18282 Coastal Highway, Lewes, Delaware 19958
(302) 200-9978 | (302) 500-2014

Month: April 2023

Pawsome Adventures: Exploring Southern Delaware With Your Dog

Pawsome Adventures: Exploring Southern Delaware With Your Dog

A vacation guide from The Inn at Lewes – Rehoboth Beach for exploring some of the best that Southern Delaware has to offer for you and your dog

Planning to bring your dog along with you on your trip? South Delaware is pet-friendly, meaning, you can bring your furry friend along on your coastal beach retreat. And let’s face it – there is no better way to spend your vacation than with your dog!

Contrary to popular notion, Southern Delaware has plenty of things to keep you and your furry friend entertained. Imagine taking early morning walks on the beach with your furry best friend in tow, enjoying a beautiful SoDel sunrise and taking in the salty ocean air. Or, imagine taking a hike in one of DE State Parks with your dog, enjoying nature — sounds great, doesn’t it?

Before the FOMO sets in, we have compiled a list of dog-friendly activities to do and places to visit in Southern Delaware, just for you. This vacation guide is the ultimate list you’ll need to plan a relaxed and enjoyable trip with your best buddy. Whether you want to have fun in the sun, or grab a bite to eat, or enjoy the great outdoors, this handy guide will help you decide what to do with your pet in South Delaware. Please remember, most of these places require your dog to be leashed (no more than 6ft.), the only exception being designated off-leash areas, and pick up after their messes, so be sure to call ahead of time to confirm their pet policies once and plan your day accordingly. Most of these places are nearly an hour’s drive away (at their farthest) from your dog-friendly stay at The Inn at Lewes – Rehoboth Beach which makes it convenient and easy to get there.

Now that we’re done with the things to keep in mind, let’s check out dog-friendly activities and places. Ready? Let’s begin!

Pawsome Outdoor Adventures
“Don’t just bring me here to lay, I want to go out with you and play” — said a dog, probably.

Southern Delaware has no shortage of pet-friendly places you can go and be one with nature. And there’s nothing more your dog would love, than to spend time with you outdoors doing fun activities! There are many state parks and nature trails in South Delaware that allow leashed dogs to enjoy nature with their human friends (read guidelines for DE State Parks here, or a detailed guide here). Most dog parks, on the other hand, allow dogs to run and play leash-free (call and check to confirm pet policy).

The Inn at Lewes - Dog friendly Hotel
Lane at Gordons Pond Trail. Courtesy: @delawarebeachdog via Instagram
The Inn at Lewes - Dog friendly motel
Seamus at Cape Henlopen State Park. Courtesy: @alexswim88 via Instagram

Pet-Friendly Outdoor Spots:
Delaware State Parks: Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes), Delaware Seashore State Park (Rehoboth Beach), Trap Pond State Park (Laurel), Killens Pond State Park (Felton), Holts Landing State Park (Dagsboro)
Nature Trails: Gordons Pond Trail (Lewes), Junction and Breakwater Trail (Lewes & Rehoboth), Tidbury Creek County Park (Dover)
Nature Preserves: Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, James Farm Ecological Preserve (Ocean View),  Fork Branch Nature Preserve (Dover), Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (Smyrna)
Dog Parks: Lewes Dog Park, Millford Dog Park, Brecknock County Park, Millsboro Dog Park, Milton Dog Park
Horseback Riding: Avalon Farm (Milton), Wandering Woods Farm (Laurel)

Bone Appétit

If hiking outdoors is not an option, don’t worry, because there are still plenty of things to do with your dog! South Delaware has several pet-friendly eateries, wineries, breweries, and shops where you won’t have to leave your dog with a pet sitter or in your room, and can bring them along with you. Tip: Do call ahead and confirm pet policies for these spots before you plan to go there.

Best dog friendly hotel in Rehoboth
Magnolia at Dogfish Head Brewery. Courtesy: @alestotrails via Instagram
welcome furry friends
Bruno at Dogfish Head Brewery. Courtesy: @the_stud_bruno_spud via Instagram

Pet-Friendly Eateries & Shops:
Restaurants: Matt’s Fish Camp, Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, Purple Parrot, Grotto Pizza, Fish On, Lori’s Cafe, Crabby Dick’s, Bluecoast, Surf Bagel, The Green Turtle, Zogg’s Raw Bar & Grill, Rigby’s Rehoboth, Green Man Juice Bar & Bistro, Cilantro Cocina de México, The Point Coffee House and Bake Shoppe, Fins Ale House and Raw Bar (Rehoboth Beach), Irish Eyes, Striper Bites, Kindle, The Wheelhouse, Kaisy’s Delights, Arena’s, Grain on the Rocks, Half Full, Pig and Publican (Lewes) Bethany Blues BBQ, Summer Salts Beach Grill, Armand’s Pizza by the Sea, Off the Hook, Baja Beach House Grill (Bethany Beach), Woody’s, Rusty Rudder (Dewey Beach)
Breweries: Revelation Craft Brewing Company, Thompson Island Brewing Company (Rehoboth Beach), Yappy Hour at Crooked Hammock Brewery, Big Oyster Brewry, Nassau Valley Vineyards (Lewes), Dewey Beer Company (Dewey Beach), Dogfish Head Brewery (Milton), Mispillion River Brewing (Milford)
Shops: P.U.P.S., The Doggie Boutique (Lewes), Browseabout Books, Tanger Outlets Rehoboth Beach (Rehoboth Beach)

Treat For The Senses

Take the road less traveled — literally! South Delaware is never short on things you can enjoy with your pet, and these off-beat ideas will surely be a delight to enjoy with your dog. If you and your pup love car rides, then South Delaware offers some really beautiful, scenic drives to go along. You can also explore pet-friendly historical sites, or enjoy some quality outdoor music with your furry friend. South Delaware also has several pet-friendly farmers markets in the area where you and your pup can browse the stalls and enjoy some fresh local produce, or you can enjoy a quality movie night with your best friend by your side.

rehoboth beach
Courtesy: Greyhounds Reach the Beach® website

Pet-Friendly Activities:
Car Rides: Coastal Highway, Delaware Bayshore Byway
Historical Sites: Zwaanendael Museum, Fort Miles Historical Area in Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes), Air Mobility Command Museum (Dover)
Outdoor Music Venues: Bottle & Cork (Dewey Beach), Freeman Stage at Bayside (Selbyville)
Farmers Markets: Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market, Milton Farmers Market
Events: Bark on the Boards Dog Walk, Sea Witch Pet Parade (both in October in Rehoboth Beach), Springtime for Greyhounds in April, Dewey’s Golden Jubilee in Spring & Fall, and Greyhounds Reach the Beach in October (Dewey Beach)
Movie Theaters: Clayton Theatre (Dagsboro), Milton Theatre (Milton)

Water, Water, Everywhere

If you and your pup enjoy water activities, then South Delaware has much to offer. Many boat tour companies allow pets, plus we’re sure your pup will love enjoying the sights while feeling the wind in their fur. If both of you are relaxed and the laid-back type, consider going on a sunset cruise—you can both enjoy a beautiful sunset while cruising on the water. Or, if you’re up to an adventure, you can also try kayaking or paddle boarding with your dog—it’s a thrilling experience!

Rehoboth beach - The Inn at Lewes

Pet-Friendly Water Activities:
Boat Tours: Cape May-Lewes Ferry, Cape Water Tours and Taxi (Lewes), Pirate Adventures of the Chesapeake
Kayak / Paddle Board Rentals: Coastal Kayak (Fenwick Island), Delmarva Board Sport Adventures (Bethany Beach)
Fishing Charters: Katydid Fishing Fleet, Fisherman’s Wharf (Lewes)

Beach, Please!

No trip to Southern Delaware is complete without a beach! Part of the Atlantic Coast, South Delaware has several pet-friendly beaches that let you bring your pup and let them have fun in the sun, sand, and the ocean. Nothing compares to hours of digging in the sand, splashing about in the waves, or catching their favorite ball or frisbee at the beach. While the beaches are a great place to be with your pup, every beach has a different pet policy for pets on the beach, so remember to check and abide by the laws before taking your pet there. Pet parents should note that pets swimming and sunbathing at beaches is off-limits between May 1 to September 30 as per DE State Law.

Rehoboth beach - The Inn at Lewes

Pet-Friendly Beaches:

Lewes Beach, Broadkill Beach, Cape Henlopen State Park Beach (Lewes), Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach, South Bethany Beach, Delaware Seashore State Park Beach, Fenwick Island Beach

Take A Dog Nap

After a long day of activities and enjoyment with your furry friend, you need a cozy, comfortable place to rest. That’s where The Inn at Lewes – Rehoboth Beach comes in. Located at Coastal Highway, southbound Route 1, we are a pet-friendly motel and provide a comfortable stay in the charming town of Lewes, Delaware. With our 9 apartment-style studio suites that come with a fully furnished bedroom, a fully equipped kitchenette, a bathroom stocked with all the essentials, a living room with a queen sofa bed, a flatscreen TV, free Wi-Fi, and free parking on premises, you and your dog are guaranteed a comfortable and restful stay. Each studio suite can comfortably house up to 2 dogs (max 70lbs.), so you can bring your dog along with you on your vacation (read our pet policy here).

The Inn at Lewes Rehoboth beach Hotel

With these ideas, you and your pet should have plenty of things to keep you entertained during your stay in Southern Delaware. Remember to always check pet policies before heading out anywhere and follow the regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. 

Happy paw-cation to you! 🐾

Beach on a Budget

Beach on a Budget: A guide to affordable and fun
options in Lewes & Rehoboth, DE

Enjoy a budget-friendly beach vacation at Lewes or Rehoboth with this handy guide from The Inn at Lewes – Rehoboth Beach. Looking for affordable accommodations in Rehoboth? Book directly with us and get access to exclusive discounts!

best offers in Rehoboth beach, DE

Nothing quite says “vacation” like sun, sand, and the beach! 

Many of us think that to have an amazing beach vacation, one has to spend big bucks. But you’d be surprised to know that in the smaller, quieter resort towns, especially in Southern Delaware beaches like Rehoboth, Lewes, Bethany, and Dewey, enjoying a beach trip is surprisingly affordable.

Staying in these resort towns in the first state can save you a lot of money since access to the beach is free, and they offer several free or inexpensive family-friendly fun activities with affordable dining options. And lucky for you, all are great picks that won’t wipe out your bank account—so that you can stretch out and get your toes in the sand worry-free!

So, what are you waiting for? Check out our list of suggestions for things to look out for when you plan a beach getaway to Rehoboth or Lewes:

Good ol’ Family-Friendly Fun
While Lewes is a quieter town, Rehoboth is where the fun happens. Families looking to explore the fun of this small resort town can start off with an old-fashioned trip to Rehoboth Beach and the famous Boardwalk—there is no beach fee! Kids and adults love going there as it is lined up with shops that have so much to offer. Treat your child (or your inner child, don’t be shy!) to a yummy ice-cream from Kohr’s, or for the ones with a sweet tooth, get to Dolle’s Candyland at Rehoboth Avenue to enjoy your favorite sweet treats!

If going to the beach sounds too cliché to you, then worry not—there’s so much more to do in Rehoboth! Delaware is a sales tax-free state—so if you’re someone who loves to shop, then Tanger’s Outlet is the place to shop your heart out. Cool out at Jungle Jim’s Water Park, which features the region’s largest waterpark, go-karts, bumper boats, mini-golf, batting cages and much more. Most people agree that it is very reasonably priced—plus kids love splashing about at Jungle Jim’s!

When it comes to keeping your Rehoboth Beach getaway budget-friendly, The Inn at Lewes, Rehoboth Beach kitchenette is a great choice. It is fully equipped with a full-size refrigerator and all cooking essentials like stovetop, coffee maker, toaster, microwave, and pots & pans, so that you can whip up a quick or elaborate meal whenever you like. Tip: Travel light and shop for fresh fruits and vegetables from the Historic Lewes Farmers Market—that way, you support the locals and only get the freshest produce for a delicious meal!

Or if you’re not too excited about the prospect of cooking while you’re on a vacation, we suggest stepping out of your comfortable stay at The Inn at Lewes – Rehoboth Beach and going next door to our neighbors Matt’s Fishing Camp—they serve delicious food at a reasonable price!

A Pet-Friendly Vacation
If there’s one thing that can make your beach vacation to Rehoboth & Lewes even better, it’s bringing your pooch along with you! Dogs love sand beneath their paws and snoot, and there are many dog-friendly beaches in Southern Delaware (be sure to check local & state guidelines first) that allow taking your dog out in public places and enjoy a delightful vacation without putting too much stress on your bank. 

Salty Paws Rehoboth is one such dog-friendly establishment that lets you treat your puppy to their favorites, including lactose-free ice cream and cookies. Another great way to enjoy with your pooch is to take them out and be one with nature—most of Delaware’s State Parks allow outdoor adventures with your dogs on their trails, as long as you follow their guidelines. 

At the end of a fun day, all we need is a restful night of sleep, and so does our pooch. The best thing about booking a stay at The Inn at Lewes – Rehoboth Beach is that we’re a pet-friendly motel in Lewes, Rehoboth—our spacious suites can accommodate 2 dogs (up to 70 lbs.) comfortably, so that both you and your furry friends can enjoy the much needed Zzzzzzs!

Romance at the Beach
Since Rehoboth and Lewes are small resort towns, they’re also the perfect destination for couples looking to enjoy an intimate beach getaway. Enjoying that perfect beach sunrise or sunset with your special someone is priceless; and South Delaware beaches offer some of the best views! Enjoy a romantic evening under the stars at Cape Henlopen, or indulge in a private conversation with a glass of wine at the Nassau Valley Vineyards.

A romantic walk during the evening or early morning on the beach or Boardwalk is always a great idea. If food is your love language, then South Delaware beaches offer multiple affordable dining options to enjoy with your beloved. Plus, Rehoboth Beach Bandstand hosts free music concerts all summer long, which is another great way to spend more time with your partner if you both enjoy good music.

You can also surprise your partner by cooking up their favorite meal in your very private, fully-equipped kitchenette that comes with your suite when you stay at The Inn at Lewes – Rehoboth Beach. Make it more intimate and romantic with a candlelight dinner, and watch as their happiness increases with that thoughtful gesture!

Solo Beach Trip for the Soul
South Delaware is one of the best vacation spots for all kinds of travelers, be it family, couples, groups, or solo. If you’re wondering how solo travelers such as yourself can make the most of their beach trip on a budget to Lewes or Rehoboth, then this blog is for you. 

As with others, the beach is the perfect place to enjoy solo. If you’re a fan of surfing or parasailing, then Rehoboth offers a lot in terms of watersports. Or if you’re more outdoorsy type, then you can rent a bike or hike at Cape Henlopen, Gordons Pond Trail, Junction & Breakwater Trail, or Burton Island Nature Preserve. Fishing enthusiasts can rent a charter boat from the marina to cast their line, or catch the big fish from the rock jetties of the inlet or from the beach at DE Seashore State Park.

If you are the one who loves to spend their time among books then don’t forget to visit the Lewes Public Library. For history buffs, Lewes Public Museum has the town’s rich history stored for you. Or, if you are a fan of fresh beer then Dogfish Head or Thompson Island are the places for you to try some locally brewed beer!

South Delaware, especially Lewes and Rehoboth, are one of the best places to take an affordable beach vacation while enjoying everything that these resort towns have to offer. Plus, with the best deals on vacation rentals at The Inn at Lewes – Rehoboth Beach you can save even more money on your trip to Rehoboth! We offer 9 apartment-style studio suites, complete with a private bathroom and a fully equipped kitchenette, so that you can enjoy a relaxed and affordable accommodation. The best part—we’re a pet-friendly property off of Coastal Highway, southbound Route 1, and are conveniently located between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

Scroll to top