Delaware may be a small state, but it’s packed with some of the best beaches on the East Coast. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly shores, vibrant beach towns, peaceful coastal retreats, or outdoor adventures, Delaware has a beach for every kind of traveler.
With pristine sands, calm bays, lively boardwalks, and state parks filled with wildlife, Delaware’s coastline is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Here are the 10 best beaches in Delaware for your next seaside getaway.
1. Cape Henlopen State Park – A Perfect Blend of History and Nature
Location: Lewes, DE
Cape Henlopen State Park is more than just a beach—it’s a historic, scenic, and adventure-filled coastal escape. This stunning park offers six miles of picturesque shoreline, making it one of the most diverse and exciting beach destinations in Delaware. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, outdoor activities, or history, Cape Henlopen has it all.
One of the park’s standout features is the World War II-era Fire Control Tower, a historic structure that once served as a coastal defense lookout. Visitors can climb to the top for incredible panoramic views of the coastline and ocean. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the Fort Miles Historic Area, which showcases bunkers, cannons, and other relics from World War II.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the hiking and biking trails, many of which wind through dunes, maritime forests, and salt marshes. The fishing pier is open 24/7 year-round, making it a great spot for catching striped bass, flounder, and bluefish. For a more active day, visitors can kayak, paddleboard, or surf in designated areas, while those looking for a slower pace can relax on the sandy shores and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets over Delaware Bay.
With plenty of picnic spots, a nature center, and on-site amenities, Cape Henlopen is a must-visit beach for families, history lovers, and adventure seekers alike.
2. Rehoboth Beach – The Best Boardwalk Beach Experience
Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE
If you’re looking for a classic East Coast beach experience, Rehoboth Beach is the perfect destination. Known for its pristine sandy shores, exciting boardwalk, and family-friendly attractions, this beach is one of Delaware’s most popular coastal getaways.
The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk stretches a mile along the shoreline, featuring arcades, amusement rides, boutique shops, and fantastic seafood restaurants. Families will love visiting Funland, a vintage-style amusement park offering roller coasters, bumper cars, and carnival games just steps from the ocean. The boardwalk is also home to local ice cream parlors, saltwater taffy shops, and waterfront bars, making it a lively place to explore day or night.
For beachgoers looking to unwind and soak up the sun, Rehoboth Beach offers plenty of space for swimming, bodyboarding, and sandcastle building. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a surf lesson or rent a paddleboard to explore the gentle waves. The beach is known for its clean and well-maintained shoreline, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months for added safety.
As the sun sets, the town comes alive with live music, art festivals, and delicious seafood spots. Whether you’re taking a romantic walk along the boardwalk, catching an outdoor concert, or enjoying a famous Dogfish Head beer, Rehoboth Beach delivers an unforgettable beach experience.
3. Delaware Seashore State Park – Adventure on the Coast
Location: Between Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach, DE
For thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, Delaware Seashore State Park offers one of the most diverse coastal experiences in the state. Located along both the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay, this park is ideal for water sports, fishing, and nature exploration.
One of the park’s most iconic landmarks is the Indian River Inlet Bridge, a stunning architectural structure that provides incredible sunrise and sunset views over the water. Visitors can take a scenic walk across the bridge or stop at designated areas for fishing and photography.
For those who love surfing, the North Inlet Day Area offers some of the best waves in Delaware, attracting surfers of all skill levels. Anglers will appreciate the rocky jetties and fishing pier, where they can catch a variety of fish, including striped bass and flounder.
Beyond the beach, visitors can explore hiking and biking trails, kayak through peaceful estuaries, or visit the Life-Saving Station Museum, which shares fascinating stories about early Coast Guard efforts to protect shipwrecked sailors. With camping facilities, picnic areas, and watercraft rentals, Delaware Seashore State Park is a top destination for outdoor adventure lovers.
4. Bethany Beach – The Perfect Family Escape
Location: Bethany Beach, DE
For those looking for a peaceful and family-friendly alternative to Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach is the perfect destination. Known for its clean and quiet shoreline, charming small-town atmosphere, and safe swimming conditions, this beach is ideal for those who want to relax without the crowds.
The Bethany Beach Boardwalk is smaller and more laid-back than Rehoboth’s, but it still offers plenty of unique shops, ice cream parlors, and oceanfront cafés. Families can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy a classic beachside picnic, or catch one of the town’s free summer concerts and outdoor movie nights.
Bethany Beach is also a great spot for paddleboarding and kayaking, thanks to its calm bay waters and gentle ocean waves. For those who prefer land-based activities, the town offers bike rentals, hiking trails, and nearby golf courses.
For food lovers, Bluecoast Seafood Grill is a local favorite, serving some of Delaware’s freshest seafood with stunning ocean views. With lifeguard-supervised swimming areas, well-maintained beach facilities, and a relaxing atmosphere, Bethany Beach is one of the best places in Delaware for a stress-free coastal retreat.
5. Lewes Beach – Calm Waters for Families and Paddlers
Location: Lewes, DE
Located at the point where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Lewes Beach is a calm, family-friendly destination that is perfect for those who prefer gentle waters and a quieter beach experience.
Unlike the ocean-facing beaches, Lewes Beach is protected from strong waves, making it a great choice for families with young children. The shallow, warm waters provide a safe and enjoyable swimming area, while the soft sands are ideal for sunbathing, beachcombing, and sandcastle building.
One of the highlights of Lewes Beach is its proximity to Cape Henlopen State Park, where visitors can explore scenic trails, historic sites, and wildlife preserves. Kayakers and paddleboarders will love exploring the calm waters of Delaware Bay, while fishing enthusiasts can cast a line from the shore or book a local fishing charter.
Beyond the beach, Lewes is a town rich in history and charm. Founded in 1631, it’s one of the oldest towns in the U.S., with colonial-era buildings, maritime museums, and quaint streets filled with boutique shops and waterfront dining. History lovers can visit the Zwaanendael Museum, which showcases the town’s Dutch heritage, or take a tour of the historic Lewes Lighthouse.
For those looking for a unique experience, visitors can take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry to New Jersey for a day trip filled with stunning ocean views and fun coastal activities. With its relaxed atmosphere, historic charm, and stunning bayfront views, Lewes Beach is a top pick for families, history buffs, and those seeking a peaceful retreat by the water.
6. Dewey Beach – A Vibrant Beach Town with Exciting Nightlife
Location: Dewey Beach, DE
For travelers seeking a mix of beach relaxation and energetic nightlife, Dewey Beach is the place to be. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay, this beach town is known for thrilling water activities, live music, and a lively atmosphere that lasts from day to night.
During the day, visitors can enjoy jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, and boating, while sunbathers soak up the rays on the wide sandy shoreline. The calm waters of Rehoboth Bay make it a perfect location for beginners looking to try kayaking or paddleboarding, and the town’s numerous rental shops make it easy to get started.
At night, Dewey Beach transforms into a party hotspot with a legendary nightlife scene. Popular venues like The Starboard and Bottle & Cork feature live bands, DJs, and exciting themed events, making this the perfect destination for those who love dancing, socializing, and enjoying beachfront cocktails. With beachfront restaurants, seafood shacks, and lively boardwalk-style attractions, Dewey Beach is a top pick for young travelers and those looking for a more vibrant coastal experience.
7. Fenwick Island State Park – A Peaceful and Scenic Beach
Location: Fenwick Island, DE
For those looking to escape the crowds of Rehoboth and Dewey Beach, Fenwick Island State Park offers three miles of quiet, unspoiled coastline perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. This beach is one of the most peaceful in Delaware, with soft sands, crystal-clear waters, and stunning ocean views.
A unique feature of Fenwick Island is its historical WWII-era fire control tower, a reminder of the area’s past military significance. Visitors can take a moment to learn about the beach’s wartime history while enjoying the pristine natural beauty surrounding them.
The park also offers excellent opportunities for water sports, with kayaking and paddleboarding in Little Assawoman Bay, as well as surfing and fishing areas along the Atlantic coastline. Unlike some of Delaware’s other beaches, Fenwick Island is less commercialized, meaning visitors can truly unwind in a serene, nature-focused environment. With ADA-accessible walkways, a snack bar, and on-site changing facilities, this beach is welcoming to all visitors looking for a peaceful coastal retreat.
8. Slaughter Beach – A Wildlife Haven
Location: Slaughter Beach, DE
Despite its eerie name, Slaughter Beach is one of the most unique beaches in Delaware, attracting nature lovers, birdwatchers, and marine wildlife enthusiasts. Located along the Delaware Bay, this secluded beach is best known for its large population of horseshoe crabs, which come ashore in massive numbers during the spring and early summer mating season. This event draws scientists, conservationists, and curious visitors who come to witness this natural spectacle.
In addition to the horseshoe crabs, Slaughter Beach is a paradise for birdwatchers, as the surrounding marshes and dunes provide a habitat for shorebirds, osprey, herons, and even monarch butterflies during their seasonal migrations. If you enjoy quiet beaches, long walks, and exploring untouched coastal environments, this beach is a perfect escape from the busier resort areas.
While Slaughter Beach is not ideal for swimming due to its muddy seabed and abundant wildlife, it’s a fantastic spot for relaxing, beachcombing, and photography. If you’re looking for a tranquil and nature-focused beach experience, this hidden gem should be at the top of your list.
9. Broadkill Beach – A Secluded Getaway Surrounded by Nature
Location: Broadkill Beach, DE
For travelers seeking a truly peaceful and remote beach experience, Broadkill Beach is one of Delaware’s best-kept secrets. Located along the Delaware Bay, this quiet beach offers stunning natural scenery, soft white sands, and a lack of commercial development, making it ideal for those who love solitude and tranquility.
One of Broadkill Beach’s biggest draws is its proximity to the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area home to migratory birds, native plants, and saltwater marshes. This makes it a great place for birdwatching, nature photography, and eco-tourism.
Since Broadkill Beach is not as developed as other Delaware beaches, there are limited facilities—so visitors should bring their own food, water, and supplies for a day at the beach. However, this remoteness is exactly what makes it so appealing for those looking to escape the crowds.
If you’re someone who enjoys long walks along the shore, peaceful sunset views, and quiet moments in nature, Broadkill Beach offers a perfect retreat away from the hustle and bustle of busier beach towns.
10. Woodland Beach – A Hidden Gem of the Delaware Coastline
Location: Smyrna, DE
Tucked away in the town of Smyrna, Woodland Beach is a hidden treasure for those who appreciate natural beauty and solitude. Unlike the more developed and commercialized beaches in Delaware, Woodland Beach retains its wild, untouched charm, offering visitors a peaceful retreat along the Atlantic shoreline.
Surrounded by tall grasses and open dunes, this beach provides a serene atmosphere for long walks, shell collecting, and nature photography. The views of the ocean are breathtaking, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the golden hues of the sky reflect beautifully on the water.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Woodland Beach is its seasonal transformation. In the summer, it’s warm and inviting, while in the winter, it can be dusted with snow, creating a rare and stunning contrast of sand, sea, and frost. Whether you’re visiting in warm weather or during the cooler months, Woodland Beach offers a unique and picturesque escape.
Because it is less commercialized, visitors should come prepared with their own supplies, as there are no nearby restaurants or shops. However, this seclusion makes Woodland Beach a peaceful haven for those looking to relax away from crowds and enjoy Delaware’s coastline in its purest form.
Final Thoughts
Delaware’s coastline is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful beaches on the East Coast. Whether you’re looking for a lively boardwalk scene, a peaceful nature retreat, or an exciting water sports destination, these 10 stunning beaches offer something for everyone.
Start planning your Delaware beach getaway with Go Explorefy, and discover why the First State’s coastline is one of the East Coast’s best-kept secrets!