Things to do · Sussex County
Beach days, brewery nights and the best sunsets in the state.
Sussex County is Delaware’s playground. Boardwalks and ocean beaches line the coast, the inland bays are made for paddling, and a creative food and craft-beer scene keeps things lively long after summer ends.
The can’t-miss list
If you only have a weekend, start here.
- Cape Henlopen State Park
Dunes, bike paths, WWII observation towers and some of the best ocean beaches in Delaware, right next to Lewes.
Insider tip: Climb the Fort Miles observation tower for a view of the whole cape. - Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
A mile of classic boardwalk with Funland rides, arcade games, boardwalk fries and saltwater taffy.
Insider tip: Visit in the off-season for open sand, easy parking and the same great food. - Historic Lewes
Delaware’s first town, with tree-lined Second Street shops, cafés, the Zwaanendael Museum and a calm bay beach.
Insider tip: Rent a bike and ride the Junction & Breakwater Trail to Rehoboth. - Dogfish Head Brewery
The craft brewery that started in Rehoboth, with its big production brewery and tasting room in Milton and its original brewpub in Rehoboth.
Insider tip: Take the Milton brewery tour, then explore Milton’s small downtown. - Trap Pond State Park
Paddle among bald cypress trees at the northernmost natural stand of them in the United States, near Laurel.
Insider tip: Rent a kayak or canoe and follow the marked water trail through the cypress swamp.
Get outside
Sand, salt marsh and cypress swamp.
A flat, scenic bike trail through woods and wetlands that links the two towns.
Surfing, fishing, camping and wide ocean beaches on both sides of the inlet bridge.
A loop trail and observation deck at the south end of Cape Henlopen, great for birding and sunsets.
Quiet ocean beach plus bay access for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Eat & drink
A beach scene that takes food seriously.
Chef-driven restaurants, raw bars and cocktail spots. Plenty stay open into winter.
Cafés, bakeries and seafood in a historic setting.
Delaware’s first farm winery, with tastings close to the beach.
Every October, a whole town celebrates Delaware’s favorite breakfast meat.
Local character
History, culture and things you’ll only find here.
A one-of-a-kind tradition two days after each November election: winners and losers ride together in a parade and "bury the hatchet."
A small cable ferry across the Nanticoke River, crossing at the same spot since the 1700s.
Learn the history and culture of the Nanticoke people in Delaware.
An 1859 lighthouse right on the Delaware-Maryland line.
With the kids
Easy wins for the whole family.
A family-run amusement park on the boardwalk with classic rides and games.
Free summer concerts and movies by the beach.
Tanger Outlets along Route 1, with no sales tax on anything.
Grab a line and a net and try your luck off a dock or pier.
Your year here
What locals look forward to, season by season.
Spring
- Lewes Tulip Celebration
- Bike the Breakwater Trail
- Uncrowded beach walks
Summer
- Boardwalks, beaches and bandstand concerts
- Fireworks along the coast
- Kayaking the inland bays
Fall
- Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival
- Sea Witch Festival
- Apple-Scrapple Festival
Winter
- Rehoboth Beach Film Festival in November
- Holiday lights in Lewes and Rehoboth
- Cozy restaurant season
Love this lifestyle?
Where to live in Sussex County
Walkable historic streets, the bay beach and Cape Henlopen at your door.
Beach living with restaurants, nightlife and the boardwalk nearby.
A charming small town with a creative scene and more space for the money.
Bayfront communities, golf and newer homes inland from the beaches.
Picture yourself in Sussex County?
From beach cottages to year-round homes near the bays, I’ll help you find the Sussex County town that fits your life.
Keep exploring
Hours, seasons and fees change. Check each attraction’s website before you go.