While home is a man's castle, sometimes it's good to pack up the car and get away from it all. The Atlantic coast of Maryland and Delaware has less than 60 miles of shoreline, but much of it lies within small beach towns and pristine state and national parks that offer a haven from the cares of the world. If you're looking for a peaceful escape, the Maryland and Delaware coasts provide ideal spots for quiet oceanfront getaways.
Cape Henlopen Quietude
- As soon as you drive off the ferry, turn left for the two-minute drive to Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware. The park has more than 500 acres of hilly coastal scrub habitat, salt marshes, ponds and 6 miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline to explore. After unloading your gear at your secluded tent site or cabin -- a two-bedroom structure with a screened-in dining porch -- head to the Nature Center for kayak rentals, maritime displays and maps of the park. A shed full of all types and sizes of bicycles and helmets are available for your free use around a 3-mile-long paved loop. Take a rest from pedaling, and climb the WWII Observation Tower for panoramic views, or investigate the former military bunker and barracks. You can lay out your blanket at one of two ocean swimming beaches, or hone your skills at the 18-hole disc golf course. When your stomach calls, stick to the speed limit and take the short drive to picturesque downtown Lewes. Gilligan's Restaurant and Bar has waterfront dining, then shoot over to Hopkins Farm Creamery for farm-made ice cream.
Bethany Beach -- The Quiet Resort
- With the neighboring party town of Dewey Beach to the north, Bethany Beach has long kept its reputation as the Delaware shore's quiet, family-oriented vacation destination. Vibrant sunrises and sunsets, dolphin watching and leisurely strolls along the beach are popular pursuits at this relaxed, oceanfront community. The town still has many of its original 1930s beach bungalows, which are available for weekend, weekly and seasonal rentals and are just steps to the short boardwalk and shoreline. The Addy Sea bed and breakfast inn, a Victorian mansion with unobstructed views of the Atlantic, is another lodging option. A rocking chair porch, original woodwork and tin ceilings take guests back to a simpler time. Gourmet breakfast is included, and for dinner, head to town for a host of restaurants. A quiet getaway to the shore should include seafood, so order up a plate of grilled swordfish or seared scallops at Off the Hook. For items right off the grill, Bethany Blues BBQ serves up ribs and burgers. Work off the calories at Captain Jack's Pirate Golf, the only miniature golf course in town.
Fenwick Island -- A Relaxing Escape
- The small coastal town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, is the calm before the hoopla of Ocean City, Maryland's, heavy traffic, long line of hotels and carnival-like boardwalk amusements. Practically everything in Fenwick is within walking distance. You can stroll down to the movie theater, water park, restaurants, Fenwick Lighthouse and the wide, white-sand Fenwick Island Beach from the Atlantic Coast Inn, a small inn with standard amenities and an outdoor pool. If you prefer more privacy, vacation rentals range from studio condominiums to luxurious waterfront homes. Fenwick is just south of Fenwick Island State Park, an uncrowded 3-mile stretch of Atlantic Ocean coastline that offers swimming, licensed surf fishing and one of Delaware's only designated surfing beaches.
Assateague Island National Seashore
- Although Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland is most well-known for the wild ponies that roam freely through its undeveloped acreage, this 37-mile-long narrow strip of land is also worth exploring for its wildlife, coastal habitats and pristine beaches. Self-guided nature trails, swimming, licensed surf fishing, hiking, biking, birding and picnicking are at your disposal, and a visitors center has hands-on exhibits, aquariums and information about seabirds and the ponies. You can sleep to the sound of the breaking surf at one of the primitive oceanside drive- or walk-in campsites. The more adventurous camper can backpack or paddle to one of two backcountry campsites along the ocean. A 10-mile drive west takes you to the historic town of Berlin, where you can catch dinner and a show at the Globe Theater Restaurant and Bar.
