Bethany Beach

Travel Guide

Bethany Beach showing general coastal views, a beach and a small town or village
Bethany Beach showing a sandy beach
Bethany Beach featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach
Bethany Beach featuring a small town or village and road cycling as well as a small group of people
Bethany Beach which includes a house and a small town or village

This quiet resort town is famous for its seafood restaurants, clean beaches and quaint village charm.

Originally founded as a religious holiday destination, Bethany Beach has retained its laid-back atmosphere, earning it the nickname, the “Quiet Resort.” It offers extensive beach access and small-town charm and has become one of Delaware’s most popular oceanfront destinations.

Most of the town’s activities centre on its public beach. The one-mile (1.6-kilometre) length offers a clean shorefront that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and playing volleyball. On sunny days, the Atlantic Ocean attracts people for kayaking, windsurfing, boating and surfing. Even if you don’t want to risk getting wet, you can look for dolphins and enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets from the boardwalk, which runs parallel to the beach.

During the summer, the beach is a prime spot for entertainment, hosting concerts, movies and other events. Free Bandstand performances are a weekly tradition.

The quaint downtown is packed with souvenir stores and antique shops where visitors can enjoy tax-free shopping. Bethany Beach is famous for its seafood restaurants, which pair the fish of the day with ocean views. If you want to catch your own dinner, charter a boat and spend the day deep-sea fishing.

The commercial area is very close to the beach, so join other visitors exploring by bike or on foot. From Memorial Day to September, you can also ride in style, courtesy of the town’s old-time trolley.

Take a fun daytrip, driving a few minutes south, to Fenwick Island Lighthouse where you can explore the celebrated structure and learn about its history in the onsite museum. Delaware Seashore State Park and Fenwick Island State Park are popular favourites for their campgrounds, pristine shorefront and extensive networks of walking trails. Children will delight in the Bethany Beach Nature Centre, which hosts educational programmes and has a variety of short nature trails. Adults can enjoy a round of golf at one of the many courses in the area.

Route 1 runs directly through Bethany Beach, making the town easily accessible by car. The nearest major airport is Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, located 120 miles (190 kilometres) northwest.

Where to stay in Bethany Beach

Fenwick Island State Park showing a sandy beach

South Bethany

Visitors to South Bethany enjoy its beaches, and if you want to do some exploring, Fenwick Island Beach is worth a stop.

South Bethany
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Tower Shores

While visiting Tower Shores, you might make a stop by sights like Bethany Beach Beaches and Delaware Seashore State Park.

Tower Shores
Bethany Beach which includes a house and a small town or village

Downtown Bethany Beach

While visiting Downtown Bethany Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Bethany Beach Beaches and Chief Little Owl Totem Pole.

Downtown Bethany Beach
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South Bethany Harbor

South Bethany Harbor might not have many top sights, but Fenwick Island Beach and Bethany Beach Beaches are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

South Bethany Harbor
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Sandpiper Pines

When in Sandpiper Pines, you can plan a visit to Bethany Beach Beaches and Fenwick Island Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Sandpiper Pines
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Sandpiper Village

While Sandpiper Village may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Fenwick Island Beach and Bethany Beach Beaches.

Sandpiper Village
Hotel Bethany Beach

Hotel Bethany Beach

2.5 out of 5
39642 Jefferson Bridge Rd., Bethany Beach, DE
The price is €110 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
€110
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bethany Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,320 reviews)
"Delightful hotel. The staff were fabulous. Booked our family vacation for 2026 already. Can’t wait until next year! Thank you."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

Hotel Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott

Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott

3 out of 5
99 Hollywood Ave, Bethany Beach, DE
The price is €217 per night from 22 Sept to 23 Sept
€217
22 Sept - 23 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Bethany Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (749 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay! The close proximity to the beach and other restaurants makes this hotel a really ideal location. Also the staff is very helpful and kind. In particular Imah was extremely helpful with dining suggestions and helping us get acquainted with the area and took extra care to ensure ..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott
Walk to Beach and Restaurants! 8BR and 3BA. Pets welcome. Sleeps 16. Incredible!

Walk to Beach and Restaurants! 8BR and 3BA. Pets welcome. Sleeps 16. Incredible!

Bethany Beach
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Bethany Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Bethany Beach Boardwalk ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (43 reviews)
"Excellent multi-family vacation house. Free shuttle in & out of town. Well stocked kitchen, lots of chairs for dining. Great big grassy back yard for kiddos to play on. Upstairs family room, so lots of space to spread out!"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Walk to Beach and Restaurants! 8BR and 3BA. Pets welcome. Sleeps 16. Incredible!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Jaw-Dropping View @ Sea Colony Oceanfront 3 BR Condo with 5 Star Renovation!!

Jaw-Dropping View @ Sea Colony Oceanfront 3 BR Condo with 5 Star Renovation!!

Bethany Beach
Book a stay at this beach condo in Bethany Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Bethany Beach Boardwalk and Maryland ...
Jaw-Dropping View @ Sea Colony Oceanfront 3 BR Condo with 5 Star Renovation!!
2BR 1BA Condo on Bethany Boardwalk - Awesome location - sunset view

2BR 1BA Condo on Bethany Boardwalk - Awesome location - sunset view

Bethany Beach
Book a stay at this beach condo in Bethany Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions Bethany Beach Boardwalk and Nick's Mini ...
2BR 1BA Condo on Bethany Boardwalk - Awesome location - sunset view
Walk to Beach and Restaurants! 8BR and 3BA. Pets welcome. Sleeps 16. Incredible!

Walk to Beach and Restaurants! 8BR and 3BA. Pets welcome. Sleeps 16. Incredible!

Bethany Beach
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Bethany Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Bethany Beach Boardwalk ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (43 reviews)
"Excellent multi-family vacation house. Free shuttle in & out of town. Well stocked kitchen, lots of chairs for dining. Great big grassy back yard for kiddos to play on. Upstairs family room, so lots of space to spread out!"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Walk to Beach and Restaurants! 8BR and 3BA. Pets welcome. Sleeps 16. Incredible!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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