The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You Delaware Like Never Before
Every year, thousands flock to our world-famous beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Rehoboth, Bethany, Dewey, and Fenwick Island are some of the best beaches in Delaware – it’s no wonder they are so loved! However, the crowds can be tough for someone just looking to relax on the sand. Luckily, the entire Delaware bay shore is dotted with hidden Delaware beaches that will let you relax and enjoy some peace and quiet – while also getting up close and personal with the incredible ecology of the Delaware Bay. What are you waiting for? Let’s go!
This summer, travel the Delaware Bay Coast to explore these quiet, hidden beaches.
This road trip is a great way to see the best of Delaware's hidden beaches in a day or two, so that you can pick and choose your favorites for day trips all summer long. Click HERE for an interactive map to follow on your journey down the coast.
Woodland Beach is a great place to catch a beautiful sunrise, right from the fishing pier. Of course, the fact that you can easily cast a line from the pier and relax out here is a big draw, too. If you're looking for a nice, calm place to dip your toes in the water and catch a pretty scene, Woodland Beach will fit your needs.
Pickering is up next! See how many horseshoe crabs you can find here! Remember to flip them over if you see them on their backs. Pickering is a great place to find seaglass, too. Not to mention some truly relaxing endless water views.
Kitts Hummock is a great little beach on the bay that is home to tons of wildlife. Give birdwatching a try here - you'll find a lot of sandpipers and other shore birds hanging out on the sand.
When you head down to Bowers, stop in town for a great meal at JP's Wharf before you stroll the sand. This quiet little fishing town hasn't changed much in decades - it's almost like a step back in time. It's a time honored tradition to bring the next generation of Delawearans here to cool off in the water and sink their toes in the sand.
This quiet little beach town is hardly known even by bay shore natives. It's definitely off of the beaten path, but you'll be rewarded with a quiet spot to relax for as long as you'd like. See if you can find sea glass here! This is a popular spot for crafters to search year round. Who knows, you might even have the beach all to yourself, what a treat!
Don't let the name fool you, Slaughter Beach is a great hidden Delaware beach! The incredible horseshoe crab population here is a sight to be seen. Plus, you might catch a glimpse of the endangered Red Knot as it feeds on the horseshoe crab eggs. This quiet beach is a favorite of many Delawareans - go check it out!
Fowler Beach is quiet and clean, and a great place to relax after some time on the road. You'll enjoy the sound of silence - except for the chirping of some birds and the sound of waves hitting the sand. When you need a little rest and relaxation, an afternoon at Fowler Beach is just the ticket.
My favorite hidden Delaware beach is actually right in Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge! Not only will you see foxes and rare birds, but you'll be rewarded with a quiet spot to lay in the sun with hardly a soul around. Sit back and relax and listen to the sounds of the waves crashing onto the shores with your toes in the sand.
Broadkill Beach is a great find, because it's close to the busy Atlantic Ocean beaches. You'll never be too far from the great dining and entertainment in Rehoboth Beach, but you'll also skip the sunbathing crowds.
Follow Bayshore Drive from Broadkill down to find this hidden Delaware beach that will make you feel like you've been stranded on an island. Shipwrecks remain here, as well as other big debris that washed up on shore. This is an amazing place to drop a kayak or picnic on the sand - and of course, at the end of your hidden Delaware Beaches road trip, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking sunset.
Delaware has several beautiful beaches peppered throughout the coastline of the state. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Delaware include Broadkill Beach and Rehoboth Beach which are both in Sussex County and the beach at Cape Henlopen State Park. Fenwick Island is another popular spot, known for its beautiful natural landscape and the historic Fenwick Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1858.
What are the best beach towns in Delaware?
Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach, and South Bethany Beach are all nicknamed “The Quiet Resorts” and will quickly capture your heart. Fenwick Island sits on a narrow peninsula and features a few restaurants, a museum, a historic lighthouse, and a beautiful beach that’s popular for surfing, fishing, and swimming throughout the year.
What beaches have the clearest water in Delaware?
Delaware is known for having some of the safest and cleanest beaches in the country. Rehoboth Beach is Delaware’s most popular beach, and for good reason. Not only has it been rated as a 5-star “Superstar” beach award, but it has also been designated by the NRDC as one of the best places to swim due to its cleanliness. The water is a beautiful blue and ideal for swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and windsurfing.
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: [email protected]
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