Top 15 Attractions in Selbyville, Delaware

Selbyville is a town with a population of approximately 3,000 residents, situated in Sussex County in southwestern Delaware.

Although located in a predominantly rural area of the state, Selbyville is in close proximity to Rehoboth Beach, Fenwick Island, and Ocean City, Maryland, which are among the most frequented summer beach destinations in the mid-Atlantic region.

The region offers a plethora of outdoor activities, with particular appeal to golfers, history enthusiasts, bird watchers, and beach visitors.

Despite its modest size, the town features numerous attractions and serves as an excellent base for day trips for those inclined to explore further.

Below are 15 activities to engage in while visiting Selbyville, Delaware.

1. Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club

While most golf courses offer only 18 holes, Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club located in nearby Ocean View presents a unique opportunity with 27 holes, giving it a distinct advantage over other courses.

This additional nine holes are particularly beneficial for those planning an extended stay and seeking variety in their golfing experience.

The course is celebrated for its diverse natural landscapes that have been seamlessly integrated into the course design. Although it attracts more experienced golfers, the multiple tee box options cater to beginners, women, and seniors.

2. Luna’s Cactus Café

The area’s Mexican dining establishments predominantly feature Tex-Mex cuisine. However, one establishment stands out for its authentic traditional offerings.

Luna’s Cactus Café showcases exotic ingredients and vibrant flavors representative of various Mexican regions, providing diners an experience many may not have encountered previously.

This ensures a memorable dining experience; favored menu items include shrimp tacos, black beans and rice, as well as freshly prepared salsas and sauces made daily on-site.

Though the exterior of Luna’s may appear unassuming, patrons unanimously agree that it merits a visit, particularly for its exceptional margaritas.

3. Arts & Jazz Festival

Travelers to Delaware in September will find mild weather as summer transitions to fall.

The Arts & Jazz Festival, an annual gathering held in mid-September, showcases traditional and performing arts, attracting artists, singers, and musicians from across the East Coast.

This outdoor festival features an array of food and beverage options, along with family-oriented activities.

In contrast to larger events, attendees have ample opportunities to meet the artists personally.

Most guests bring beach chairs and blankets, thus it is advisable to pack hats, umbrellas, and sunblock as weather conditions in Delaware can vary unexpectedly.

4. Selbyville Police Department Museum

While the Selbyville Police Department is often an unwelcome stop for various individuals, it also hosts a small museum that is accessible to the public without charge.

This museum presents exhibits that chronicle law enforcement in the region for over a century. Displays include historical firearms, photographs, personal accounts from law enforcement officials, and intriguing narratives about past criminals.

The museum is compact enough for most visitors to complete their tour in under an hour, yet it often serves as one of the most poignant highlights of their trip; thus, it is recommended to pay a visit.

5. Discoversea Shipwreck Museum

Fortunately, shipwrecks along the Atlantic coast occur far less frequently than in the past.

Located on nearby Fenwick Island is one of the Delmarva Peninsula’s most unique museums, dedicated to preserving the rich maritime history of the area, including the numerous ships that have met their fate over the centuries.

The museum features captivating historical accounts of shipwrecks, as well as a plethora of salvaged artifacts, such as gold and silver coins, nautical weapons, and dinnerware from bygone eras.

It is common to see the museum’s knowledgeable proprietor during visits, though it is advisable to go on weekends for a more comprehensive experience.

6. The Dickens Parlour

One might not expect that the rural area of Millville would host a world-class magic venue; however, it indeed does.

The Dickens Parlour features nightly magic performances during the summer tourist season in a charming and intimate theater, seating just over 50 audience members.

Shows typically last about an hour and appeal to audiences of all ages, though they are particularly popular with children.

The performances also include comedic acts, ventriloquists, and mimes, with surprisingly affordable ticket prices.

Attendees should verify their schedule online prior to attending, as hours may differ across seasons and weekdays.

7. Northside Park

While Northside Park is located in Maryland, it represents a convenient attraction for those who choose to spend their day across the border in Ocean City, one of the preeminent summer beach destinations in the mid-Atlantic.

Ocean City is renowned for its large crowds, extensive bars and restaurants, as well as scenic beaches.

Many visitors tend to overlook parks, yet Northside Park offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy a few quiet hours removed from the hustle and bustle. It features numerous sports fields, playgrounds, and indoor facilities ideally suited for health-conscious guests.

8. Fenwick Island Boardwalk

In contrast to many other coastal destinations, Fenwick Island maintains a relatively quaint and less developed atmosphere.

Although this charming seaside town attracts visitors from as far as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, it remains decidedly less hectic than its counterparts.

The Fenwick Island Boardwalk appeals to those who enjoy classic boardwalk treats, such as homemade donuts, funnel cakes, and boardwalk fries, as opposed to national chain dining and high-rise structures.

The boardwalk features souvenir shops, burger joints, and pizzerias, many of which have been longstanding establishments for decades.

This locale offers an excellent vantage point for sunset watching or enjoying a brisk morning walk before the heat of the day sets in.

9. Thunder Lagoon Waterpark

Despite the proximity of one of the world’s largest oceans, Fenwick Island’s Thunder Lagoon Waterpark attracts substantial crowds during the warm summer months.

This amenity-rich venue is known for keeping families entertained for extended periods.

The park includes extensive slides, pools, and winding rivers. While many parents engage in the attractions with their children, there are numerous shaded seating areas near the activities for those who prefer to observe from a comfortable distance.

To sidestep the crowds, it is advisable to visit when the park first opens for the day.

10. Fenwick Island Lighthouse

Although many lighthouses along the Atlantic coast have surpassed their functional lifespan, they remain remarkable attractions for enthusiasts of maritime history and breathtaking ocean views.

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse stands as one of coastal Delaware’s most renowned landmarks, overseen by a local historical society.

Situated near the Maryland border, this lighthouse is conveniently positioned for those traveling between attractions in the two states.

The lighthouse operates on a limited schedule that varies with the seasons, thus verifying online prior to a visit is advisable.

11. Harpoon Hanna’s

Harpoon Hanna’s is an iconic dining establishment located between Ocean City, Maryland, and Fenwick Island, Delaware.

Unlike many competing restaurants, it remains open year-round and is a popular choice among seafood enthusiasts as well as those desiring to unwind in a pleasant atmosphere while enjoying a world-class Sunday brunch.

Harpoon Hanna’s menu presents a diverse array of options designed to satisfy even the most selective palates. The bar area boasts more than a dozen televisions broadcasting sports events from across the nation.

Be prepared for busyness during dinner hours, especially in the peak season from June to August.

12. Delaware Seashore State Park

Delaware Seashore State Park encompasses nearly 3,000 picturesque acres along the Atlantic coast near the Indian River Inlet and Delaware Bay.

The park features pristine beaches that are often less crowded than those in Rehoboth and Fenwick, making it a major attraction for surf fishermen who seek game fish such as bluefish and striped bass typically found just offshore.

For visitors without beach gear, it is possible to rent everything necessary for a day of sun and surf, including umbrellas, beach chairs, and flotation devices for children.

13. Tanger Outlets

Retail therapy often faces criticism; yet, for out-of-state travelers seeking to save significantly on items they would typically purchase, Delaware’s lack of retail sales tax enhances the appeal of shopping.

Tanger Outlets has several locations throughout southern Delaware, most conveniently positioned within a few blocks of each other along Route 1 in Rehoboth Beach.

Traffic can be challenging during peak hours, prompting the availability of free air-conditioned shuttles operating routinely throughout the day to transport shoppers between locations.

It is common for shoppers to save upwards of 50% on a vast range of items from footwear and maternity wear to sporting goods, electronics, and jewelry.

14. Rehoboth Beach Museum

The Rehoboth Beach Museum serves as an excellent retreat for an hour or two when conditions are less favorable for beach activities.

Operated by the local historical society, the museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts and memorabilia associated with the area’s history, culture, and economy.

Founded in 1975, it includes a historic ice house that previously functioned as a storage facility for this essential commodity before the advent of refrigeration.

The volunteer staff are a valuable resource for first-time visitors to the area; do not hesitate to ask them for suggestions on local attractions and activities.

15. Jolly Roger Amusement Park

Jolly Roger Amusement Park, located on Coastal Highway in Ocean City, is easily accessible from Selbyville.

This amusement venue integrates both water park and traditional amusement park elements, offering enough fun, games, and activities to occupy visitors for an entire day.

While admission prices may not be the lowest, many budget-conscious parents view it as a worthwhile investment.

The park features a petting zoo, mini-golf, video arcade, go-kart track, and a range of dining options, making it an ideal location for a leisurely afternoon without the need to navigate between multiple attractions.