Delaware, the First State, packs remarkable diversity into the nation's second-smallest state — from the cosmopolitan Wilmington riverfront and historic New Castle's cobblestone streets to the Victorian beach resort of Rehoboth Beach and the wild marshes of Cape Henlopen. Rich in colonial and Revolutionary War history, home to major corporate headquarters and the DuPont dynasty's legacy estates, and bordered by Atlantic beaches, Delaware rewards visitors who look beyond its modest size.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Delaware.
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- Lifeguards (Memorial Day-Labor Day)
- Boardwalk
- Restrooms
- Outdoor showers
- Bike rentals
- Restaurants and shops
Rehoboth Beach
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- Lifeguards (summer)
- Fishing pier
- Nature center
- Campground
- Walking trails
- WWII observation towers
Cape Henlopen State Park Beach
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- Lifeguards
- Bayside and ocean access
- Bars and restaurants steps away
- Water sports rentals
Dewey Beach
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- Lifeguards
- Boardwalk
- Restrooms
- Beach tags required (summer)
- Family-oriented atmosphere
- Small shops
Bethany Beach
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- Lifeguards
- Restrooms
- Public parking
- Fishing access
- Quiet family-oriented atmosphere
Fenwick Island Beach
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- Lifeguards
- Campground
- Boat launch
- Fishing pier
- Restrooms
- Concession stand
Delaware Seashore State Park Beach
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- Lifeguards (summer)
- Walking and cycling trail (5-mile loop)
- Birdwatching
- Restrooms
- Parking
Gordon's Pond State Park Beach
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- Free access
- Boat ramp
- Birding paths
- Fishing
- Picnic area
Slaughter Beach (Delaware Bay)
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.