Cape May? Lewes Beach? Rehobeth? Others?

[Anonymous]

This warm weather has me thinking about our Summer vacation and where we will go. For as long as I can remember,
we've vacationed in the Outer Banks. I'd like to try some place new this Summer. I've read about a few here on the
forum and I'm starting to gather a list. If you have been to any of the above (Cape May, Lewes Beach, Rehobeth) and
have recommendations on where to stay, please let me know. We have 3 kids (who will be 1, 3, and 5 this Summer).
We'd prefer to rent a house. If you have any new suggestions for places to go, I'd love to hear those too.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

You didn't mention Fenwick Island, Delaware - we've stayed there for 3 summers in a row now. Not this summer though, because the family that usually goes with us - the mom and dad are on the outs Trying to find a smaller place (this place was 4 bedrooms). We rented a townhouse through Long & Foster. We stayed at Kings Grant condos. I could give you the unit number, but I think it would be too big for you too...

[Anonymous]

I have stayed at all 3, plus Bethany and Fenwick. For LITTLE kids, Rehoboth has the most to do, then Cape May, then Lewes. Now that we have kids, we quit Lewes because although it is lovely, it is boring for 4 yr olds and you just wind up driving in %$(# traffic down Rte 1 to get to Rehoboth every day.

What are your priorities? Ease of access to the beach? Kid activities like water slides? Restaurants?

We have found that it was cumbersome to get to the beach in Cape May (impossible parking, or a long hike thru town). It was pretty, but more of a pain than in either Rehoboth or Lewes. Then there is the potty/I need a different drink issue. Again, Cape May loses on this point IMO.

The public beach is most crowded in Rehoboth, then Cape May, then Lewes. You can avoid this issue (plus the distance problem above) by renting a $$$ place directly on the water. In Lewes, you would be on the bay (not ocean), and that can be nice because the bay is better for the littlest kids.

If you want one of those gigantic, newish houses on the water like they have in the Outer Banks, your best bet is actually Bethany.

Anyway, write back and tell us what your priorities are.

[Anonymous]

Lewes is lovely and where we go, but unless you get a house on the bay and the weather is great, it will be dull for kids. But that is what I want. The boardwalk at Rehobeth is enough to make me drink...my kids do not need more stimulation. Another nice thing about Lewes is that b/c it is bay side, the swimming is MUCH safer. The waves on the ocean side could kill the kids (seriously). Bethany is a nice in between for Lewes and Rehobeth, although a further drive. It is busy, but a little quieter...

[Anonymous]

PP here again. For better beaches, go to Jersey.

[Anonymous]

Wow. Lots of good info. Thanks so much. Honestly, I'm not sure what our priorities are. I just know I'm a little tired of OBX. My kids are young, so we'll spend a lot of time in the house while the kids are napping, so a nice house (not necessarily huge, but nice) is a priority. Activities for the kids, but again they are still young, so we don't need a whole lot. I guess I just need to take a closer look at all these and figure out exactly what we are looking for. This is all really helpful though, so thanks so much for all the great information.

[Anonymous]

We stay in Dewey because it's close enough to Rehoboth without having the boardwalk, Funland, arcades, etc., tempting us everyday. Call Jack Lingo real estate or look up their website for rentals.

[Anonymous]

Cape May is a dry town, in case it matters.

[Anonymous]

Stay in Dewey if you are ready for DRUNKARDS to pee on your car and pass out on your lawn. I STILL get drunk there and I know they are trying to get more family there, but I would never bring my kids. The houses overstuffed with college kids never go to bed.

[Anonymous]

Cape May-without doubt. It is family friendly and you can walk anywhere in Cape May. You can rent a house, condo (Sandpiper club-best has beach side service will set up all your chairs,bring food, etc), Hotel(Congress Hall) in stay a or a lovely old Victorian B&B. I have been to all the places you mentioned and like Cape May the best. I have been going to Cape May before we had children and now love it even more. Cape May is a is a family place and everything is within walking distance. Cape May is not dry it is NJ(I explain later), there are enough Bars to go to if that is what you like and most Restaurants serve. Those that don't since it is NJ allow BYO to restaurants-they will open the wine for you. There is a liquor store in Cape Mat-Colliers. Since it is family place no one will pee on your car. and you can get there by the Ferry which the kids will love. Also if it rains there are plenty of rainy day activities.

[Anonymous]

We have been going to Dewey for many years and rent the same ocean block house. I have to say, we have not encountered any drunks peeing on our car. There are many families that return every summer. 15:59, you should try an AA meeting.

[Anonymous]

Cape May Point. Just a little out of town. Rent a house. Uncrowded beaeches.

[Anonymous]

I have always loved Fenwick. If you love the beach that would be my choice. Rehobeth can be really crowded and I think the beach is rather shallow (not a lot of space between the boardwalk and the ocean, less room with more people), but there is a lot more to do there. Also, my favorite beach is Assateague but you would need to find something to rent in Ocean Pines or maybe Berlin (really cute small town with neat shops) and then drive the back roads to the beach.

[Anonymous]

Cape May is a really nice choice for couples, can be harder for families. Cape May has lots of nice B&Bs, but many do not take kids. Beach access is not as easy as in OBX, which can definitely be a pain with little kids.

That being said, the town is really charming - much more so than Duck (where we've been going the last few years).

It's definitely much more expensive!

[Anonymous]

OP, you should look into Bethany.