Bethany Beach, Delaware might not be your first thought when it comes to the best coastal towns in the country, but this quaint little seaside town deserves your consideration. While it may not be as lively as nearby shore towns, Bethany Beach has coastal charm in spades, with a small but delightful boardwalk, proximity to pristine natural spaces, and lots of delicious dining options.

Beautiful Bethany Beach is sometimes overlooked for its busier neighbors to the north and south respectively, Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City, Maryland. But this little coastal town has an appeal all its own that makes it a great destination, particularly in the summertime.

It's a family-friendly town, welcoming people of all ages to enjoy the sun and surf. Whether you're traveling with kids or not, Bethany Beach makes for a slightly quieter but no less charming coastal getaway.

Bethany Beach's small but cheerfully quaint boardwalk is perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed, intimate boardwalk stroll. There are shops to peruse and there's traditional boardwalk food to order. The sign showing distances of various cities from Bethany Beach is a fun and eclectic touch that's worth a look.

Of course, you can also always just relax on a bench and enjoy the ocean views. It's worth getting up early to make it there for sunrise.

There's no shortage of fun dining options in Bethany Beach, like farm-to-table restaurant Off the Hook. Here you'll find a creative and ever-changing menu with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, where local seafood is the star of the show.

For something sweet, stop by Maureen's Ice Cream & Desserts. Ice cream, specialty coffee drinks, brownies, cookies, cake, and even healthier options like smoothie bowls -- whatever your sweet tooth desires, you're likely to find it here. Maureen's even makes ice cream pies!

The town of Bethany Beach offers free trolley rides around town, from the Friday before Memorial Day through mid-September. It's a great way to get around town without dealing with the typical summertime traffic. You can check out a list of all trolley stops on the Bethany Beach town website.

Did you know that Bethany Beach is located near two state parks? It's right between Fenwick Island State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park, where you can enjoy pristine bay and ocean beaches. At Delaware Seashore State Park, you can hike through Burton Island Nature Preserve and see diverse scenery along the way. It's a great way to cap off a wonderful visit to this lovely seaside town.

Have you ever visited Bethany Beach, Delaware? What are your favorite Delaware coastal towns?

Check out more of the best small towns to visit in Delaware.