Looking for Delaware Seashore State Park area hotels? Delaware Seashore State Park is known for its water adventures and attractions. Enjoy surfing to sunbathing, within its miles of ocean coastline, and the view of Rehoboth and the Indian River Bay. Delaware Seashore State Park boasts six miles of ocean and 20 miles of bay shoreline. The Indian River Inlet connects the Indian River and Rehoboth Bays with the Atlantic Ocean and is the center of the park’s many activities. A beach lies on either side of the inlet, welcoming anglers and beach goers who stay for the day or overnight at the park’s waterfront campground and cottages. Continue reading our guide to find and plan your vacation at the Best Hotels Near Lewes Beach Delaware. You can also visit the best Delaware Beaches Here.
Delaware Seashore State Park Weather – When to Visit
Summer is the most popular season, and for a good reason. From May through August, the temperatures are idyllic, usually remaining in the mid- to upper 80s. This is when the crowds come to play along the Delaware seashore. Vacation rental and hotel rates are at their highest, though you might say you get what you pay for. If you decide to visit during the summer, you’ll still want to bring layers, as nighttime temperatures can get into the low 70s and upper 60s.
Post-Labor Day weekend, the crowds begin to thin out and the fall temperatures will be between the upper 50s to upper 70s. This is the time to capitalize on lower hotel rates, though some attractions in the area close or reduce their hours outside of the summer season. However, visitors can still soak up the immense array of outdoor activities that the area has to offer.
Best Delaware Seashore State Park Area Beaches
Cape Henlopen
This swimming beach provides lifeguard patrols between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Umbrellas can be rented during the summer. The swimming area also features a modern bath house with showers, changing rooms, and a food concession. Mobi-Mat equipment, consisting of three 30-foot mats allowing those in wheelchairs and power chairs to access the beach from the boardwalk, is also available at this location.
Delaware Seashore
The main attraction for many visitors is swimming and sunbathing along the park’s spectacular beaches. Two ocean swimming areas feature modern bathhouses with showers and changing rooms. Lifeguards patrol the beaches from 9 am to 5 pm daily between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Snack foods are available at the bathhouses, and umbrellas, chairs, and rafts can be rented on the beach. Mobi-Mat equipment is also available here.
Fenwick Island
The white sand beaches gradually slope into the Atlantic, creating a broad swimming area. Lifeguards patrol the swimming beach daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. One of the newest features at the park is the modern bathhouse, which offers convenient showers and changing rooms, a gift shop, and a snack food concession. During the summer months, umbrellas, chairs, and rafts may be rented on the beach. Mobi-Mat equipment is also available here.
Best Delaware Seashore State Park Area Tours & Activities
Evening Dolphin Paddle Board Excursion on Delaware Bay
This guided paddleboarding excursion offers a unique way to experience the sunset on the Delaware Bay. After receiving instruction and being outfitted with safety gear, you’ll take to the waters for this evening tour, which may include a glimpse of the Kalmar Nyckel replica ship and dolphin spotting. Depending on the tide and wind conditions, excursions may be conducted on the calmer Broadkill River in nearby Milton, DE. Learn more about the Dolphin Paddle Board Excursion on Delaware Bay.
Tandem Kayak Rental in Rehoboth Bay
Active travelers will want to paddle around Rehoboth Bay with this 2-person, tandem kayak rental option. Glide through the waters as you take in the scenic landscape and spot the local wildlife. The calm bay is suited for beginner and experienced kayakers. Paddles and lifejackets are provided, and tips for first-timers are also offered. Learn more about the Tandem Kayak Rental in Rehoboth Bay.
Evening Kayak Excursion – Rehoboth Bay
Learn the basics of kayaking with an ACA Certified Kayak Instructor while enjoying an evening 75 minute guided kayak excursion on the Rehoboth Bay. Paddle along the shallow waterways while birds soar above. Look for Osprey, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron and Bald Eagles that frequent the area. Paddle next to Thompson Island, where ancient burial grounds are protected by the state park. Soak up the evening sun and feel the breeze on your skin as you paddle along on this excursion designed for beginners or recreational experiences. Sunset excursions tend to be cooler than daytime excursions in the summer. Learn more about the Evening Kayak Excursion on Rehoboth Bay.
2-Hour Paddleboard Rental in Rehoboth Bay
Make your own adventure with this stand-up paddleboard rental in Rehoboth Bay. Whether you are brand-new to the sport or an experienced paddler, you’ll enjoy cruising on the calm water of the bay and taking in sights of the local wildlife. This rental option is perfect for independent travelers. Learn more about the 2-Hour Paddleboard Rental in Rehoboth Bay
1-Hour Parasailing Adventure in Dewey Beach
Parasailing is a MUST DO if you are visiting the Delaware Beaches! Come fly with us and experience the views of a lifetime along the beautiful Delaware Shore! We run trips every hour, and each group flies approximately 8-10 minutes. Learn more about the 1-Hour Parasailing Adventure in Dewey Beach.
Best Restaurants Near the Delaware Seashore State Park
The Lighthouse $11 – 30
Step into The Lighthouse for the classic Dewey Beach experience and the best sunsets. Whether you’re looking for Dewey’s best Raw Bar, Sports Bar, their famous Orange Crush or just great seafood-inspired pub food, there’s something for everybody at The Lighthouse. Menu Telephone: 302-226-1680 Web: The Lighthouse
Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill $11 – 30
Woody’s Dewey Beach has been serving the best crab cakes and burgers at the beach since 2009. Stop by and sample their menu – from homemade chips to the best authentic crab cake around, and check out their daily specials and events. Menu Telephone: 302-260-9945 Web: Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill
MezCali Taquería Y Mezcal Bar $11 – 30
Mezcali Taquería is a California inspired Taquería and Mezcal bar serving tacos, small plates, entrees, and delicious cocktails in a casual setting. Menu Telephone: 302-260-9017 Web: MezCali Taqueria Y Mezcal Bar
Nalu $11 – 30
Nalu is an open air family restaurant with a pacific island fusion cuisine. Nalu serves up high quality ingredients from sashimi grade fish to Wagyu Beef in its fun upbeat island atmosphere. Menu Telephone: 302-227-1449 Web: Nalu
Rusty Rudder $11 – 30
Waterfront restaurant with outdoor deck and entertainment. Dining inside or out. Beautiful sunsets. Menu Telephone: 302-227-3888 Web: Rusty Rudder
I haven’t been to Delaware Seashore State Park but your article definitely made me want to vacation there. I have been to Virginia Beach and several Gulf Coast beaches so I know that beach vacations are awesome.
You covered the weather, various beach locations and descriptions, interesting activities and where they can be found plus relevant information about each one. The information about hotels and restaurants is super useful.
I loved the video entitled “Drone Testing” It really made me want to visit. Are they still open during COVID?
They are open Lilly! And if you have visited Virginia Beach and other Gulf Beaches, then a visit to the Delaware Seashore is in order! I know you would enjoy. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Hi, this doesn’t look like your everyday beach. I love the diversity this area has to offer and the fact that a piece of land connects the bay. I love surfing and paddle boarding and this looks really fun to find calm spots to paddleboard and if I want to get emerge myself in the waves for some energy, I can do that too. I am surprised you are able to see dolphins in this area, I had just imagined they are in all the warmer climates. That would be a dream to paddleboard with the dolphins.
Plenty of great beach here, dolphins, and lots to see and explore in the Delaware Seashore!
Hi, this doesn’t look like your everyday beach. I love the diversity this area has to offer and the fact that a piece of land connects the bay. I love surfing and paddle boarding and this looks really fun to find calm spots to paddleboard and if I want to get emerge myself in the waves for some energy, I can do that too. I am surprised you are able to see dolphins in this area, I had just imagined they are in all the warmer climates. That would be a dream to paddleboard with the dolphins.
I have paddle boarded with dolphins and it is a wonderful experience. I love to watch them play. I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to beach travel destinations.
Ooh, that evening dolphin paddleboard excursion caught my eye. I’d love to do that! This looks like another beautiful destination I must add to our itinerary perhaps when we do our Canada trip next Summer. It’s a long way from Cape Town to Halifax, we might as well take in some sights in the US while we’re all the way across the globe.
I love the name Ocean Glass Inn and the decor looks stunning. Canalside Inn also appeals. Thanks for your awesome reviews, giving me permission to dream again.
You are very welcome Lauren. I love to paddleboard, and generally you will see dolphins. They are a bit curious and do tend to follow boats. So if you are out on the water, enjoy the sights. You will love the Delaware Seashore State Park.
Thanks for this article on the Delaware Seashore. My wife and I had to cancel our 20th anniversary because of covid 19, so we are looking for a place to go. I had never considered Delaware until now. It looks really nice and is something that I should talk to my wife about. Particularly Fenwick Island looks really interesting.
The Delaware coast is just beautiful. You would enjoy having your 20th anniversary here. It would be more intimate probably then choosing something more popular and crowded. Glad you enjoyed Al.
I’m originally from the east coast, but have only ever been through Delaware – never to it! Go figure! So I hadn’t even considered sightseeing there before now, much less the shoreline destinations. Informative highlight here. I especially would be interested in Delaware bay’s evening dolphin paddle board excursion. I could imagine bringing a posse to do that.
Wow, can’t believe you lived so close and have not yet experienced the Delaware Seashore. Time for the Dolphin Paddle Board Excursion! You would enjoy.
I’ve often heard of people going for a holiday to Delaware and now I want to go too after reading your post. I enjoyed the drone video, it is so nice to get a birds-eye view of these lovely beach places. Fenwick Island looks great with its updated facilities and an evening dolphin paddle would be wonderful. Hotel Rehoboth looks lovely and a bit old world and I love that.
Definitely going on my to-do list for my next holiday.
I think you would love the Delaware Seashore and the the Hotel Rehoboth is in a great location, you would enjoy. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Hello there! Wow, this is a beautiful place! The bridge in the video looks really amazing. I have also never seen land that is so closely surrounded by water on both sides. The dolphin spotting is definitely an activity that catches my attention. Kayaking also sounds really fun and exciting. To travel here during the summer would be nice, but to live here would kind of concern me a bit if the water levels happen to rise too much. Thanks for compiling all these activities together and sharing about this beautiful place. I am about a day’s worth of driving from here.
You’re welcome Mike. The Delaware Seashore has a lot to offer. Hope you vacation there soon 🙂
This article like all the others has taught me so much about Seashore State Park, Delaware. I love how you choose destinations that aren’t as often talked about like the others one you see all over the internet. I love learning about unfamiliar places that I didn’t not know of before and your article always shares the most important need to know information that leaves you wanting to Vacation at the destination of choice. Thank you!!
I’m glad you enjoyed Page. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave me comments.
I had no idea that Delaware had such a big choice of attractive beaches to vacation on. Living on the west coast, I tend to be rather insulated from the Atlantic beaches. It looks like the area is so much more affordable compared to California.
There appears to be a wide range of hotels and living options. The seafood must also be excellent. Definitely, a place to go for more affordable beach vacations.
Edwin
Oh yes Edwin, much more affordable then California. And yes, the seafood is awesome. I live here on the east coast and love it 🙂 Thank you for visiting beach travel destinations.
I love the details you have provided onto this website!! this is a great recommendation to going to the beach, I’ve always wanted to go to Delaware, Especially the beaches over there. The seashore state park looks very fun and thank you for displaying the YouTube video of the State Park as it gives it more of an insight on what they place is and a better look at it. Cape Henlopen would be such a great spot for me!! Just to chill there and go into the ocean and even maybe play volleyball on there too!
I think you’ll love the whole Delaware coast area. You can’t go wrong and there is plenty to do, or not to do 🙂
I get excited when I hear about Delaware Seashore State Park, It looks amazing with the sun over the waters, Fenwick Island with the white sands beaches, the main attraction is swimming and sunbathing, oh how I can imagine myself on the beach, sunbathing, I would love to vacation there, I know it is an awesome place to vacation.
Thank you, for sharing
You are very welcome Dorothy! Thanks for stopping by!
Wonderful article, and great information on finding hotels in Delaware. I never visited Delaware before, but with your information, I am willing to check out the hot spots there. Summertime is definitely a great time to visit there. Especially, the beaches, can’t pass up a trip to the beach. Thanks for the information.
No, can never pass up a trip to the beach 🙂 Only kind I like! Thanks for stopping by.
Hi! Thank you for this wonderful article. Delaware Seashore State Park is a wonderful place. I place I’m looking forward to visiting. To discover that their hotels are very neat and classy to look at leads to a potential reservation. I would love to try the Evening Dolphin Paddle Board Excursion on Delaware Bay.
It is a wonderful place. Serene and beautiful. Anything on a paddle board is fun for me, I love paddle boarding. You would love it as well. Thanks for visiting my Delaware Seashore State Park Area Hotels guide.
Thanks for all the helpful details about how to enjoy a great beach vacation on the Delaware seashore! I grew up hearing all about my neighbors’ annual visits to Rehoboth Beach and it always sounded like such a great place to relax with family. I’d imagine that the area is too cold for me to fully enjoy the beach right now, but I hope to make it there for a visit when things warm up next summer!
Yes, I agree…a bit cold there now. Come on down to Florida. Still hot and waters still warm. Thanks for stopping by Aly.