
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:
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.
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 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.
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.
Hike through Burton Island Nature Preserve, and experience the changing scenery as you meander from salt marsh to maritime forest habitats.
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.
Delaware Seashore State Park, boasting six miles of ocean and 20 miles of bay shoreline, serves as an important part of the southern Delaware coastline. The dynamic Indian River Inlet connects the Indian River and Rehoboth Bays with the Atlantic Ocean and is the epicenter of the park’s many activities. A beach lies on either side of the inlet, welcoming anglers and beachgoers who stay for the day or overnight at the park’s waterfront campground and cottages. The Indian River Life-Saving Station, built in 1876 for use by the United States Lifesaving Service to respond to shipwrecks, now pays homage to its maritime heritage while doubling as a coastal event space and educational center. The barrier beach and inland bays provide the perfect salt marsh habitat and nesting grounds for birds and terrapins. More than seven miles of trails welcome hikers, bikers and birders.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our guided hikes have gone digital! Hike the following trails at your leisure. At each of the trailheads, scan the posted QR code with your smart phone, and use your phone’s GPS to track your location along the trail. Educational “pin-drops” will help you discover the area’s natural and cultural resources. Digital trail guides can be found at:
Enjoy a self-guided, cell phone audio tour of the historic Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum located at our visitor’s center. Our tour gives detailed stories and history into the daily lives of our surfmen; it’s like having your own tour guide! Learn the history of the U. S. Life-Saving Service, the precursor to the current day U.S. Coast Guard, by visiting this original 1876 shipwreck victims along the coasts of the United States.
Self-guided tours of the station are $4/adult, $3/senior citizens (62 or older), and $2/child ages six to 12 years old. Children 5 and under are admitted free.
Looking to find out more about park programs for private groups? We provide a variety of programs for ALL ages. We can cater to your staff, scout troop, class, or community group. Call the Indian River-Life Saving Station at (302)-227-6991 and ask for our Programs Coordinator. Private program bookings can be scheduled on the following days:
Friday, August 12, 2022
9:30 AM
Interested in trying one of our kayak tours, but don't have much paddling experience? We're here to help! Our ACA-trained staff will teach you the basics, from safely getting in and out of a kayak to different maneuvers out on the water. Program includes a shortened eco-tour with great wildlife viewing. Pre-registration required. Ages 13 and up; under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Participants must bring a bottle of water and wear closed-toe shoes. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. To register after that, call 302-227-6991. $40 per person
Friday, August 12, 2022
10:00 AM
Discover how the early life-savers lived, worked and responded to shipwrecks along Delaware’s coast. This children’s program takes an interactive look at the rescue methods, communication and tools of the United States Life-Saving Service. For ages 6-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Chaperones and observers must purchase tickets. Portions of the program will take place inside and outdoors, so please dress for the weather. $6 per person. Pre-registration required. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991.
Friday, August 12, 2022
2:00 PM
Experience Delaware State Parks like never before! Hosted by staff from Cape Henlopen State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park, cruise the Lewes-Rehoboth canal and experience the unique wildlife and history of Delaware State Parks. Find out the true purpose of the towers on our coast, the story behind the formation of our coastal parks and more. The spectacular scenic opportunities and exclusive perspective on local history makes this cruise a must for anyone in the area. Visit capewatertours.com for reservations and be sure to choose the "State Parks" Tour!
Saturday, August 13, 2022
9:00 AM
Go for a hike through Thompson Island Nature Preserve with a park interpreter. Learn about the island's Native American presence and observe the abundant wildlife that calls this island home. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $6 per person
Saturday, August 13, 2022
9:30 AM
*Previous paddling experience required* Paddle a sit-on-top kayak through the marshes of Rehoboth Bay for a unique glimpse of the historic Indian River Life-Saving Station. Along this 2.5-mile journey, park naturalists will identify the wildlife that makes up this dynamic ecosystem, including the only nesting colony of Laughing Gulls in Delaware. Pre-registration required. Ages 16 and up only. Participants must bring a bottle of water and wear closed-toe shoes. If you do not have any prior paddling experience, we highly recommend signing up for our Introduction to Kayaking program before attempting this tour. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. To register after that, call 302-227-6991. $40 per person
Saturday, August 13, 2022
1:30 PM
Explore Rehoboth Bay and surrounding marshes like never before! Participants will use hand-held dip nets to collect and identify a variety of marine life. Closed-toe shoes are required to walk through ankle deep water. Ages 5 and up. Chaperones and observers must purchase tickets. $5 per person. Pre-registration required. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991.
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
10:00 AM
Interested in crabbing but not sure how to get started? Join a park naturalist to learn about the life cycle of the Atlantic blue crab, different crabbing techniques and current Delaware rules and regulations. Then try your hand in catching those tasty crustaceans! Catch and release. Pre-registration required. $6 per person. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve at 302-227-6991.
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
1:00 PM
Interested in trying one of our kayak tours, but don't have much paddling experience? We're here to help! Our ACA-trained staff will teach you the basics, from safely getting in and out of a kayak to different maneuvers out on the water. Program includes a shortened eco-tour with great wildlife viewing. Pre-registration required. Ages 13 and up; under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Participants must bring a bottle of water and wear closed-toe shoes. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. To register after that, call 302-227-6991. $40 per person
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
1:30 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. Chaperones and observers must purchase tickets. Call 302-227-6991 to register. $6 per person. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991.
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
8:30 PM
Hike the Indian River Inlet Bridge in all its blue glory! Learn about the dynamic forces that have shaped the inlet over the last 200 years. Become familiar with the bridges that have spanned the inlet and how the current bridge design came to be. 1-mile round trip. $6 per person. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991.
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
9:00 AM
Use a 20-foot seine to catch fish, crabs and other critters. Learn to identify each species and discover their adaptations for survival. Closed-toe shoes required. Ages 2 and up. Chaperones and observers must purchase tickets. $5 per person. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991.
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
1:00 PM
*Previous paddling experience required* Paddle a sit-on-top kayak through the marshes of Rehoboth Bay for a unique glimpse of the historic Indian River Life-Saving Station. Along this 2.5-mile journey, park naturalists will identify the wildlife that makes up this dynamic ecosystem, including the only nesting colony of Laughing Gulls in Delaware. Pre-registration required. Ages 16 and up only. Participants must bring a bottle of water and wear closed-toe shoes. If you do not have any prior paddling experience, we highly recommend signing up for our Introduction to Kayaking program before attempting this tour. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. To register after that, call 302-227-6991. $40 per person
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
2:30 PM
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the historic Indian River Life-Saving Station and witness park staff fire the historic 1894 original Lyle gun. This small cannon was used to throw life-saving lines out to ships in distress. Firing will take place at 2:30. Participants may choose to tour the museum before or after the firing. $4 per person. No pre-registration necessary.
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
6:00 PM
Hike the Indian River Inlet Bridge with a park interpreter. Learn about the dynamic forces that have shaped the inlet over the last 200 years. Become familiar with the bridges that have spanned the inlet and how the current bridge design came to be. Pre-registration required. Online program registration ends 24 hours before the program. After that, call 302-227-6991. $6 per person
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
8:00 PM
Learn what the surfmen went through to save shipwreck victims off the Delaware coast over 100 years ago. Venture out to the beach with a lantern and hear tales of tragedy and mystery from the station's logs. Pre-registration required. Ages 8 and up. $10 per person. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991.
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
8:30 PM
We’re sending you on a wild CRAB chase! Join a park naturalist on the beach at night to look for the elusive, nocturnal ghost crab. All you need is a flashlight to spot them as they scurry from side to side in search of their evening meal. Meet at the Tower Road Oceanside bathhouse. Free
Thursday, August 18, 2022
1:30 PM
Explore Rehoboth Bay and surrounding marshes like never before! Participants will use hand-held dip nets to collect and identify a variety of marine life. Closed-toe shoes are required to walk through ankle deep water. Ages 5 and up. Chaperones and observers must purchase tickets. $5 per person. Pre-registration required. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991.
Thursday, August 18, 2022
2:00 PM
Make a simple sea glass pendant using a few basic wire-wrap techniques. Bring your own piece of sea glass or choose from our collection. Ages 12 and up. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person
Thursday, August 18, 2022
6:00 PM
Hike the Indian River Inlet Bridge with a park interpreter. Learn about the dynamic forces that have shaped the inlet over the last 200 years. Become familiar with the bridges that have spanned the inlet and how the current bridge design came to be. Pre-registration required. Online program registration ends 24 hours before the program. After that, call 302-227-6991. $6 per person
Thursday, August 18, 2022
8:30 PM
We’re sending you on a wild CRAB chase! Join a park naturalist on the beach at night to look for the elusive, nocturnal ghost crab. All you need is a flashlight to spot them as they scurry from side to side in search of their evening meal. Meet at the Fenwick Island bathhouse. Free
Friday, August 19, 2022
9:00 AM
Use a 20-foot seine to catch fish, crabs and other critters. Learn to identify each species and discover their adaptations for survival. Closed-toe shoes required. Ages 2 and up. Chaperones and observers must purchase tickets. $5 per person. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991.
Friday, August 19, 2022
10:00 AM
Discover how the early life-savers lived, worked and responded to shipwrecks along Delaware’s coast. This children’s program takes an interactive look at the rescue methods, communication and tools of the United States Life-Saving Service. For ages 6-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Chaperones and observers must purchase tickets. Portions of the program will take place inside and outdoors, so please dress for the weather. $6 per person. Pre-registration required. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991.
Friday, August 19, 2022
2:00 PM
Experience Delaware State Parks like never before! Hosted by staff from Cape Henlopen State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park, cruise the Lewes-Rehoboth canal and experience the unique wildlife and history of Delaware State Parks. Find out the true purpose of the towers on our coast, the story behind the formation of our coastal parks and more. The spectacular scenic opportunities and exclusive perspective on local history makes this cruise a must for anyone in the area. Visit capewatertours.com for reservations and be sure to choose the "State Parks" Tour!
Saturday, August 20, 2022
9:00 AM
Go for a hike through Thompson Island Nature Preserve with a park interpreter. Learn about the island's Native American presence and observe the abundant wildlife that calls this island home. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $6 per person
Saturday, August 20, 2022
10:00 AM
Interested in crabbing but not sure how to get started? Join a park naturalist to learn about the life cycle of the Atlantic blue crab, different crabbing techniques and current Delaware rules and regulations. Then try your hand in catching those tasty crustaceans! Catch and release. Pre-registration required. $6 per person. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve at 302-227-6991.
Saturday, August 20, 2022
1:30 PM
Explore Rehoboth Bay and surrounding marshes like never before! Participants will use hand-held dip nets to collect and identify a variety of marine life. Closed-toe shoes are required to walk through ankle deep water. Ages 5 and up. Chaperones and observers must purchase tickets. $5 per person. Pre-registration required. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991.
Friday, August 26, 2022
2:00 PM
Experience Delaware State Parks like never before! Hosted by staff from Cape Henlopen State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park, cruise the Lewes-Rehoboth canal and experience the unique wildlife and history of Delaware State Parks. Find out the true purpose of the towers on our coast, the story behind the formation of our coastal parks and more. The spectacular scenic opportunities and exclusive perspective on local history makes this cruise a must for anyone in the area. Visit capewatertours.com for reservations and be sure to choose the "State Parks" Tour!
Saturday, August 27, 2022
9:00 AM
Come take part in a 4-mile paddling course through the scenic marsh creeks of Rehoboth Bay. For all the details, visit paddlefestde.com.
Friday, September 9, 2022
7:30 PM
Girl Scout exclusive program* Hike to the top of the iconic Indian River Inlet bridge and learn about how man and natural forces have shaped the inlet over the last 200 years. Combine the evening with a bonfire on the beach, complete with roasted marshmallows! $8 per person. Pre-registration required, please call (302) 227-6991 to register.
Friday, October 7, 2022
6:30 PM
Tour the historic Indian River Life-Saving Station, one of the oldest oceanfront buildings along Delaware's coast, and learn about the daily lives of the surfmen that served at the station and the heroic rescues they performed. Then sit down to a locally-sourced dining experience, with a menu inspired by what the surfmen may have been eating around the turn-of-the-century. Menu may include anything from steamed clams and fresh fish to muskrat stew and grilled venison! Top off the evening with a lantern-lit walk on the beach to hear local shipwreck tales, full of tragedy and mystery. Pre-registration required by Saturday, October 1st. $99 per person. Ages 21 and up. For detailed questions about the menu or what to expect, please call 302-227-6991.