New features...
We are in the process of adding a realtime hotel booking and beach house rental section to the site.
A new Parking Tips guide and Live Music guide has been added
Our Dewey Beach Movies on the Beach section has just been updated for 2026
Our Dewey Beach Hotels Guide for 2026 is now online
Upcoming Events
- Dewey Beach Egg ScoopApr 4, 2026
- Dewey Arts & Fun FestivalMay 9, 2026
- Summer Concert SeriesJun 1, 2026
- Running of the BullJun 27, 2026
New features...
We are in the process of adding a realtime hotel booking and beach house rental section to the site.
A new Parking Tips guide and Live Music guide has been added
Our Dewey Beach Movies on the Beach section has just been updated for 2026
Our Dewey Beach Hotels Guide for 2026 is now online
Upcoming Events
- Dewey Beach Egg ScoopApr 4, 2026
- Dewey Arts & Fun FestivalMay 9, 2026
- Summer Concert SeriesJun 1, 2026
- Running of the BullJun 27, 2026
Current Weather
Family Activities in Dewey Beach
Want a ready-made family itinerary? Get the top Dewey Beach activities in one place - bay spots for little ones, adventurous activities for older kids, and free weekly traditions - so you can show up knowing exactly what to do.
Dewey Beach Hotels Guide (2026 Edition)
Whether you want to wake up to ocean waves or stay steps from the legendary nightlife, here is the insider’s scoop on the best Dewey Beach hotels for your 2026 getaway.
Dewey Beach Parking Tips
Nothing ruins a beach day faster than a parking ticket. From the strict 'Head-In Only' rule to seasonal permit dates, here are essential tips to help you navigate Dewey’s parking regulations
Adam's Ocean Front Motel
Located at 1 Read Avenue, Adam’s Ocean Front Resort is sits on the southern, more tranquil end of Dewey Beach. What makes this place special? It’s all about the direct beach access and the versatility of the stay. Adam’s offers a mix of villas and motel rooms, making it a perfect home base for families or those who want a bit more space to breathe. Location: It’s truly oceanfront. You can walk right out of your room and onto the sand without navigating the mid-town crowds. Vibe: It’s noticeably quieter than the northern end of town, providing a relaxed atmosphere while still being just a short stroll (or Jolly Trolley ride!) away from the action. If your version of a perfect Dewey day involves a sunrise stroll and a quiet afternoon on the dunes, Adam's may be your spot. more...
Surf Shanty Motel
If you’re looking for a spot that perfectly captures the "New Dewey" while tipping its hat to the town's legendary roots, you’ve found it. Located at 21 Van Dyke Avenue, the Surf Shanty Motel is a newly-renovated, modern boutique escape that has breathed fresh life into what was once the historic Bell Buoy Inn. Tucked away on the ocean block, this three-story gem is all about "vintage vibes and a super chill mojo." It’s designed for those who want that laid-back, "Old Dewey" feel but prefer modern-day comforts. Free Beach Cruisers: One of the best perks here is their fleet of free-to-use teal bicycles. Grab one and cruise the town or head north on the trails into Rehoboth. more...
Hyatt Place Dewey Beach
The Hyatt Place brings upscale, modern accommodations to Dewey Beach. Anchoring the Lighthouse Cove development on Highway One, this is one of the most polished places to stay in town. The Views: Because it's situated on the bayside, the scenery is stunning. You get sweeping views of Rehoboth Bay that are perfect for watching the sunset. It's a little slice of serenity where you can watch the boats drift by before you walk out the front door and hit the nightlife on the strip. This isn't just a place to sleep off a crush; it's the primary venue for weddings in Dewey Beach. If you see a bride and groom strolling near the water, they're likely celebrating here. It's also a major hub for conferences and corporate retreats, which keeps the town buzzing even during the quieter off-season months. If you want to experience the fun of Dewey but refuse to compromise on luxury amenities and a modern room, this is absolutely your spot. more...
Gary's Dewey Beach Grill
Gary's has built a massive following by offering a refreshing alternative to standard beach fare focusing on flavorful, healthy options that don't sacrifice satisfaction. Whether you're stopping in for a post-surf fruit smoothie or a full dinner, the quality is consistent and the atmosphere is pure Dewey. Gary's is famous for a few things you won't find anywhere else in town. First up: the Turkey Cheesesteak. It's a legendary Dewey staple! Craft Brews & 38-75 Brewing: Beyond the food, Gary's is a beer lover's paradise with over 100 choices. It also houses their own nano-brewery, 38-75 Brewing, serving up small-batch crafts that are brewed right on-site. The Local Hangout: This is the place to watch the game with friends or a group of locals. The vibe is relaxed and conversational -- perfect for watching the game with friends. Off-Season Perk: If you're here in the quiet months, keep an eye out for their Thursday Turkey Cheesesteak special and free off-season parking. It's also one of the best spots to bring the kids for a real meal. more...
Mama Maria's
Sometimes you just need a break from the crab cakes and Orange Crushes. When that craving hits, Mama Maria's is your go-to on Highway One at McKinley Street. The portions here are no joke. We're talking about the kind of Italian comfort food that sticks to your ribs - huge plates of manicotti, salads that can actually feed a group, and solid, no-nonsense pizza. It's casual, consistent, and exactly what you need after a day on the beach. The Vibe: Mama Maria's is a true family-dining staple. It's relaxed, unpretentious, and a favorite with families for good reason. If you need a serious carb-load or a family meal where everyone leaves full, pull up a chair at Mama Maria's. more...
Nick's Philadelphia Cheese Steaks
You don't need to cross state lines to find a proper cheesesteak. Nick's has been holding it down on Highway One for decades, serving up the kind of comfort food that saves you after a long day in the sun or a long night out. It is a family-owned operation that feels like a classic beach town staple, where the focus is on speed and flavor. Let's talk about the cheesesteaks. They chop the meat finely here - no chewy slabs - and ensure the cheese is melted all the way through on pillowy soft bread. While the name says Philly, sleeping on the gyros is a rookie mistake. The beef and lamb combo is legit, served with plenty of sauce and fresh onions. It is straightforward, satisfying comfort food. There is no pretense here, just solid portions and consistent quality that locals have relied on for decades. If you want a hot sub that hits the spot without a long wait for a table, this is your spot. more...
The Starboard
The Starboard is a legendary bar and restaurant that's been a Dewey institution for decades. It's famous for its build-your-own Bloody Mary bar (practically a buffet of hot sauces and garnishes - shrimp, bacon, you name it), and for serving breakfast and late-night drinks with equal enthusiasm. By day, you can get a great omelet or crabby bloody Mary here; by night, it transforms into party central with DJs and dancing. The vibe is "come one, come all" - you'll see bachelorette parties, old Dewey alumni telling stories, off-duty lifeguards, and everyone in between. Award-Winning: In 2025, USA Today picked The Starboard as one of the best bars in America. The signature cocktail is the Orange Crush (fresh-squeezed OJ, vodka, triple sec, Sprite) - they squeeze thousands of oranges a week and it's dangerously delicious. Traditions here include the "Running of the Bull" and "Breakfast with Elvis" on certain weekends. It's a must-visit, even if just to people-watch and soak up the scene. more...
Bottle & Cork
Known affectionately as "The Cork," this is Dewey's legendary live music venue - a rock club that's been rockin' since 1936. The Cork has hosted some big names (Matchbox Twenty, Miranda Lambert, Vertical Horizon, and more), but it's just as beloved for its regional cover bands and weekly events. It's an open-air bar with a stage at one end - incredibly fun. Don't Miss: Summers every Saturday at 5pm, they host the famous "Saturday Afternoon Jam Session", one of Dewey's most popular weekly events. Picture this: it's late afternoon, you've washed off the beach, and a live band is cranking out tunes while sunburned folks dance with fresh drinks in hand. Many a Dewey veteran will tell you Jam Session is their favorite time of the week. The Cork also brings in national acts (often country, rock, and tribute bands) for nighttime concerts - so you might catch a big show in this intimate setting. Their tagline is "The greatest rock and roll bar in the world," and if you love live music, the Cork may be your perfect spot. more...
The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is a bayfront restaurant and bar on Dickinson St. that has been part of Dewey for 40+ years. It was rebuilt and reopened in 2021 after a fire. The new Lighthouse has a big outdoor patio on the bay and often features acoustic music or DJ sets at happy hour. Historically, this was home to the original Taco Toss (where on Fridays, tacos were cheap and occasionally tossed around in fun). Now that Taco Toss moved up to Northbeach, the Lighthouse focuses on its restaurant side - great crushes and casual seafood with a view. However, it still gets going during peak summer weekends at night, especially when Decade 80 (an awesome 80s cover band) or other groups play on the deck. The Lighthouse is also a go-to for those who want a bit more chill than Northbeach but still want to be out on the bay. Many folks do a "Rudder-Lighthouse-Northbeach crawl" since they're all close together on the bay side. Don't overlook the Lighthouse for a sunset dinner; their menu has stepped up in recent years, and nothing beats sipping a crush as boats go by in the twilight. more...
2026 Monday Night Movies on Dewey Beach!
Imagine this: the stars are out, the Atlantic is whispering in the background, and you're settled into your beach chair watching a flick on a giant screen. It's pure magic.2026 Movie Lineup:June 15: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (PG)June 22: Grow (PG)June 29: Zootopia 2 (PG)July 6: Lilo & Stitch (2025) (PG)July 13: Freakier Friday (PG)July 20: How To Train Your Dragon (2025) (PG)July 27: Christmas in July: The Santa Clause (PG)August 3: The Goonies (PG)August 10: Wicked: For Good (PG)August 17: Mean Girls (2024) (PG-13)August 24: Back to School Special: High School Musical (G)Insider Tips: While there is no admission fee, this program is produced by the Rehoboth Beach - Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce and relies on your generous contributions to keep the movies rolling! Weather Watch: These events are weather-dependent. Cancellation calls are made no later than 7:00 PM on the day of the event. Check the Chamber's Instagram or Facebook page for updates. more...
Wednesday Night Bonfires on the Beach
There’s something about beach bonfires. Every Wednesday night from June 18th through August 20th, the beach at Dagsworthy Avenue lights up for one of Dewey’s most beloved summer traditions. Grab your beach chair, round up the family, and head down around 7:00 PM for a totally free, totally chill night on the sand. The Setup: Glow necklaces are available for a $1 donation while supplies last - the kids go nuts for them once the sun drops. Roasting marshmallows are also just a buck, or bring your own stash if you’re serious about your s’mores game. Restrooms are available at the Dewey Beach Lifesaving Station, so you’re covered for the whole evening. The Vibe: This is Dewey at its most wholesome. Families spread out around the fire, kids chase each other with glow sticks, and you get to watch the stars come out over the ocean while the flames crackle. It’s the kind of mid-week ritual that turns a good beach vacation into an unforgettable one. Good to Know: This free event is sponsored by the Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of Commerce - your dollar donations help keep the bonfires burning all summer. Weather cancellations are posted on the Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, so check there if the skies look iffy. more...
Nick's Mini Golf
As Dewey Beach's only mini golf course, this location is a convenient staple for families looking to take a break from the sand. Situated at the north end of town on Swedes Street, it features a dinosaur theme with several realistic models spread across an 18-hole course. While the footprint is smaller than some mega-courses in nearby towns, the layout is efficiently designed to maximize challenges and fun for all ages. more...