When I was a kid spending summers at the Shore, luxury was the furthest thing from anyone’s mind. It was all about sand and surf and the freedom of bare feet, late sundowns and no school. However, now that we’re all older, we sometimes want to pamper ourselves in a little luxury, even when we’re at the beach and in Rehoboth Beach Delaware we have plenty of opportunity to do just that. Here are some ideas to consider for that special trip to the beach:

Nage

With room for only 46 lucky diners, Nage has a sense of quiet intimacy and warmth. The culinary delights created by the owner/chef are one of a kinds inspired by fresh local ingredients and include things like Lobster Pot Pie, Sweet Potato Soup and Vanilla Seared Scallops. Try at least one of their stylish sweet and spicy drinks, too.

Blue Moon

Blue Moon has maintained its reputation as one of the best fine dining restaurants in Rehoboth Beach for more than 25 years. They pride themselves on cooking from scratch with only the freshest ingredients and serve some very inventive combinations. Dinners only 6 days a week , brunch on Sundays and entertainment often on the weekends.

The Bellmoor Inn and Spa

The Bellmoor calls itself an oasis by the sea and has the feel of visiting your very rich, favorite uncle’s seaside mansion. The rooms are large, but comfortable and elegant, yet homey. For the ultimate Rehoboth Beach lodging, book an oversized Club Suite or the 2 bedroom Gardener’s Cottage, set in a lush retreat. Add an afternoon at The Bellmoor’s spa where you’ll be pampered in style with all kinds of indulgent treatments.

The Boardwalk Plaza

This family owned and operated romantic gem overlooks the Rehoboth boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s Victorian in style, but has all the conveniences of a modern resort hotel. Enjoy sincere service, valet parking, superfast T1 internet access, a glass elevator and an indoor outdoor spa pool that’s open 24 hours a day.

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Mendocino, California is one of the most beautiful and scenic destinations of North America in my book. This very place inspired me to ask my then girlfriend to marry me and we have fortunately been back to visit once since then. I cannot say enough great things about the area which encompasses the Redwood forest and the neighboring towns of Boonville and Yorkville.

When going through Boonville, beer is highly toted as well as wine. Any hop lover will enjoy the local brew as a refreshing break to all of the wine that is available. Next you will experience dense redwood forests as you make your way to the coast and Mendocino.

When driving from San Francisco, one gets the chance to see and or stop at many local wineries to sample their fruits of labor. I, personally, like to head toward Healdsburg to start my wine country experience and then continue north. With good wine comes good food and Healdsburg offers some great dining experiences. You need to budget in some time and not be in a rush when your destination is Mendocino. Highway 128 takes you through tight, twisty turns with overhanging oak trees and lush flora as you head towards Yorkville and the coast. There are several wineries that have tasting rooms open to the public awaiting your arrival. After all of the stops for wining and dining, you finally get to Mendocino where you can relax, unwind and have your choice of some of the most charming bed and breakfasts for your lodging needs. The views of the Pacific and the waves crashing on the rocks make for a very special experience. So, if you are a wine connoisseur as well as a beer lover, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit this craggy coastal town known as Mendocino.

Mendocino Coast by JPBJr.

Maple Creek Winery by The Great California Migrants

Willis Seafood by peter r

Hop Ottin’ IPA by mzalikowski

As I personally grew up in the south (Georgia) my family went to Destin, Florida just about every summer for a week on the beach. With white beaches and clear blue water, Destin is a major destination (no pun intended…) for southerners as well as tourists from all over the world. The Emerald Coast as it’s known as offers the vacationing visitor all of the activities that one can expect when going to the beach.

During the whole month of October is the Destin Fishing Rodeo where anyone can sign-up, go out on a registered boat (private or charter), fish and get their catch weighed for free at a local seafood establishment. There are over 30,000 anglers who compete for over $100,000 in cash and prizes. Just about every kind of gamefish can be caught in the waters off of Destin, Florida. From Mackerel to the mighty Marlin, all fish are recognized for the tournament. There are many choices when it comes to lodging in Destin. One can stay in a luxury vacation rental, hotel, all-inclusive resort, motel and even “rough it” by going camping. Whether you are right on the beach or close by, everything is convenient to the strip of Destin.If you are looking for some fun on the water, like parasailing, check out the many options Destin has to offer. Destin is the place for family activities as well. Kids can enjoy riding in go-karts, bumper boats, playing mini-golf, and playing video games in the arcade.

Destin has their own “Seaworld”, you might say, called “Gulfarium” which is a marine show aquarium where one can have a “meet and greet” with dolphins as well as participate in educational camps to learn about marine life.

Whether you are looking to just hang out on the beach or get out there on the ocean, Destin has everything to offer its’ visitors. Come and see for yourselves why they call Destin the “Emerald Coast” of Florida.

Fishing in Destin by genetew

Destin Beach by joojanta

Parasailing in Destin by gobucks2

A mile long and 2 blocks wide, so you’re never more than a block from salt water-that’s Dewey Beach Delaware, perhaps the skinniest town ever! You can walk to the rambunctious Atlantic Ocean or the more tranquil Rehoboth Bay in just a couple of minutes from anywhere in town. You can’t get much closer to the sea without actually being on a boat.

If you prefer to travel north or south along the coast, the good time Jolley Trolley will get you there in beach style. This inexpensive shuttle service operates on a regular schedule throughout the summer months and is a popular way to get safely home along Highway 1 where the boisterous nightlife often spills out into the streets.

Speaking of boisterous, The Starboard, a Dewey Beach landmark club, has an incredible Bloody Mary bar that everyone over 21 should try at least once. The smorgasbord includes at least a dozen types of vodka followed by 700 different fixin’s along 30 feet of wall.

Another Starboard claim to fame is their beefy breakfasts. Try the Eggs Del Marva (eggs benedict topped with lump crabmeat), the Full Monty, which includes just about every breakfast food you can name, or a five egg omelet. There’s never a cover charge and the hearty party atmosphere throbs both night and day indoors and out on the deck.

Another rowdy tradition in Dewey Beach is the Greyhounds Reach the Beach festival held every October. It’s like a convention for greyhound lovers and those who have adopted dogs rescued from dog racing tracks. Businesses throughout town sponsor educational sessions and fun events, like a costume ball (yes the dogs are dressed up), but the best thing about the weekend is that there are truly greyhounds everywhere and boy do those hounds love to run on the beach!

Logo from Greyhounds Reach the Beach Website

I’ve never been kayaking. I really want to go - but around my home in Colorado the only opportunities are in the rivers…which - in my opinion - are best navigated in a very large rubber raft with lots of cushion. I’m not sure it’s safe to be kayaking around these rocks and fast water through-fares.

I was looking at some information on sea kayaking..thinking this would be a better introduction to kayaking - calm coastal waters and bays…marine wildlife - no rocks or class-5 rapids.  It looks like there are a few places that are great choices.  Monterey Bay, Ogunquit Maine, or the San Juan Islands in Washington.  I dug deeper into the San Juan Islands idea, as the pacific northwest is my favorite place to vacation.  I found a ton of information and opportunities for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

The one drawback to this plan seems to be the presence of Orcas…you know…KILLER whales?  Could it be safe to float around in a tiny tiny boat when one could just swallow the whole shebang?  After much web-surfing..I found no accounts of tourists being killed by whales while kayaking.  It must be pretty safe.

There are quite a few online resources for the San Juan Island kayaker - and outfitters who cater to the tourist-types.  GoNorthwest has a pretty information-rich section and there are some outfitters with really great websites that list trips, times, dates & rates.  Check out San Juan Kayak Expeditions, Outdoor Odysseys, or Discovery Sea Kayaks.  Some operators offer day trips and some offer island exploration tours that range from 2  to 4-day adventures.  Prices seem to vary greatly - along with inclusions in each package.

I was advised to look for the Whal Watch Operators Association Northwest logo on any operator’s website.  This means the operator has agreed to adhere to proper wildlife viewing standards, provide trained naturalists, and promote responsible stewardship of the whale populations in the San Juan Islands.

While you’re in the area - lodging options are varied.  If you’re looking for deals try Friday Harbor and the Bird Rock Hotel.  They offer San Juan Island getaways packages that include kayaking, room & even a dining credit.  Check their website for details.  If you’d like something a bit more private - try a vacation rental from Windemere San Juan Island.

It’s a given you’re going to have an amazing time in the San Juans - and it looks like kayaking is the perfect way to experience the rich history, calm waters, dark forests and abundant wildlife.