Help us pick a DE (or MD or NJ) beach

[Anonymous]

We have family coming to visit, and we are thinking of doing a 2-3 day trip to a beach with them. We have never been to any area beaches despite living in DC for almost a decade. Any tips or suggestions are appreciated.

1. There will be 5 teens/adults ranging from 17-70 years old, a 5-year-old, and an infant.
2. We want non-camping lodging with beach access (ie, don't want to have to drive to beach).
3. The less crowded/more natural the better.
4. Not really concerned about whether there is "stuff to do" around-- boardwalk, lighthouse, fort, or pool would be neat, but a nice beach is enough.
5. Within 3 hour drive of DC.

I don't know if it's even feasible to book something in July just a week in advance, but we would be going mid-week, which might help.

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

The 3 hr drive limits you to basically the DE beaches. Given your desires I recommend Lewes, DE or Cape May, NJ. It will probably be quite difficult to get a July rental or hotel at this point, so I'd recommend calling a realtor to see of they have a house with a last minute cancellation. Another option is Sea colony in Bethany - it is a huge complex so probably would have availability, but it is pretty built up/developed in Bethany.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The 3 hr drive limits you to basically the DE beaches. Given your desires I recommend Lewes, DE or Cape May, NJ. It will probably be quite difficult to get a July rental or hotel at this point, so I'd recommend calling a realtor to see of they have a house with a last minute cancellation. Another option is Sea colony in Bethany - it is a huge complex so probably would have availability, but it is pretty built up/developed in Bethany.

Thanks. I will look into Sea Colony. Bethany is really crowded, right?

[Anonymous]

Yes, Bethany is very crowded. To get to more undeveloped/remote beaches, you unfortunately need to go more than 3 hrs from DC. But Lewes is more of a quiet town than Bethany or Rehobeth, with a big state park on the bay/ocean which limits development.

[Anonymous]

Shhh!

Fenwick island


Best , least crowded and quiet beach. Plus stuff to do .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Shhh!

Fenwick island


Best , least crowded and quiet beach. Plus stuff to do .

Thanks. I will look into this.

[Anonymous]

Bethany gets crowded but it is certainly tolerable. Was there yesterday and it was actually empty, not sure why, but even when busy it is not too bad unless you are looking for deserted or empty beach, it will be fine.

[Anonymous]

For quiet, residential areas, I would recommend either central Fenwick Island (not north Ocean City MD but further up) or the far north or the south end of Bethany for what you are looking for. Look at the Google map, you'll see the houses in areas just north and south of the undeveloped Delaware Seashore State Park (cut in half by the Indian River Inlet) and also South Bethany before Fenwick Island State Park are quiet areas with single family homes and little retail.
My favorite neighborhood is North Rehoboth & Henelopen Acres especially the area of large Victorians around beautiful Park Avenue. Quiet, moneyed area, walk to the beach or to restaurants etc. in Rehoboth Beach. Expect to pay through the teeth, though.
Chincoteague, Ocean Pines, Berlin Md, will not work for you because everybody has to drive and park at the beach from those areas. We love the natural scenery surrounding Chincoteague and the prices can't be beat, but it's too far to walk to the beach.

[Anonymous]

Lewes also will not work - homes are all located on the Delaware Bay and inlet side - it's not far to the state park beach on the Atlantic but it's far enough you wouldn't want to push a stroller on the road to get there.

[Anonymous]

We just did a search of beach rentals and places near the beach are few and far between unless you have a ton of money to spend. Just an FYI!

Have you looked into Chincoteague/Assateague? Definite drive to the beach, but it's lowkey/natural.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, everyone. We are now considering Chincoteague. We will have to see what's even available last minute.

[Anonymous]

Try Sandbridge, VA.

[Anonymous]

Dewey Beach mid week is not crowded and a good option. most their crowd is on the weekends

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dewey Beach mid week is not crowded and a good option. most their crowd is on the weekends

Is it still a frat party on the sand??