Remote beach area within Milford Neck Wildlife Area on Delaware Bay. Limited facilities with natural setting ideal for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation. Part of important migratory bird habitat with minimal development.
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.
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.
Big Stone Beach
Remote, natural beach on Delaware Bay with limited development. Named for the stones along the shoreline rather than sand. Popular for fishing and bird watching with few facilities and minimal visitors. Primarily local usage.
Kitts Hummock Beach
Historic beach community on Delaware Bay dating to 1738, named for early settler. Important horseshoe crab spawning area and migratory bird habitat. Limited facilities with small, primarily residential community and natural beaches.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Historic state park with pristine beaches, hiking trails, and WWII observation towers. Features a fishing pier, bike trails, nature center, and Fort Miles Historical Area. Camping available with modern bath facilities and cabins.
Slaughter Beach
Designated horseshoe crab sanctuary and wildlife area on Delaware Bay. Not ideal for swimming but excellent for nature enthusiasts, bird watching, and fishing. Important habitat for migratory shorebirds with limited development.
Woodland Beach
Natural beach on Delaware Bay with 300-foot fishing pier and boat launch. Not recommended for swimming but excellent for fishing, crabbing, and wildlife observation. Features wildlife area and historic Woodland Beach Hotel ruins.