Delaware beaches among East Coast's best
While many may think of larger beaches, such as Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach and the Florida Keys as the top sandy spots, there are a number of small towns that have established themselves as ideal beach destinations.
Top Value Reviews, a data-driven, customer-centric website featuring product reviews and rankings, recently released a report naming the top 30 greatest small beach towns on the East Coast.
The featured towns each have fewer than 20,000 full-time residents (according to the 2010 census), direct access to beaches and water and notable family-friendly attractions, according to Top Value Reviews.
Among those highlighted, were Bethany Beach, Lewes, Dewey Beach, and Chincoteague Island.
Here's what Top Value Reviews had to say:
Bethany Beach (ranking No. 24)
So close, yet oh-so-far away from the big touristy beach towns on this part of the Atlantic coast. Known for its picturesque landscape and relaxing atmosphere, Bethany Beach even boasts the nickname, "The Quiet Resort."
Like most beach towns, the summer months, specifically between June and Labor Day, are its busiest times. But not to worry, the area rarely gets rowdy. Rather, Bethany Beach evokes a certain mid-century charm that makes for a family-friendly, relaxing atmosphere at any time of year.
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For more information, visit thequietresorts.com.
Lewes (ranking No. 26)
Located across Delaware Bay from Cape May, New Jersey, Lewes is an historic and peaceful little town with beachy, laid-back charm.
The town features nearly 20 award-winning restaurant, located within a quarter of a mile from one another, including Dogfish Head Brewery's Inn and King's Homemade Ice Cream.
Betsey Reamer, executive director for Lewes Chamber of Commerce, said Lewes is the perfect place for sunbathing, swimming, boating, windsurfing or just walking along the shore.
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"Lewes is one of Delaware's best gems," she said. "And it's an honor to be mentioned in a list with so many other, well-known and beloved beach towns."
For a little variety, visitors can head about 25 miles south to hit Maryland, or take the ferry across the bay to Cape May.
For more information, visit leweschamber.com.
Dewey Beach (ranking No. 28)
Dewey Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy swimming or sunbathing, while breaks can easily be sought with classic saltwater taffy or an ice cream cone, says Top Value Reviews.
The little beach town, less than four miles long, is just as enjoyable on summer nights. The main strip turns into a lively art gallery scene and restaurants and dance clubs overflow from their quaint buildings out into the warm evening air.
For more information, visit townofdeweybeach.com.
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Chincoteague Island (ranking No. 29)
Located just off the coast of Virginia, this small and peaceful island was made famous by Marguerite Henry’s classic children’s novel Misty of Chincoteague.
The family-oriented beach town offers everything from boat cruises to miniature golf, nature trails to fishing piers, downtown shopping and an abundance of charming lodging and restaurants.
"Chincoteague caters to every age and every price point," said Evelyn Shotwell, executive director of Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce.
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The island is also the gateway to Assateague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague National Seashore, she said, which features more than 40 miles of sandy dunes. Assateague is also refuge for everything from herons and woodpeckers to foxes and wild ponies.
Every summer, thousands flock to Chincoteague Island to see the great pony round-up in July, when dozens of ponies are forced to swim from their island home to be auctioned off, keeping the herd numbers at safe levels.
For more information, visit chincoteaguechamber.com.
To see the full list of Top Value Review's best small beach towns, visit topvaluereviews.net/features/small-beach-towns-east-coast.
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