There’s nothing as exciting as discovering and falling in love with a new-to-you destination, except perhaps for revisiting one that you feel compelled to visit again and again. And there’s so much for both first time and frequent visitors to discover in Southern Delaware! From five-star beaches to beautiful bays and waterways to architecture to history to amazing dining to festivals, the unique personality of each small Sussex County town and the natural beauty that lies within and between them ensures visitors’ explorations will always be full of delightful surprises.
Recreate
Life is more good natured here…
Explore gorgeous state parks and 26 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline beaches. Explore inland bays, tidal marshes, rivers, and bald cypress wetlands. Surf fish. Deep sea fish. Parasail. Kiteboard. Stand Up Paddleboard. Jet ski. Bird watch. Enjoy a pontoon boat eco tour. Take a lantern tour of an historic lifesaving station. Enjoy a walking tour of historic downtown Lewes, settled in 1631. For that matter, explore our entire constellation of picturesque downtowns – all charming, yet each with its own distinct personality from walkable historic fishing and shipbuilding villages rivaling those of New England to charming beach, riverside, and rural towns. Bike or hike miles of stunning trails, or paddle out to an uninhabited bay island. There are outdoor adventures waiting year-round for visitors of every age and level of ability here in Southern Delaware. Find out more here…
Relive
Life is timeless here…
History buffs will delight in discovering the history of Sussex County through its many small town museums. Find out about the fascinating social, agricultural, maritime, and military history of Sussex County from pre-Revolutionary days to the present by visiting our 26 museums and viewing their collections of artifacts and memorabilia. Expert docents put collections in context and bring the area’s history to life with stories of shipwrecks, pirates and their booty, storms, and political intrigue. Museum locations include a train station, a caboose, a WWII bunker, a lighthouse, a town hall, a firehouse, an airport, a mansion, a lifesaving station, a lightship, a church, a barn, a post office, a renovated ice house, several historic homes, and a garden shed. How’s that for eclectic? Find out more here…
Reflect
Life is more inspired here…
Southern Delaware is home to a multitude of talented artists, artisans, and crafters who are inspired by the natural beauty of the area. Discover one-of-a-kind works in their many small shops, galleries, and studios located throughout the county. Our towns are also brimming with large and small performance venues, offering diverse programming including concerts and theater performances by national, regional, and local artists and performers in both indoor and fresh air spaces. Find out more here…
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Revitalize
Life tastes better here…
Southern Delaware is synonymous with great eating. The area is aptly called The Culinary Coast™ and is a mecca for foodies thanks to its incredible concentration of top notch, James Beard nominated and award-winning chefs and dining establishments. While it may appear to visiting beachgoers that our #1 industry is sunshine and surf, in reality, agriculture is king here. This is great news for hungry visitors because the restaurants of our Culinary Coast™ serve up creative, delicious dishes made with the freshest possible ingredients. Don’t miss our culinary events and festivals, walking food tours, and cooking classes offered by award-winning chefs! Come to the Culinary Coast™. Life tastes better here! Find out more here…
Refresh
Life is lived one sip at a time here…
Sip your way through Southern Delaware! You’ll be spoiled for choice as our area is home to two wineries, more than a dozen breweries (including Dogfish Head!) distilleries, and a meadery. Wine tastings and winery, brewery, and distillery tours are extremely popular year-round activities. Combine your sip tour with an outdoor adventure and pedal your way between breweries on some of the most beautiful bike trails you’ll find anywhere. Find out more here…