I like to stay in the oceanfront condos at the Sea Colony resort in Bethany Beach as it has a private, well guarded beach with indoor and outdoor pools. indoor and outdoor tennis, a market nearby and movie rentals on site.   One of the benefits to staying in a condominium is the convenience of having your own kitchen available, but there are some good little places to go for food in town. 

Building Sand Castles on Bethany Beach Delaware

Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries is a great little place, right on Garfield Avenue.  And, I've got to say I like Harpoon Hanna's over on Fenwick Island, even if it is partially for the silly name.  The food is great, and the ocean view is phenomenal.  If you don't mind sitting outside, be sure to try the Tiki bar.  It has a real fun tropical setting with waterfalls and everything.  It is just a good idea to avoid the peak hours because they do get pretty crowded. 

A trip to Bethany Beach isn't like some of the bigger cities you may travel to in the USA.  Bring books to read, sand toys for the kids, your tennis rackets, and plan to really relax and take it easy.  There isn't much to do at night, but during the day, this is a great place for bicycling, walking on the beach, and just spending quality time with your family. 

Like most USA coastal cities, Bethany Beach has a Boardwalk.  The difference you will find when comparing it to your other travels, is that relatively few businesses are on the Boardwalk.   You have to go to Garfield Parkway (perpendicular to the boardwalk) to find shops and food. 

There is an operating lighthouse  on Fenwick Island that is worth seeing.  Built in 1859, you can see it's beam from fifteen miles away.  I also like the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum on Bayard Street, Fenwick Island.  This small, private museum actually holds collections of items recovered from local shipwrecks.  Some of the items are really unique and interesting, too.  It's free, and makes a fun little daytime excursion when you are exploring Fenwick.

The major appeal to Bethany Beach as a travel USA destination is that it really is family friendly and laid back.  This is not the choice for people who are looking for high impact, super charged vacationing.  It simply isn't that kind of place.  But if you are ready for the beach, a good book, and some downtime, Bethany Beach on the coast of Delaware is a great destination.