Beautiful Beaches Near Philadelphia: Going “Down the Shore”
There are so many beautiful beaches near Philadelphia! Philly folks are just a short drive from both the New Jersey and Delaware shores, where the summer fun never stops. No wonder going “down the shore” is so popular!
Beautiful beaches near Philadelphia abound! For those who love sand and surf, happiness is just a short drive away. These gems along the Atlantic coast feature pristine shorelines and waves that vary from surfer’s delights to the gentle ripples of the bays. Grab your beach towel and come explore! By the way, don’t let inclement weather deter you — these shore towns have plenty of fun to offer, even on cool, rainy days.
Jersey Shore
Lovely beaches near Philadelphia include the fabulous Jersey Shore, just two hours to the east. Sun worshipers adore the wide sandy beaches of Ocean City, which is also a fisherman’s paradise. Then there’s “cooler by a mile” Avalon and Stone Harbor. The widest beach of all is also the “wildest” — Wildwood, home to a boardwalk filled with thrilling rides and attractions, and a real “party town.” Immediately south, at the tip of New Jersey, is the Victorian charm of Cape May. Visitors love the ornate gingerbread style “cottages” that hearken back to a gracious bygone era. Cape May also boasts a real gem of a zoo, a perfect activity for a not-so-perfect beach day.
Delaware Beaches
But beaches near Philadelphia include much more than just Jersey! Take Highway One down to Delaware and discover some real beauties. Historic Lewes features a scenic, cozy town nestled by the Delaware Bay. Kayakers and sailboaters adore the bay, and it’s also great fun to just sit on the sandbar with a cool drink and enjoy the colorful Sunfish gliding through the water. Early risers can bliss out with yoga classes right on the beach, too! For those in the mood for a little more strenuous aquatic activity, why not travel a few miles down to Rehoboth Beach, long known as the nation’s summer capital? Paddleboarding is very popular, as is old fashioned boogie-boarding. There’s no sight quite like sunrise over the ocean as seen from the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk — especially when you are running or biking on the boards! On rainy days, there is ever-popular, tax-free outlet shopping. Rehoboth also offers some of the area’s finest dining, with a side of scenery! Dewey Beach is Rehoboth’s lively next door neighbor, where revelers sunbathe by day and enjoy headliners at clubs by night, such as the fabulous Bottle & Cork.
In short, there is absolutely no reason to stay city-bound in the summer if you are a Philadelphian. With so many amazing beaches near Philadelphia, it’s so easy to take a day trip “down the shore,” or even extend your stay for a week or more and make a vacation of it! And if even the thought of salt air and sand between your toes makes you smile, why not settle down in the City of “Summerly” Love? Life around here is just beachy!
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Elise Seyfried
Elise Seyfried is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, PA. She is the author of two books of humorous spiritual essays, and a playwright (co-author of 15 plays for children). Her work regularly appears in the Chestnut Hill (PA) Local and The Word in Season (devotional). She has also written for The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Lutheran Digest, Guideposts magazine, Metropolis and The Wittenburg Door. Elise was the lyricist for the Stanley Drama Award-winning musical Flight, based on the life of Howard Hughes. Elise has served as publicist for the Lewes (DE) Chamber Music Festival, as well as the Atlantic Music Festival in Waterville, ME.She is the mother of five children, and her family life is prominently featured in her writing. Elise's topics to date have included children/parenting issues, humor and spirituality. An avid cook, Elise also enjoys writing about food and dining. Since 2002, Elise has been Director of Spiritual Formation at Christ's Lutheran Church in Oreland, PA; previously, she worked for years as an actress. She blogs at www.eliseseyfried.blogspot.com.
