Ocean View is a small town in Sussex County, Delaware. Although it has a population of less than 2,000 people, the town has a staggering number of things to see and do.
There are plenty of restaurants, art studios, retail stores and historic buildings, but one of Ocean View’s best locations is its proximity to the ocean and beautiful Bethany Beach, just a mile away.
Another benefit of the town’s location is that it’s part of the Maryland-Delaware metropolitan area, Salisbury, which means that larger towns and cities – and their attractions – are fairly close together.
Ocean View is home to a municipal park with many outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing and boating.
Here are 15 of the best things to do in and around Seaview, Delaware.
1. Unwind with a creative meal at The Cafe on 26
Once you reach the ocean view, start your journey with a delicious and creative meal at The Cafe on 26. This sophisticated boutique restaurant serves home-cooked dishes using fresh, locally sourced seafood and produce.
Offering a variety of soups, salads and appetizers, you can choose from a variety of entrees including coffee chips, homemade crab cakes, seared scallops and potato salmon. There is also a full bar on site.
2. See local art at Ellen Rice’s studio
Ellen Rice, a well-known local artist working from home, is a must-see in Ocean View. Ellen Rice Studio is open to the public. Visitors can see many of her paintings, as well as work by more than 100 other American artists.
3. Hike the Burton Island Trail
Located in Delaware Seaside State Park near Rehoboth Beach, the Burton Island Trail is an easy 1.5-mile hiking trail that loops around Burton Island. Along the trail, you’ll pass through forested areas with stunning views of inland bays and salt marshes.
Common wildlife and various birds such as diamondback turtles and ospreys. Horseshoe crabs can also be seen in the area. In this park, visitors can participate in a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating and surfing.
4. Spend the day outdoors at Holts Landing State Park
Rehoboth Beach has a beautiful park where families can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in a diverse landscape with beach areas, fields and hardwood forests. Anglers can fish from the pier or sail further afield in the bay.
The Crab Pier is where you can catch some blue crabs, and mussels can be found in the shallows of the Indus Bend. The bay is also a popular spot for kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing. There are several walking trails on site and a picnic area with tables, gazebo and fire pit, and visitors can use a horseshoe pit and restrooms.
5. Visit James Farm Ecological Reserve
The James Farm Ecological Reserve along the Indus Bend is a 150-acre wasteland open to the public year-round. The beach area is a great place to relax and enjoy the view.
At low tide, you can hike the 3-mile nature trail through many different habitats, including low-lying and upland swamps, marine forests, hardwoods, and grasslands. Along the way, you can observe plants and animals.
6. Taste local wines at Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery
The Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery sits on 26 acres of natural beauty on a byway in the Frankfurt area, just 15 minutes from the ocean. There, visitors have the opportunity to taste a variety of sweet and dry wines in a cozy and beautifully decorated tasting room.
Knowledgeable staff provide not only these samples, but also background information on wineries and wines, including which foods are best for each. You can choose to enjoy a drink of your choice on the terrace overlooking the stunning views, or by the fireplace on chilly days.
7. Admire fine art at Gallery 1
Fine art works by nearly two dozen local artists are displayed in the first gallery. This group of local artists also owns and operates the gallery, which is open to the public. During your visit, you can see a variety of works of art in many disciplines, including paintings, pottery, textiles, glass and woodwork.
New works are often shown, so there is always something different on display.
8. Get active at North End Park
As the most popular and largest park in nearby Ocean City, Maryland, Northside Park offers a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational activities for all ages.
On its 58 acres, there are several baseball fields, soccer fields and multi-purpose fields that are lit at night. Also onsite are playgrounds, picnic areas, two marinas, an outdoor fitness area, over a mile of walking trails and concession stands for the warmer months. Indoor facilities include a library, a large gym, relaxation areas and a multi-purpose sports centre.
This park hosts many community events throughout the year.
9. Take a history lesson at the Indian River Lifeguard Museum
The Indus Lifesaving Station Museum at Rehoboth Beach is a historic building that houses a variety of items related to the normal days of nighttime beach patrols, where dangerous high seas rescues are used to help shipwreck victims.
You can take a self-guided tour of the museum to learn all about lifesaving services in the United States. The building was built in 1876 and has been lovingly restored since it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
10. Enjoy fresh seafood at Northeastern Seafood Kitchen
Seafood is a staple in the local diet, and if you want to try some fresh local seafood, the best place with sea views is Northeast Seafood Kitchen. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by friendly, knowledgeable staff who will try to make you feel at home in this bistro-style restaurant.
The menu includes a variety of dishes that combine traditional cuisine with a modern twist with a dash of local flavours. Grilled Atlantic salmon, lobster BLT, fried oysters and, of course, the classic fish and chips are just some of the dishes to choose from from the extensive menu.
Happy hour is held daily with a wide selection of wines and craft beers.
11. Spend the day at Fenwick Island State Park
A stretch of sandbar between the Atlantic Ocean and Little Asawo Bay makes up the area of Fenwick Island State Park. Visitors to this beautiful park have the opportunity to engage in a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, surf fishing, sunbathing, sailing, kayaking, surfing, and swimming.
On-site facilities include picnic tables and bathrooms with changing rooms. During the warmer months, the beach is supervised and beach umbrellas, chairs, kayaks, paddle boards and sailboats can be rented.
12. Cool off at Thunder Lake Waterpark
When it’s too hot outside, the best way to cool off is to head to Thunder Lake Waterpark on Fenwick Island. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful ride on the 400-foot lazy river or an exciting afternoon on six waterslides, there’s something for you. There’s even a 2800 square foot swimming pool.
13. Take a guided tour of Quest Kayak and spend the day on the water
Quest Kayak Guided Tours in nearby Lewis is a popular choice for kayak and paddle board excursions led by these sports experts. The company offers tours of all levels.
Explore the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay and nearby with exciting excursions such as full moon tours, shipwreck tours, red leaves tours, sunrise tours, river kayaking adventures, dolphin tours and historical tours of salt marshes.
14. Hike along the Junction & Breakwater Trail
If you enjoy hiking but prefer easier trails, the Junction & Breakwater Trail in Rehoboth Beach is only six miles long. Accessible at Wolfe Glade and Holland Glade, the trail passes through a scenic unspoilt natural area on the southwest side of Cape Henlopen State Park.
Where to Stay: Delaware (DE) Best Hotels with Ocean Views
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