Delaware Seashore State Park – Sussex County, Delaware
Location: Coastal Highway (DE-1), between Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach, Delaware
Price: Delaware State Park entrance fees apply (seasonal rates)
Size: About 2,700–2,800 acres
Established: 1965
Managed By: Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
A Barrier Island Park Between Ocean and Bay
Delaware Seashore State Park protects a narrow barrier island landscape along the southern Delaware coast. The park stretches between the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Rehoboth and Indian River Bays on the west, creating a unique environment where ocean beaches, salt marshes, and inland waterways meet.
Covering more than 2,700 acres, the park includes roughly six miles of ocean shoreline and extensive bay coastline, making it one of Delaware’s premier destinations for beach recreation and water sports.
Beaches, Surf, and Water Activities
The park is known for its wide sandy beaches and access to both ocean and bay waters. Two primary ocean swimming areas provide amenities such as bathhouses, changing rooms, and concessions during the busy summer season.
Popular activities include:
- Surfing and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean
- Surf fishing along the beach and at Indian River Inlet
- Kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing in the inland bays
- Clamming and crabbing in designated bay areas
- Boating from the Indian River Marina
The Indian River Inlet, which connects the bays to the Atlantic Ocean, serves as the park’s central hub of activity.
Camping and Outdoor Recreation
Delaware Seashore State Park offers both tent and RV camping, allowing visitors to stay overnight near the water. Two campgrounds are located on opposite sides of the inlet, providing access to beaches, fishing spots, and marina services.
Other outdoor opportunities include:
- Bird-watching and wildlife viewing
- Hiking and nature exploration
- Picnicking areas and scenic overlooks
- Surf-fishing access points for four-wheel-drive vehicles
Nearby preserves and marsh habitats support coastal wildlife and migratory birds.
A Coastline Shaped by Nature and History
The park’s landscape has changed repeatedly over time as storms and shifting sands altered the location of the Indian River Inlet. In 1939, jetties were constructed to stabilize the inlet and improve navigation between the bays and the Atlantic.
A historic highlight is the Indian River Life-Saving Station, originally built in 1876 to rescue shipwreck victims along the treacherous Delaware coast. The restored station now operates as a museum interpreting maritime rescue history.
A Classic Delaware Beach Destination
With miles of ocean shoreline, active fishing spots, and access to Delaware’s inland bays, Delaware Seashore State Park remains one of the most popular coastal parks in the state. Its mix of beach recreation, boating, wildlife habitat, and historic landmarks draws visitors year-round to experience the natural beauty of Delaware’s barrier island coast.