Harbour offers some of the loveliest views in Lewes along with a kitchen that’s committed to locally sourced produce and sustainable seafood. The result is a seasonally inspired roster of elevated classics: Think beer-battered Chesapeake catfish and Old Bay fries as well as high-minded combos like seared rockfish with beluga lentils and cantaloupe lime salsa.

While many beach restaurants can rely on scenic locales and a steady influx of tourists, James Beard Award nominee Heirloom isn’t just good for the beach — it’s a standout dining experience year-round. Situated in an intimate Victorian home in Lewes, Heirloom serves stellar cocktails and wine, and the kitchen kicks out stunning plates of locally inspired fare, and the service is first-rate. Booking a table at Heirloom is a must when visiting the area. 

Beach vibes wise, Rehoboth is about as far away from Key West as possible, but this Jimmy Buffet-inspired dive on the main drag is nothing but good times. The menu leans traditional pub grub with a sprinkling of southern Florida staples thrown in for good measure — think conch chowder and peel-n-eat Key West pink shrimp. The real draw here are cheap beers and a jam-packed lineup of nightly live music. Conch Island is cover band heaven. Be sure to check out Matt Avery — otherwise known as The Human Juke Box — on weekend nights.

A trip to Rehoboth wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the state’s premier purveyor of IPAs. Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and the pub grub menu lines up beer-friendly dishes like chili-topped nachos and fried pickles, along with pizzas and burgers cooked in a wood-fired grill.

Henlopen City Oyster House might not have ocean views, but what it does have is a killer raw bar and seafood-focused menu with an assortment of steamers as well as caviar service. Henlopen’s bar program is also on point with oyster shooters, expertly crafted cocktails, and a lengthy list of natural wines.

With locations in Dewey Beach and Harbeson, Dewey Beer Co. is giving Dogfish Head a run for its money when it comes to craft beers by the beach. Dewey’s list is heavy on both high ABV IPAs and a unique style of fruited sour that the brewery has dubbed the Secret Machine series. These sours have secured a solid fan base with out there flavor combos like strawberry, blackberry, marshmallow, and push pop.

With locations in Ocean View and Rehoboth Beach, Good Earth Market is a favorite destination for Delaware beachgoers. There’s a health-food-meets-gourmet boutique, adorable little cottages for rent, and of course, a beloved restaurant with ample garden seating. At Good Earth, days kick off with mimosa brunches before moving onto a menu of snacks, salads, and sandwiches. Come dinnertime, the kitchen turns out seasonal fare like Sicilian spiced swordfish with heirloom tomato and cucumber salad and summer squash with black lentils and herbed yogurt.

High Tide has only been around for a little less than a year but in that time, this morning destination on Fenwick Island has revolutionized the beach town’s breakfast game. Psychedelic hued breakfast bowls begin with bases like chia pudding and agave dragonfruit and can be topped with everything from hemp granola and goji berries to sunflower butter and bee pollen. Breakfast sandwiches and platters are on offer alongside an array of rarely seen at the beach beverages like lattes infused with CBD and activated charcoal.