When you first move to Newark, Delaware, not many people think about beach life.

It's a quiet college town with the University of Delaware, and it's located inland on the map.

However, after a few months of living here, you discover an unexpected advantage.

The ocean is closer than you might think.

Since Delaware is a small state, if you drive south from Newark, you can reach the beach in about an hour and a half to two hours. Compared to thinking about a trip to the East Coast from Seoul on a Saturday morning, it might feel less burdensome. So, in the summer, it's possible to leave early in the morning, enjoy the beach, and return home in the evening.

The most famous spot is definitely Rehoboth Beach. For Delawareans, it's considered a quintessential summer vacation destination. The sandy beach is nice, but there's also a boardwalk along the shore that makes for a fun stroll and sightseeing. You can walk with an ice cream in hand, go into a restaurant for a meal, browse shops, and then head back to the beach.

However, if you leave late on a weekend in July or August, the story changes. You realize on the road that everyone else had the same idea as you. Traffic builds up, and parking becomes a hassle. So, it's best to leave Newark early in the morning on summer weekends. In May or September, the atmosphere is much more relaxed.

If you dislike crowded places, Lewes is also a good option. It's a quieter beach town that's great for families. There's an old downtown area, making it a nice spot for a day trip rather than just going to the beach and coming back.

If you combine it with a visit to Cape Henlopen State Park nearby, it's even more enjoyable. You can enjoy natural beach scenery and walking trails, which might appeal more to nature lovers than a commercial boardwalk. The state park has an entrance fee for vehicles, so if you plan to visit often, considering an annual pass might be a good idea.

If you want to have a more proper outing, there's also Ocean City in Maryland. Depending on traffic, it takes about two hours from Newark, but it has a much more touristy vibe than Rehoboth.

With a long boardwalk, amusement facilities, and plenty of restaurants and hotels, it's great for families with kids to spend a night or two. On the other hand, for someone who wants to read a book on a quiet beach, it might feel overwhelming.

The issue is definitely summer traffic. It seems that Americans also think about the beach on Saturday mornings. During peak season, traffic can build up on Route 1, so if you think, "It's only a two-hour drive," and leave leisurely at 10 AM, you might end up having lunch in the car.

So, for our family, it's better to prepare the cooler the day before and leave early in the morning. Packing water, fruit, sandwiches, beach towels, and sunscreen makes for a fulfilling day.

Newark may not be a bustling city with many attractions like New York or Philadelphia, but that's part of the fun of living in a small state. During the week, you can enjoy a quiet life in a college town, and on summer weekends, you can drive down to the Atlantic beaches.

In the morning, I had coffee at home in Newark, and by lunchtime, I was enjoying crab dishes at the beach.

When you think about it, Delaware is quite an interesting place.