Visiting Delaware beaches this July weekend? What to know before settling into the sand
The fireworks may have fizzled out by now, but there are still countless memories to be made at the Delaware beaches this summer.
This weekend Elvis' impersonator is taking to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, fresh berries and veggies are filling the booths at the Lewes farmers markets and more live music is once again filling the iconic venues in Dewey Beach. So, what are you waiting for?
If you're heading to one of the state's favorite beach towns this weekend, remember that this is the busiest time of year now that school is out for summer. Get to the beach early, take a deep breath when traveling on busy roads or waiting in line for ice cream − and soak in every moment because this season always flies by fast.
Of course, that's not all you need to know before you go. But we've got you covered with the rest.
For anyone looking to visit the beaches during the weekend of July 8, this guide will help answer questions ranging from parking to restaurant news and the latest weather reports.
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Weather for the weekend of July 8-10
Heading to the beach and wondering if you'll need an umbrella? First, remember that the weather can be unpredictable and quickly changing here, so make sure to always check your weather channels or apps before leaving that beach rental or hotel room.
That being said, the National Weather Service is predicting some showers for the Rehoboth Beach area with the sun appearing later this weekend.
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Friday morning is expected to start off with some showers before 11 a.m. with clouds sticking around throughout the day. The temperatures will be in the low 80s during the day, and the coolest it will probably get is 72 in the evening.
The chance of showers and a possible thunderstorm returns in the evening, so it might not be the best day for uncovered outdoor dining.
The forecast improves as the weekend goes on, with the weather service predicting only a slight chance of showers and partly sunny skies on Saturday. The high is expected to be around 76, and the evening will cool off even more to near 68 degrees.
Then, on Sunday, the sunshine is scheduled to make its big comeback. The skies should be mostly sunny all day with a high near 75 − a much better day to spend on the beach. The evening will stay clear with temperatures dropping to 67, according to the weather service.
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.
Remember last year when some businesses were limiting hours or services? Visitors are seeing some of that again this summer.
Especially as the number of visitors rise, people may have to be flexible with their restaurant plans. Some restaurants have limits on the time customers can spend at a table to improve turnover, but many restaurants are experiencing long wait times during peak hours.
Others still have limited hours or services due to staffing. Woody's Dewey Beach, for example, still has not been able to open its takeout location across the street because of this shortage.
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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.
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Public health guidelines, COVID cases
An unfortunate reality: COVID-19 is still present for summer vacations at the Delaware beaches. But the good news is cases and hospitalizations have been decreasing since late May, according to the Delaware Division of Public Health.
The Delaware Division of Public Health reported that an average of 16.6% of tests were coming back positive as of July 5.
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DPH still reminds people to stay vigilant – especially when traveling for crowded events or visiting the beaches.
This is the latest advice from DPH:
Get vaccinated and boosted when you’re eligible.
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.
Beach parking and transportation
All resort towns from Lewes to Fenwick Island have their seasonal parking rules in place.
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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.
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.
(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:
If planning to visit one of the State Parks, it's wise to check the parks' Facebook pages where staff will post whether the park is closed due to full parking.
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.
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 you're spending your weekend there
