Discover Bethany Beach - The Quiet Resort's Coastal Charm

Day 1: Coastal Welcome & Boardwalk Stroll

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Arrive in Bethany Beach and settle into your accommodation. Once ready, head straight for the iconic Bethany Beach Boardwalk (approximately 0.5-1 mile walk or short drive depending on your lodging, metered parking available at $2.50/hour or municipal lots for $15-20/day). Enjoy a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, taking in the ocean views and breathing in the fresh sea air. Find a spot on the pristine Bethany Beach and spend a couple of hours relaxing on the sand, swimming, or collecting seashells.
  • Cost Estimate: Parking $10-15 (for 3-4 hours).
  • Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) For lunch, stroll over to Sunshine Crepes (108 Garfield Pkwy), a local favorite for sweet and savory crepes and sandwiches (approximately 0.2 miles from the boardwalk entrance).
  • Cost Estimate: Lunch ~$30-40 for two. Afterward, explore the charming shops along Garfield Parkway and the surrounding downtown area. Discover unique boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops like Made Ya Look! Boutique & Gallery or browse for beach essentials.
  • Cost Estimate: Shopping (optional) ~$50-75 for souvenirs.
  • Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
• Evening (5:00 PM onwards) Freshen up at your accommodation. For dinner, experience fresh seafood at Off the Hook (769 Garfield Pkwy), known for its upscale yet relaxed atmosphere and delicious farm-to-table and sea-to-table menu. It’s about a 5-minute drive or a 15-20 minute walk from the boardwalk area. Reservations are recommended.
  • Cost Estimate: Dinner ~$100-140 for two with drinks. After dinner, treat yourselves to some classic frozen custard at Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard right on the boardwalk. Take another romantic stroll under the stars, enjoying the gentle sound of the waves.
  • Cost Estimate: Dessert ~$10-15.
  • Time Needed: 3-4 hours.

Day 2: Nature’s Beauty & Playful Fun

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:30 PM) Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the classic Bethany Diner (798 Garfield Pkwy), a local institution known for its delicious breakfast fare.
  • Cost Estimate: Breakfast ~$30-40 for two. Afterward, head north to Delaware Seashore State Park (approx. 10-15 minute drive, 5 miles north on Coastal Hwy). Park at the Indian River Inlet section. Spend time exploring the beautiful natural beaches, walking the scenic trails, or simply relaxing by the water. You can enjoy panoramic views of the Indian River Inlet Bridge.
  • Cost Estimate: State Park entrance fee (seasonal, typically March-November) ~$10 per vehicle for out-of-state.
  • Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
• Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:30 PM) For a casual lunch, pack a picnic to enjoy at the state park, or grab sandwiches from Made Ya Look Bagel & Deli (776 Garfield Pkwy) on your way back into Bethany Beach.
  • Cost Estimate: Lunch ~$20-30 for two (picnic/deli). After lunch, embrace some friendly competition with a round of miniature golf at Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf (Route 1 & Ocean View Parkway, approx. 1.5 miles from downtown).
  • Cost Estimate: Mini golf ~$10-12 per person, so ~$20-24 for two. If you’re feeling active, consider renting bikes from Bethany Bike Shop (776 Garfield Pkwy, right by Made Ya Look Bagel & Deli) and cruise the residential streets or enjoy a ride on the boardwalk (seasonal restrictions may apply; typically allowed before 10 AM and after 5 PM during peak season).
  • Cost Estimate: Bike rental ~$15-25 per person for 2-3 hours, so ~$30-50 for two.
  • Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
• Evening (5:30 PM onwards) Enjoy a delicious dinner at Bluecoast Seafood Grill (30115 Coastal Hwy, North Bethany), renowned for its spectacular waterfront views of the Little Assawoman Bay and fresh, seasonal seafood. It’s about a 5-7 minute drive north of the main Bethany area. Definitely make a reservation, especially if you want a window table for sunset.
  • Cost Estimate: Dinner ~$120-160 for two with drinks. After dinner, if you’re up for it, catch some live music at a local spot or simply return to the beach for a peaceful evening walk under the stars.
  • Time Needed: 3-4 hours.

Day 3: Last Bites & Beach Bliss

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Savor your final morning in Bethany with a delightful breakfast at Grotto Pizza (99 Garfield Pkwy), a boardwalk staple, offering more than just pizza, including breakfast options and a lively atmosphere.
  • Cost Estimate: Breakfast ~$25-35 for two. Spend a couple more hours soaking up the sun and waves on Bethany Beach. This is your chance for a final swim, building sandcastles, or simply relaxing with a book.
  • Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM) For a casual and delicious lunch, head to Mango’s On The Boardwalk (97 Garfield Pkwy, on the boardwalk). Enjoy a diverse menu with oceanfront seating and a lively atmosphere.
  • Cost Estimate: Lunch ~$40-60 for two. After lunch, dedicate some time for last-minute souvenir shopping or browsing through the unique shops you might have missed earlier. You could also grab a final sweet treat from Just Cream (708 Coastal Hwy), known for its homemade ice cream.
  • Cost Estimate: Shopping (optional) ~$30-50. Dessert ~$10-15.
  • Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
• Evening (4:00 PM onwards) Depending on your departure time, you can begin your journey home, feeling refreshed and relaxed from your coastal escape. If you have time for a final, casual dinner before hitting the road, consider Fins Ale House & Raw Bar (313 Coastal Hwy), offering a lively atmosphere and great seafood options, about a 5-minute drive from the boardwalk.
  • Cost Estimate: Dinner (optional) ~$70-90 for two.
  • Time Needed: 2-3 hours for dinner.

Day 1: Bethany Beach Bliss & Boardwalk Strolls

• Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Arrive in Bethany Beach and check into your accommodation. Once settled, head straight for the main attraction: the beach! Enjoy a leisurely walk along the pristine shores of Bethany Beach, feeling the sand between your toes and listening to the waves. Collect some shells or simply relax. This is a free activity and a perfect way to acclimate to the coastal pace. Practical Tip: Parking can be metered in downtown Bethany during peak season (approx. $2.50/hour). Consider walking from your accommodation if close, or utilize municipal lots. Time needed: 2-3 hours.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Grab a casual lunch at Grotto Pizza on the Bethany Beach boardwalk (estimated cost: $35 for two, including drinks). Afterward, explore the charming Bethany Beach Boardwalk (approx. 0.4 miles long), browsing the unique local shops and boutiques just off the boardwalk. Discover beachwear, souvenirs, and local art. Enjoy a classic ice cream cone from Kohler’s Custard (estimated cost: $12 for two). Practical Tip: Many shops close around 5 PM, so plan your browsing accordingly.
• Evening (5:30 PM onwards) Freshen up and enjoy a delightful dinner at Off the Hook (769 Garfield Pkwy, Bethany Beach), known for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends (estimated cost: $90-110 for two, including a drink each). After dinner, take another romantic stroll on the illuminated boardwalk or enjoy the ocean breeze from a nearby bench.

Day 2: Coastal Nature & Inlet Views

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Start your day with breakfast at Sunshine Crepes (330 Garfield Pkwy, Bethany Beach) for a delicious and affordable start (estimated cost: $25-30 for two). Afterward, drive north to Delaware Seashore State Park’s Indian River Inlet (approx. 5 miles, 10-15 minute drive). Explore the scenic jetties, watch the boats come and go, and take in the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Bay. You can walk across the Charles W. Cullen Bridge for stunning photo opportunities. Practical Tip: Out-of-state vehicle entrance fee for Delaware State Parks is $10/day. Time needed: 3-4 hours.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Enjoy a packed picnic lunch that you prepared (saves money and allows more time in the park, estimated cost: $20 for two) or head to Hammerheads Dockside (38931 Madison Ave, North Bethany, near the Inlet) for casual bayside dining (estimated cost: $40-60 for two). Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the less crowded beaches within Delaware Seashore State Park or exploring the interpretive trails.
• Evening (5:30 PM onwards) Return to Bethany Beach. For dinner, experience the cozy charm of The Cottage Cafe (33034 Coastal Hwy, Bethany Beach). It offers a relaxed atmosphere with diverse American cuisine (estimated cost: $80-100 for two, including a drink). After dinner, perhaps catch some live music at a local spot if available, or simply enjoy a quiet evening.

Day 3: Historic Lewes & Bay Exploration

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Have a light breakfast at your accommodation. Drive north to the charming historic town of Lewes (approx. 22 miles, 30-40 minute drive). Begin your exploration with a walk through the Historic Lewes District, admiring the beautifully preserved colonial homes and quaint streets. Visit the Zwaanendael Museum (102 Kings Hwy, Lewes; free admission, donations welcome) to learn about Lewes’s Dutch heritage and maritime history. Practical Tip: Parking in Lewes can be metered or limited; consider parking near the museum or a public lot and walking. Time needed for exploration: 3-4 hours.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Enjoy lunch at Agave Mexican Restaurant (137 2nd St, Lewes), known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food (estimated cost: $50-70 for two). After lunch, head to Cape Henlopen State Park (near Lewes, approx. 10-minute drive from downtown Lewes; $10 out-of-state vehicle entrance fee). Climb the Observation Tower for panoramic views of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, or simply relax on the pristine beaches.
• Evening (5:30 PM onwards) Drive back to Bethany Beach. For dinner, try Bluecoast Seafood Grill and Raw Bar (30904 Coastal Hwy, Bethany Beach). It’s a slightly upscale option with fantastic water views and fresh seafood (estimated cost: $110-130 for two, including a drink each). Enjoy a sophisticated end to your day.

Day 4: Aquatic Adventure & Local Delights

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Grab a quick breakfast sandwich and coffee from a local deli or bakery (estimated cost: $20-25 for two). Head to Coastal Kayak (39050 Inlet Rd, Fenwick Island, approx. 7 miles south of Bethany) or Bethany Surf Shop (99 Garfield Pkwy, Bethany Beach, for SUP rentals in Little Assawoman Bay) for a kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding adventure on the calm waters of the bay. Enjoy 2 hours of paddling, exploring the estuaries and observing local wildlife (estimated rental cost: $50-70 for two people for 2 hours). Practical Tip: Book rentals in advance, especially during peak season. Wear swimwear and bring water.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) After working up an appetite, have a casual lunch at Mickey’s Family Crab House (33075 Coastal Hwy, Bethany Beach) for a classic Delaware crab shack experience (estimated cost: $60-80 for two, depending on crab choices). In the afternoon, cool off with a round of mini-golf at a spot like Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf (12384 Coastal Hwy, Bethany Beach, estimated cost: $20-25 for two).
• Evening (5:30 PM onwards) For your final full evening, consider a relaxed but delicious dinner at Via Sophia (300 Coastal Hwy, Bethany Beach), an Italian restaurant offering authentic dishes in a stylish setting (estimated cost: $90-110 for two, including a drink). Afterward, take a final evening stroll on the beach, perhaps catching a beautiful sunset over the bay or stargazing.

Day 5: Farewell Bites & Coastal Echoes

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at Bethany Diner (798 Bethany Loop, Bethany Beach), a classic diner experience to fuel up before your departure (estimated cost: $30-40 for two). Take one last walk on Bethany Beach, collecting any final souvenirs or simply soaking in the ocean air and memories. Practical Tip: Check-out time is typically 11 AM, so plan breakfast accordingly or arrange for a late checkout if possible.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM) If time allows before heading home, grab any last-minute gifts or treats from the shops in downtown Bethany Beach. Head back to your accommodation, finalize packing, and check out. Depart from Bethany Beach, taking your “Bethany & Beyond” memories with you.
• Evening (Departure)