Nightlife

Sandwiched between the quiet family resorts of Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island to the south and Lewes to the north, Rehoboth and Dewey beaches offer the only consistent nightlife on the Delaware coast.

Clubs & Bars

Rehoboth Beach -- In summer, Irish Eyes, 52 Rehoboth Ave. (tel. 302/227-5758), schedules rock 'n roll on Thursdays and comedy acts on Monday nights. There's also a pool table and 16 TVs to catch all the football action in fall and winter. Music begins at 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays at Sea Breeze Restaurant & Bar, 15 Wilmington Ave. (tel. 302/227-0807; www.seabreezerb.com), with acts varying from rock to blues to folk. On winter weekends, expect jazz or an open mic. People also come for the 75 beers (including Fordham brews, produced by the previous owners) and hearty food.

Dewey Beach -- Dewey Beach's rocking nightlife revolves around two mainstays: the Rusty Rudder, 113 Dickinson St., on the bay (tel. 302/227-3888), and the Bottle & Cork, Highway 1 and Dagsworthy Street (tel. 302/227-7272). The crowd tends to be 20- to 35-year-olds looking to party. The Rudder holds deck parties and has occasional bands or other activities; the cover varies. The Bottle & Cork, open only in spring and summer, is a surprisingly large rock club that hosts both local and nationally known bands; the cover varies. When Better Than Ezra or They Might Be Giants is in the house, expect a big crowd.

The Starboard, 2009 Hwy. 1 (tel. 302/227-4600; www.thestarboard.com), is usually crowded with young people. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in summer -- the bloody marys are famous. Go to the website for special events.

Gay & Lesbian Rehoboth

A number of Rehoboth nightspots cater to a GLBT clientele. Partners Bistro and Piano Bar, 404 Rehoboth Ave. (tel. 302/226-0207; www.partners-bistro.com), may be new in town, but their brunch has won accolades and their piano bar gets people singing. The Blue Moon, 35 Baltimore Ave. (tel. 302/227-6515), has a happy hour popular with the men. Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave. (tel. 302/226-2739), is primarily straight but draws a mixed crowd for its beer and live entertainment. Dancing's the thing at Purple Parrot, 134 Rehoboth Ave. (tel. 302/226-1139). A lesbian crowd goes to the Frogg Pond, 3 S. First St. (tel. 302/227-2234).

The Performing Arts

The newly rebuilt open-air Rehoboth Beach Memorial Bandstand, at Rehoboth Avenue and the boardwalk (tel. 302/227-2233), hosts more than 40 free concerts and other events on summer weekends, starting at 8pm. Check with the visitors' center for an up-to-date schedule.

The Henlopen Theater Project (tel. 302/226-4103; www.henlopentheaterproject.com) is a professional Equity group that offers a season of musical and nonmusical productions throughout the year. Check the website for upcoming productions.