Special Update - June 30
New Limits Set for Beaches
In accordance with Gov. Carney’s goal of limiting interactions among people in Delaware’s beach areas to reduce transmission of COVID-19, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced the following restrictions to be imposed starting on Friday, July 3 and lasting until further notice:
- The number of vehicles allowed in Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore and Fenwick Island state parks will be limited to approximately 60% of the parking capacity. When the 60% capacity is reached, all vehicles will be turned away until vehicle volume within the parks is reduced. Vehicle restrictions may be lifted periodically as volume levels are noticeably reduced within the parks. These limits, which will be enforced at park entrances by DNREC Natural Resources Police, will not be managed based on a “one-in, one-out” policy that would encourage lines of waiting vehicles and people.
- At Cape Henlopen, when the main gate is closed to additional vehicles based on parking lot capacity, the closure will include vehicles that have arrived at the park for drive-on surf fishing as well.
- At Delaware Seashore and Fenwick Island surf fishing beaches, NRP officers will monitor the number of vehicles on the beach and will close drive-on beach entrances if vehicles fail to maintain the 20-foot distance between vehicles currently mandated by the Governor’s emergency order.
- Masks or face coverings are required in bathhouse and concession areas of all three parks and strongly encouraged on the beach as well.
- Campgrounds and cabin rentals will continue.
Find Your Adventure at Delaware Seashore
See the Views from the Bridge
Walk to the top of the Indian River Inlet bridge for an unforgettable view of where Delaware Seashore all comes together – the Atlantic ocean, Delaware’s inland bays, and miles of undeveloped coastline.
Tour the Life-Saving Station
Take a step back in time to tour the Indian River Life-Saving Station and catch a glimpse into the daily lives of the surfmen that patrolled out coasts and performed high seas rescues over 100 years ago.
Paddle the Bay
Paddle a kayak from Savages Ditch to explore the vast salt marsh islands of Rehoboth Bay and see diamondback terrapins, horseshoe crabs, and a wide variety of nesting birds such as laughing gulls, osprey, snowy egrets, tricolored herons, and glossy ibis.
Go Fish
Partake in a pastime that has become part of Delaware Seashore’s legacy – fishing! Cast your line from one of the marina’s charter boats, from the rock jetties of the inlet, or from the beach itself.
Discover Burtons Island
Hike through Burton Island Nature Preserve, and experience the changing scenery as you meander from salt marsh to maritime forest habitats.
Superintendent’s Pick: Catch a Wave
Delaware Seashore State Park is a great place for surfing! Grab your board and catch a wave after sunrise at the North Inlet Day Area beach.
Park History
Transportation along this barrier island, bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay, was difficult until the Federal government completed construction of two large steel and stone jetties in 1939, stabilizing the Indian River Inlet. The State Park Commission (now the Division of Parks and Recreation) began managing the land as Indian River State Park in 1965, but it didn't become Delaware Seashore State Park until 1967.
Swimming, Surfing Sunbathing
Two ocean swimming areas, patrolled by lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the summer season, feature modern bathhouses with showers, changing rooms and concession stands. The beach just north of the Inlet is one of the few surfing areas within the park. Mobi-Mat equipment, consisting of three 30-foot mats allowing those in wheelchairs and power chairs to access the beach from the boardwalk, is also available at the Towers Ocean and South Inlet locations.
Camping at the Beach
Two campgrounds, one on each side of the Indian River Inlet, accommodate a variety of camping units, from tents to large recreational vehicles. North Inlet campsites feature three-point hookups (electricity, water, and sewer service), with three-point hookups (electric, water and sewer) and Standard (no hookups) sites, and tent sites available at the South Inlet campground.
Two campgrounds, one on each side of the Indian River Inlet, accommodate a variety of camping units, from tents to large recreational vehicles. North Inlet campsites feature three-point hookups (electricity, water, and sewer service), with three-point hookups (electric, water and sewer) and Standard (no hookups) sites, and tent sites available at the South Inlet campground. Get info about camping at Delaware Seashore.
Indian River Marina
Anglers may try their luck along the banks of the Indian River Inlet or on the ocean beaches, and head boats and charter boats launch out of the full-service Indian River Marina, offering wet slips, fuel docks, boat storage, supplies and more. Visit our Indian River Marina page for hours and information.
Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum
Built in 1876 for use by the United States Lifesaving Service, the full-restored station today features maritime exhibits and historic reenactors who periodically demonstrate turn-of-the-century techniques to rescue sailing ships in distress. Includes a gift shop offering unique coastal and maritime merchandise. Visit our Indian River Life-Saving Station page for hours and information.
Fishing, Clamming and Crabbing
A special access pier at the Indian Inlet allows the elderly and people with disabilities to get close to the fishing action. Clamming and crabbing are permitted in some sections of the bays; please check with the Park Office for open areas. Marked dune crossings allow surf-fishing access for four-wheel drive vehicles on the beach (permits required). Permits are also required for fishing, clamming and crabbing. Click for information about surf fishing permits and fishing licenses. WARNING: The State online automated fishing license system is NOT compatible with mobile devices or iPads and may encounter printing issues with touch screen computers and apple products.
Dining
Located at the South Inlet Day Use Area at Delaware Seashore State Park, Big Chill Beach Club is an oceanfront restaurant and event tent featuring an umbrella deck with breath-taking 360° views of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian River Inlet, and Indian River Bay. The Big Chill Beach Club features casual beach fare from breakfast to dinner, full-service cocktails, wine and beer, an oyster bar and Umbrella Bar, fire pit and hang-out game area, beach amenities for the beach-goers, and catered events for up to 200 people. Open daily April to October, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. A park entry fee is charged March through November.
Bury your toes in the sand tableside at Hammerheads Dockside at the Indian River Marina! This full-service outdoor restaurant offers a fresh, vibrant menu with terrific views of the marina. Features include live music, a full-service bar, free parking, and complementary dockage for boaters (subject to availability). Open daily at 7 a.m. during the summer.
Outdoor Recreation
The shallow bays are perfect for windsurfing and sailing. A non- motorized boat launch provides access for sail boards, kayaks, and boats in the New Road area.
Six different family-friendly trails showcase a variety of habitats for hikers, bikers, or horseback riders, and entertaining and informative programs, such as bay seining and marsh hikes, are held throughout the summer. The park hosts a popular Sandcastle Contest each July, where amateur participants create unique sculptures and castles to compete for prizes.
Nature Preserves at Delaware Seashore State Park
- Burton Island Nature Preserve – A short pedestrian-only loop trail winds through several different habitats in its compact area, from salt marsh to upland forest. This variety in the landscape also attracts a large variety of birds, from water and wading birds to migrating songbirds. The trail is best enjoyed during the fall, winter and spring seasons; insect repellent is recommended during warm weather.
- Thompson Island Nature Preserve – The mature coastal forest of Thompson Island has seen thousands of years of human occupation. Today, hikers can take an out-and-back trail through a mature upland hardwood and conifer forest before ending at a scenic overlook near the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal. The trail's crushed stone surface is accessible. Pets and bicycles are not permitted on the trail or in the preserve.
Upcoming Events
Pet Walks: Indian River Inlet Bridge
Saturday, September 26, 2020
10:00 AM
While pets are welcomed on most of our guided hikes, these hikes are geared specifically for pet owners. Allow your furry friends to socialize while you get out and enjoy the salty winter air at the beach. Pre-registration required. $4 per person Call (302)-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
9/26/2020 10:00:00 AM
9/26/2020 11:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Pet Walks: Indian River Inlet Bridge
While pets are welcomed on most of our guided hikes, these hikes are geared specifically for pet owners. Allow your furry friends to socialize while you get out and enjoy the salty winter air at the beach. Pre-registration required.
$4 per person
Call (302)-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Firing of the Lyle Gun: A Life-Saving Cannon
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
2:00 PM
Talk a self-guided tour through the historic Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum and watch park staff fire the Lyle gun, a life-saving cannon used to assist in rescuing shipwreck victims over 100 years ago. Plan your tour to be before or after the 2 p.m. firing time. Pre-registration required. Free with paid museum admission.
Add to Calendar
9/30/2020 2:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Firing of the Lyle Gun: A Life-Saving Cannon
Talk a self-guided tour through the historic Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum and watch park staff fire the Lyle gun, a life-saving cannon used to assist in rescuing shipwreck victims over 100 years ago. Plan your tour to be before or after the 2 p.m. firing time. Pre-registration required. Free with paid museum admission.
Delaware Seashore State Park
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Fresh Pond Tract
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
4:00 PM
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person. Call (302)-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
9/30/2020 4:00:00 PM
9/30/2020 5:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Fresh Pond Tract
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person. Call (302)-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Moonlit Shipwreck Hike
Friday, October 2, 2020
7:00 PM
The desolate beach between the Indian River Inlet and the Life-Saving Station is known by the locals as “coin beach” as coins from a shipwreck that happened in 1785 still wash up today. Join park staff for a lantern-lit walk on this beach and learn about historic shipwrecks and heroic rescues that occurred right off the coast of our park many years ago. Pre-registration required. $10 per person Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/2/2020 7:00:00 PM
10/2/2020 8:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Moonlit Shipwreck Hike
The desolate beach between the Indian River Inlet and the Life-Saving Station is known by the locals as “coin beach” as coins from a shipwreck that happened in 1785 still wash up today. Join park staff for a lantern-lit walk on this beach and learn about historic shipwrecks and heroic rescues that occurred right off the coast of our park many years ago. Pre-registration required.
$10 per person Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Introduction to Surf Fishing
Saturday, October 3, 2020
9:30 AM
Have you always wanted to try surf fishing but weren’t sure how to get started? If so, this program is for you! We will cover everything from fish identification to proper casting techniques. Rods, reels and bait are all provided. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Pre-registration required. Ages 10 and up. $25 per person Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/3/2020 9:30:00 AM
10/3/2020 12:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Introduction to Surf Fishing
Have you always wanted to try surf fishing but weren’t sure how to get started? If so, this program is for you! We will cover everything from fish identification to proper casting techniques. Rods, reels and bait are all provided. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Pre-registration required. Ages 10 and up.
$25 per person
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Squid Dissection
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
1:00 PM
Study one of the most specialized invertebrates of the sea! A park naturalist will guide participants in a dissection, and at the end of the program, we will write with the squid’s pen and ink! Pre-registration required. Ages 6 and up. . In an effort to keep group sizes small, all adults must pay the program fee and be part of our headcount $6 per person Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/7/2020 1:00:00 PM
10/7/2020 2:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Squid Dissection
Study one of the most specialized invertebrates of the sea! A park naturalist will guide participants in a dissection, and at the end of the program, we will write with the squid’s pen and ink! Pre-registration required. Ages 6 and up. . In an effort to keep group sizes small, all adults must pay the program fee and be part of our headcount
$6 per person
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Indian River Inlet Bridge
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
4:00 PM
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person. Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/7/2020 4:00:00 PM
10/7/2020 5:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Indian River Inlet Bridge
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person.
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Thompson Island Nature Preserve
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
4:00 PM
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person. Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/14/2020 4:00:00 PM
10/14/2020 5:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Thompson Island Nature Preserve
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person.
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Night Hike: The Indian River Inlet Bridge
Friday, October 16, 2020
7:00 PM
Enjoy walking over the Indian River Inlet Bridge in all its night-time glory! Learn how the dynamic forces of nature and the efforts of man have literally shaped the inlet into what is it today. Pre-registration required. $6 per person Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/16/2020 7:00:00 PM
10/16/2020 8:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Night Hike: The Indian River Inlet Bridge
Enjoy walking over the Indian River Inlet Bridge in all its night-time glory! Learn how the dynamic forces of nature and the efforts of man have literally shaped the inlet into what is it today. Pre-registration required.
$6 per person
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Pet Walks: Fresh Pond Tract
Saturday, October 17, 2020
10:00 AM
While pets are welcomed on most of our guided hikes, these hikes are geared specifically for pet owners. Allow your furry friends to socialize while you get out and enjoy the salty winter air at the beach. Pre-registration required. $4 per person Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/17/2020 10:00:00 AM
10/17/2020 11:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Pet Walks: Fresh Pond Tract
While pets are welcomed on most of our guided hikes, these hikes are geared specifically for pet owners. Allow your furry friends to socialize while you get out and enjoy the salty winter air at the beach. Pre-registration required.
$4 per person
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Maritime Craft: Signal Flags
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
1:00 PM
Long before cell phones, the surfmen of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and mariners at sea had lots of ways of communicating. Come learn how to decipher coded signals in a family-friendly program, and use them to make your own coded craft! Ages 8 and up. $6 per person Call 302-277-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/21/2020 1:00:00 PM
10/21/2020 2:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Maritime Craft: Signal Flags
Long before cell phones, the surfmen of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and mariners at sea had lots of ways of communicating. Come learn how to decipher coded signals in a family-friendly program, and use them to make your own coded craft! Ages 8 and up.
$6 per person
Call 302-277-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Holts Landing State Park
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
4:00 PM
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person. Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/21/2020 4:00:00 PM
10/21/2020 5:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Holts Landing State Park
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person.
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Hidden History of Delaware
Saturday, October 24, 2020
2:00 PM
If only the dunes could talk, they’d have some fascinating stories to tell! Luckily, our park’s historian has uncovered some not-so-well-known stories about how the park has changed over the last century. Visit some iconic sights in the park, as well as some lesser-known areas, and discover the hidden history of Delaware Seashore State Park. Meet at the Indian River Life-Saving Station; participants must drive themselves since social distancing is not possible in the park bus. $6 per person Call 302-227-6991 for more details.
Add to Calendar
10/24/2020 2:00:00 PM
10/24/2020 3:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Hidden History of Delaware
If only the dunes could talk, they’d have some fascinating stories to tell! Luckily, our park’s historian has uncovered some not-so-well-known stories about how the park has changed over the last century. Visit some iconic sights in the park, as well as some lesser-known areas, and discover the hidden history of Delaware Seashore State Park. Meet at the Indian River Life-Saving Station; participants must drive themselves since social distancing is not possible in the park bus.
$6 per person
Call 302-227-6991 for more details.
Delaware Seashore State Park
Moonlit Shipwreck Hikes
Saturday, October 24, 2020
6:30 PM
Tours last about 45 minutes and depart every half hour starting at 6:30 p.m. The desolate beach between the Indian River Inlet and the Life-Saving Station is known by the locals as “coin beach” as coins from a shipwreck that happened in 1785 still wash up today. Join park staff for a lantern-lit walk on this beach and learn about historic shipwrecks and heroic rescues that occurred right off the coast of our park many years ago. Pre-registration required. $10 per person Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/24/2020 6:30:00 PM
10/24/2020 8:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Moonlit Shipwreck Hikes
Tours last about 45 minutes and depart every half hour starting at 6:30 p.m.
The desolate beach between the Indian River Inlet and the Life-Saving Station is known by the locals as “coin beach” as coins from a shipwreck that happened in 1785 still wash up today. Join park staff for a lantern-lit walk on this beach and learn about historic shipwrecks and heroic rescues that occurred right off the coast of our park many years ago. Pre-registration required.
$10 per person
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Firing of the Lyle Gun: A Life-Saving Cannon
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
1:00 PM
Talk a self-guided tour throughthe historic Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum and watch park staff firethe Lyle gun, a life-saving cannon used to assist in rescuing shipwreck victimsover 100 years ago. Plan your tour to bebefore one of the two firing times.Free with paid museum admissionPre-registration requiredCall 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/28/2020 1:00:00 PM
10/28/2020 1:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Firing of the Lyle Gun: A Life-Saving Cannon
Talk a self-guided tour throughthe historic Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum and watch park staff firethe Lyle gun, a life-saving cannon used to assist in rescuing shipwreck victimsover 100 years ago. Plan your tour to bebefore one of the two firing times.Free with paid museum admissionPre-registration requiredCall 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Firing of the Lyle Gun: A Life-Saving Cannon
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
2:00 PM
Talk a self-guided tour throughthe historic Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum and watch park staff firethe Lyle gun, a life-saving cannon used to assist in rescuing shipwreck victimsover 100 years ago. Plan your tour to bebefore one of the two firing times.Free with paid museum admissionPre-registration requiredCall 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/28/2020 2:00:00 PM
10/28/2020 2:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Firing of the Lyle Gun: A Life-Saving Cannon
Talk a self-guided tour throughthe historic Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum and watch park staff firethe Lyle gun, a life-saving cannon used to assist in rescuing shipwreck victimsover 100 years ago. Plan your tour to bebefore one of the two firing times.Free with paid museum admissionPre-registration requiredCall 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Fresh Pond Tract
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
4:00 PM
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person. Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/28/2020 4:00:00 PM
10/28/2020 5:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Fresh Pond Tract
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person.
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Full Moon Hike: Burton Island Nature Preserve
Friday, October 30, 2020
7:00 PM
See Burton Island in a whole new light – moonlight! A park naturalist will lead the way around the island’s 1-mile hiking loop. Pre-registration required. $6 per person Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/30/2020 7:00:00 PM
10/30/2020 8:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Full Moon Hike: Burton Island Nature Preserve
See Burton Island in a whole new light – moonlight! A park naturalist will lead the way around the island’s 1-mile hiking loop. Pre-registration required.
$6 per person
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
The Dark Past of the Indian River Inlet
Saturday, October 31, 2020
1:00 PM
Join a park interpreter for a guided walk over the inlet bridge. Along the way, learn about some of the “unlucky” events that have occurred in and around the inlet, dating back to the late 18th century! Pre-registration required. $6 per person Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/31/2020 1:00:00 PM
10/31/2020 2:00:00 PM
America/New_York
The Dark Past of the Indian River Inlet
Join a park interpreter for a guided walk over the inlet bridge. Along the way, learn about some of the “unlucky” events that have occurred in and around the inlet, dating back to the late 18th century! Pre-registration required.
$6 per person
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
The Dark Past of the Indian River Inlet
Saturday, October 31, 2020
2:00 PM
Join a park interpreter for a guided walk over the inlet bridge. Along the way, learn about some of the “unlucky” events that have occurred in and around the inlet, dating back to the late 18th century! Pre-registration required. $6 per person Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
10/31/2020 2:00:00 PM
10/31/2020 3:00:00 PM
America/New_York
The Dark Past of the Indian River Inlet
Join a park interpreter for a guided walk over the inlet bridge. Along the way, learn about some of the “unlucky” events that have occurred in and around the inlet, dating back to the late 18th century! Pre-registration required.
$6 per person
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Burton Island Nature Preserve
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
4:00 PM
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person. Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
11/4/2020 4:00:00 PM
11/4/2020 5:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Burton Island Nature Preserve
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person.
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Hidden History of Delaware Seashore
Saturday, November 7, 2020
2:00 PM
If only the dunes could talk, they’d have some fascinating stories to tell! Luckily, our park’s historian has uncovered some not-so-well-known stories about how the park has changed over the last century. Visit some iconic sights in the park, as well as some lesser-known areas, and discover the hidden history of Delaware Seashore State Park. Meet at the Indian River Life-Saving Station; participants must drive themselves since social distancing is not possible in the park bus. $6 per person Call 302-227-6991 for more details.
Add to Calendar
11/7/2020 2:00:00 PM
11/7/2020 3:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Hidden History of Delaware Seashore
If only the dunes could talk, they’d have some fascinating stories to tell! Luckily, our park’s historian has uncovered some not-so-well-known stories about how the park has changed over the last century. Visit some iconic sights in the park, as well as some lesser-known areas, and discover the hidden history of Delaware Seashore State Park. Meet at the Indian River Life-Saving Station; participants must drive themselves since social distancing is not possible in the park bus.
$6 per person
Call 302-227-6991 for more details.
Delaware Seashore State Park
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Indian River Inlet Bridge
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
4:00 PM
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person. Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
11/11/2020 4:00:00 PM
11/11/2020 5:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Indian River Inlet Bridge
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person.
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Moonlit Shipwreck Hike
Friday, November 13, 2020
5:30 PM
The desolate beach between the Indian River Inlet and the Life-Saving Station is known by the locals as “coin beach” as coins from a shipwreck that happened in 1785 still wash up today. Join park staff for a lantern-lit walk on this beach and learn about historic shipwrecks and heroic rescues that occurred right off the coast of our park many years ago. Pre-registration required. $10 per person Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
11/13/2020 5:30:00 PM
11/13/2020 6:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Moonlit Shipwreck Hike
The desolate beach between the Indian River Inlet and the Life-Saving Station is known by the locals as “coin beach” as coins from a shipwreck that happened in 1785 still wash up today. Join park staff for a lantern-lit walk on this beach and learn about historic shipwrecks and heroic rescues that occurred right off the coast of our park many years ago. Pre-registration required.
$10 per person
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Thompson Island Nature Preserve
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
4:00 PM
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person. Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
11/18/2020 4:00:00 PM
11/18/2020 5:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Wednesday Afternoon Hike Series: Thompson Island Nature Preserve
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person.
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Wednesday Hike Series: Holts Landing State Park
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
4:00 PM
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person. Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
11/25/2020 4:00:00 PM
11/25/2020 5:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Wednesday Hike Series: Holts Landing State Park
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person.
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Wednesday Hike Series: Indian River Inlet Bridge
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
4:00 PM
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person. Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
12/2/2020 4:00:00 PM
12/2/2020 5:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Wednesday Hike Series: Indian River Inlet Bridge
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person.
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Wednesday Hike Series: Thompson Island Nature Preserve
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
4:00 PM
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person. Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Add to Calendar
12/9/2020 4:00:00 PM
12/9/2020 5:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Wednesday Hike Series: Thompson Island Nature Preserve
Get out of the house mid-week and enjoy a guided hike with a park interpreter. Pre-registration required. All hikes are at 4 p.m. and are $5 per person.
Call 302-227-6991 for more details
Delaware Seashore State Park
Winter Solstice Hike
Monday, December 21, 2020
4:00 PM
Enjoy a guided hike around Burton Island Nature Preserve with a park naturalist. At the conclusion of the hike, enjoy watching the sunset over the Indian River Bay. Pre-registration required $5 per person Call 302-227-6991 for more information
Add to Calendar
12/21/2020 4:00:00 PM
12/21/2020 5:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Winter Solstice Hike
Enjoy a guided hike around Burton Island Nature Preserve with a park naturalist. At the conclusion of the hike, enjoy watching the sunset over the Indian River Bay.
Pre-registration required
$5 per person
Call 302-227-6991 for more information
Delaware Seashore State Park
Map and Directions
39415 Inlet Road
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Hours + Info
The park is open daily 8 a.m. to sunset.
*
April 1 through October 31: The park office is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7 days a week
November 1 through March 31: The park office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* Sunset time in Rehoboth Beach (EST) by Time.is
Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum Hours
November - March
- 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wednesday through Friday
- 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday
April 1 - October 31:
- 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., 7 days a week
Swimming Beaches are Guarded
June 15 – Labor Day
9 a.m – 5 p.m. daily
Entrance Fees
In-state: $5 Daily
Out-of-state: $10 Daily
Maps + Downloads
Maps
- Delaware Seashore State Park and Indian River Marina
- Delaware Seashore Campground
- Assawoman Canal Trail
- Cedar Island Water Trail
- Fresh Pond Area
- Indian River Marina Docks
- New Road/Savages Ditch Water Trail
- Thompson Island Preserve
Brochures
- Park Activity Guide
- Pets in the Park Brochure
- Surf Fishing Brochure (includes maps)
- Birding Checklist
Love This Park?
- Join the Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation
- Make an online donation to Delaware Seashore State Park
- Become a Delaware Seashore State Park Volunteer
Activities
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Clamming
- Crabbing
- Cultural/Recreation/Nature Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Kayaking
- Picnicking
- School Group Programs
- Surf Fishing (Off-Road) Areas (license required)
- Trails
- Surfing
- Ocean Swimming
- Wind Surfing
Amenities
- Accessible Beach
- Bait and Tackle Shop
- Big Chill Beach Club
- Boat Launch
- Camp Store
- Campgrounds
- Day Use Areas
- Dump Stations
- Equestrian Trails
- Food Concessions*
-
Indian River Marina:
Fuel Dock, Wet Slips, Boat Storage, Supply Store, Charters/Head Boat, Sewage Pump-Out, Transient Slips - Gift Shop
- Hammerheads Dockside Restaurant
- Hiking/Biking/Equestrian Trails
- Indian River Life-Saving Station Historic Site and Museum
- Meeting Space
- Pet Areas
- Picnic Pavilions
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Surf Fishing (Off-Road) Areas (license required)
- Umbrella Rentals*
- Waterfront Cottages
- Wedding and Reception Venues
- Wheelchair Accessibility
*Summer only
