Summary
Situated in the north-eastern part of the United States, Delaware is recognized as the sixth most populous state and is often referred to as ‘The First State’. The state is divided into three counties: Sussex, Kent, and New Castle.
The coastline of Delaware was explored by Europeans in the 16th century. The state, named after the river of the same designation, is conveniently accessible via flights, trains, and buses.
One of Delaware’s most notable features is the absence of a sales tax, allowing visitors to enjoy shopping without significant financial concern.
While the residents generally speak with an American English accent, southern accents may be encountered in the southern regions.
Now, let us delve into the aspects you are most interested in—the top 10 beaches in Delaware.
1. Broadkill Beach
Positioned in Sussex County, Delaware, Broadkill Beach serves as a highly favored beach destination. Although there is a significant population of year-round residents, the community predominantly consists of vacation rentals including hotels and resorts. Holiday homes are available for weekly, monthly, and long-term leases during the peak tourism seasons of spring, summer, and fall.
The beach gained popularity during a replenishment initiative in 2016, which resulted in the addition of a large new dune.
Visitors can partake in various beachside activities such as swimming, surf fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Due to its popularity among tourists, finding parking may be challenging unless you arrive early in the day.
The Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is situated to the west of the beach, offering intriguing opportunities for nature and wildlife enthusiasts to explore the diverse tropical flora and fauna of the area.
Food and beverage stands are readily available throughout the beach for refreshments.
2. Lewes Beach
Adjacent to Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, located in Sussex County, is rapidly emerging as Delaware’s primary Cape Region. The town takes pride in its designation as ‘The First Town in the First State’.
Highly sought after by residents of Washington D.C., Lewes is recognized as a premier vacation destination and ocean resort.
Smoking is strictly prohibited in public parks.
Home to the renowned Zwaanendael Museum, the principal streets of this beach town are filled with restaurants, shops, historical landmarks, and public parks. A dock extends from the beach to the neighboring Rehoboth Beach, offering excellent views of the sea and an opportunity to observe numerous boats that dock here during the season.
The area is ideal for swimming and paddling, and visitors may also catch sight of the iconic Delaware Breakwater East End Light and Harbor of Refuge Light lighthouses.
3. Cape Henlopen State Park
Located at Cape Henlopen, the State Park Beach is among the first beaches available for public use. The park features a fishing pier and a campground that is open year-round, 24 hours a day.
The beach at Cape Henlopen is likewise open year-round for swimming, with lifeguards present from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A bathhouse equipped with shower facilities and changing rooms is available by the beach, along with a snack bar located at the northern end of the shoreline.
A large pavilion and a clubhouse that can be rented for gatherings are available. Additional activities and amenities in the area include basketball courts, a golf course, hunting (only in designated areas during the season), fishing, and hiking trails.
The Seaside Nature Centre contains marine aquariums and displays that illustrate the park’s natural history.
4. Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island is a popular coastal town located in the region of the same name. Alongside Bethany Beach and South Bethany Beach, they are collectively referred to as “The Quiet Resorts.”
While it may be slightly less tranquil than its counterparts, Fenwick is renowned for its vibrant oceanside atmosphere and natural scenery. Named after Thomas Fenwick, the town occupies a narrow peninsula.
The Fenwick Island Lighthouse, constructed in 1858, stands prominently within the bustling beach community. Although visitors may access the base, which accommodates a small museum, climbing is not permitted.
The coastline is dotted with various restaurants and shops.
The beach welcomes activities such as surfing, surf fishing, and swimming throughout the year. Lifeguards monitor the beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day, while a bathhouse, gift shop, and concessions are also available.
5. South Bethany Beach
Conceived as one of Delaware’s best-kept secrets, South Bethany Beach is a charming beach town with a population of about 500 residents. This coastal community is recognized as a destination conducive to creating lasting summer memories.
Benefiting from its proximity to both the ocean and a bay, South Bethany Beach is particularly appealing to families. In stark contrast to the atmospheres of Rehoboth and Dewey Beach, South Bethany offers an environment suitable for renting a holiday home for an extended period, allowing visitors to enjoy fishing on the bay and savoring sumptuous crab and fish dishes in the evenings.
Additional amenities in the vicinity include restaurants, shopping avenues, and a golf course.
6. Bethany Beach
The acclaim of Bethany Beach amongst vacationers from around the globe is evident each year as over 15,000 tourists flock to the area for summer vacations, contrasted with the town’s actual population of approximately 1,000 residents.
Bethany Beach’s esteemed reputation as one of the three destinations comprising “The Quiet Resort” is further enhanced by the proximity of Delaware Seashore State Park, located to the north of the town.
Despite its smaller size, the beach boasts various public amenities and attractions akin to larger beach destinations within the state. Facilities and attractions include restaurants, motels, a brief boardwalk, and numerous vacation homes.
The beach area is monitored by Bethany Beach Patrol Lifeguards throughout the year.
7. Delaware Seashore State Park
Located near Dewey Beach, Delaware Seashore State Park is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay to the west. A significant draw for hundreds of visitors, the beach waters are renowned for a variety of water-based activities.
Established in 1965, the State Park features a six-mile-long coastline. Two designated areas are available for swimming and sunbathing, equipped with changing rooms, showers, restrooms, rental facilities for chairs, umbrellas, and rafts, as well as concession stands.
Activities such as fishing, boating, surf fishing, sailing, clamming, and crabbing are commonly enjoyed in this park.
Within the park are two picnic pavilions as well as a nature trail offering stunning views of bay islands and salt marshes.
8. Dewey Beach
A beach community that embraces the motto “Dewey Beach: A Way of Life,” Dewey Beach has achieved recognition from the NRDC for its water quality. While known for its lively atmosphere among partygoers, it equally attracts families.
Dewey Beach features a wide sandy beach complemented by a variety of beach hotels, cottages, and condominiums available for short and long-term rentals.
At the end of September, the beach town hosts the Dewey Beach Music Conference, along with notable events such as the Greyhounds Reach and the annual East Coast Skim-Boarding Championships.
Dewey Beach is situated between Rehoboth Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, just a short walk from Rehoboth Beach.
Visitors can engage in activities like kayaking, walking trails, nature cruises, surfing, sailing, and exploring neighboring state parks.
9. Rehoboth Beach
Another coastal treasure in Sussex County, Delaware, Rehoboth Beach frequently claims the title of “The Nation’s Summer Capital” due to the influx of numerous tourists who arrive from across the United States.
This beach is also recognized as one of the most gay-friendly beach towns on the mid-Atlantic coast, featuring various gay-owned businesses.
The one-and-a-half-mile stretch of shoreline is diligently supervised by lifeguards during the season. Throughout summer, the bandstand at the boardwalk hosts continuous free outdoor music and entertainment events.
Prominent festivals such as the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, the Sea Witch Festival, and the Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival are celebrated annually in the town.
10. Slaughter Beach
Founded in 1681, Slaughter Beach, despite its somewhat harsh name, serves as the home for the Milford Neck Wildlife Area, making it an excellent site for beachgoers and birdwatchers alike. It also functions as a sanctuary for horseshoe crabs.
This area is particularly popular among year-round residents as well as individuals seeking to escape the fast pace of daily life and enjoy the serenity of a peaceful coastline.
Beachcombing is a favored activity here, although visitors should exercise caution when wading in the ocean, as the seafloor is inhabited by several hermit crabs.
The beach features a rocky terrain, necessitating careful navigation when entering the water.
Ample parking is available in the vicinity, alongside several public amenities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
