Best Beaches in Delaware for Family Vacation: Ultimate Guide
Growing up, we frequented the beaches close to Baltimore. Spending a day on the beach, listening to the waves, and sometimes listening to live music just can’t be beat. We often made the drive to the Delaware beaches but also spent a lot of time in Ocean City, Maryland, as that was a popular beach for most of our friends. Having visited most of the local beaches, I am excited to share the best beaches in Delaware for families- or even solo and adult trips.
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Delaware may be a small state, but it packs a punch when it comes to family-friendly beach destinations. Whether you’re looking for a quiet day of relaxation or an action-packed adventure, Delaware’s coastline offers a variety of beaches to suit every family’s needs. This guide includes a breakdown of the best family beaches in Delaware, including beach types, access costs, nearby amenities, and distance from Baltimore as that is where we often traveled from and should give a relative distance from many local cities.
When to Visit Delaware Beaches
There are perks of visiting the Delaware beaches during every season, though most of this guide is focused on the available activities during the peak season of summer, it’s helpful to know some details about visiting no matter the weather.
Spring (March – May)
The temperatures are mild which is perfect for peaceful walks on the beach or boardwalks. The accommodation rates are usually much lower since you can avoid the high season costs. There are several “off-season” festivals occurring during this time like the Dewey Beach Bacon Festival and the Lewes Tulip celebration, it’s also a lot of fun to visit for the Easter holiday. Wildlife starts to return as well so look out for migratory birds, dolphins and horseshoe crabs.
Summer (June – August)
The ideal time to visit for beautiful beach days full of swimming, sunbathing and some water sports like kayaking. Everything will be open and in full swing from amusement rides to restaurants with local cuisine (all the seafood!), and the state parks. You can enjoy a few local events and entertainment like the sandcastle contest in Rehoboth Beach, or the live concerts on the boardwalk in Bethany. The summer crowds may be a lot for some but the family-friendly events are amazing and it’s truly a great time for a family vacation building sandcastles, flying kites, and making memories together!
Fall (September – November)
An amazing time to visit when things start to calm down, most places have not yet closed for the season, the Atlantic ocean is usually still warm enough to swim and the beaches are quaint and quiet. Halloween brings many fun events to all the seaside towns!
Winter (December – February)
If you are into holiday events and decorations, Delaware beaches bring it with events like Rehoboth Beach’s Winter Wonderland, Lewes Lights Festival and Schellville. The beaches are nearly empty, the beachfront inns are quiet and calm and many places will light their roaring fireplaces to really make it a cozy beach stay.
No matter the season, Delaware’s beaches offer distinct perks for families looking to explore and enjoy coastal life year-round!
Delaware Beaches
With a clean, well-maintained beach and endless entertainment on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, this town offers a full day of fun for all ages. The calm, shallow waters make it ideal for younger children. We love the Victorian houses, the beautiful boardwalk and the games and rides at Funland which is an iconic amusement park in Delaware. There are plenty of places for a game of minigolf, a bike ride around the town and a cute trolly option should you want to visit another local town. During the summer, I recommend looking into the free concerts at the bandstand.
- Type: Walk-up Beach
- Access Cost: Free, but parking can range from $1.50 to $3 per hour (pay via meter or mobile app).
- Nearby Amenities: Rehoboth Beach is perfect for families seeking a classic beach experience. The mile-long boardwalk is packed with family-friendly restaurants, local shops, arcades, and Funland. There are also public restrooms and showers nearby. The Tanger outlets are a short drive away as well if you are looking for tax-free shopping.
- Distance from Baltimore: 2.5 hours (about 120 miles).
Bethany’s smaller crowds, family-centered events, and calm surf make it a peaceful spot for parents with young kids who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of larger beach towns. There are pockets of restaurants, great playgrounds in the area and a nice beach with a boardwalk. We love the walkability of many of the beach houses and also the condo options at Sea Colony.
- Type: Walk-up Beach
- Access Cost: Free, but parking in town can be tricky during peak times. Parking costs around $2.50 per hour.
- Nearby Amenities: Known for its quieter, family-friendly atmosphere, Bethany Beach is a go-to for families wanting a laid-back beach experience. The charming boardwalk features a bandstand with free performances, a playground, and casual eateries. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer, and public restrooms and showers are easily accessible.
- Distance from Baltimore: 2.5 hours (about 130 miles).
I love the quaint coastal town! The calm water, wide sandy beach, and proximity to charming downtown Lewes make this beach ideal for young families looking for a serene day by the water. There are a few beaches in the area and even an option for a beach bonfire if you are open to it- just fill out the bonfire request form in advance.
- Type: Walk-up Beach
- Access Cost: Parking is $2 per hour at the metered spots.
- Nearby Amenities: Located at the mouth of the Delaware Bay, Lewes Beach has gentle waves and shallow water, making it one of the safest beaches for small children. There are restrooms, showers, and picnic areas nearby. Lewes town, just a short walk away, offers quaint shops, restaurants, and ice cream spots. It’s also the location of the Lewes-Cape May Ferry, which is a very fun trip if you have an extra day and want to see Cape May, New Jersey.
- Distance from Baltimore: 2 hours and 20 minutes (about 110 miles).
The calmer atmosphere during the day and family-centric water sports make Dewey a great choice for families with older kids looking to try new activities or have a more adventurous beach day. This is my favorite beach for an adult’s trip, as there are live music venues, bars, and plenty of places to dance.
- Type: Walk-up
- Access Cost: Free, but parking meters charge about $3 per hour.
- Nearby Amenities: Dewey Beach offers a more laid-back vibe with plenty of family-friendly activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Though the nightlife scene here is popular, Dewey is also a family favorite during the day. Public restrooms and showers are available, along with a few casual restaurants and snack shops.
- Distance from Baltimore: 2.5 hours (about 120 miles).
Looking for a fun family activity in Dewey Beach?
Cape Henlopen State Park
This beach has something for everyone—swimming, shelling, surf fishing, and nature programs for kids. It’s a great spot for active families who want to mix a beach day with some outdoor exploration. As a Delaware Seashore State Park, there are many perks to visiting this beautiful area. While you can spend time on the beach, you can also go to the nature center, borrow a bike for a ride around the trails, or tour the historical area.
- Type: Walk-up and Drive-on Beach
- Access Cost: $15 for weekdays and $20 for weekends, or look into a Deauville Beach annual pass for $115.
- Nearby Amenities: Cape Henlopen offers a variety of activities beyond the beach, including bike trails, hiking, a nature center, and the Fort Miles Historical area. The beach is wide, and there are picnic pavilions, showers, and public restrooms. Lifeguards are stationed during the summer season. You can also go camping during your visit!
- Distance from Baltimore: 2 hours and 30 minutes (about 115 miles).
With its less crowded beaches and calmer environment, Fenwick is perfect for families who want a more peaceful beach day with opportunities for beachcombing, kite flying, and surf fishing. This beach is between the greater Bethany Beach area and Ocean City, so it’s a great option if you are staying in either area. A beautiful place for a beach sunset!
- Type: Walk-up
- Access Cost: $5 per vehicle for Delaware residents and $10 for out-of-state visitors.
- Nearby Amenities: Fenwick Island offers a quieter alternative to busier beaches. The park includes drive-on access for surf fishing and allows dogs in certain areas. Public restrooms, changing areas, and showers are available. There are a few nearby eateries, but you might want to pack a picnic for the day.
- Distance from Baltimore: 2 hours and 45 minutes (about 130 miles).
As you can tell, Delaware offers a variety of family-friendly beaches, each with its unique charm and attractions. Whether you’re looking for a lively boardwalk experience at Rehoboth Beach, the calm waters of Lewes Beach, or the great restaurants in Bethany Beach, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your family. With most beaches located within a 2.5-hour drive from Baltimore, Delaware’s coastline is a convenient and inviting destination for families eager to enjoy a fun and relaxing beach getaway.
