Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Ocean View, Delaware

Ocean View is a quaint town in Sussex County, Delaware. Despite its modest population of fewer than 2,000 residents, there is a remarkable array of attractions and activities available in this charming locale.

The area boasts numerous restaurants, art studios, retail shops, and historical edifices. One of the most appealing aspects of Ocean View’s position is its closeness to the ocean and the stunning Bethany Beach, which is located just a mile away.

Additionally, Ocean View is part of the Salisbury, Maryland-Delaware Metropolitan Area. This affiliation provides convenient access to larger towns and cities, each with a variety of attractions.

Residents and visitors alike can take advantage of a municipal park, along with abundant opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.

Here is a curated list of 15 of the best things to do in and around Ocean View, Delaware.

1. Relax with a creative meal at The Cafe on 26

Commence your Ocean View experience with a delightful and artistic meal at The Cafe on 26. This boutique restaurant specializes in homemade cuisine created with fresh, locally-sourced seafood and produce.

The menu features a variety of soups, salads, and appetizers, along with a selection of main courses such as cafe filet, homemade crab cakes, seared scallops, and potato-encrusted salmon. A well-stocked bar is also available on-site.

2. View local art at the Ellen Rice Studio

Ellen Rice, a renowned local artist, operates her studio from her home, which is a significant attraction in Ocean View. The Ellen Rice Studio welcomes visitors to view numerous paintings, in addition to works from over 100 other American artists.

3. Take a hike along the Burton Island Trail

Located within the Delaware Seashore State Park near Rehoboth Beach, the Burton Island Trail is a manageable 1.5-mile loop that encircles Burton Island. This trail allows hikers to traverse forested areas while enjoying magnificent views of inland bays and salt marshes.

Wildlife enthusiasts may catch sight of various species, including diamondback terrapins and ospreys, as well as horseshoe crabs in the vicinity. The state park also offers a multitude of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and surfing.

4. Spend a day outdoors at Holts Landing State Park

Located in Rehoboth Beach, this picturesque park provides numerous opportunities for families to engage in outdoor activities across a diverse landscape that includes sandy beaches, fields, and hardwood forests. Anglers can enjoy fishing from the pier or launch boats for deeper fishing excursions in the bay.

The crabbing pier is ideal for catching blue crabs, while mussels can often be found in the shallow waters of Indian River Bay. The area is also favored for kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Comprehensive facilities such as walking trails, a picnic area, picnic tables, a pavilion, and a fire pit are available for visitors, along with horseshoe pits and restrooms.

5. Visit the James Farm Ecological Preserve

The James Farm Ecological Preserve, situated along Indian River Bay, comprises 150 acres of public lands that are open year-round. The beach area offers a fantastic setting for relaxation while appreciating the stunning natural vistas.

During low tide, guests can explore three miles of nature trails that weave through a variety of distinct habitats, including marshlands, maritime forests, hardwood forests, and meadows. Observing the diverse plant and animal life along the trails is also a rewarding experience.

6. Taste local wine at Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery

Set against the serene backdrop of the Frankfurt area back roads, Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery spans 26 acres, located just 15 minutes from Ocean View. Visitors can indulge in tastings of various sweet and dry wines within a cozy, beautifully decorated tasting room.

Knowledgeable staff members not only provide wine samples but also share insights about the winery and suggest food pairings for each selection. Guests may enjoy their chosen beverage on the patio overlooking the picturesque surroundings or beside the fireplace during cooler weather.

7. Admire fine art at Gallery One

Gallery One features an impressive collection of fine art crafted by nearly two dozen local artists. Owned and operated by this group of local creatives, the gallery is open to the public, showcasing a range of artworks encompassing various disciplines, including paintings, pottery, textiles, glassworks, and woodworks.

New art pieces are regularly introduced, ensuring that there is always something fresh and engaging for visitors to appreciate.

8. Get active at Northside Park

As the largest and most frequented park in nearby Ocean City, Maryland, Northside Park provides an extensive range of indoor and outdoor recreational options suitable for all age groups.

Covering 58 acres, the park includes several baseball, soccer, and multipurpose fields that are illuminated in the evenings. Additional amenities consist of a playground, picnic areas, two piers, an outdoor fitness space, and over a mile of walking trails. Indoor facilities feature a library, a large gymnasium, lounging areas, and a multi-use sports center, making this park a hub for community gatherings throughout the year.

9. Get a lesson in history at the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum

The Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum, located in Rehoboth Beach, is housed in a historic structure containing various artifacts from the period when beach patrols were commonplace and perilous sea rescues were conducted to assist shipwreck survivors.

Visitors may opt for a self-guided tour to learn about the United States Life-Saving Service, with the building itself dating back to 1876 and having undergone extensive restoration since its addition to the National Register of Historic Places.

10. Enjoy fresh seafood at Northeast Seafood Kitchen

Seafood plays a vital role in the local culinary scene, and for the best experience in Ocean View, Northeast Seafood Kitchen is the premier destination. Upon entering, guests are welcomed by friendly, knowledgeable staff members dedicated to ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

The extensive menu showcases a variety of dishes that balance traditional favorites with modern interpretations and hints of local influence. Options include Grilled Atlantic Salmon, lobster BLT, flash-fried oysters, and, naturally, classic fish and chips.

Additionally, daily happy hour specials are available, along with an extensive selection of wines and craft beers.

11. Spend a day at Fenwick Island State Park

Fenwick Island State Park comprises a stretch of sandbanks situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Little Assawoman Bay. Guests to this beautiful park can partake in an extensive range of outdoor activities, including hiking, surf fishing, sunbathing, sailing, kayaking, surfing, and swimming.

Facilities on-site include picnic tables and a bathhouse with changing rooms. During the summer months, the beach is supervised, and visitors have the option to rent beach umbrellas, chairs, kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats.

12. Cool off at Thunder Lagoon Waterpark

When the temperatures rise, a visit to Thunder Lagoon Waterpark in Fenwick Island is an excellent way to cool down. Guests can enjoy a tranquil experience on the 400-foot lazy river or seek out thrills on any of the six waterslides, ensuring there is something to appeal to every preference. The facility also includes a spacious 2800-square-foot swimming pool.

13. Spend a day on the water with a Quest Kayak Guided Tour

Quest Kayak Guided Tours, located in nearby Lewes, is a favored provider of kayaking and paddleboarding excursions led by professionals. They offer a variety of tours catering to individuals of all skill levels.

Participants can explore the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and adjacent salt marshes through exciting excursions, including moonlight tours, shipwreck explorations, fall foliage hikes, sunrise paddles, dolphin watching trips, and educational historical excursions.

14. Go hiking along the Junction & Breakwater Trail

For visitors who appreciate hiking yet prefer a more moderate trail, the Junction & Breakwater Trail in Rehoboth Beach spans a manageable six miles. Accessible from Wolfe Glade and Holland Glade, the trail traverses unspoiled natural environments, offering stunning views along the southwestern section of Cape Henlopen State Park.