Take the Family to Delaware’s Beaches on a Budget

Sure, it may be a bit too early (ok, really early) to talk about warm-weather fun in the sand and boardwalk fries, but if you’re dreaming of a family beach vacation sooner rather than later, you can always head south for the winter. If that’s not in the cards (or budget) and daydreaming about summer is all the family purse strings will allow, consider Delaware’s many beaches as a summer vacation to plan for.

Between the young, buzzing energy and nightlife of Dewey Beach and charming, romantic appeal of Rehoboth, you’ll have your pick of budget-friendly family fun for all ages and all summer activities on any one of Delaware’s many beaches.

Stick to your budget and head to Kaisy’s Delights for breakfast on Rehoboth Beach. Grab an egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwich for $4.50 and go; stick around with a favorite, a simple egg, cheese and meat plate, for $6–7; or mix it up with potato latkes for $3.55–5.35 for the table. Whichever you choose, your family will fill-up on a lot, for a little.

Spend the day on the beach swimming and sunbathing. It’s Delaware, the beach is free! Check out Rehoboth Beach Bandstand calendar online, as they present free concerts in the summer and one your family will love may be worth traveling for.

Explore the Rehoboth Beach Museum and learn about the town’s history, or take a hike north to Cape Henlopen State Park to see the observation tower from when the park served as a military base in 1941. Your family will get their steps in with a little history and culture peppered in.

Cool off with the adult children with drinks at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats and enjoy craft brews, cocktails and wine. Bring the younger kids too, as this locale is family-friendly and it’s frowned upon to leave your little ones on the beach. Fill up with something from the food truck, open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday, 12–7 p.m.

Head back to the beach or make your way to the boardwalk for some shopping and sightseeing.

One great thing about the summertime at the beach — in addition to the great weather, chill vibes and relaxation all around — the summer brings a slew of free events to Delaware beaches. Check out the event calendar online before your stay.

Head to Dewey Beach for some bar hopping and nightlife, as you’ve had a mostly free and affordable day in Rehoboth.