15 Best Things to Do in Long Neck (DE)

Long Neck is a small town in southeast Delaware’s Sussex County that has a population of about 2,500 residents.

Long Neck is ideally positioned just inland of Rehoboth Bay between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach to the north, and Ocean City, Maryland, to the south.

There are a number of large state parks just up the coast, and activities like surfing, fishing, swimming, and bird watching are popular during the spring, summer, and early fall.

The surf fishing can be especially good during September and October when large schools of bluefish and striped bass work their way up the coast.

Below are 15 things to do in and around Long Neck, Delaware.

1. Paradise Grill

Paradise Grill is located on a small peninsula that juts out into Pots Net Cove, just inland from the Delaware Bay. It’s one of the small town’s most iconic dining destinations.

Their season begins May 1st and lasts until the early days of fall. For those who value beautiful water views and palms swishing overhead, it’s the perfect place to spend a few afternoon or evening hours dining and drinking with family and friends.

Paradise grill has a decidedly island feel, and their menu is chock-full of tasty and filling bar and grill food, like seafood, burgers, and a variety of beers made in-state.

2. Baywood Greens Golf Course

Due to its coastal location, southern Delaware generally experiences milder summers and winters than many inland towns and cities.

This makes it a hot spot for outdoor activity enthusiasts like bikers, anglers, and golfers for much of the year.

Baywood Greens Golf Course is a public, 18-hole course that plays just slightly less than 7,000 yards from the farthest tees; it’s well-known for its manicured greens and bent grass fairways.

The course has been open for nearly three decades and has very reasonable greens fees that most savvy golfers consider a great bang for the buck, all things considered.

3. Holts Landing State Park

Despite its small size, Delaware has quite a few state parks. They’re spread all over the state, making them convenient attractions for all visitors.

Holts Landing State Park is located near Bethany Beach and was originally owned by a local family, who ceded it to the state in the mid-‘60s.

It’s a perfect escape destination for those who’ve had their fill of beaches and crowds, and it’s particularly popular with anglers and crabbers during the season.

There is also an array of bird species that call the park home; many of them are relatively easy to spot, especially near the marshy tidal areas where many of them congregate.

4. DelMarVa Board Sport Adventures

Though chilling on the beach for hours on end under the summer sun is a totally worthwhile vacation activity, for those in need of more action and adrenaline, DelMarVa Board Sport Adventures is a natural fit.

They’re located on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach and offer fit and energetic vacationers a variety of activities to choose from.

Their most popular guided adventures include paddleboarding and windsurfing. Though most choose to learn with an instructor, it’s possible for those with experience to rent equipment and head out on their own.

Check out their website for prices and their seasonal schedule.

5. The Rehoboth Beach Museum

The Rehoboth Beach Museum is a free attraction that’s owned and managed by the local historical society.

It was founded in the mid-‘70s and has two distinct parts that give visitors unique insights into the area’s history, culture, and development dating back more than two centuries.

The museum is staffed by local volunteers, so in addition to being a great place to get a quick historical overview on the cheap, it’s also a wise first stop for visitors who are new to the area and aren’t sure about the things to see and do.

Most visitors leave a donation on their way out.

6. Delaware Seashore State Park

Though Rehoboth Beach’s downtown beaches are popular with vacationers looking for convenience, they often get downright crowded during the summer.

Delaware Seashore State Park is just a short drive away from Long Neck and is set amidst one of the least developed stretches of the Atlantic coast in the area.

The park is popular with beachgoers, but more so than other regional beaches, it’s a favorite attraction of surfers and anglers as well.

For those traveling without their beach gear, it’s possible to rent umbrellas and chairs for the day. The park often hosts special seasonal events and activities during peak vacation months.

7. Gordon’s Pond

Gordon’s Pond is another of southern Delaware’s less touristy attractions and is especially popular with the active, outdoorsy crowd, who value undisturbed nature overcrowded beaches.

The natural area’s trail is open to walkers, runners, and bikers and was recently upgraded and lengthened to include forests and ocean views in addition to the tranquil pond.

Some of the trail is an elevated boardwalk that’s perfect for those traveling with little ones. It’s common to see lots of animals, including snakes, turtles, and a variety of coastal bird species like plovers and kingfishers.

Don’t forget your camera, because many of the vistas from the trail are second to none.

8. Indian River Life-Saving Station

The Indian River Life-Saving Station in Rehoboth Beach was initially established in the early part of the 20th century to add search and rescue capabilities along Delaware’s Atlantic coast.

The original station has been renovated to near-original condition over the years and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In past centuries, shipwrecks along the coast were relatively common. The station’s museum houses the most complete collection of historic rescue memorabilia of its kind in the area.

Self and professionally guided tours are available on a seasonal basis. Most visitors stick around for about an hour before heading off to other attractions.

9. Jungle Jim’s

Jungle Jim’s on Country Club Road in Rehoboth Beach has the distinction of being the largest waterpark in The First State. For those who need a change of pace from the beach, it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours.

Its amenities include kiddie pools, water slides, and a meandering humanmade river that’s great for lazy floaters. Though many parents choose to get wet with their little ones, there are plenty of shaded seating areas for those who’d rather view the action from a safe distance.

Their season begins on May 1st, and half, full-day, and seasonal passes are available depending on how long you’ll be in the area.

10. Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City, Maryland, is just a short drive away for those visiting Long Neck. Compared to Delaware’s beaches, it’s much larger and more touristy, which is precisely what many vacationers are looking for.

Ocean City’s scenic beaches stretch for more than ten miles, and since the area draws big crowds from all over the mid-Atlantic region, there are more hotels, restaurants, and activity options than there are in Delaware.

The boardwalk is considered one of the best along the Atlantic seaboard. Though there are plenty of attractions for families traveling with kids, there are lots of evening attractions for adults only, like bars, clubs, and live entertainment venues.

11. The Art League of Ocean City

Art attractions aren’t usually near the top of the list for most beachgoers, but both Delaware and Maryland’s coastal areas have several galleries; most of them feature works by local and regional artists exclusively.

The Art League of Ocean City is housed in a multi-level gallery that sports contemporary works in a variety of mediums. Since their exhibits are continually changing, it’s likely that you’ll see something new each time you visit.

When the exhibits are changed each month, there’s a free reception that’s open to the public; it’s a great way to meet locals and rub elbows with some pretty impressive artists.

12. Cape May – Lewes Ferry

Since the mid-’60s, the Cape May – Lewes Fair has been taking passengers and vehicles between the Delaware and New Jersey shores.

The distance across the Delaware Bay is just less than 20 miles and takes about 90 minutes, depending on the prevailing winds.

Many visitors who don’t have anything particular to do in New Jersey leave their car on the Delaware side and ride the ferry for sightseeing purposes only.

The views of the bay and ocean are among the most scenic most visitors see on their trips to the area. The ferry features indoor and outdoor seating and light refreshments like coffee, soda, and snacks.

13. The Cape May Lighthouse

Since it has multiple arrival and departure times daily, for those who decide to hop across the bay on the ferry, it’s possible to take in a few of New Jersey’s sites before heading back to Delaware.

The Cape May Lighthouse was originally built in 1850 and is just a few miles from the ferry dock, which makes it convenient to visit without wasting a lot of time.

The lighthouse offers amazing views of the coast. Though it’s possible to make your way to the top, for those who’d rather stay below, there’s a visitor’s center that gives guests unique historic perspectives of the area’s maritime history.

14. Museum of Cape May County

The Museum of Cape May County was established nearly a century ago. Since then, it has been preserving and promoting the area’s rich history.

The museum is managed by the local historical society and has expanded to such a point over the years that it’s now spread over three buildings.

The exhibits are changed regularly, which means there’s always something new to see and learn, no matter how many times you visit.

The museum is open to casual visitors, and there are regularly scheduled guided tours given by knowledgeable locals for those who’d like to make the most of their time spent on-site.

15. Cape May Brewing Company

Cape May Brewing Company is one of South Jersey’s premier microbreweries. It was established by a group of friends and amateur beer enthusiasts who saw a niche market in the expanding small brewery scene.

They produce dozens of varieties of beer that run the gamut of colors, flavor profiles, and alcohol contents. With such a selection, it’s likely that there’ll be something to please even the most finicky taste buds.

Guided brewery and tasting room tours are available, but not every day. If you’d like to get a behind the scenes look, it’s a good idea to check their website or give them a call before making a special trip.