What’s New in Southern Delaware in 2026

Visitors to Southern Delaware are in for some treats this year – they’ll find new activities, events, accommodations, venues, restaurants, and lots more. Of course, everything they've always loved about Southern Delaware awaits as well. Here, in no particular order, is a just a selection of brand new – and new-ish - reasons to visit Southern Delaware in 2026:

Stay

The Waypoint, formerly the Shore Inn on Rehoboth Avenue Extended, the Waypoint opened last summer after comprehensive interior and exterior renovations. More than just a place to stay, the fully reimagined and thoughtfully reconstructed hotel blends modern comfort with coastal style, creating an easy going yet refined retreat for travelers seeking both rest and adventure. The Waypoint features 20 rooms and suites, ensuring a comfortable fit for every traveler. Thoughtful amenities, stylish interiors, and a welcoming atmosphere all contribute toward making your stay as effortless as possible.

Reminder: For the convenience of visitors, in addition to offering comprehensive hotel listings, Southern Delaware Tourism’s website now includes a link to vacation rental companies.

Play

New splash park at Trap Pond State Park: The Cypress Splash Zone is expected to open by mid-summer 2026. This 5,000 square foot attraction will include four separate splash zones, each designed for specific age groups, and one intended for inclusive play for all children and their families. The site will also include an entry station, restrooms, a first aid station and maintenance area.

The new Lightship Overfalls Museum is expected to open in time for the start of the 2026 season. The museum will help preserve and honor the legacy of Lightship Overfalls (LV-118), its sailors, and Lewes maritime history. Not sure what a lightship is? Then you definitely have to visit. This floating lighthouse was built in 1938 for the U.S. Lighthouse Service, the LV-118 was decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1972 and has been in Lewes, Delaware since 1973. LV-118, renamed Overfalls in honor of the Overfalls Shoals lightship station located nearby and the American lightship sailors that served there, is now preserved, maintained and operated by a dedicated team of volunteers. It is a National Historic Landmark.

The Freeman Arts Pavilion in Selbyville is growing! A renowned outdoor performing arts venue, Freeman Arts Pavilion is home to more than 70 live performances each summer including a diverse range of genres like theatre, concerts, dance, comedy, children’s shows and much more and featuring local, regional, and national performers. Their new permanent stage and back-of-house facility are slated to be completed in time for the start of the 2026 season in July. The new permanent stage and backstage facilities will feature an impressive 42-foot-tall by 100-foot-long stage with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems designed to elevate every performance. Behind the scenes, climate-controlled backstage spaces will provide the professional, comfortable environment today’s touring artists expect. The guest experience is also being reimagined in equally exciting ways. The new terraced lawn will feature a more dramatic slope to improve sightlines, ensuring better views from anywhere in the venue. A dynamic mix of seating options will offer more flexibility than ever before and accessibility remains a top priority in this next phase of development, as well.

Eat and Drink

New and new-ish restaurants along Southern Delaware’s Culinary Coast™ include, in no particular order:

First Watch, Lewes: Fresh, made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch creations

Tea-Aki, Lewes: Tea-aki serves bubble tea available with a wide variety of fresh fruits and other ingredients.

Ocean 99, Bethany Beach: Offers a vibrant coastal-inspired menu that features fresh seafood like Seafood Carbonara and Shrimp & Grits, alongside hearty handhelds such as a Smash Burger and BBQ Chicken BLT. Enjoy creative starters like Calamari or Tuna Ceviche. Pair your meal with imaginative cocktails or local craft beers in a relaxed, upscale setting that blends coastal charm with elevated dining.

Fins Oyster Bar and Grill, Georgetown: FINS Oyster Bar & Grill invites seafood lovers to savor the freshest catches in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. From succulent oysters to perfectly grilled delights, this local gem promises a delightful dining experience that captures the essence of coastal cuisine.

Fifty Nine, Rehoboth Beach: Delivers a refined dining experience where familiar flavors meet bold, creative twists that surprise and delight. Each dish is a work of art, crafted with top-tier ingredients and plated with precision to elevate every bite. Curated wine list and expertly crafted cocktails are designed to complement the menu, while warm, attentive service ensures every guest feels valued. Focused on innovation, hospitality, and culinary excellence to offer a memorable escape for those seeking something truly special.

Palm Beach Bar and Grill, Rehoboth Beach: Blending Southern comfort, classic American favorites, and Caribbean flair, they’re all about delivering bold flavors, great service, and a fun, laid-back vibe.

Lago Asian Cuisine and Sushi Bar, Milton: From crave-worthy sushi to playful fusion rolls, Lago serves fresh flavors with a side of good vibes. Every roll is crafted to surprise and delight, from bold, inventive combinations to perfectly balanced classics.

Nossa Casa Brazilian Steakhouse, Millsboro: At Nossa Casa, your meal is one complete Brazilian steakhouse experience — no ordering by the plate. Enjoy continuous tableside service of fire-grilled Brazilian meats carved by their gauchos, along with access to their market table and hot selections. Everything is included.

Anniversaries

Delaware State Parks turn 75 in 2026! For 75 years, Delaware State Parks have been the backdrop for your adventures. From their first protected lands to today, our mission remains the same: to provide safe, enjoyable recreation, responsibly care for our natural and cultural resources, and connect people with nature for generations to come. Celebratory events include Delaware State Parks at Fire & Ice in Bethany Beach from January 30 to February 1, 2026. Delaware State Parks participates in the Fire & Ice Festival in the Quiet Resorts, connecting with visitors during one of the region’s most popular winter events. With the Delaware State Parks Airstream on site and a commemorative anniversary ice sculpture, the Parks team shared the story of outdoor recreation, stewardship and community connection.

Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse celebrates 100 years in 2026! For 100 years, the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse located on the Eastern end of the outer breakwater wall of the National Harbor of Refuge has guided commercial, recreational, and military vessels in and out of the Delaware Bay. The lighthouse went into service in November of 1926 and was manned continuously until December of 1973. The United States Lighthouse Service manned the Light from 1936 until 1939 at which time the United States Coast Guard took over for the Lighthouse Service. In 2002, the Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation (DRBLHF) assumed the responsibility of caretaking and ownership of Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse. In commemoration of this anniversary, the Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse foundation will offer the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse 100th Anniversary Cruise on Saturday September 19th from 2:30-4:30 pm. Event details will be posted at www.delawarebaylights.org on April 1, 2026.

Dolles Turns 100! Dolles Candyland was established in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware in 1926. It moved to its location at the corner of Rehoboth Avenue and the Boardwalk in 1927 after the co-founders, Thomas Pachides and Rudolph Dolle purchased the old YMCA building for $30,000. It was here that the legendary candystore was born and remained until very recently, when it moved a couple doors west on Rehoboth Avenue to owner Thomas Ibach’s Ibach’s Candy by the Sea. Dolles’ iconic orange roof sign now has a new home too, welcoming visitors to Rehoboth from the canal-side building of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society & Museum at the entrance to town. Dolles history is fascinating. Check it out here. 

DE250, 1776 – 2026, the First State’s celebration of America’s 250^th Birthday, includes countless events throughout the state this year, including many in Southern Delaware (and more coming!) Check out the link to see what’s been planned so far and keep an eye on that link and on the calendar at www.VisitSouthernDelaware.com for more as they are announced.

Return Day, November 5, 2026, Georgetown, DE: While not technically a special anniversary this year, Return Day is a very special event that happens only in Delaware and only every two years beginning as early as 1791. But what is it? The State Law in 1791 removing the County seat from Lewes along the Coast to the a more geographically centered site, later named Georgetown, required all votes to be cast in the new County Seat on election day. The same voters would "return" two days later to hear the results - hence the name RETURN DAY. In 1811, voting districts in the individual hundreds were established, but the Board of Canvassers presided over by the Sheriff would still meet two days later in Georgetown to announce the final tally. According to the HISTORY OF DELAWARE by J. Thomas Sharff written in 1888, RETURN DAY was "one of the customs peculiar to the people of Sussex, from time immemorial,..holding a high carnival on the day when the results of the election are announced" "Booths, stalls and stands are erected near the courthouse, where all kinds of edibles, such as opossum and rabbit meat, fish and oysters, can be procured. The women, who constitute a considerable portion of the crowd, are generously treated to cakes, candies and the best the booths afford." In the tradition of the 19th century booths, ox roast sandwiches fresh from an all night open pit barbecue are, to this day, distributed at no charge to the throngs attending RETURN DAY. Additionally, the day features food vendors, craft & Information vendors, a parade, the reading of the election results by the Town Crier, and the traditional burying of the hatchet ceremony.

To keep on top of all the latest Southern Delaware news, visit Southern Delaware Tourism at www.VisitSouthernDelaware.com  and follow us on Instagram (@VisitSouthDel and @CulinaryCoastDE) or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SouthernDelawareTourism.