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The Coastal Plain
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Explore Delaware’s Coastal Plain for bayside wetlands, Atlantic beaches, maritime history, farm produce, wildlife refuges and welcoming coastal towns.

Delaware’s Coastal Plain is the broad, low-lying landscape that stretches east and south from the state’s Piedmont edge towards Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It is not a single administrative district, but a geographical region whose character is shaped by tidal wetlands, sandy soils, pine and hardwood forests, productive farmland, rivers and a long shore. Much of central and southern Delaware lies within it, including the state capital, Dover, and coastal communities such as Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island.
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The coast provides the region’s most recognisable scenery. Cape Henlopen marks the entrance to Delaware Bay, with dunes, maritime forest, beaches and military remains, while Delaware Seashore State Park occupies a narrow barrier landscape between Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay. Further south, the resort towns of Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island have a gentler, family-oriented atmosphere, whereas Rehoboth Beach combines a broad beach and boardwalk with independent shops, restaurants and a lively summer calendar. Lewes, at the mouth of the Delaware Bay, retains a strong maritime identity and a historic town centre.
Away from the shore, the Coastal Plain becomes quieter and more agricultural. Dover offers museums, state institutions and the permanent collections of the Biggs Museum of American Art, while towns such as Milford, Georgetown, Seaford and Smyrna provide access to local history, small-town architecture and the working landscapes of southern Delaware. The St Jones Reserve near Dover, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Smyrna and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Milton protect tidal marshes that are important for migrating and resident birds.
The region’s history is closely linked to water. Indigenous Lenape and Nanticoke peoples lived along its rivers and wetlands before Dutch, Swedish and English colonisation. Later, shipping, fishing, agriculture, poultry production and canning shaped the economy, while the coast became a centre for recreation and maritime transport. Historic lighthouses, shipwreck stories, farmsteads and former military installations remain part of the landscape rather than existing only in museums.
Food reflects both land and sea: blue crab, oysters, clams and other seafood appear alongside locally grown produce, poultry, seasonal berries and the familiar Mid-Atlantic traditions of diners, bakeries and roadside farm stands. Cycling, kayaking, birdwatching, beach walking and boating are particularly rewarding in the warmer months, although spring and autumn can offer quieter conditions and excellent wildlife viewing. Distances are moderate, but the region is spread out enough that a coastal break and an inland itinerary are best treated as complementary parts of Delaware rather than assumed to be walkable from one base.

Getting to and around The Coastal Plain

How to get there

The Coastal Plain is commonly reached by road from the Baltimore-Washington area, Philadelphia, New Jersey and the wider Mid-Atlantic. Wilmington Airport is outside the Coastal Plain but can serve northern Delaware, while Philadelphia International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport are larger nearby gateways for international visitors. Amtrak and regional rail serve Wilmington outside the region; from there, continuing by hire car, taxi or bus is usually necessary. Dover, the beaches and southern Delaware are primarily road-access destinations, with US routes and state highways linking the principal towns.

Transportation

A car offers the greatest flexibility for combining beaches, wildlife refuges, historic towns and rural areas, particularly in Sussex County and around Delaware Bay. DART First State buses connect major Delaware communities and some coastal destinations, but rural services and evening options are more limited than in urban areas. Seasonal traffic can be heavy on approaches to Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island. Cycling is practical on selected beach-town routes and multi-use paths, while walking works well in compact centres such as Lewes, downtown Dover and the resort boardwalk areas.

Top city travel guides in The Coastal Plain

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Destinations in The Coastal Plain

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in The Coastal Plain

The Coastal Plain’s attractions range from Atlantic beaches and boardwalks to quiet bay marshes, historic towns and working agricultural landscapes. Cape Henlopen State Park combines swimming beaches, dunes, maritime forest, cycling routes and former military defences, while Delaware Seashore State Park occupies a narrow coastal setting between major bays and is known for beaches, boating and fishing. Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island provide distinct resort atmospheres, with boardwalks, family recreation and access to the shore. Lewes adds maritime museums, historic streets and Delaware Bay scenery. Inland, Dover offers state history and the Biggs Museum of American Art, while the First State Heritage Park links several historic sites in and around the capital. Birdwatchers should allow time for Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges, where tidal creeks, impoundments and salt marshes attract large numbers of migratory birds. Kayaking, cycling, fishing and walking are particularly rewarding ways to experience the region, although access, conditions and seasonal closures vary. Farm stands, small museums and historic districts provide further insight into the Coastal Plain beyond its beaches.

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Best landmarks in The Coastal Plain

The Coastal Plain’s most recognisable landmarks reveal the relationship between Delaware and the water. Cape Henlopen Lighthouse no longer stands, but the cape remains a defining geographical and historical landmark at the entrance to Delaware Bay, with fortifications and observation structures recalling its military and maritime role. The Delaware Breakwater at Lewes is a major engineering feature that sheltered ships and helped establish the town’s harbour importance. In Dover, the Delaware Legislative Hall and the historic buildings of the First State Heritage Park express the political significance of the state capital. The boardwalk and beach frontage at Rehoboth Beach symbolise Delaware’s resort culture, while the Indian River Inlet Bridge is a prominent modern structure within Delaware Seashore State Park. Farther inland and along the bay, broad salt marshes at Bombay Hook and Prime Hook are natural landmarks shaped by tides, migration and changing coastal conditions. Historic church buildings, farmsteads, courthouse squares and maritime structures in towns such as Lewes, Georgetown and Dover add a human scale to the region’s otherwise open, low-lying landscape.

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Best restaurants in The Coastal Plain

Dining in the Coastal Plain reflects both Delaware’s shore and its productive interior. Coastal menus commonly feature blue crab, oysters, clams, local fish and other seafood, served in settings ranging from informal crab houses and fish shacks to waterfront restaurants and polished dining rooms. Rehoboth Beach has the broadest concentration of restaurants, cafés, bakeries and contemporary food businesses, while Lewes and the southern beach towns offer strong seafood and casual dining traditions. Inland, family restaurants, diners, rural inns and seasonal farm stands connect visitors with the agricultural economy, including poultry, fruit, vegetables and berries. Farmers’ markets and roadside sellers are useful places to find local produce, baked goods and preserves when in season. Delaware’s wider Mid-Atlantic food culture is also present in the region, so not every popular dish is uniquely local. Beer, cider and American wines may appear on regional menus, but the strongest sense of place usually comes from the combination of bay seafood, farm produce and relaxed coastal dining.

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Best bars in The Coastal Plain

Evening life varies between the resort coast and the inland towns. Rehoboth Beach has the most extensive choice, including traditional pubs, brewpubs, cocktail bars, wine bars, live-music venues and restaurants that remain active after the beach day ends. Lewes offers a quieter mix of taverns, waterfront dining and historic-town bars, while Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island tend towards seasonal restaurants, casual bars and family-oriented evening entertainment rather than a large nightclub scene. Dover and other inland centres provide local pubs, breweries, restaurants and occasional live music, with activity shaped more by the year-round community than by summer tourism. Nightlife is substantially busier from late spring through early autumn, and some coastal businesses have seasonal schedules. Visitors should check current arrangements locally, particularly outside the main resort corridors, where late-night transport and venues are limited.

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Best nightclubs in The Coastal Plain

Evening life varies between the resort coast and the inland towns. Rehoboth Beach has the most extensive choice, including traditional pubs, brewpubs, cocktail bars, wine bars, live-music venues and restaurants that remain active after the beach day ends. Lewes offers a quieter mix of taverns, waterfront dining and historic-town bars, while Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island tend towards seasonal restaurants, casual bars and family-oriented evening entertainment rather than a large nightclub scene. Dover and other inland centres provide local pubs, breweries, restaurants and occasional live music, with activity shaped more by the year-round community than by summer tourism. Nightlife is substantially busier from late spring through early autumn, and some coastal businesses have seasonal schedules. Visitors should check current arrangements locally, particularly outside the main resort corridors, where late-night transport and venues are limited.

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Best shops in The Coastal Plain

Shopping is concentrated in the coastal resorts and historic town centres rather than in a single regional retail district. Rehoboth Beach combines a busy boardwalk, national brands, independent boutiques, galleries, beachwear shops and food retailers, while downtown Lewes is known for antiques, books, crafts, homewares, galleries and small specialist businesses in historic surroundings. Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island focus on holiday essentials, casual clothing, gifts and family-oriented coastal shopping. Inland towns such as Dover, Milford and Georgetown offer traditional main streets, local services, antique shops and occasional markets, with larger retail areas located along their main transport corridors. Farm stands and seasonal markets are particularly worthwhile for fruit, vegetables, honey, baked goods and preserves from the Coastal Plain. Suitable regional souvenirs include maritime-themed crafts, locally produced food and artwork inspired by marshes, lighthouses and beaches. Retail choice and opening patterns vary considerably by season, with the coast busiest during the summer holiday period.

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The Coastal Plain essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar (USD), as throughout the United States. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, petrol stations and attractions, although a small amount of cash remains useful for farm stands, parking, informal vendors and occasional rural businesses. Delaware has no state sales tax, which is relevant when comparing retail prices with neighbouring states. Tipping is customary in American table-service restaurants, bars, taxis and for several personal services; check the bill before adding a gratuity.
Safety
The usual precautions for visitors apply, especially in crowded resort areas during summer: secure valuables, avoid leaving belongings visible in parked cars and take care near traffic and cycle lanes. On beaches, observe lifeguard instructions, rip-current warnings and swimming restrictions, and remember that tides and changing weather affect both Atlantic beaches and bay shores. Wildlife refuges may have uneven trails, insects, heat and limited shade. Drivers should expect congestion near the coast, while cyclists and pedestrians need particular care on roads without continuous pavements or cycle lanes.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 throughout Delaware for police, fire and ambulance services; the number is part of the United States national emergency system rather than a special Coastal Plain service. Give the operator a precise location, especially on beaches, refuge roads, trails or waterways. Follow posted instructions during severe thunderstorms, coastal flooding, hurricanes and rip-current incidents. For boating or shoreline emergencies, contact 911 or the United States Coast Guard through the appropriate emergency channel; do not enter tidal water to assist someone unless trained and equipped.
Do's and Don'ts
Do follow beach, park and wildlife-refuge rules, keep away from nesting birds and dunes, and use marked paths where provided. Do treat historic buildings, memorials and working harbours respectfully, and ask before photographing people or private property. Do queue patiently and remember that tipping is normal in many service settings across the United States. Do not drive or park on protected dunes, feed wildlife, remove shells or plants from conservation areas, or assume that every stretch of water is safe for swimming. Alcohol restrictions vary by beach and municipality, so check local signs.
Local Tips
Plan coastal outings around weather, tides and parking rather than relying only on a map distance. Lewes and Cape Henlopen work well together for maritime history and bay scenery, while Bombay Hook and Prime Hook are best approached with time for slow driving and birdwatching. Inland towns such as Dover, Milford and Georgetown provide a useful contrast to the resort coast. Summer is the busiest period, but spring migration, autumn wetlands and quieter winter beaches offer a different perspective on the Coastal Plain.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[Hau-dee]
GoodbyeSee ya[See yah]
YesYup[Yup]
NoNope[Nope]
Please/You're welcomeSure thing[Shoor thing]
Thank youThanks a lot[Thanks a lot]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me[Pardon me]
How are you?How ya doin'?[How yah doin'?]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[Good. You?]
Do you speak English?Can ya speak English?[Can yah speak English?]
I don't understandI ain't following[I ain't followin']
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[Can I see the menu?]
I don't eat meatI ain't a meat eater[I ain't a meat eater]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[Can I get the check?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Get lost![Get lost!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doctor!]
I'm lostI’m turned around[I’m turned around]
I'm illI ain't feelin' well[I ain't feelin' well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[I wanna buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[Just browsing]
How much is it?What’s the price?[What’s the price?]
That's too expensiveThat's way too high[That's way too high]
Can you lower the price?Can ya cut me a deal?[Can yah cut me a deal?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time ya got?[What time ya got?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[It's one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMornin'[Mornin']
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvenin'[Evenin']
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[Where's the...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[What's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out?[Can yah point it out?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[When's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[A ticket to...]

History of The Coastal Plain

Indigenous Lenape and Nanticoke Homelands

Before European settlement, the Coastal Plain was home to Indigenous communities including Lenape and Nanticoke peoples, whose lives were connected to the rivers, forests, marshes and coastal waters. Seasonal movement, fishing, hunting, shellfishing and cultivation shaped relationships with the landscape. The Nanticoke homeland extended across parts of the Delmarva Peninsula, while Lenape communities were associated particularly with the Delaware Valley and nearby coastal areas. European colonisation disrupted these societies through land loss, disease, conflict and political pressure, but Indigenous heritage remains an important part of Delaware’s history and contemporary identity.

Dutch, Swedish and English Colonisation

European settlement on Delaware’s waterways began in the seventeenth century. The Dutch established the short-lived Swanendael colony at present-day Lewes in 1631, and Swedish settlers later developed communities along the Delaware River and Bay. English control followed through the competing claims of the Duke of York and William Penn. The Coastal Plain’s navigable rivers and access to the bay made it strategically important, while small farms, mills and trading settlements gradually spread inland. The layered colonial history is reflected in historic town plans, archaeological sites and the region’s long association with maritime commerce.

Agriculture, Tidewater Trade and Early Statehood

During the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the Coastal Plain developed as a landscape of farms, timber, mills and small ports. Rivers and creeks connected inland producers with the Delaware Bay, Philadelphia and other Atlantic markets. Delaware’s position between the Chesapeake and Delaware bays also encouraged movement across the Delmarva Peninsula. The state was the first to ratify the United States Constitution in 1787, and settlements such as Dover, Georgetown and Lewes became centres of government, trade and local administration. Much of the rural road pattern and town architecture visible today descends from this period.

Maritime Commerce and the Era of Lighthouses

Shoals, shifting channels and heavy traffic around Delaware Bay made navigation hazardous, prompting the construction and improvement of lighthouses and other aids. The Delaware Breakwater at Lewes, begun in the nineteenth century, provided shelter for vessels waiting to enter the bay and helped establish the town as a maritime harbour. Cape Henlopen Lighthouse guided shipping for generations before erosion led to its collapse in 1924. Lifesaving stations, pilots, ferries and commercial fishing all contributed to a working coastal culture that remains visible in museums, preserved structures and harbour landscapes.

Canning, Poultry and Industrial Agriculture

The fertile Coastal Plain supported grain, vegetables, fruit and later intensive poultry production. From the nineteenth century into the twentieth, canneries and food-processing businesses connected farms with regional markets and seasonal labour. Poultry became particularly important in southern Delaware, where modern production and processing transformed the rural economy. The agricultural legacy can still be seen in broad fields, farm stands, grain facilities and small towns, although suburban growth and tourism have changed parts of the landscape. Food production remains a major influence on the region’s economy and cuisine.

The Growth of the Atlantic Resorts

Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach and neighbouring coastal communities developed from modest seaside settlements into major holiday destinations during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Rail connections, improved roads, automobiles and rising leisure time made the coast accessible to visitors from the Mid-Atlantic cities. Boardwalks, bathing beaches, hotels and seasonal cottages became defining features, while fishing and boating continued alongside tourism. Lewes followed a different path, retaining a stronger port and historic-town identity. Today, the coast combines year-round communities with a substantial summer economy.

Coastal Conservation and Wildlife Refuges

The wetlands, dunes and barrier beaches of Delaware’s Coastal Plain became increasingly recognised for their ecological importance during the twentieth century. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 to protect tidal marshes and migratory birds, followed by Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in 1963. Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore also became important public conservation and recreation landscapes. These sites preserve habitats shaped by tides and storms while offering visitors a practical understanding of coastal change, bird migration and the continuing need to balance development with environmental protection.

Civil Rights and the Desegregation of Delaware Beaches

Delaware’s beaches were affected by the racial segregation that shaped public life across the United States. African American visitors and residents faced restricted access to hotels, restaurants and bathing beaches, and Rehoboth Beach was among the places where civil-rights campaigning challenged unequal treatment. Legal action and wider changes in American society contributed to the ending of segregated public facilities during the mid-twentieth century. The history adds an important social dimension to the resort coast, whose present-day openness should be understood alongside the exclusion experienced by earlier generations.

The Coastal Plain in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to The Coastal Plain

Download Evendo, the 100% free travel guide app covering attractions, landmarks, dining, and experiences in The Coastal Plain and beyond.

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Discover the beauty of The Coastal Plain, Delaware with Evendo. Your all-in-one travel guide offers insights into attractions, dining, tours, and more.

  • Local tips and advice for an authentic experience
  • History and travel essentials of The Coastal Plain
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Welcome to Evendo, your comprehensive travel guide to The Coastal Plain, Delaware. Embark on an unforgettable journey through this stunning region, known for its serene beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. With Evendo, you can explore famous attractions such as the Cape Henlopen State Park, Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, and the historic town of Lewes. Dive into the culinary delights at local favorites like Dogfish Head Brewery and Big Fish Grill.

Evendo offers detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Each location is enriched with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details to make planning your trip a breeze. Whether you're interested in booking a hotel, securing tour tickets, or discovering new experiences, Evendo has it all in one convenient place.

The app is designed with user-friendly navigation and includes features such as the history of The Coastal Plain, travel essentials, and curated local tips to help you experience the area like a local. The 'Near me' feature ensures you always know what's around you, no matter where you are. Best of all, Evendo is 100% free with no hidden costs, offering you the world at your fingertips.

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