The Most Popular Beaches in Coastal Delaware
Southern Delaware has over 25 miles of coastline that stretches along the Atlantic Ocean. With soothing sandy shores, America's second-smallest state is home to some of the most breathtaking beachfronts. Some of Delaware's most prized tourist attractions include Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Lewes Beach, Dewey Beach and Fenwick Island.
While the popular beaches in coastal Delaware attract sun-loving travelers from neighboring states and around the globe, each beach town has a unique charm. Aside from soaking up the sun, boating, surfing, jet-skiing and other beachfront activities, you can also venture beyond the beach and indulge in fine dining experiences, stroll down the boardwalk, visit an amusement park or admire the historic mansions and old churches.
Whether you're traveling solo, with family or friends, you can choose from several beach towns. Rehoboth and Bethany Beaches are vibrant tourist hotspots that are perfect for family and couple vacations, while the array of state parks and smaller town beaches are best for travelers after more of a secluded getaway.
Let's take a closer look at the most popular coastal Delaware beaches and what each has to offer so that you can choose the best destination.
Best Beaches in Delaware for Families
If you're traveling with your family, choosing a coastal destination that can accommodate your children is essential. While all of Delaware's beaches are exceptionally clean and safe, some offer more for children than others.
Lewes Beach
Lewes Beach boasts some of the most welcoming and soothing waters, perfect for toddlers and young children. The cape-like curve of the shores here ensures parents and their little ones a safe seaside experience. Some child-friendly activities in Lewes Beach include:
Paddleboarding
Bird watching
Rehoboth Beach
The nation's Summer Capital, Rehoboth Beach, is another excellent option for families. The beach's boardwalk has restaurants, hotels, shops and amusement spaces. These family-friendly experiences are waiting for you in Rehoboth Beach:
Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is much less commercial than Rehoboth Beach, although the destination still focuses on family. Even though this beachfront offers more of a secluded experience, popular activities for children include banana boat rides and Arnie's Playland,
Lewes Beach, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach are top-rated Delaware destinations for families.
Best Delaware Beaches for Couples
Couples traveling to Delaware might prefer more secluded beaches with a peaceful atmosphere. Delaware is home to a few quiet beaches perfect for romantic couple getaways.
Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is located about 13 miles from Rehoboth Beach. This serene beach town is perfect for a relaxing getaway filled with fine dining and boardwalk strolls. Bethany Beach is a quiet resort with a welcoming atmosphere and calm ocean waters.
Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island is a beachfront town that combines a traditional seaside experience with a scenic state park. You can spend your days sunbathing on the white sandy shores or tour the eco-dunes. Fenwick Island offers a serene getaway that's perfect if you're after a secluded experience to relax and recharge.
Slaughter Beach
Slaughter Beach is another excellent destination for couples. This secluded seaside sanctuary is ideal for a restful vacation. The horseshoe crab sanctuary here attracts an extensive population of birds and other wildlife, and the white sand and sparkling waters create the perfect environment to recharge and unwind.
Dewey Beach
Dewey Beach is nestled between Rehoboth Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It offers a lively social experience. There are many festivals and other events happening here — jet-skiing, boating and kayaking are just some fun activities you can enjoy at Dewey Beach.
Bethany Beach, Slaughter Beach, Fenwick Island and Dewey Beach are the ideal destinations for couples after a secluded experience.
Beaches in Delaware With a Boardwalk
With five main beach towns in Delaware, four have boardwalks:
Rehoboth Beach: This beach is home to an iconic mile-long boardwalk considered the best in Delaware. Along this boardwalk, you'll find tons of fine-dining restaurants serving decadent seafood cuisine, Thompson Island Craft Brewing, the iconic Chocolate Festival and ice cream parlors.
Bethany Beach: Bethany Beach boasts a 38-mile-long boardwalk — long enough to enjoy a leisurely stroll or walk your dog. The boardwalk is also home to quite a few pizzerias, restaurants, kite stores and other shops.
Fenwick Island: On Fenwick Island, you will find the Viking Golf boardwalk and shopping center. Although this boardwalk is not on the beach, it is a short distance away and offers all the classics, including popcorn, ice cream, an arcade and mini golf.
Lewes Beach: In Lewes Beach, Gordon Pond is a stunning boardwalk, although it does not offer shops, entertainment or fine dining experiences like the others.
Rehoboth and Bethany Beach offer the best boardwalks in the coastal region. But which boardwalk is better, Rehoboth Beach or Bethany Beach? While both are unarguably stunning, Rehoboth Beach is the better option for families looking for wholesome experiences, while Bethany Beach is perfect for couples who want a relaxing vacation.
Delaware Beach Towns
While the coastline is the main attraction for tourists, beach towns offer various amenities, like eateries, accommodations and entertainment options, that make memorable vacations possible. Each coastal town offers a different atmosphere.
Beyond the five primary beach towns — Lewes Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach and Dewey Beach — these Delaware towns are also popular destinations for travelers:
Wilmington: Packed with various markets, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants, the Riverfront in Wilmington is a must-see area in coastal Delaware.
Millsboro: Millsboro is located just 15 miles from the coast. This beach town offers travelers endless eating options, including seafood grills, pizzerias, breweries and a French bistro.
Bowers: This beautiful beach town is home to the Bowers Beach Maritime Museum, the Fourteen Foot Bank Lighthouse and many charming taverns. This small town in Kent County is part of Dover.
New Castle: In this Delaware beach town, you'll find the New Castle Farmers Market, the Dutch House Museum and Gardens and many parks, including Battery Park.
Just outside of Delaware, two other enchanting beach towns that attract countless tourists every year:
Ocean City: Located south of Fenwick Island, Ocean City, Maryland, is a charming seaside town with a lively boardwalk, tons of watersports and an impressive selection of eateries and entertainment.
Assateague Island: This beach town is a 37-mile-long region south of Delaware that stretches off Maryland's eastern coast. You'll find beautiful beaches, many birds and oceanfront camping experiences waiting for you here.
Delaware Beach Hotels
From short-term rentals to hotels and motels, you'll find it pretty easy to find accommodation in Delaware. When it comes to finding the right place to stay that meets your budget and preferences, it's best to use comparison platforms to find accommodations in your price range. These platforms make it easy to filter for amenities to ensure you can find the best beach hotel while soaking up the summer sun. It's also a good idea to read accommodation reviews and check cancellation and refund terms before booking.
Visit Thompson Island Brewing On Your Next Delaware Getaway
During your Delaware getaway in Rehoboth Beach, visit Thompson Island Brewing to indulge in the mouth-watering local cuisine. Sip on craft beers and explore the beer garden and scenic beach experience. Check out our brewery events calendar to see what will be happening when you're in town.
Thompson Island Brewing is a family-friendly restaurant that is easy to get to and has lots of free parking. Regardless of where you stay in Coastal Delaware, visit Thompson Island Brewing for a memorable dining experience.