Sun and Fun at the Delaware Seashore State Park

Of all the beaches along the Atlantic Ocean’s eastern seaboard, the beaches in Delaware are among the most beautiful, pristine beaches. The beaches are very clean, the sand is a soft, and the water inviting. The beach community has something to offer just about everyone, and the Delaware Seashore State Park provides family recreation, lodging facilities to fit any budget, and every amenity possible.

Delaware Beach Community

The beach community in Delaware is distinct. Beaches include Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, and the large Ocean City beach in Maryland. During the summer months people come from all over the world to enjoy the beach experience. There are even miles of outlet shopping for those non-beach going days.

Delaware Seashore State Park

The Delaware Seashore State Park is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay. The park boasts 2,825 acres of sand and fun. That’s about six miles of beach. The State Park has been operated by the Delaware State Park Commission since 1965, and the park has been enjoying increased popularity and activity yearly.

Enjoying the Beaches

The Delaware Seashore State Park is a tourist delight. Most visitors come for the sun and fun on the beach. Delaware Seashore State Park maintains two ocean swimming areas. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, miles of beach are guarded by lifeguards from 9 am to 5 pm daily. There are food concession areas for snacks, and the beach areas have large, clean bathhouses with shower facilities as well as changing rooms. Of course, beach umbrellas, chairs, and rafts are available on the beach for rent.

The beaches are really beautiful and clean. The sand is well-maintained, and the beaches are extremely family-oriented. Children and adults play in the sand and the water, and families feel comfortable enjoying the tranquility of the beach community.

Fishing and Boating

People love fishing and boating all year around, and Seashore State Parks offer an abundance of both. There are several access points where the elderly and disabled can get close to the beach for fishing.

There is surf fishing on the beach and on the Indian River Inlet. The Inlet has a marina that provides access to services for boating and fishing. Indian River Inlet is minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, and offers the greatest fishing on the east coast.

And speaking of fishing, the surrounding restaurants offer some of the best fresh seafood, cooked to perfection that can be offered anywhere!

Thompson Island on Rehoboth Bay is located northwest of the inlet, and is an inlet bay preserve. The Thompson Island Preserve is a salt marsh habitat. Human activities on the island are limited. No vehicles are allowed. Thompson Island Preserve is important to maintaining and supporting local wildlife.

Family Fun and Activities

There is much to do at Delaware Seashore State Park other than the staple of sun and surf. Imagine going clamming and/or crabbing and actually catching great seafood. Fishing is also an activity that many people come to the State Park to enjoy. The campsites on Indian River Inlet are open from April 1 through November 30, and provide electricity, water, sewer, and showers. All year around the campgrounds are open with electricity and sewer services only. Campgrounds are accessible for tents as well as large recreational vehicles.

There are hiking trails, hunting, horseback riding, kayaking, and biking activities in abundance. Just about every day there are schedule activities that are fun for the family, from kite flying days to squid dissection. There is always something to do; events sponsored by the Delaware State Park.

Picnic pavilions are available, one on the bay side and one on the Inlet. They are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. The Seashore State Park also has an annual Sandcastle Contest in July, and is one of the most popular events where amateurs create sand sculptures and castles for prizes.

Lodging

From the smaller motel chains to the large, fabulous hotels, including quaint bed and breakfasts and cottage rentals, the lodging in the Seashore State Park area is varied. There is lodging to fit the budget-minded individuals as well as those seeking luxury accommodations where price is no object. Lodging can be found on the ocean side as well as on the bay side of the Delaware beach community.