Selbyville is a town of approximately 3,000 residents located in Sussex County in southwestern Delaware.
Although it’s in a relatively remote part of the state, Selbyville is close to Rehoboth Beach, Fenwick Island, and Ocean City, Maryland, all of the most popular summer beach destinations in the mid-Atlantic region.
Outdoor recreation abounds, and the area is especially popular with golfers, history buffs, bird watchers, and beachgoers.
Despite its small size, there is plenty to do in town, and there are day trip options for those who would rather walk the open road.
Here are 15 things to do in and around Selbyville, Delaware.
1. Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club
While most golf courses are only 18 holes, nearby Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club in Ocean View has 27, giving it a leg up on the competition.
These nine extra holes are handy for those who will be in the area for a while and want the occasional mix-up.
The course is known for its seamless integration into the various natural surroundings of the layout. Although it is popular with the seasoned crowd, its multiple tee options make it suitable for beginners, women and seniors as well.
2. Luna’s Cactus Cafe
Tex-Mex cuisine seems to be the default for Mexican restaurants in the area, and while most of them have delicious food, there is one that stands out when it comes to traditional fare south of the border.
Luna’s Cactus Café features exotic ingredients and vibrant flavors from various regions of Mexico that many diners have never experienced before.
Often, this makes for an unforgettable experience; their year-round favorites menu includes shrimp tacos, black beans and rice, and salsa and sauces freshly made on-site every day.
Luna’s may not look like much from the outside, but previous guests thought it was worth a stop, and their margaritas were top-notch.
3. Art and Jazz Festival
Visitors to Delaware in September will enjoy relatively mild weather as summer slowly fades and fall creeps in.
The Art & Jazz Festival is an annual event that brings together traditional and performing arts, attracting artists, singers and musicians from across the East Coast.
Outdoor events take place in mid-September and include many food and drink options as well as family-friendly activities.
Unlike major festivals, there are also many opportunities to meet many artists.
Most attendees will bring beach chairs and blankets, but it’s wise to bring a hat, umbrella, and sunscreen, as the weather in the first state can change quickly.
4. Selbyville Police Department Museum
Although Selby Police Station is an unpopular place for many area criminals, it is also home to a unique small museum that is open to the public and free to visit.
Much of what is on display tells the story of law enforcement in the region for more than a century. Exhibits include historic firearms and photos, first-hand accounts of law enforcement officers and interesting stories of criminals from long ago.
The museum is small enough that most guests will stay here for less than an hour, but it’s often the most poignant stop on their trip, so be sure to check it out.
5. Explore the Sea Wreck Museum
Thankfully, shipwrecks on the country’s Atlantic coast aren’t as frequent as they used to be.
Nearby Fenwick Island is home to one of the most unique museums on the Delmarva Peninsula, dedicated to preserving the region’s rich maritime history, including countless ships completed over the centuries.
The museum displays fascinating historical accounts of downed ships, as well as many salvaged loot such as gold and silver coins, weapons and cutlery used at sea in the past.
The owner of the museum is often seen, he is a treasure trove of knowledge, but you need to visit on weekends to fully understand.
6. Dickens Living Room
You might not think Millville Country would be home to a world-class magic venue, but it is.
The Dickens Drawing Room hosts nightly magic shows during the summer tourist season and features a quaint and intimate theatre that seats just over 50 spectators.
Shows usually last about an hour and are popular with people of all ages, although they are especially popular with young children.
The show also includes comedians, ventriloquists and pantomimes, and the fare is surprisingly reasonable.
Be sure to check their schedule online before you go, as their hours vary by season and day of the week.
7. Northside Park
Northside Park is located in neighboring Maryland, but it’s a handy spot for those who decide to spend the day in Ocean City, one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most popular summer beach destinations.
Ocean City is known for its large crowds, numerous bars and restaurants, and scenic beaches.
Most visitors tend to ignore the park, but Northside Park is a great place to get away from the crowds for a few hours. It has a variety of sports fields, playgrounds and indoor facilities ideal for sports-conscious holidaymakers.
8. Fenwick Island Boardwalk
Compared to many regional coastal destinations, Fenwick Island is relatively quaint and undeveloped.
This weary coastal town still draws crowds from as far away as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but it’s decidedly less chaotic than most of its peers.
The Fenwick Island Boardwalk is popular with the retro crowd, who prefer homemade doughnuts, funnel cakes, and boardwalk fries to national chain restaurants and high-rise buildings.
The boardwalk includes souvenir shops, burger stands, and pizzerias, many of which have been in business for decades.
It’s a great place to catch sunset or take a brisk walk in the morning before the sun gets too hot.
9. Thunder Lake Water Park
Even though one of the world’s largest oceans is just a stone’s throw away, Thunder Lake water park on Fenwick Island still draws huge numbers of visitors during the warm summer months.
Thunder Lagoon is a well-appointed attraction, known to keep families busy for hours.
The park has thousands of square feet of slides, swimming pools and meandering rivers. While many parents choose to play with their children, for those who prefer to stay dry and watch from a safe distance, there are plenty of shaded seating areas near all activities.
To avoid the crowds, consider visiting when it first opens on the day.
10. Fenwick Island Lighthouse
Most of the lighthouses along the Atlantic coast are long past their useful life, but for lovers of maritime history and magnificent ocean views, they are a wonderful sight to behold in the area.
One of the most iconic sights on the Delaware coast, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse is maintained by the local Historical Society.
The lighthouse is close to the Maryland border, making it a convenient attraction for those traveling between attractions in the two states.
Lighthouse hours are limited and vary by season, so it’s best to check online or ask a local before going on a special tour.
11. Harpoon Hannah’s
Harpoon Hanna’s is another area resort landmark located between Ocean City, Maryland, and Fenwick Island, Delaware.
Unlike many of its restaurant competitors, it’s open every day of the year. It is a favorite destination for seafood lovers and those looking to relax in a pleasant atmosphere and enjoy a world-class Sunday brunch.
Harpoon Hanna’s menu has something to tempt even the most discerning taste buds. Their bar area has a dozen TVs showing sporting events from all over the country.
Expect crowds if you stop at dinner time during the peak season June-August.
12. Delaware Waterfront State Park
The nearly 3,000-acre Delaware Waterfront State Park is a beautifully landscaped area along the state’s Atlantic coast, near Indian River Bend and Delaware Bay.
The park features undeveloped beaches that are not as crowded as Rehoboth and Fenwick. It’s a particularly big draw for surf fishermen, who come to tangle with game fish such as bluefish and striped bass that often forage offshore.
For those travelling without their own beach gear, you can rent everything you need for a day in the sun and surf, such as umbrellas, beach chairs and flotation gear for the little ones.
13. Tanger Outlets
Retail therapy often gets bad reviews, but Delaware’s no-retail sales tax policy makes shopping an attractive option for out-of-state travelers looking to save big on things they might be buying. s Choice.
Tanger Outlets has multiple locations in southern Delaware, most of which are a few blocks away on Route 1 in Rehoboth Beach.
Traffic can be tricky during rush hour, so free air-conditioned shuttles regularly transport shoppers between locations throughout the day.
It’s not uncommon to save more than 50% on everything from shoes and maternity clothing to sporting goods, electronics and jewelry.
14. Rehoboth Beach Museum
When the weather isn’t conducive to lounging at the beach, the Rehoboth Beach Museum is the perfect place to get away for an hour or two.
It is run by the local historical society and houses an impressive collection of artifacts and memorabilia related to the area’s history, culture and economy.
Established in 1975, the museum includes a historic igloo that served as a repository for precious commodities before refrigerators.
Volunteer staff are a great resource for those visiting the area for the first time, so don’t be shy to ask them for ideas of things to see and do while visiting.
15. Jolly Roger Amusement Park
Jolly Roger Amusement Park is located on Ocean City’s Coastal Highway, just steps from Selbyville.
Jolly Roger is the equivalent of a water park and amusement park, with enough fun, games and activities to keep visitors busy for most of the day.
While admission isn’t cheap, most parents on a budget find it a good value.
With a petting zoo, mini golf, video arcade, go-kart track, and many dining options, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon for those who don’t want to waste time traveling between attractions.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Selbyville (DE), Delaware
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