Part 14 of our 25-part Southeast road trip series takes us to the First State — and don't let Delaware's small size fool you. This tiny coastal gem packs an extraordinary dog-friendly punch, from the legendary beaches of Rehoboth and Dewey to the charming historic streets of Lewes, the wild shores of Cape Henlopen State Park, and the surprisingly vibrant food and craft beer scene that has blossomed along the Delaware coast in recent years.
🐾 Why Delaware?
Delaware is the ultimate underdog of East Coast beach destinations — smaller and less flashy than the Jersey Shore or the Outer Banks, but arguably more dog-friendly and more charming than either. Rehoboth Beach is one of the most welcoming beach towns on the entire East Coast for dogs, especially in the off-season when pups are allowed on the beach. Lewes is a beautifully preserved colonial town with a great food scene. And Cape Henlopen State Park is one of the finest state parks on the Atlantic Coast. Best of all, Delaware has no sales tax — great for picking up some bougie pet gear on your trip!
🏨 Pet-Friendly Hotels & Stays
Dogfish Inn — Lewes
Owned by the legendary Dogfish Head Brewery, the Dogfish Inn in Lewes is one of the most dog-friendly hotels on the entire East Coast — they literally named it after a dog (well, a fish, but still). Craft beer on tap in the lobby, beautiful rooms, and a prime location in charming Lewes make this a bucket-list stay for bougie pup parents.
Rehoboth Beach Suites — Rehoboth Beach
A comfortable, pet-friendly suite hotel just steps from the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. A great base for exploring the beach town with your dog, especially in the shoulder season when the crowds thin and the dog-friendly rules relax.
The Inn at Canal Square — Lewes
A beautiful waterfront inn in the heart of Lewes that welcomes pets. Stunning views of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, elegant rooms, and a prime location steps from Lewes's best restaurants and shops.
Boardwalk Plaza Hotel — Rehoboth Beach
A Victorian-style hotel right on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk that welcomes pets. One of the most iconic and dog-friendly hotels in Delaware, with stunning ocean views and a prime beachfront location.
Fenwick Island Vacation Rentals — Fenwick Island
The quiet southern end of Delaware's coast has numerous pet-friendly vacation rental homes and cottages. A more laid-back alternative to Rehoboth, with beautiful beaches and a relaxed small-town atmosphere.
🍽️ Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Cafés
Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats — Rehoboth Beach
The original Dogfish Head brewpub in Rehoboth Beach has a dog-friendly outdoor area. World-class craft beer, creative American cuisine, and a lively atmosphere that captures the best of Rehoboth's beach town energy. A must-stop on any Delaware trip.
The Buttery — Lewes
A beloved Lewes institution with a beautiful dog-friendly outdoor area. Creative American cuisine, an excellent wine list, and a warm, sophisticated atmosphere that makes it one of the best restaurants in Delaware.
Kindle — Lewes
A celebrated Lewes restaurant with a dog-friendly outdoor area and a menu that celebrates local and seasonal ingredients. One of the most exciting dining destinations on the Delaware coast, with a creative menu that changes with the seasons.
Crooked Hammock Brewery — Lewes
A beloved Delaware brewery and restaurant with a massive dog-friendly outdoor space in Lewes. Great craft beer, solid pub food, and a laid-back beach atmosphere that makes it one of the best patios on the Delaware coast.
Fins Fish House & Raw Bar — Rehoboth Beach
A Rehoboth Beach institution with a dog-friendly outdoor area and some of the freshest seafood on the Delaware coast. A perfect post-beach dinner spot with your pup after a day in the sun and sand.
🍺 Dog-Friendly Breweries
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery — Milton
The legendary Dogfish Head brewery in Milton has a large dog-friendly outdoor space and tours of one of America's most celebrated craft breweries. Their 60 Minute IPA and 90 Minute IPA are American craft beer classics, and the brewery grounds are beautiful.
Crooked Hammock Brewery — Lewes & Middletown
Delaware's most dog-friendly brewery chain, with massive outdoor spaces at both locations. A rotating tap list, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a perfect stop at any point in your Delaware road trip.
Revelation Craft Brewing — Rehoboth Beach
A Rehoboth Beach craft brewery with a dog-friendly outdoor space. Creative small-batch releases and a welcoming atmosphere steps from the beach.
Mispillion River Brewing — Milford
A beloved Delaware craft brewery in the charming town of Milford with a dog-friendly outdoor space along the Mispillion River. A great stop if your road trip takes you through central Delaware, with a rotating tap list and a beautiful riverside setting.
3rd Wave Brewing — Delmar
A Southern Delaware craft brewery with a dog-friendly taproom and outdoor space. A great stop near the Maryland border, with a welcoming atmosphere and a rotating tap list.
🌲 Dog-Friendly Parks & Trails
Cape Henlopen State Park — Lewes
One of the finest state parks on the entire Atlantic Coast, Cape Henlopen has dog-friendly trails through maritime forest, over towering sand dunes, and along the shore of Delaware Bay. The Gordons Pond Trail is a highlight — a beautiful flat trail with stunning views of the bay and the Atlantic. Dogs are welcome on the beach in designated areas.
Rehoboth Beach — Rehoboth Beach
One of the most dog-friendly beach towns on the East Coast, Rehoboth allows leashed dogs on the beach and boardwalk during off-peak hours (generally before 9:30am and after 5:30pm in summer, and all day in the off-season). A bucket-list beach experience for East Coast dogs.
Delaware Seashore State Park — Rehoboth Beach
A beautiful state park stretching between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay with dog-friendly beach access in designated areas. Miles of pristine coastline and a more natural, less crowded alternative to the Rehoboth boardwalk area.
Brandywine Creek State Park — Wilmington
A beautiful state park in northern Delaware with dog-friendly trails through old-growth tulip tree forest along Brandywine Creek. One of the best hiking destinations in the state, and a great stop if your road trip takes you through Wilmington.
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge — Milton
A stunning wildlife refuge on Delaware Bay with dog-friendly trails through freshwater marshes, forests, and along the bay shore. An extraordinary birding destination, especially during spring and fall migration, and a beautiful and peaceful escape from the beach crowds.
Fenwick Island State Park — Fenwick Island
A beautiful barrier island state park at the southern tip of Delaware with dog-friendly beach access in designated areas. A quieter, more natural alternative to Rehoboth, with stunning Atlantic views and a peaceful atmosphere.
🗺️ Suggested Road Trip Route
Start in Wilmington (Brandywine Creek State Park) → south to Lewes (Dogfish Inn + Cape Henlopen + The Buttery) → east to Rehoboth Beach (boardwalk + Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats) → south along the coast to Delaware Seashore & Fenwick Island → inland to Milton (Dogfish Head Brewery + Prime Hook Refuge).
Delaware is small enough to cover the whole state in a long weekend — 3–4 days is ideal for a thorough dog-friendly exploration.
🐶 Pro Tips for Delaware Road Trips
- Rehoboth Beach is significantly more dog-friendly in the off-season (September through May) — the best time to visit with your pup.
- Delaware has no sales tax — stock up on dog gear, treats, and boutique pet products while you're there!
- The Dogfish Inn books up fast in summer — reserve well in advance for peak season stays.
- Cape Henlopen's Fort Miles historic area is fascinating and dog-friendly — don't skip it.
- The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is dog-friendly and a beautiful way to arrive in or depart from Delaware — a fun addition to any road trip itinerary.
Up Next in the Series
Stay tuned for Part 15: Washington D.C. — where we'll explore the dog-friendly monuments, the vibrant neighborhoods, and the surprisingly excellent outdoor spaces of the nation's capital. Subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a stop!
Have a favorite dog-friendly spot in Delaware we should add? Drop it in the comments!