2013 Beach Guide: Delaware

Rehoboth Beach

If you're looking for the traditional beach town experience, Rehoboth Beach is the place to go. With a boardwalk that hosts mini-golf, T-shirt and trinket shops and Funland, it's the perfect place to go with the family. 

Expect to spend some time finding parking, as only on-street, metered spots are available along the beach. Bring some quarters — you can fill the meters for several hours. Rehoboth recently introduced pay-by-phone parking. 

Local Tip: Park in the DART park-and-ride lot along Route 1 and take the bus to the boardwalk. Two adults with two children (up to 46 inches tall) can ride round trip to the beach on the Route 305 Beach Connection for $18.90.

As for food, there are plenty of fun, beachy options — from Thrasher's Fries, Grotto's Pizza and Dolle's salt water taffy — you'll stay full and fill all of your summer food cravings. In the mood for something fancier? Try Big Fish Grill and The Cultured Pearl.

Don't bring alcoholic beverages or glass onto the beach and if you take some of those Thrasher's Fries, watch out for the fearless seagulls, which have been known to scare a toddler or two. 

If you're looking to shop, there's always the Tanger Outlets.

Dewey Beach

Looking for a place to have some adult fun? Dewey Beach is the perfect destination for those looking for a place to spend their day partying while they get some sun.

The beach is clean and walkable from most bars and restaurants, but don't bring booze onto the beach. Check out the Starboard, Ruddertowne USA and the Lighthouse for some great deals. The Starboard has a Bloody Mary bar and brunch each Sunday and you'll usually find a crowd there throughout the day. Ruddertowne USA is known for its drink specials and nightly shows, while the Lighthouse has a taco toss every Friday at 4 p.m. and is known for its "Orange Crushes."

A number of other area bars and restaurants have specials, and although there is a party atmosphere, you can find fun activities for children as well. Just check everything out online ahead of time and expect you might see a few drunk college kids (or adults) make fools of themselves. 

Bethany Beach

If you're the type who wants a quiet, quaint family getaway, Bethany is the beach for you. 

Known for its gorgeous sunsets and scenery, outdoor activities and golf, it's the perfect place for families to wind down together while staying active. 

Try out kayaking, windsurfing or boating while you are there. Check out the area's farmers market or vineyards.

Try the crabs at Bluecoast Seafood Grill, the seafood at Mango’s or Italian food at DiFibeo’s. 

Lewes

Another quiet destination, Lewes is perfect for those with young children or the couple wanting a romantic weekend away. The beach is smaller, but steps away from the beach houses you may be renting. There's also Cape Henlopen State Park, which has campgrounds, perfect for those wanting to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. 

The town is cute with tiny shops and restaurants and the kids will want a sweet treat at King’s Ice Cream. You can also head up to Cape May, N.J., with the help of the ferry. 

Tower Road

If you'd like to just pay once for parking and spend your time on a clean beach, try Tower Road, which is a part of the Delaware Seashore State Park. 

You pay one parking fee and you can walk onto the beach that's miles long and often not as crowded as Dewey or Rehoboth. 

There's showers available to the public as well as a snack stand. But what's best about this beach is you can bring a cooler along with meals and drinks and save some money. The money you spend on parking goes toward the upkeep of the park. 

Insider Tips: Check out Key Box and Broadkill Beach — two other quiet beaches that are not as tourist heavy. Broadkill is great for having bonfires and camping, while Key Box is great for anyone with four-wheel drive and a desire to fish. 

Check out hotel options and rentals here.