DELAWARE - Delaware is renowned for its beautiful and accessible Atlantic coastline, a string of beloved beach towns and pristine state parks.1 While the entire coast is a major draw, one area stands out for offering the longest continuous stretch of oceanfront beach in the state: Delaware Seashore State Park. This magnificent park is a paradise for nature lovers, anglers, and anyone seeking a more natural and undeveloped beach experience.
Delaware's Longest Stretch of Sand: A Guide to Delaware Seashore State Park
Delaware Seashore State Park is a sprawling coastal park with a remarkable amount of ocean frontage.
- Length: The park contains over six miles of uninterrupted ocean beach, stretching from just south of Dewey Beach to north of Bethany Beach. This makes it the longest continuous beach in the First State.
- Geography: The park is situated on a beautiful barrier island, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay on the other. The iconic Indian River Inlet Bridge is a central landmark within the park.2
What to Expect at Delaware Seashore State Park:
Unlike the bustling town beaches with their boardwalks, Delaware Seashore State Park offers a more tranquil and natural environment.
- Lifeguarded Beaches: The park features two large, modern swimming areas with lifeguards on duty during the summer season: the South Inlet Day Area and the Tower Road Ocean Beach. These areas have bathhouses with showers and changing rooms, concession stands, and chair and umbrella rentals.
- Surf Fishing: The park is a premier destination for surf fishing.3 Anglers can drive onto designated sections of the beach (with a permit) to cast for species like striped bass, bluefish, and flounder.
- Boating and Watersports: The Indian River Inlet and the surrounding bays are popular for boating, kayaking, and windsurfing. The Indian River Marina within the park is a full-service facility.
- Camping: The park also offers a large campground with sites for both RVs and tents, allowing for an immersive beach camping experience.4
Other Notable Long Beaches in Delaware:
- Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes): This park also boasts over six miles of shoreline, but it is split between the Atlantic Ocean and the calmer waters of the Delaware Bay.
- Fenwick Island State Park: Located at the southern tip of the state, this park offers a beautiful 3-mile stretch of ocean beach.
While Delaware has many beautiful beaches, the over six-mile continuous oceanfront of Delaware Seashore State Park gives it the title of the longest beach in the state. Its unique combination of lifeguarded swimming areas, dedicated surf fishing beaches, and access to both the ocean and the bay makes it a beloved destination for a wide range of outdoor recreation and a true gem of the First State.
Sources:
- Delaware State Parks: https://destateparks.com/Beaches/DelawareSeashore
- Delaware Tourism Office (VisitDelaware.com): https://www.visitdelaware.com/
- Friends of Delaware Seashore State Park: https://friendsofdelseashore.org/
- Local and regional travel guides and publications
