Small, quiet park on the southern shore of Indian River Bay featuring the only pier on Delaware’s inland bays built specifically for crabbing. Offers bay beach access, picnic areas, and boat launch. Less crowded than ocean beaches.
Delaware Beaches
Delaware’s coastline combines 28 miles of Atlantic Ocean barrier beaches with calm inland bays (Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay, and Little Assawoman Bay) and Delaware Bay shorelines from Lewes north to Woodland Beach. Oceanfront destinations such as Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware Seashore State Park, and Fenwick Island State Park offer guarded summer swim zones, drive-on 4×4 surf-fishing areas (requiring an annual Delaware State Parks Surf Fishing Vehicle Permit and required rescue gear), and bathhouse facilities, while resort towns like Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Bethany Beach maintain metered parking or seasonal town parking permits from May through September. Delaware State Parks charge daily entrance fees per vehicle from May 1 through November 30, with lower rates for Delaware-registered vehicles than out-of-state plates. Visitors should check DNREC recreational water quality advisories, seasonal dog restrictions on boardwalks and guarded beaches, and tide tables before planning a trip. Use the search and activity filters below to compare Delaware beaches across the Atlantic Ocean coast, Delaware Bay, and the Inland Bays for guarded swimming, surf fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and camping. Visitors planning a summer beach day should review Delaware State Parks daily entrance fees (in effect May 1 through November 30), confirm 4×4 surf-fishing permit rules and off-peak reservation requirements, and check the DNREC Recreational Water Quality program for current swimming advisories.
Prime Hook Beach
Natural beach adjacent to Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge on Delaware Bay. Limited facilities with peaceful setting ideal for nature observation and fishing. Not ideal for swimming but offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
North Shores Beach
Semi-private beach in upscale residential community between Rehoboth Beach and Henlopen Acres. Features quieter atmosphere than neighboring public beaches. Limited public access with primarily resident use and some vacation rentals.
Coin Beach
Named for coins from shipwrecked vessels that wash ashore, located within Delaware Seashore State Park. Popular with metal detector enthusiasts and beachcombers. Less developed area with focus on natural beach experience.
Bowers Beach
Historic fishing village where the St. Jones and Murderkill Rivers meet Delaware Bay. Features maritime museum, fishing charters, and small public beach area. Known more for fishing, crabbing, and boating than swimming.
Pickering Beach
Small, natural beach on Delaware Bay known for horseshoe crab spawning and migratory shorebird habitat. Limited development with primarily residential surroundings. Not ideal for swimming but important ecological significance.
Beach Plum Island
Undeveloped barrier island nature preserve at the mouth of Broadkill River. Limited access with no facilities or lifeguards, offering truly natural beach experience. Popular for fishing and bird watching with minimal human impact.
Savannah Road Beach
Popular public beach on Delaware Bay in historic Lewes with calm, shallow waters ideal for families with young children. Features lifeguards in summer, nearby parking, restrooms, and food options. Close to downtown Lewes attractions.
Conquest Road Beach
Residential beach area north of Rehoboth Beach main town area. Less crowded with reduced commercial activity. Portions designated as dog-friendly beach during certain hours and seasons (check current regulations).
Faithful Steward Beach
Named for the 1785 shipwreck “Faithful Steward” carrying British coins, located within Delaware Seashore State Park. Coins occasionally still wash ashore after storms. Features standard park facilities with interesting historical significance.