Working on your ultimate summer bucket list? From top spots to dine and drink to must-try experiences, here’s how to make the most of your Delaware summer.
1. Pick your Own Strawberries, Blueberries, and Peaches
Produce picking is an ideal summer activity for all ages. Delaware is home to plenty of farms that offer seasonal U-pick produce from peaches and apples to strawberries, blueberries, and flowers. Summer is the peak season for a variety of fruits including strawberries in the early months and peaches and blueberries throughout the season. Fifer’s in Wyoming offers all three, along with plenty of fun farm activities for kids and families to enjoy. Bennett Orchards is a favorite in Delaware for both peaches and blueberries. Parsons Farm in Dagsboro also offers blueberries, strawberries, and peaches throughout the summer.
Bennett Orchards | 31442 Peach Tree Lane, Frankford
Fifer’s | 1919 Allabands Mill Road, Wyoming
Parsons Farm Produce | 30381 Armory Road, Dagsboro
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2. See a Show at the Freeman Arts Pavilion
In Selbyville, the Freeman Arts Pavilion is an open-air performance space offering great shows throughout the summer. This year’s music lineup includes 311, Young the Giant, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Plus, enjoy comedians like Jim Gaffigan, and community performances like “Aladdin” presented by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. The coastal small-town charm of Selbyville and laid-back outdoor atmosphere make the Freeman Arts Pavilion a great place to enjoy a summer evening.
31255 Americana Parkway, Selbyville
3. Dine and Enjoy Live Music in The Garden at Bardea
On Thursdays and Fridays throughout the warm season, enjoy live music, happy hours, and upscale food and drink at this urban oasis in the heart of Wilmington. Nestled between Bardea Food & Drink and Bardea Steak, the Garden at Bardea offers its own unique menu with craft cocktails and mouthwatering bites.
612 North Market Street, Wilmington
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4. Eat Sushi on a Rooftop Surrounded by Koi Ponds in Rehoboth Beach
The Cultured Pearl is a Rehoboth Beach hotspot for sushi and Japanese fare. Since 1993, the eatery has brought the art of sushi into the lives of Rehoboth locals and tourists alike. A major draw is the rooftop deck and 5,000-gallon koi pond. Diners can enjoy award-winning sushi and sashimi, delightful cocktails, and other mouthwatering Japanese-inspired dishes surrounded by flowers and koi ponds.
301 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
5. Visit a Beach That’s Not Your Go-to
Delaware is home to plenty of great beaches, each with its own unique charm. If you spend your summer nights in Dewey, consider a trip to Fenwick Island. If you’re a repeat Rehoboth visitor, make a stop in Lewes to soak in the historic appeal. It’s easy to get stuck in the same routine and miss out on all the beauty that coastal Delaware has to offer! Check out our beach guide for more things to do in all of Delaware’s coastal towns.
6. Go to a Sculpture Garden Happy Hour
Every summer, Delaware Art Museum hosts Thursday night happy hours in the Sculpture Garden, and it’s an excellent way to soak in the summer vibes. Every Thursday, enjoy live music, local food trucks, a cash bar, lawn games, and various arts and crafts vendors throughout the season. This is a free and family-friendly event with rotating entertainment and food trucks, so there’s always something new to check out. Add this event to your summer bucket list to immerse yourself in local art this season.
2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington
7. Enjoy Oceanfront Drinking and Dining at Big Chill Beach Club
In Bethany Beach, Big Chill Beach Club offers panoramic ocean views with plenty of covered outdoor seating to enjoy a bite or a drink. Enjoy handhelds like lobster rolls or mahi tacos, rice bowls and salads, and shareables like crab dip, calamari, and nachos. From the bar, sip on margaritas, crushes, and craft beer from coastal Delaware breweries. In the evenings, Big Chill hosts fun events like movie nights, live music, and silent discos.
27099 Coastal Highway, Bethany Beach
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8. Cut Your Own Local Blooms at Spectrum Farms
Whether you’re looking for a romantic daytime activity, fun family outing, or way to reconnect with nature, Spectrum Farms is a great place to spend a summer day in Delaware. Check online for the full list of U-cut flower sessions, and enjoy a day surrounded by stunning local blooms.
2568 Spectrum Farms Road, Felton
9. Shop the West Side Creative Market
In Rehoboth Beach, the West Side Creative Market is more than just a summer market; it’s a hub for local artists to thrive. On Mondays and Fridays, more than 20 local artists and vendors sell their wares while performers entertain with live music, food trucks provide a variety of fare, and the on-site bar serves up craft cocktails. On Sundays, “Sound Bite Sundays” combine culinary arts with live music for a fun afternoon experience.
37401 Malloy Street, Rehoboth Beach
10. Take a Sunset Cruise With Cape Water Tours
Cape water tours offers cruises and tours throughout the year, but summer is a great time to get out on the water. The sunset and evening cruises are summer bucket list essentials, providing stunning views of the sunset on the Delaware Bay. Dolphin sunset cruises offer stunning views and potential opportunities to see dolphins, and some cruises are combined with a lighthouse tour for a fun and educational evening.
217 Anglers Road, Lewes
