10 Best Family Beaches in Delaware [for 2023]
Delaware, known as the “First State” because of its historical significance, boasts a beach-rich peninsula that attracts tourists and locals alike. Its pristine, sandy dune beaches offer breathtaking views of the vast Atlantic Ocean, making them a favorite destination for beach lovers.
What sets Delaware’s shorelines apart is their ideal location, which provides easy access to many other family-friendly attractions. While swimming is a popular activity, these beaches offer much more. You can engage in thrilling adventures such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, boating, and sailing, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
With tons of fun activities and beautiful coastal scenery, Delaware’s beaches are the perfect setting for an unforgettable family vacation. Prepare your loved ones to jump with excitement as you unveil the treasure trove of Delaware’s best family beaches.
1. Dewey Beach, Dewey Beach
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Dewey Beach in Delaware comes highly recommended for families seeking an amazing beach vacation. With its pristine waters and wide sandy beaches, it presents a picturesque setting for relaxation and enjoyment. What sets Davy Beach apart is its array of exciting water adventures suitable for the whole family.
From kayaking and surfing to sailing, wakeboarding, parasailing, and jet-skiing, there is something for everyone. And the beach’s proximity to top family hotels like the Atlantic Oceanside Dewey Beach Resort makes it all the more convenient for you.
To ensure a peaceful experience amid the popularity of this beach, it is advised to arrive early to ensure optimum parking and enjoy the serene atmosphere before the crowd gathers.
2. Lewes Beach, Lewes
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Lewis Beach in Delaware is a favorite with families because of its kid-friendly amenities and beautiful surroundings. One of the main reasons to visit this beach is its safety. The calm waters with minimal waves make it a safe environment for children to enjoy. The shoreline is spacious and clean, providing ample space for families to relax and play.
Plus, Red Cross-trained lifeguards are always on duty to ensure added safety. While vacationing at Lewis Beach, families can engage in various fun activities such as building sandcastles or sand sculptures, splashing in the shallow and refreshing waters, and searching for seashells along the shoreline.
To beat the heat on particularly sunny days, beach umbrellas and chairs are available for rent, providing ample shade and a comfortable place to sit without having to brave the hot sand.
3. Delaware Seashore State Park Beach, Rehoboth Beach
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Delaware Seashore State Park Beach is one of the best family beaches in Delaware, offering a picturesque ocean view and a wide, spacious beach. It is a great option, especially for families who love watersports. The beach is replete with ample scope for thrilling activities such as paddleboarding, jet skiing, and water skiing, allowing you to spend quality time with your loved ones on the sparkling waters.
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can rent a boat and enjoy the beautiful view of the beach. The beach also has convenient amenities, including modern bathhouses for washing up after a day on the sand, changing rooms that are especially useful when you have children and a concession stand where you can buy tasty snacks and refreshing drinks.
It’s important to note that lifeguards are only available during the summer, so if you go during the off-season, it’s important to keep
a close eye on your kids while they’re swimming. By following this expert tip, you can ensure your family’s safety while enjoying the beach to the fullest.
4. Cape Henlopen State Park Beach, Lewes
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Cape Henlopen State Park Beach is considered one of the best family beaches in Delaware. With its six miles of shoreline, this beach offers ample space for families to spread out and enjoy the natural beauty of the beach. The main attraction is its iconic grand historic lighthouse, which adds charm and a touch of history to the scenery.
The lighthouse serves as a picturesque backdrop and a great place to take memorable photos. While parents relax on the sandy shore, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the refreshing sea breeze, children can enjoy the expansive shoreline I can frolic and play. The soft sand is perfect for building sand castles and digging in shallow water.
The beach offers opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing. Teens can engage in these exciting water sports and create lasting memories while exploring the ocean. Visitors to Cape Henlopen State Park Beach should consider taking a side trip to the Seaside Nature Center.
Located nearby, this nature center showcases marine aquariums and provides insight into the park’s rich history. It’s an educational and engaging experience that complements a beach walk and gives visitors a deeper appreciation for the area’s natural wonders.
5. Fenwick Island State Park Beach, Fenwick Island
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Fenwick Island State Park Beach offers an idyllic oceanfront setting with fine sand and turquoise waters. The beach entices a wide range of activities to enjoy including surfing, surf fishing, sailing, boating, windsurfing, and leisurely strolls along the beautiful beach.
Children have plenty of opportunities to explore the beach, and playing in the sand and splashing in the waves can be a wonderful time. The beach is conveniently located near a number of exciting attractions that are sure to delight the youngsters. One such attraction is Viking Golf Amusements and Thunder Lagoon Water Park, where you can enjoy thrilling waterslides, go-karts, and mini-golf.
The beach has restrooms and a bathhouse equipped with showers to help you unwind after a fun-filled day. Allows you to freshen up. A gift shop is also available where you can browse and purchase souvenirs to commemorate your visit. For your convenience, concession stands are available, serving delicious snacks and refreshing drinks.
6. South Bethany Beach, South Bethany
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South Bethany Beach is a hidden treasure among Delaware’s best family beaches. With its stunning shorelines and picturesque ocean views, it offers a serene and calm escape from city life. The beach has clear and attractive water, perfect for swimming and playing with your kids.
Building sand castles and burying each other in the sand become a delightful activity on its pristine shoreline. There is a conveniently located parking area nearby, allowing easy access to the beach. South Bethany Beach has a beach boardwalk, which provides an excellent opportunity to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the breathtaking sunset with your loved ones.
While there are lifeguards at the beach, it is important to use caution when swimming due to the sometimes strong currents. South Bethany Beach is truly one of the best family-friendly destinations in Delaware.
7. Rehoboth Beach’s Public Beach, Rehoboth Beach
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It proudly proclaims itself as the “summer capital of the country” and boasts a wide range of attractions and facilities for tourists. It is home to public beaches, providing an excellent location for weekend family trips. The beach boasts an oceanfront boardwalk that has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the “Top U.S. Boardwalks”. The boardwalk is perfect for a leisurely stroll and features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options for the whole family to enjoy.
While visiting the beach, families can also take advantage of the beach umbrellas available for rent Can pick up These umbrellas provide a welcome respite from the hot sun, ensuring a more comfortable beach experience. The beach is convenient for showers and restrooms, which is especially beneficial when traveling with children.
Rehoboth Beach But safety is a priority, as evidenced by the presence of several friendly lifeguards. These trained professionals are always on hand to offer assistance and ensure the well-being of beachgoers. However, it is important to be mindful of potential rip currents, which can occasionally occur.
Visitors should familiarize themselves with safety guidelines and heed any warnings or flags provided by lifeguards. Beach kayaking, windsurfing, and boating are popular options that allow families to explore the coastal waters and enjoy outdoor adventures together. allow you to enjoy.
8. Bethany Beach, Bethany Beach
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Bethany Beach is the perfect destination for families who want to have a great time together. With its charming and serene atmosphere, it is the perfect place for bonding experiences. The beach is especially child-friendly, offering clean and well-maintained shores that are wide enough for children to freely explore and play.
The presence of vigilant lifeguards ensures an added layer of safety for parents and kids alike. The wooden boardwalk provides convenient access to food vendors, allowing families to enjoy delicious treats like ice cream and fresh seafood.
Don’t forget to use the foot-washing station, which comes in handy for keeping sandy feet clean. It is worth noting that the waves can be large at times, so it is advised to check the water conditions before swimming, especially with young children.
9. Slaughter Beach, Slaughter Beach
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This beach boasts of captivating natural beauty that will leave you in awe. Set up a tent and immerse yourself in breathtaking ocean views, or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, indulging in beach adventures and keeping an eye out for the exotic horseshoe crabs and unique shorebirds that live in the area.
The beach is replete with convenient facilities for you. The nearby parking area makes unpacking hassle-free, while the availability of restrooms and showers ensures that you can freshen up without any inconvenience. And picnic tables are conveniently provided here, you can relish your snacks amid the serene ambiance.
Aqua shoes are recommended for those planning to explore the beach and its waters Are given. The shore is abundant with pebbles, small rocks, and horseshoe crabs, so wearing appropriate footwear will increase your comfort and protect your feet during your beach adventures. By following this expert tip, you can fully enjoy your time at Slaughter Beach while maintaining your safety and comfort.
10. Broadkill Beach, Broadkill Beach
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Broadkill Beach is a spectacular beach, which is gaining popularity due to its unique features. As one of the best family beaches in Delaware, it presents a laid-back and quaint atmosphere that appeals to both relaxation seekers and active beachgoers. With its expansive coastline and soft white sandy beach, it is ample space for sunbathing, playing sports, and building sand castles with your kids.
Beach lovers will be delighted to discover the beautiful seashells along the shore. The beach also offers a variety of recreational activities, such as swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and stand-up paddleboarding, ensuring that there is something for everyone in the family. While Broadkill Beach does not have an admission fee, it is important to note that facilities are limited.
The beach only has two portable toilets and a small on-site store, so it is advised that you come prepared with all the necessary supplies for your family trip. Parking spaces are limited, so it is recommended to arrive early to secure a convenient spot for your vehicle.