From grand natural wonders to quirky roadside attractions and massive cities to coastal towns, the U.S. is home to countless incredible destinations including Slaughter Beach in Delaware. But not all of these spectacular spots are well-known. In fact, many of America’s most remarkable places fly under the radar. Even in our small state, you will find secret gems the rest of the country overlooks, including this vibrant coastal community you’re sure to love. Move over Rehoboth, Dewey, and Bethany, Slaughter Beach in Delaware is America’s best-kept secret, at least according to Reader’s Digest.

This ominously-named yet perfectly lovely beach is one of the world’s most unique, located in the town of Slaughter Beach.
Brenda Reddinger/Flickr
Ideas for how the town got its name are various from the dying of the horseshoe crabs in the sun, "slaughter of the crabs;" a small Slaughter Creek found on early maps; and after a local postmaster William Slaughter. One more interesting idea implies the moniker comes from the legend of a man named Brabant, who slaughtered several Native Americans at this site by cannon. While we may never know the meaning of Slaughter Beach, the town was officially incorporated in 1931.
Upon first glance, this might look like any other beach.
Norton Gusky/Flickr
You’ll find fine, white sand and sparkling water, but it’s the tiny critters that invade this stretch of shoreline each year that makes Slaughter Beach unique.
You see, Slaughter Beach is designated as an official "horseshoe crab sanctuary."
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Flickr
Each year in May and June, hundreds of thousands of these prehistoric creatures that date back more than 450 million years ago come to Slaughter Beach to spawn, traveling from the depths of the ocean to the tiny state of Delaware.

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While their gigantic, spiked tails make them seem like dangerous creatures, they're harmless.
tidatsrt/Flickr
In fact, these bizarre little crabs are quite important to humans. Their unique blood contains a substance that can detect small amounts of toxins. Their copper-based blue blood, then, is used to test the sterility of IV drugs and medical equipment. How cool!
Slaughter Beach’s 200 residents are far outnumbered by horseshoe crabs — the official marine animal of Delaware.
Victoria Pickering/Flickr
At its peak, you can witness a quarter-of-a-million horseshoe crabs preparing to lay their eggs, but the rest of the year, this seemingly ordinary beach is quite picturesque.
If you love hidden, often overlooked beaches or unique marine life, Delaware's Slaughter Beach absolutely must make it onto your United States' bucket list.
Allison Richards/Flickr

If you are asking yourself, “Where is Slaughter Beach?” You will find it in Sussex County, Delaware, and one way to access it is by the boardwalk Marvel Saltmarsh Preserve. Events involving the wildlife are sprinkled throughout the spring and summer beginning April-June with baby diamondback terrapin hatchlings moving to the marsh and shore birds returning, May-July offers nesting activity of female diamondback terrapins and, of course, the return of the horseshoe crabs May-August. Have you been to Slaughter Beach in Delaware? If not, add it to your America bucket list, and if you have, share your experiences and opinions with us in the comments below.

Then, check out some of Delaware’s secret destinations, from little-known restaurants and museums to hidden hiking trails and beaches.

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More to Explore

America’s Best Kept Secret Is Hiding Right Here In Delaware And It's Calling Your Name

Carolyn Harmon | July 14, 2022

Where is another beach in Delaware?

Bowers Beach in Frederica is one of the best beaches in Delaware. Swimming, kayaking, and floating are provided by the calm waters of Delaware Bay and the surrounding Murderkill and St. Jones rivers. Fly a kite or create a scavenger hunt in the sand to find sea glass and other treasures along the peaceful, sandy shore. Parking is plentiful and close to the beach entrances. The town of Bowers offers great restaurants and friendly people. This is a great place to get away and relax.

Where is one of the best restaurants near a beach in Delaware?

Big Fish Grill at Rehoboth Beach was founded in 1997 by brothers Norman and Eric Sugrue. Since that time, their efforts have earned numerous “Best Seafood at the Beach” awards by Delaware Today and Coastal Style magazines. Go in and enjoy the original recipes at affordable prices. Enjoy the big fish or southern fried chicken salads, the flash-fried Virginia oysters, special lobster pasta, and a tangy, homemade taste of the south — Key lime pie.

Where is one of the best day trips in Delaware?

Here are 12 unforgettable day trips in Delaware, one for each month of the year. One trip on the list takes folks to Spence's Bazaar and Auction in the state's great capital of Dover. This auction, farmers market, Amish food market, and flea market is an outdoor and indoor venue open all year round. Whatever you are looking for: clothing, furniture, glassware, art, cinnamon buns, and porkchop sandwiches — you will probably find it here. The ample parking and seating spaces are another reason to visit this treasure hunter's dream.

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Delaware 36, DE-36, Slaughter Beach, DE, USA