Delaware's beautiful beaches are the state's most heavily utilized recreation resource. In fact, the U.S. Natural Resources Defense Council gave Delaware beaches its highest 5 star rating for ocean water quality and ranked Delaware beaches the cleanest among the 30 U.S. coastal states. There are 26 miles of sandy beaches bordering the Atlantic Ocean from the mouth of the Delaware Bay to the Maryland border. Of this space, 12 miles are contained within state parks. This includes Cape Henlopen State Park, located east on Savannah Road in Lewes; Delaware Seashore State Park, located on Del. Rt. 1 between Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach; and Fenwick Island State Park, located on Del. Rt. 1 between South Bethany and Fenwick Island. Come relax on our beautiful sandy beaches or have fun in the water. Explore our canals and bays, too! Recreational opportunities like parasailing, kiteboarding, paddling, boating, jet skiing, stand up paddleboarding, and pontoon boat tours including sunset tours, eco tours, music tours, etc, are extremely popular. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Delaware beaches, bays and waterways.

Southern Delaware Beaches and Bays

Southern Delaware is home to more than 25 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Public ocean beaches can be found in the towns of Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany and Fenwick Island. Public beaches along the Delaware Bay include Slaughter Beach near Milford and Broadkill Beach near Milton.

Freshwater Ponds in Milford

Abbott’s Pond, Blair’s Pond, Griffith Lake and Haven Lake provide hours of fishing, boating, or relaxing. Enjoy a picnic and take in the cool breezes with the family. Freshwater fishing license required in Delaware for those over 16. Call the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife at 302.739.3441.

Freshwater Ponds in Millsboro

Ingrams Pond and Millsboro Pond provide hours of fishing, boating, or relaxing. Freshwater fishing license required for those over 16. Call the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife at 302.739.3441.

Nanticoke River

One of the most pristine, wild and scenic rivers on the East Coast, the Nanticoke River is one of Delaware’s greatest natural resources. The river is a part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and offers fishing and water sports, as well as nature trails for bird watching. Public boat launch, boat docking and parking are available. Call 302.629.9690 for more information or visit Paddle The Nanticoke for paddling information.

Lewes Harbor

Perhaps one of the most picturesque spots in Southern Delaware, this area on the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal has been painted by many artists throughout the years. It is home to numerous pleasure boats, plus a fleet of head boats and charter boats offering fishing and sightseeing excursions. The harbor is home to Adams Wharf, Angler's Fishing Center, Fisherman's Wharf and Lewes Harbor Marina. A public boat ramp provides access to the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and the Delaware Bay. Located at the drawbridge on Savannah Road in Lewes. For more information on the Lewes area, visit www.leweschamber.com