Delaware Seashore State Park

About

Delaware Seashore State Park stretches across six miles of pristine Atlantic coastline between Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach, offering one of the mid-Atlantic's most welcoming beach experiences for visitors of all abilities. The park sits on a narrow strip of land between the ocean and Rehoboth Bay, giving visitors access to both calm bay waters and rolling ocean surf.

The park's main areas include Tower Ocean and South Inlet, each with their own personality. South Inlet features a full-service day area with restrooms, outdoor showers, and even a restaurant. It's an ideal spot for families who want amenities close at hand. Tower Ocean offers a quieter stretch of sand with its own facilities and gorgeous views.

Beyond the beach, the park has plenty to explore. The Indian River Inlet Bridge provides a dramatic backdrop, and fishing from the inlet jetties is a popular pastime. Kayakers and paddleboarders love the calm bay side, where shallow waters and gentle currents make for easy paddling. The park also offers campsites for overnight stays, letting visitors wake up to the sound of waves.

Birdwatchers will find the park rewarding year-round. The bay side marshes attract herons, egrets, and migrating shorebirds. In fall and winter, the beaches are quieter, perfect for reflective walks and beachcombing.

For planning purposes, the park charges a daily entrance fee per vehicle during the summer season, with Delaware-registered vehicles receiving a discount. Arriving early on summer weekends is smart, as parking lots can fill by mid-morning. The shoulder seasons of May and September offer warm weather with far fewer crowds.

Whether you're looking for a full day of swimming and sunbathing or a peaceful afternoon watching waves roll in, Delaware Seashore State Park delivers an authentic coastal experience without the commercial bustle of the nearby resort towns.

Accessibility

Delaware Seashore State Park has made significant investments in beach accessibility. Free beach wheelchairs are available for visitors to borrow daily from 8 a.m. until sunset, year-round. These chairs are designed with wide wheels to roll across sand and can be picked up at Tower Ocean and South Inlet locations.

At South Inlet, a wooden boardwalk ramp leads from the parking area down to the beach. Mobi-mat pathways extend across the sand, providing a firm, rollable surface that makes it possible for wheelchair users and people with mobility challenges to reach the water's edge. ADA-compliant pole showers have been installed at South Inlet, allowing visitors to rinse off without barriers.

The park's restroom facilities at the main beach areas are ADA-accessible. Designated accessible parking spaces are available at both Tower Ocean and South Inlet day-use areas, positioned close to the boardwalk ramps and facilities.

For visitors who need assistance with beach wheelchair reservations or have specific accessibility questions, Delaware State Parks staff can be reached by phone. It's a good idea to call ahead during peak summer weekends to confirm wheelchair availability, as they're offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact Delaware State Parks directly for the most current details on accessible campsites, bay-side access points, and any seasonal changes to accessibility equipment availability.

More accessible places in Delaware

• Rehoboth Beach & Boardwalk (Rehoboth Beach)
• Jungle Jim’s Waterpark (Rehoboth Beach)
• Delaware Art Museum (Wilmington)
• Biggs Museum of American Art (Dover)
• Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village (Dover)
• Delaware Museum of Nature and Science (Wilmington)