{"id":10022,"date":"2024-07-11T23:54:40","date_gmt":"2024-07-11T23:54:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wix-post-9d7c59d4-a0b6-4972-8bc2-141aae82795d"},"modified":"2026-10-05T16:47:45","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T16:47:45","slug":"cape-henlopen-where-to-stay-where-to-play-and-what-to-eat-5-day-itinerary-for-adventurous-famili","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/?p=10022","title":{"rendered":"Cape Henlopen: Where to Stay, Where to Play, and What to Eat. 5 day Itinerary for Adventurous Families."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Where to Stay<\/u><\/p>
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  2. Where to Play<\/u><\/p>
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  3. Where to Eat<\/u><\/p>
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  4. Best Photography Spots<\/u><\/p>
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  5. Homeschooling\/Learning Resources<\/u><\/p>
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  6. 5 Day Itinerary<\/u>
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    Where to stay:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bonus tip: Book a site in loop G for bigger sites and proximity to both the beach and hiking trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Alternate Lodging Options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. 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.<\/p>
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    2. 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.<\/p>
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    3. 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.<\/p>
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    4. 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.<\/p>
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    5. 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.<\/p>
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      Where to play:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      1. 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.<\/p>
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      2. Bike the Junction & Breakwater Trail: Rent bikes from the park and ride this scenic 5-mile trail connecting Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.<\/p>
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      3. 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.<\/p>
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      4. Go fishing or crabbing at the fishing pier: Rent gear from the park if you didn’t bring your own.<\/p>
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      5. Kayak or paddleboard in the calm waters of the Delaware Bay: Rentals are available at the park during summer months.<\/p>
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      6. Explore downtown Lewes: One of the best small town downtowns in the area, with lots of local shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
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        Where to eat:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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        1. Striper Bites: Fresh seafood in a casual setting, perfect after a day at the beach.<\/p>
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        2. Nectar Cafe and Juice Bar: Great for healthy breakfast and lunch options, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices.<\/p>
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        3. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill: Family-friendly restaurant with a diverse menu and waterfront views.<\/p>
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          Best Photography Spots:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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          1. The Great Dune: Capture stunning sunrise shots from atop this 80-foot dune, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.<\/p>
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          2. Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier: Get unique perspectives of the coastline, especially beautiful during golden hour.<\/p>
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          3. Fort Miles: The historic bunkers and gun batteries offer interesting architectural shots, particularly good for black and white photography.<\/p>
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          4. Gordons Pond Overlook: This elevated boardwalk provides panoramic views of the salt marsh, perfect for landscape and wildlife photography.<\/p>
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          5. The Point: Where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, offering dramatic water views and chances to photograph shorebirds.<\/p>
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            Homeschooling\/Learning Resources:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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            1. 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.<\/p>
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            2. 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.<\/p>
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            3. 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.<\/p>
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            4. Homeschool Field Trip: Schedule a homeschool field trip with the park by calling their main office.<\/p>
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            5. Birding Classes: The park often hosts beginner birding classes, teaching kids how to identify local bird species.<\/p>
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              Our 5 Day Itinerary:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Day 1:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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              • Check into Cape Henlopen State Park Campground.<\/p>
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              • Set up camp or settle into your cabin.<\/p>
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              • Take a sunset walk on the beach.<\/p>
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              • Cook dinner at your campsite or grab takeout from Gilligan’s Bar & Grill.<\/p>
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                Day 2:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                • Breakfast at your campsite or at Nectar Cafe.<\/p>
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                • Spend the morning at the beach swimming and sunbathing.<\/p>
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                • Afternoon hike on the Walking Dunes Trail.<\/p>
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                • Climb the WWII Observation Tower for panoramic views.<\/p>
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                • Dinner at Striper Bites in Lewes.<\/p>
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                  Day 3:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                  • Early morning fishing or crabbing at the pier.<\/p>
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                  • Breakfast at your catch or at the campsite.<\/p>
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                  • Bike the Junction & Breakwater Trail to Rehoboth Beach.<\/p>
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                  • Explore Rehoboth Beach boardwalk and shops.<\/p>
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                  • Bike back to the campground.<\/p>
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                  • Evening campfire and s’mores.<\/p>
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                    Day 4:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                    • Breakfast at Nectar Cafe.<\/p>
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                    • Visit Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area.<\/p>
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                    • Picnic lunch at the park.<\/p>
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                    • Afternoon kayaking or paddleboarding in the bay.<\/p>
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                    • Dinner in downtown Lewes, followed by ice cream at King’s Homemade Ice Cream.<\/p>
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                      Day 5:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                      • Final morning beach walk.<\/p>
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                      • Brunch at Gilligan’s Bar & Grill.<\/p>
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                      • Pack up and head home, already planning your next visit to Cape Henlopen.<\/p>
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                        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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                        Tips for adventurous families looking to experience the best of Cape Henlopen, Delaware.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1000309,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[17,28,29,30,22,27,31],"class_list":["post-10022","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destinations","tag-adventure-family-travel","tag-adventure-travel","tag-beach-vacation","tag-best-delaware-beaches","tag-family-adventure","tag-family-vacation","tag-kid-friendly-activities-in-rehobeth"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10022","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10022"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10022\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1000559,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10022\/revisions\/1000559"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1000309"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10022"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10022"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10022"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}