We asked Cape Gazette readers to spill their secrets, and they delivered! Through our Hot Takes from the Cape and Dine Out surveys, locals shared their favorite spots, hidden gems, and must-try experiences across Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Milton and beyond. From boardwalk strolls and beachside bites to the best brunch spots and date night dinners, this list actually clocks in at over 101 things and is your insider’s guide to making the most of summer 2025.
Best Place to Watch the Sunrise & Sunset
1. Cape Henlopen State Park the fishing pier, the Great Dune, and Gordons Pond Trail are local sunset faves.
2. Tower Beach You can catch dolphins swimming by if you’re lucky!
3. Rehoboth Bay Sunset over the bay (especially on a boat) is unbeatable.
4. Indian River Inlet
5. Broadkill Beach
6. Savannah Beach Grab some ice cream and watch the sunset.
7. Rusty Rudder
8. Lewes Yacht Club
9. Herring Point Waves crashing, perfect view, nothing better.
10. Big Chill Beach Club Catch the sunset and moon rise together on certain evenings.
11. Sunset Cruise with Cape Water Taxi
Best Parks and Nature Preserves
12. Cape Henlopen State Park Endless trails.
13. Trap Pond State Park Kayak through towering bald cypress trees.
14. Holts Landing State Park
15. Delaware Seashore State Park
16. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge Birdwatching paradise.
17. Killens Pond State Park Perfect for a family day out—go kayaking or visit the water park.
18. Fourth Street Preserve A hidden gem in Lewes for nature lovers.
Best Hiking & Biking Trails
19. Gordons Pond Trail Scenic trail with amazing views.
20. Junction & Breakwater Trail Biking through lush forests, so peaceful.
21. Georgetown-Lewes Trail
22. Burton Island Loop Watch for herons and turtles along the way.
23. The Point of Cape Henlopen Feel like you’re on the edge of the world.
Best Water Activities
24. Kayaking at Cape Henlopen Pier You might spot seals!
25. Paddleboarding at Tower Road Bayside Perfect for beginners.
26. Jet Skiing in Dewey Beach High energy, lots of fun.
27. Surfing at Indian River Inlet Best waves in Delaware.
28. Canoeing at Trap Pond Like paddling through a fairytale.
29. Sailing at Lewes Beach
30. Swimming in the Ocean Classic, simple, and perfect for a beach day.
31. Kayaking up the Broadkill
Best Fishing Spots
32. Conquest Road Drive-on beach fishing, if you don’t mind the crowds.
33. Indian River Inlet Off the rocks on the north side, a good variety of fish.
34. Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier Great for kids.
35. Roosevelt Inlet A good spot according to locals.
36. Rehoboth Bay
37. Indian River
38. Atlantic Ocean Reef Sites
39. On a Head Boat from Lewes Canal
Best Boat Tours & Charters
40. Cape Water Taxi Scenic route and local history rolled into one.
41. Dolphin Watch Tours from Fisherman’s Wharf You’re almost guaranteed to see dolphins!
42. Ferry to Cape May Day trip with a view.
43. Pirates of Lewes Expeditions Fun for kids and adults alike.
44. Eco Tours on the Inland Bays Learn about the environment while cruising the water.
Best Scenic Drives
45. From The Indian River Bridge to Bethany Beach The view is iconic.
46. Savannah Road to Lewes Beach Historic homes and pretty water views.
47. Bay Avenue in Lewes Quaint and charming.
48. New Road to Prime Hook
Best Mini Golf & Rainy Day Fun
49. Nick’s Dinosaur Adventure Mini Golf Retro vibes and giant dinos.
50. Ryan’s Mini Golf on the Boardwalk Classic Rehoboth experience.
51. Shell We Golf and Sea Shell City Cute and family-friendly.
52. Lefty’s Alley & Eats Bowling, arcade, and great food.
53. Movies at Midway
54. Fire Mountain Golf at Midway
Best Things to Do on the Boardwalk
55. Funland An iconic spot for games, rides, and family fun.
56. Zelkey’s Beach Arcade Family-friendly arcade games, photobooths and prizes.
57. Grotto Pizza on the Boardwalk Grab a slice while watching the waves.
58. Get Salt Water Taffy
59. Browse the Shops Quirky gifts, beachwear, and souvenirs.
60. People Watch from a Bench Nothing better than soaking in the vibe.
61. Kohr Bros Frozen Custard Always a classic.
62. Thrashers Fries Obviously.
Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots
63. Honey’s “Their breakfast burrito is the best way to start the day.”
64. Nectar “The French toast is a must-try.”
65. Egg “Best eggs benedict in Rehoboth.”
66. Starboard Bloody Marys and a party vibe.
67. Eggcellent
68. Sunny Bay Cafe
69. The Nook Quiet, cozy, and made from scratch.
70. Station on Kings Perfect for a bougie brunch.
71. Surf Bagel
72. Crystal Restaurant
Old-school diner vibes and amazing breakfast platters.
73. Cafe Pink Blossom A cute breakfast spot, with killer omelettes.
Best Pizza
74. Mr. P’s Cape Gazette readers voted it their favorite. Wood-fired pizza at its best.
75. Grotto Pizza Love it or hate it, there’s no denying it’s a Delaware classic.
76. Nicola Pizza “The Nic-o-Boli is a MUST.”
77. Crust and Craft
78. Louie’s Pizza Grab a slice and walk the boardwalk.
79. Henlopen Pizza Kitchen
80. Ava’s Try their deep dish.
81. Half Full A downtown Lewes fave.
Best Place for Date Night
82. 1776 A fine dining local fave where the steak is always cooked just right.
83. Heirloom A true gem in Lewes, the ambiance in the Victorian house is dreamy.
84. Lewes Oyster House Intimate setting and the oysters are top-notch.
85. Blue Moon A Baltimore Ave. staple since 1981.
86. Salt Air
87. Cultured Pearl The rooftop seating is unmatched.
88. Bethany Blues Their BBQ is top tier.
89. Harbour Waterfront views and fresh seafood.
90. Kindle
91. Victoria’s Victorian charm, ocean views, right on the boardwalk.
92. La Fable “Feels like you’ve stepped into a Parisian bistro.”
Best Crab Cakes
93. Woody’s Hands down – these are locals’ favorite crab cakes.
94. Matt’s Fish Camp
95. Surfing Crab “Hidden gem for crab cakes, massive and delicious.”
96. Big Fish
97. Crabby Dick’s
98. Purple Parrot
Best Desserts
99. Big Fish Peanut Butter Pie “HUGE, rich and creamy.”
100. Touch of Italy Cannolis “Like a trip to Sicily, right in Delaware.”
101. Hopkins Ice Cream
102. Moon Pie from The Blue Moon “Gigantic and melt-in-your-mouth good.”
103. Go Brit English Toffee Pudding A delicious, famous British dessert.
104. Crème Brûlée at The Nook in Milton “Classic and perfectly torched.”
105. Tiramisu from Frank and Louie’s “Light, creamy, and authentic.”
106. Matt’s Fish Camp Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants
107. Crooked Hammock “Beer for the parents, playground for the kids.”
108. Big Oyster Brewery
109. Lefty’s “Bowling, arcade, and great food.”
110. Nicola Pizza
111. Big Fish “Fresh seafood and a great kids’ menu.”
112. Grotto’s Pizza
113. Bethany Blues
Best Overall Restaurants
114. 1776 “Steak is always cooked just right.”
115. Big Fish
116. Kindle
117. Lewes Oyster House “Intimate setting and the oysters are top-notch.”
118. Heirloom
119. Cafe Azafran “Mediterranean flavors in a cozy setting.”
120. Salt Air
121. Henlopen City Oyster House
122. Touch of Italy
123. Cultured Pearl
124. Mariachi “Colorful & authentic.”
