Cape Henlopen: Where to Stay, Where to Play, and What to Eat. 5 day Itinerary for Adventurous Families.
Cape Henlopen, Delaware, your new favorite spot for family adventures. From the pristine beaches to the historic Fort Miles, Cape Henlopen State Park is a hidden gem. With amazing views, fewer crowds than some more popular beaches, and lots of opportunities for outdoor fun, it’s one of those coastal towns where you say, “Yeah, I could live here.” Here’s where to stay, where to play, and what to eat; plus our 5 day itinerary.
Where to stay:
Cape Henlopen State Park Campground: For a true outdoor experience, stay at the park’s campground. They offer tent sites, RV sites, and camping cabins. Some cabins are pet-friendly, great for families who want to bring their furry friends along. Wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy easy access to all the park’s amenities.
Bonus tip: Book a site in loop G for bigger sites and proximity to both the beach and hiking trails.
Alternate Lodging Options:
Hotel Blue: A modern boutique hotel in Lewes, just a short drive from Cape Henlopen State Park. It offers stylish rooms, a rooftop pool, and easy access to downtown Lewes.
The Bellmoor Inn & Spa: Located in nearby Rehoboth Beach, this upscale inn provides a more luxurious option with spa services, perfect for families looking for a bit of pampering after beach days.
Beach Plum Dunes: A collection of vacation rental homes in Lewes, ideal for larger families or groups who want more space and the convenience of a full kitchen.
Dogfish Inn: A hip, dog-friendly motel in Lewes, owned by Dogfish Head Brewery. It’s a great choice for craft beer enthusiasts and offers complimentary beach cruiser bikes.
The Bay Resort: Situated on Lewes Beach, this resort offers apartment-style accommodations with kitchenettes, perfect for families who want to prepare some of their own meals.
Where to play:
Cape Henlopen State Park: Hike the Walking Dunes Trail (2.6 miles) and climb the World War II Observation Tower for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
Bike the Junction & Breakwater Trail: Rent bikes from the park and ride this scenic 5-mile trail connecting Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.
Visit Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area: Explore the WWII-era fort, climb inside the gun battery, and learn about Delaware’s coastal defense history.
Go fishing or crabbing at the fishing pier: Rent gear from the park if you didn’t bring your own.
Kayak or paddleboard in the calm waters of the Delaware Bay: Rentals are available at the park during summer months.
Explore downtown Lewes: One of the best small town downtowns in the area, with lots of local shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Where to eat:
Striper Bites: Fresh seafood in a casual setting, perfect after a day at the beach.
Nectar Cafe and Juice Bar: Great for healthy breakfast and lunch options, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices.
Gilligan’s Bar & Grill: Family-friendly restaurant with a diverse menu and waterfront views.
Best Photography Spots:
The Great Dune: Capture stunning sunrise shots from atop this 80-foot dune, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier: Get unique perspectives of the coastline, especially beautiful during golden hour.
Fort Miles: The historic bunkers and gun batteries offer interesting architectural shots, particularly good for black and white photography.
Gordons Pond Overlook: This elevated boardwalk provides panoramic views of the salt marsh, perfect for landscape and wildlife photography.
The Point: Where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, offering dramatic water views and chances to photograph shorebirds.
Homeschooling/Learning Resources:
Seaside Nature Center: Offers interactive exhibits on local ecosystems, including a touch tank with horseshoe crabs and other marine life. Check their schedule for guided nature walks and educational programs.
Fort Miles Museum: Provides a hands-on history lesson about coastal defense during World War II. The museum offers guided tours that bring this period to life.
Borrow a Free Delmarva Adventure Kit: Available at the park office, these backpacks contain field guides, binoculars, and activities to help kids learn about local flora and fauna.
Homeschool Field Trip: Schedule a homeschool field trip with the park by calling their main office.
Birding Classes: The park often hosts beginner birding classes, teaching kids how to identify local bird species.
Our 5 Day Itinerary:
Day 1:
Check into Cape Henlopen State Park Campground.
Set up camp or settle into your cabin.
Take a sunset walk on the beach.
Cook dinner at your campsite or grab takeout from Gilligan’s Bar & Grill.
Day 2:
Breakfast at your campsite or at Nectar Cafe.
Spend the morning at the beach swimming and sunbathing.
Afternoon hike on the Walking Dunes Trail.
Climb the WWII Observation Tower for panoramic views.
Dinner at Striper Bites in Lewes.
Day 3:
Early morning fishing or crabbing at the pier.
Breakfast at your catch or at the campsite.
Bike the Junction & Breakwater Trail to Rehoboth Beach.
Explore Rehoboth Beach boardwalk and shops.
Bike back to the campground.
Evening campfire and s’mores.
Day 4:
Breakfast at Nectar Cafe.
Visit Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area.
Picnic lunch at the park.
Afternoon kayaking or paddleboarding in the bay.
Dinner in downtown Lewes, followed by ice cream at King’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Day 5:
Final morning beach walk.
Brunch at Gilligan’s Bar & Grill.
Pack up and head home, already planning your next visit to Cape Henlopen.
This itinerary offers a mix of outdoor activities, historical exploration, and relaxation, perfect for adventurous families looking to experience the best of Cape Henlopen, Delaware.
