Delaware may not be the biggest state in the union — but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to stunning stretches of shoreline. With some of the most scenic sections of the Atlantic seaboard to its name, Delaware is the perfect place to plan a beach day — or a whole beach vacation. Here are the ones you don’t want to miss.
Top Beaches in Delaware
Delaware Beaches
Slaughter Beach
It may have a dark name, but you’re sure to enjoy bright days at this beach. Think less bustling boardwalk and more quiet, serene nature adventure. It’s actually a designated sanctuary for horseshoe crabs and is the perfect place to get away from the crowds and enjoy some time bird watching or beachcombing. Do be aware that hermit crabs call these shallows home, so you’ll want to watch out for them when you’re wading.
Things to do near Slaughter Beach
The nearby town of the same name is small but sweet. However, it’s only half an hour away from the city of Dover, which may only have 40,000 residents but counts as a major metro in Delaware. It’s also an easy drive to Killens Pond State Park.
Broadkill Beach
Broadkill Beach has been a Delaware destination for a good, long time. Along with the stunning views and serene, sandy shoreline to relax on, Broadkill Beach also boasts plenty of wildlife. The animals here include shorebirds and horseshoe crabs. Amenities are limited, but there are a few port-a-potties available as well as a small convenience store with snacks and necessities.
Things to do near Broadkill Beach
Along with the lovely beachside, this area also offers access to lots of wilderness landside as well, such as the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge Great Marsh Preserve and the Great Marsh Preserve.
Lewes Beach
Easily one of the most recognizable names in the state of Delaware, Lewes Beach is a great destination for families traveling with young children. This is thanks in no small part to its gradual slope of soft sand and its gentle surf, which makes it easy for young ones to meander around in the water without putting themselves in danger. Concession shops and ice-cream stands within easy reach make this a classic summertime family getaway.
Things to do near Lewes Beach
Sandwiched in between venerable outdoor destinations like the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes Beach offers a great combination of indoorsy and outdoorsy fun to find.
Rehoboth Beach
Another uber-famous seascape, Rehoboth Beach is popular for a reason. Both a seashore and a town, Rehoboth is a classic summer getaway — the kind of place with a theme park right there along the water. The beach itself is known for its clear waters and clean sands. For these reasons (among others), it has become a popular destination for families on vacation.
Swimming, sunbathing and paddling are common pastimes, but you can also take a break to stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the many amenities that have sprouted up around this famous waterfront.
Things to do near Rehoboth Beach
If you’re visiting with the kids in tow, there’s no way you can avoid a trip to Funland — not that you’d want to. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a more laid back vacation experience, head inland to the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society, where you can learn more about the history of this unique area.
Dewey Beach
If you’re looking for the quintessential beach town, this is it. The village goes by the slogan, “Dewey Beach: A Way of Life,” and its water quality has been rated five stars. It does have a bit of a rowdy reputation, but if you’re looking for a quieter experience, there’s room for that too.
Come during the summertime to enjoy live music as well as orchestrated movie nights and bonfires, many of which are totally free to attend. You can also rent paddleboards, kayaks and other vessels nearby to take to the water.
Things to do near Dewey Beach
This seaside town is well-known for its thriving nightlife scene with plenty of bars offering live music and dancing. In the daytime, meander with the kids in tow through its cute shops and variety of eateries, or just lay back and enjoy the beach. You’re walking distance from Rehoboth Beach and Delaware Seashore State Park.
Delaware Seashore State Park
One of the most popular destinations in the state, full stop, Delaware Seashore State Park measures almost 3,000 acres and is surrounded on all sides by waterfront. In other words, if you’re looking for a beach, this place has got it in spades!
Along with its sheer natural beauty, this state park also offers history buffs some interest and intrigue. You see, in the late 1800s, it was used by the United States Lifesaving Service to respond to nearby shipwrecks. You can still visit the restored remains of the Indian River Life-Saving Station today, kept as it was in 1905.
Things to do near Delaware Seashore State Park
With six miles of coastline and plenty of hiking available, too, you probably won’t want to venture far from the state park itself. That said, if you do find yourself in need of some urban adventures, it’s a very short commute to the towns of Dewey Beach or Bethany Beach.
Holts Landing State Park
Just in case you need a break from Atlantic Ocean waterfronts, we offer this very worthy backup option. Off the beaten path, Holts Landing State Park is small, but beautiful, covering approximately 200 acres of land along the Indian River Bay. Offering both sandy beaches and forested hiking trails, the park also includes picnic areas and a crabbing pier for those looking to capture some dinner. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a slightly different Delaware beach experience.
Things to do near Holts Landing State Park
The state park backs up directly onto the Cripple Creek Golf and Country Club if you’re looking to grab your irons and try out your short game. Towns like Millsboro inland or Bethany Beach along the shore offer plenty of resources and recreational opportunities.
Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is a broad stretch of sand punctuated with grassy sand dunes, all overlooked by a wooden boardwalk just begging to be slowly strolled along. It pairs its stunning untouched natural landscape with plenty of convenient developed amenities, like foot-washing stations, nearby jet ski rentals, restaurants, ice cream stands, bicycle rentals and so much more.
Bethany Beach, as well as the final beach destination on our list, Fenwick, are known among locals as “The Quiet Resorts.” If you’re into the idea of a more serene, solitudinous vacation experience, this is the perfect option.
Things to do near Bethany Beach
The Chief Little Owl monument is worth a visit and a photo, and the famed Assawoman Wildlife Area is just a few miles further south.
Fenwick Island State Park
Encompassing about 350 acres of gorgeous shoreline, Fenwick Island State Park features designated surfing spots. This means you can hang ten without worrying about running over the kids paddling happily in the shallows or their parents swimming laps. Only minutes from the Maryland state border, this is the premier beach getaway in southern Delaware.
Things to do near Fenwick Island State Park
Honestly, in this part of the state, there are so many beaches strung together you could spend a lifetime sunbathing with ease. That said, if you’re looking to change it up, head inland and northward to forest destinations like Redden State Forest.
The Best Delaware Beaches for RVers
Cape Henlopen State Park
State parks are such incredible resources. Cape Henlopen State Park in particular is a stunner. So much so that it was first set aside as a public land as far back as 1682, making it one of the oldest places we’ve set aside for enjoyment and recreation in all of America.
Along with sunbathing and ocean swimming, this park is popular for boating and kayaking. It also offers hiking opporutnities. On top of all that, it has a unique Mobi-Mat system that makes the beach accessible to those in wheelchairs and power chairs.
Why This Beach is Perfect for RVers
The state park offers onsite camping, meaning you can park your Rv in the middle of the fun.
Things to do near Cape Henlopen State Park
What is today Cape Henlopen State Park was once a military base. This means the communities in this area are well-stocked with stores, restaurants, bars, entertainment, and other options to keep you busy. If you’re willing to take a short ride inland, Redden State Forest offers a tree-covered getaway.
Planning an RV Trip to Delaware
The best way to see Delaware beaches? Via RV, of course! Make sure to make time to see the best state parks and campgrounds in the state. You’ll also want to check out Dover and Wilmington while you’re there.
