Summer in Delaware is defined by some delightfully enjoyable experiences, like mornings spent on the coastline, afternoons spent exploring hidden gem adventures found in unexpected places, and evenings by the calm bay waters with a delicious meal. Discover your next summer bucket list item with this list of 12 Things to do This Summer in Delaware.
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FLY OVER THE WATER: Summer will seem so much more thrilling when you’re riding a zipline through the forest and zooming out over a pond. Get your adrenaline fix at Go Ape!, located inside Lums Pond State Park.
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SEE DOLPHINS SPLASH: There’s nothing quite like seeing nature in all its beauty. It will amaze you when you take a chance to see dolphins frolic through the water on a Dolphin Watching Tour hosted by Cape Water Tours and Taxi. P.S. Our personal favorite tour is the Dolphin Sunset and Full Moon Cruise! 🙂
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CHILLAX ON THE BAY: Just on the other side of the ocean lie some of Delaware’s best-kept secrets. The inland bays are a dream for watersport lovers and prime places for a kayak adventure, some jet-skiing, or just a laid-back trip on a party boat. Get started with Delmarva Board Sport Adventures, Dewey Beach Watersports, and Paradise Tiki Tours.
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SIP AN ORANGE CRUSH: If there’s any one beverage that sums up the party-hardy ambience of Dewey Beach, it’s the Orange Crush cocktail, available at many beach bars, but made famous by popular places like The Starboard.
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EAT SOME BOARDWALK FARE: There is some debate about whether they should be doused with vinegar or not, but everyone agrees that summer hasn’t really arrived until you get your first fistful of Thrasher’s French Fries. Top that with Grotto Pizza, a boardwalk staple!
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CRACK SOME CRABS: In Delaware, it’s a rite of passage to spend a long, lazy summer afternoon busting open some freshly steamed blue crabs. Get your fix at such spots like Boondocks or The Crab House. Find more crab houses in Delaware here!
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CLIMB A TOWER: There’s no better view of the Delaware beaches than from above, and you can enjoy the breezy view yourself by climbing one of the World War II observation towers that stand along the shoreline. One is at Cape Henlopen State Park, and another just is at Delaware Seashore State Park. In Northern Delaware, check out 100-year-old Rockford Tower at Rockford Park for some more history and a great view of Wilmington!
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ENJOY DINNER BY THE WATER: Delaware worships the water, whether it’s a river, a pond, or the sea. So, it’s only natural that we gravitate toward restaurants with waterside views, like at Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront, Sambo’s Tavern, Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar, and The Lobster Shanty.
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CRUISE THE FERRY: You don’t have to be heading to New Jersey to enjoy the beauty of riding the Cape May-Lewes Ferry – you don’t even need a car. Buy a round-trip ticket and settle back for some awesome views of the ocean, lighthouses, and even the occasional dolphin.
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ENJOY A SWEET MOMENT: Two culinary treasures with delicious reputations lie within minutes of one another in picturesque Wyoming: Fifer Orchards is a great stop for fresh produce (and apple cider donuts!) and Tre Sorelle Dolce offers old-fashioned ice cream treats (along with putt-putt golf!). Tre Sorelle Dolce is also dog-friendly, so bring your good boy or girl and ask for a puppy cup!
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CATCH A SUNSET: You just can’t beat a sunset on the water. Visit Big Chill Beach Club for the perfect sunset. With waves crashing behind you and the Indian River Inlet Bridge ahead of you, you won’t be able to tell whether the sunset or reverse sunset is better!
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DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY: Whether you’re in northern Delaware or southern Delaware, the craft beverage scene can feel endless. Delaware’s many breweries, wineries, distilleries, meaderies and more promise a good time. Explore popular locations, like Dewey Beer Co. or Iron Hill Brewery, or opt for local hidden gems like Klondike Kate’s Restaurant and Saloon, Painted Stave Distilling, and Revelation Craft Brewery Co. (which is just down the street from the artsy West Side Creative Market, open on Friday and Monday evenings)!