Enjoy miles of sandy beaches and sun, geese, ducks, deer, shopping, artisans, and clams.
Beginning in Milford, about 20 miles south of Dover, head south on Route One to Lewes. The Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, between Milford and Milton, is full of ducks and geese in the fall and spring, and White-Tailed Deer are often sighted. It is well worth a stopover. The next break on your drive is Lewes. The place is most popular for the Lewes-Cape May Ferry that will take you on a pleasant ride across the mouth of Delaware Bay for a reasonable charge. In 1631, Lewes was founded, so there are many historical edifices in town, especially on Third Street.
There are lots of fun small shops in the area, which are perfect for some great shopping. About 6 miles more of driving bring you to Rehoboth Beach. The beaches of Bethany, Dewey, Rehoboth, Indian River, and Ocean City are loaded with sun worshipers and all the trappings of resorts. The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is an artist’s favorite scenic spot. From here, it’s all ocean and barrier island beaches for 33 miles into Ocean City and Maryland. Ocean City offers extremely perfect deep-sea fishing. Assateague Island is home to the Peregrine Falcons and the Chincoteague Ponies.
There are ranger programs for surf fishing, clamming, and canoeing on the windswept unpopulated island–totally different from Ocean City or Rehoboth. You may drive all the way in heavy resort traffic or avoid some of the congestion by taking Route 90 south to U.S. 113. Plan to make many beach stops along the way and enjoy fun in the sun before ending your drive at the Assateague Island National Seashore.
Starting Point:
Milford, DE
Distance of Drive:
90 miles
Must Eat:
Phillips’ Crab House
2004 North Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, MD 21842
Phone: 410-289-6821
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Seafood
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Early spring to fall
Points of Interest on Drive:
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Assateague Island
Fenwick Lighthouse
Tagged with: beach • best time:spring and fall • Delaware
Filed under: Best Road Trips