Unwind in Delaware: Explore Coastal and Countryside Vacation Rentals in Rehoboth, Lewes, and Beyond
Delaware, a small state with big charm, offers an array of vacation rentals that immerse you in the best of coastal living, historic towns, and serene countryside. Whether you dream of a beachfront cottage in Rehoboth, a historic home in Lewes, or a peaceful retreat near the Brandywine Valley, Delaware’s vacation rentals provide the perfect setting for your getaway. With a blend of seaside relaxation, cultural exploration, and natural beauty, Delaware invites you to experience the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure.
Get to know Lums Pond
Lums Pond, Delaware’s largest freshwater lake, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts in Lums Pond State Park. This 200-acre gem invites visitors to enjoy boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding against a backdrop of tranquil woodlands. The park’s well-kept trails offer hiking and birdwatching opportunities, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Fishing is a favorite pastime here, with the lake teeming with diverse fish species. Conveniently located just minutes from Wilmington and Newark, Lums Pond is a perfect escape for those seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventure in the heart of Delaware.
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Best time to visit
Best places to visit
Fun Facts About Delaware
01
The First State
Delaware is known as “The First State” because it was the first of the thirteen original colonies to ratify the United States Constitution on December 7, 1787.
02
One Freshwater Lake
Delaware is one of the smallest states in the USA, spanning just 2,000 square miles. Of the nearly 100 lakes in the small state, only one is considered fresh water. However, due to its coastal location, many locals enjoy various water sports.
03
Log Cabins
The first log cabin built in America was erected in 1683 by Finnish settlers in what is now Wilmington, Delaware. The replica cabin can be seen at the Old Swedes Church in Wilmington.
Must See Attractions
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
Shopping
Stretching over a mile long, the boardwalk is where everyone goes to take a stroll, stop in at a shop or café and continue shopping in the afternoon. People of all ages can enjoy the amusement parks, arcade games, and live entertainment throughout the area.
DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum
Speciality Museums
This unique museum showcases various artifacts recovered from thousands of shipwrecks worldwide. With constantly changing exhibits, you’ll learn something new every time you visit.
Nemours Estate
Estate
The Nemours Estate in Wilmington is a 300-acre country estate built by Alfred I. du Pont. It features a 77-room mansion and formal French gardens. The mansion has luxurious furnishings, rare antiques, and stunning architectural details. Outside, the meticulously manicured gardens include fountains, sculptures, and a large reflecting pool, all inspired by the gardens of Versailles.
Where to Sleep
Lakes & Ponds to Discover
1. Killens Pond
15 Miles
Situated in Killens Pond State Park, this pond is known for its sandy beaches, water activities, and picturesque park, making it a family-friendly destination.
2. Noxontown Lake
25 Miles
Nestled in the heart of Delaware, Noxontown Lake is a peaceful reservoir surrounded by woodlands. It provides a serene environment for fishing and birdwatching.
3. Red Mill Pond
36 Miles
Tucked away in the resort area of Lewes, Red Mill Pond is a peaceful retreat with waterfront properties. It offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic views.
4. Lums Pond
42 Miles
The only freshwater body, Lums Pond offers a scenic escape where visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking against a backdrop of woodlands.
5. Records Pond
42 Miles
Records Pond is a popular spot for boating and fishing, known for its bass and crappie populations. The surrounding area has plenty of recreational opportunities.
6. Chipman Pond
43 Miles
Chipman Pond offers a tranquil setting for fishing and kayaking, providing a quieter alternative to the busier recreational areas within the park.
7. Silver Lake
44 Miles
Nestled in Dover, Silver Lake is a serene urban oasis surrounded by walking paths and a park. It provides a peaceful setting for picnics and leisurely strolls.
8. Gordons Pond
46 Miles
Located near Cape Henlopen State Park, Gordons Pond features a coastal lagoon, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife and a scenic trail for hikers and bikers.
Annual Events and Festivals
TBA 2025
The Annual Dover Days Festival
The Annual Dover Days Festival celebrates the rich history and cultural heritage of the city of Dover. This festival has become a much-anticipated event, drawing locals and visitors alike. The festival is a delightful blend of historical re-enactments, lively performances, and family-friendly activities. Attendees can immerse themselves in the past with historical demonstrations, guided tours of iconic landmarks, and exhibits that showcase the evolution of Dover over the years.
A diverse array of food vendors offers a culinary journey through local and international flavors. The festival serves as a platform for local artisans and craftsmen to showcase their talents, with an arts and crafts fair adding a creative flair to the festivities. From live music performances to interactive workshops, there’s something for everyone, making the Dover Days Festival a cherished and unmissable tradition for residents and visitors alike.
October 25 – 27 2024
Sea Witch Festival
This is a family-friendly event celebrating Halloween and fall. The festival includes a costume parade, dog parade, trick-or-treating, a haunted beach, and various contests and games. Live music, vendors, and street performers add to the festive atmosphere.
September 7, 2024
Amish Country Bike Tour
This tour invites cycling enthusiasts to explore the picturesque landscapes and unique charm of Delaware’s Amish countryside. Held annually, this tour has gained popularity for its scenic routes that wind through rolling hills, farmlands, and Amish communities, providing participants with a rare and tranquil view of a simpler way of life. Cyclists of all levels are welcomed to pedal through routes of varying distances, allowing them to choose a journey that suits their skill and comfort levels.
Top Hiking Trails
Gordons Pond Trail
Brandon Falls, 67 Rd 300, Lewes, Delaware
Gordons Pond Trail in Delaware is a nature lover’s paradise, offering a scenic journey through some of the state’s most captivating landscapes. This picturesque trail spans 6.4 miles through Cape Henlopen State Park, guiding visitors along the coastline with views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay. The trail blends coastal dunes, salt marshes, and woodlands, providing a diverse ecosystem for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
Whether on foot or bike, adventurers can enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings as they traverse the well-maintained out and back path that takes about two hours to complete. The trail culminates at the observation platform overlooking Gordons Pond, where visitors are treated to a panoramic vista of the pristine natural beauty that defines Delaware’s coastline.
Swamp Forest Trail
New Castle County, Delaware
The Swamp Forest Trail winds its way through a swamp forest, offering an immersive experience in the heart of nature. As hikers navigate the well-marked path, they encounter bald cypress trees and a dense understory. This loop trail is 6.9 miles long and takes an average of two hours to complete. The no-elevation trail skirts the edges of Trap Pond, providing glimpses of its waters and wildlife.
Interpretive signs along the way offer insights into the ecological significance of the area, showcasing the delicate balance of flora and fauna that call the swamp forest home. Whether it’s the call of migratory birds or the occasional sighting of turtles basking in the sun, the Swamp Forest Trail is unique in Delaware’s landscapes.
Junction and Breakwater Trail
Seaside Outlet Dr, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
This trail provides a scenic escape for outdoor enthusiasts, cyclists, and walkers alike. This 6.2-mile trail extends along the former Penn Central Railroad right-of-way, connecting the towns of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. The trail takes about three hours to walk. As hikers journey through coastal landscapes, they are treated to stunning views of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The crushed stone surface makes it an ideal path for both cyclists and pedestrians, allowing them to travel through salt marshes, woodlands, and open fields.
Best Golf Courses
Baywood Greens
32851 Greens Way, Long Neck, Delaware
Baywood Greens is a golf course that captivates golfers with its stunning beauty and meticulously manicured grounds situated alongside ponds and boardwalks. Designed by Ault, Clark & Associates, this 18-hole championship course has flower-lined fairways, picturesque landscaping, and meticulously maintained greens. Each hole at Baywood Greens is uniquely named and themed, offering golfers a diverse and memorable playing experience. The course’s design features strategic bunkering, water hazards, and undulating terrain, providing both a challenge and an opportunity for players to showcase their skills.
Garrisons Lake Golf Club
101 W Fairways Cir, Smyrna, Delaware
Garrisons Lake Golf Club is known for its picturesque setting and player-friendly layout. This 18-hole public golf course was designed by Edmund Ault (and updated by his son Brian Ault) and offers a delightful blend of challenges and scenic beauty. With its deliberate bunkering, tree-lined fairways, and lakeside views, Garrisons Lake provides an enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The course design emphasizes a balance between difficulty and playability, allowing both beginners and seasoned players to their time on the course. Garrisons Lake comes into view on several holes, adding a refreshing touch to the overall ambiance.
Peninsula Golf & Country Club
Lakeside Village Center, 32981 Peninsula Esplanade, Millsboro, Delaware
Indulge in the splendor of the Jack Nicklaus Golf Course at the Peninsula, a remarkable 7,200-yard, par 72 golf masterpiece—the inaugural private Jack Nicklaus Signature designed course in Delaware. Meticulously crafted, this course features picturesque holes tracing the waters of Indian River Bay and Lingo Creek, promising a truly distinctive golfing experience. The course is suitable for all players, from beginners to professionals.
Water Sports
Dolphin and Fishing Cruises
DOLPHIN WATCHING CRUISES
Embarking on a dolphin-watching cruise in Delaware promises a maritime adventure filled with anticipation and natural wonders. As the boat glides through the waters off the Delaware coast, passengers are treated to views of marine life, with dolphins often playing and leaping alongside the vessel. These cruises, such as from Fisherman’s Wharf Ocean and Bay Fishing and Cruising in Lewes, offer a unique opportunity to witness these intelligent and playful creatures in their natural habitat.
Dewey Beach Parasail
Parasailing
Parasailing offers an exhilarating and awe-inspiring adventure for those seeking a unique perspective of the stunning coastal landscapes. With its expertise, Dewey Beach Parasail at Dewey Beach provides an ideal setup for this thrilling activity. Participants are securely harnessed to a parachute-like sail, which is then attached to a speeding boat. As the boat accelerates, adventure-seekers lift off into the sky, soaring high above the coastline with a bird’s-eye view of the picturesque surroundings. The sensation of weightlessness combined with panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean creates an unforgettable experience.
Dewey Beach Water Sports
Paddleboarding and Kayaking
Delaware offers enthusiasts a fantastic playground for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). The state is a haven for water sports, providing various options for paddlers to explore its rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Stand-up paddleboarding has also gained popularity, especially along the Delaware Bay coastline, where paddlers can enjoy the rhythmic sound of waves beneath their boards and savor the beauty of sandy shores. There are several businesses that focus on water sports throughout the state and popular beaches, such as Dewey Beach Water Sports.
Resorts to Explore
The Bay Resort Waterfront Hotel
Family-friendly, Couples, Private beach
126 Bellevue St, Dewey Beach, Delaware 19971
Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn
Ocean resort, Family friendly
99 Hollywood Street, Bethany Beach, Delaware 19930
Boardwalk Plaza
Family-friendly, Couples
2 Olive Ave. Boardwalk Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971
Tips on Vacationing in Delaware
Plan Ahead for Popular Events and Festivals
Delaware hosts several popular events and festivals, such as the Firefly Music Festival and the Delaware State Fair. If you plan to attend any of these, book your accommodations and tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
Visit During the Shoulder Seasons
Summer is peak tourist season, especially at the beaches. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) for fewer crowds, lower prices, and pleasant weather.
Tax-Free Shopping
Delaware is one of the few states with no sales tax, making it an excellent place for shopping. Visit Christiana Mall or the Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach for some great deals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vacationing in Delaware
In Delaware, you can find a variety of vacation rentals to suit your preferences and needs. Options include beach houses, cabins, condos, and other vacation-style properties. These accommodations come in various sizes and styles, so whether you’re traveling with family or friends, there’s something for everyone. On average, places to stay near Delaware are 1,143.12 ft², with prices averaging $354 a night.
Yes, many vacation rentals in Delaware are pet-friendly. Of the available homes, 197 allow dogs so that you can bring Fido along on your trip. Just check the individual home listings as sometimes there are restrictions on the number and size of dogs allowed.
Delaware boasts several popular vacation rental destinations, including beachfront locations such as Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and South Bethany. These towns offer beautiful oceanfront properties, some with private or heated pools. Moreover, the area has diverse attractions like scenic parks, historical sites, and charming local shops, ensuring an enjoyable vacation for everyone.
Websites like Lake are helpful resources for finding vacation rentals by owners (RBOs) in Delaware. These platforms connect you directly with property owners, providing a seamless booking experience. By browsing properties based on reviews, locations, and amenities, you can find the perfect rental to meet your needs at a generally lower price than hotels.
Websites like Lake and other platforms can help you find available properties if you’re looking for a last-minute vacation rental near Delaware. However, remember that availability may be limited and prices higher during peak seasons. So, plan accordingly and book as soon as possible to secure an excellent spot for your Delaware getaway.
Vacation Destinations Nearby
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