Escaping the heat wave at the Delaware beaches? What to know ahead of your weekend trip
When the weather is sizzling hot, there's no better excuse to get to the beach and cool off in the salty seawater.
If you're heading to the Delaware beaches this hot, humid weekend and hopefully finding some reprieve on the coast, then there are probably a few things you should know before you go.
For anyone looking to visit the beaches during the weekend of July 22, this guide will help answer questions ranging from the weather to parking and traffic tips and the latest on local restaurants.
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A hot and humid weekend ahead
It's no secret: This weekend is going to be a scorcher.
The National Weather Service is predicting high temperatures in the mid-90s all weekend for the Rehoboth Beach area, and the heat indexes are expected to be even higher due to the humidity.
If you're planning to hit the beach and spend some time cooling off in the water, then make sure to bring the beach umbrellas for shade, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, and drink lots of water.
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While the weather is always changing quickly at the Delaware beaches, here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
On Friday, the skies should be staying clear and sunny throughout the day with a high of 93. There will be a slight wind coming from the west during the day, according to the weather service. At night, the heat will let off a little with a low of 75.
The sun is staying out for the rest of the weekend, too. Saturday is bringing a high temperature of 94 and a low of 75 in the evening. Because the clouds are staying away at night, too, those walks to get dinner or ice cream should be clear from rain.
Inching ever-so warmer, the heat will reach a toasty 95 degrees on Sunday with mostly sunny skies, and then only dropping down to 77 at night.
Beach parking and transportation
When driving to the beach on a hot day, it's also important to remember that you can't get anywhere until you park. So, it should help to be prepared: Bring your water bottles with you in the car and know the basics of where parking is available at the beach.
All resort towns from Lewes to Fenwick Island have their seasonal parking rules in place this summer.
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Both Rehoboth and Lewes increased some parking rates this year. It is now a universal $3 per hour rate in Rehoboth, and Lewes is charging $1.50 downtown and $2.50 at the beaches.
Lewes has several free non-metered parking lots listed on its website, as well as metered lots and spaces on side streets.
When visiting Delaware State Parks like Cape Henlopen, parking is included in the entrance fee. However, it's wise to check the parks' Facebook pages where staff will post whether the park is closed due to full parking. This might happen at some of the lots this weekend with many people looking to escape the heat.
In Dewey Beach, parking is free in all permit-only and metered spaces Monday through Wednesday from 5 to 11 p.m. only. All other days and times, you must pay to park on public streets.
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(These free parking times coincide with family-friendly movie nights and bonfires in Dewey, events that continue throughout the summer).
Fenwick Island and South Bethany mostly require permits to park, but Fenwick offers free parking on its side streets after 4 p.m.
In Bethany Beach, all spaces are either metered or require a permit through Sept. 15.
Many of these towns and cities offer payment through the ParkMobile app.
For more about parking (or State Park fees), visit each beach town's website:
Consider taking the Beach Bus
Want to forget about parking or paying for gas? Take a bus to the beach. Parking is free at the park and rides in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.
The Beach Bus has already started its routes and will continue seven days a week until Sept. 11. The stops include Rehoboth Beach and the Boardwalk, Lewes, Long Neck, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Ocean City in Maryland, Millsboro and Georgetown.
The cost to ride the bus is $2 per trip, $4 for a daily pass, $16 for a seven-day pass or $60 for a 30-day pass.
Traveling from northern Delaware or Kent County? The 305 Beach Connection from Wilmington to Rehoboth Beach started last weekend. It runs Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through Sept. 5.
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Riders taking this bus will pay $6 for one-way trips from Wilmington, Christiana Mall and Odessa and $4 from Dover and South Frederica. A daily pass is $10 from New Castle County and $8 from Kent County.
If traveling around Bethany Beach, the town also offers a trolley with a single route that runs from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and costs 25 cents per trip.
In Lewes, the new seasonal transit option Lewes Line cost $1 per ride. Stops include the two municipal beaches, downtown locations, the library and more. To learn more, visit www.ci.lewes.de.us/363/Lewes-Line.
Public health guidelines, COVID cases
Unfortunately, COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise in Delaware.
The average of tests coming back positive as of July 19 was just over 18%, according to DPH data, which does not include at-home testing that is not reported to the state. The state reported that 139 people were hospitalized with COVID at that point.
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This is the latest advice from DPH to stay vigilant, especially while people travel:
Get vaccinated and boosted when you’re eligible. And don't wait until the fall when the updated vaccines are expected to be available. You will likely still be eligible for those boosters then.
Stay home if sick and get tested if you have symptoms or were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
There are no mask mandates, but DPH advises masking up in crowded indoor places or if you are at higher risk for illness.
Stay informed and turn to reliable sources for data, information, and treatment options like de.gov/coronavirus.
Want to know where to receive booster shots? Visit coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/where-can-i-get-my-vaccine/#publichealth.
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What to expect at restaurants, beach businesses
Delaware’s beach towns are preparing for a summer that’s as busy – if not busier – than last year. Multiple hotel managers said they're on track to beat last year's records, and more visitors are spontaneously planning trips to the beach this year, rather than planning a long way out.
With these crowds comes the same but ever-important advice: Have patience, folks.
Many restaurants, bars, and others in the service industry are still facing staffing shortages. While some businesses are getting more help from international students than in the past two years when COVID-19 restrictions limited that workforce, several other factors are impacting the seasonal labor shortage this year – especially a lack of affordable housing.
This means diners could expect limited hours or longer wait times this summer.
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It may be wise to make early reservations, follow your favorite spots on social media or call ahead to stay updated on any changes.
As far as outdoor dining, many beach towns found ways to continue that in the 2022 season, but that popularity may mean you have to wait longer for those coveted patio seats, too.
Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware beaches: What to know if spending this hot July weekend there
