showcases that nostalgia through its exhibits. Sand toys, surf boards, archeological artifacts and more have been on display at the museum, which accepts donations for admission. The museum also features a gift shop that has plenty of unique Rehoboth-centric gifts.
511 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach | 227-7310
Dewey Beach
Delmarva Discovery Tours
Whether you’re in to antiquing, agriculture, dining or partying, Delmarva Discovery Tours showcase the best of southern Delaware’s beer, wine and spirits offerings. All-inclusive tours include brewery tours, winery tours, farm tours and more. For unique off-season experiences, try the antique tour or the wine and lavender garden tour. Group sizes vary per tour. There are also non-inclusive party bus rentals available. Tours are offered in the morning and afternoon all year long; visit delmarvadiscoverytours.com or call 260-9008 to book.
125 McKinley Street, Dewey Beach | 260-9008
Dewey Beer Co.
Known for unique fruited sours, IPAs and other craft brews, Dewey Beer Co., offers unique flavors and delicious fusion dishes that pair perfectly with various beers. Enjoy the tastes of Secret Machine, a line of fruity sours with flavors like raspberry almond cookie and cherry blackberry pie. If you’re into hops, try the Swishy Pants IPA for a crisp and hoppy brew.
2100 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach | 227-1182
Bethany Beach & Fenwick Island
Zen Spa
Zen Spa brings more than 20 years combined experience in a variety of services. If you’re looking to advance your own personal journey towards serenity and tranquility this winter, Zen Spa offers plenty of options. Whether it is with a massage to ease daily stress, a body wrap to detoxify, or a facial to nourish and replenish, you’re sure to come out feeling better than when you stepped in. Spend a day at this Fenwick spa to escape everyday stress and emerge refreshed and rejuvenated.
38857 Bennett Avenue, West Fenwick | 988-1750
Addy Sea Historic Oceanfront Inn
If you love charming coastal history, consider an off-season, overnight stay at this historic Bethany Beach inn. Including 12 individual guest rooms with private baths, an elegant parlor, wrap-around veranda and onsite dining room, Addy Sea is a one-stop shop for relaxation in Delaware. Enjoy breathtaking beach views and cozy overnight accommodations. Plus, if you stay during the winter months, there is less noise and no crowds, making it all the more relaxing.
99 Ocean View Parkway, Bethany Beach | 539-3707
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Farm (and Ocean)-to-Table Dining
Restaurants like One Coastal and Our Harvest curate menus based on seasonal products that can be sourced fresh. Some winter offerings are an off-season treat that only locals get to enjoy! Plus, these eateries are often booked up on summer weekends, so this is the perfect time of year to treat yourself to a fresh and delicious dinner option.
Related: 5 Spa Resorts Offering a Relaxing Retreat From Delaware Winters
