Dewey Beach lies on a small strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay, is about one mile long and only two blocks wide. Despite its small size and low year-round population of about 300, it is not uncommon for 30,000 to descend upon the town during summer weekends. Numerous bars and rock clubs line Coastal Highway (Delaware Route 1), the town’s main street. Further down Coastal Highway is Ruddertowne, home to more bars and clubs. On summer nights, particularly on the weekends, Route 1 is choked with pedestrians as bargoers hop from one nightspot to another, backing up traffic for miles.

Dewey Beach is also a popular family resort spot, particularly because of its wide, sandy beaches, and many hotels, cottages, and condominiums may be found.

The town hosts the Dewey Beach Music Conference in the early fall. This event began in 2002 and has been a huge draw for unsigned bands from all over the country.

Another popular Dewey Beach event, which occurs every October is, Greyhounds Reach The Beach, where thousands of rescued greyhounds and their owners congregate.

Also, the town hosts the annual East Coast Skimboarding Championships, in mid-August.