When Delaware's beach tourist season rolls around, the area booms with happy people. If you're hoping to bask in the sun and splash in the water, we know just where you should go. Here are 15 of the best beaches in Delaware where you can relax, sit on the sand, and enjoy the peaceful views.

1. Woodland Beach

The bay shore at Woodland Beach is one of the most northern strips of sandy shore. While you're probably not going to go in the water to swim here, it's a great place for a hike to search for sea glass, to let the kids dig in the sand, to fish from the pier, and to enjoy the quiet solitude. This place may be underrated, but it's one of the best beaches in Delaware.

2. Pickering Beach

East of the Dover Air Force Base, just off Route 9 is this little sliver of natural paradise along the Delaware Bay. We know many people (myself included) who come here to look for horseshoe crabs in May and June, and to bird watch all year round. You must add Pickering Beach to your summertime bucket list.

3. Kitts Hummock and Ted Harvey Wildlife Area

Just south of Pickering Beach are two other very similar, yet still unique bay beaches. Kitts Hummock was a hot spot for Dover residents back in the 19th century who wanted to escape to a quiet cottage on the bay where they could cool off in the summer heat. Many still do today. Connected to Kitts Hummock is Ted Harvey Wildlife Area, which shares the same natural setting and highlights, but with a beach that looks almost prehistoric.

4. Bowers Beach

Bowers Beach is one of the quiet bay beaches that is a bit more than a strip of sand and some homes. While you can still enjoy the quiet of the bay beach, you can also grab a bite to eat at a dive bar or restaurant in town.

5. Slaughter Beach

Don't let the name of this town scare you away.

Slaughter Beach, outside of Milford, is both a year-round community and a get away for those who want to escape a faster pace of life.

6. Broadkill Beach

Broadkill Beach is a quiet bayside community that enjoys the peaceful solitude just north of the larger resort areas. Don't write this place off -- it's one of the best beaches in Delaware.

7. Beach Plum Island

This Delaware State Park owned land is at the very southern end of Bayshore Drive from Broadkill Beach. It's a very little-known gem, right before you would reach Lewes Beach. The old remains of boats and structures that are on shore make for some interesting finds. Beach Plum Island is an underrated gem!

8. Lewes Beach

From the public parking lot at the end of Savannah Road in Lewes, you can access the beaches in Lewes. What we love most about Lewes Beach is that the swimming and wading are great, without the waves that you'll find just around the hook of Cape Henlopen to the south. And, you have all of the fantastic amenities of Lewes within walking or biking distance.

9. Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes

Cape Henlopen's most popular swimming beach is on the Atlantic Coast and is accessed by a boardwalk over the dunes. Day trippers love the access to the bathhouse and snack bar steps from the sand, without the hustle and bustle of a boardwalk. You simply must visit Cape Henlopen State Park this summer!

10. Rehoboth Beach

If your idea of going to the beach involves salt water taffy, mini golf, amusements, and spending time on the sand with a boardwalk in the distance, then Rehoboth Beach is your place!

11. Dewey Beach

Dewey Beach has a reputation for being Delaware's party beach. And, while that's not untrue, the beach patrol at Dewey is stellar, and the beaches are well maintained. In the summer, catch a movie or bonfire on the beach.

12. Delaware Seashore State Park

The best surfing spot along the Delaware coast tends to be on the northern side of Indian River Inlet at Delaware Seashore State Park. This park has a little bit of everything, including a bathhouse and historic attractions on the ocean coast, and quieter access to the Inland Bays on the western side of Route 1.

13. Bethany Beach

I think of Bethany Beach (and South Bethany too) as Rehoboth and Dewey's slightly more mature older sibling. It still has most of the family-friendly beach amenities, while being a bit more upscale.

14. South Bethany Beach

Yes, South Bethany is a separate town from Bethany. It's a bit more residential in nature and you can enjoy the ocean front beaches or canals on the bayside.

15. Fenwick Island

Last but not least, we have one of the best beaches in Delaware! The last stretch of Delaware's shore takes you to Fenwick Island. We're a huge fan of this seaside resort town and its slower pace compared to the first major Maryland beach town of Ocean City.

What do you think of our list of the best beaches in Delaware? What is your favorite Delaware beach? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another summertime hotspot, nominate it for a chance to be featured!

For more warm-weather adventures, check out these beautiful boardwalks in Delaware.