Bethany Beach, DE

Travel Guide
Bethany Beach which includes a sandy beach
This quiet resort town is famous for its seafood restaurants, clean beaches and quaint village charm.

Originally founded as a religious vacation 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 center on its public beach. The one-mile (1.6-kilometer) 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 favorites for their campgrounds, pristine shorefront and extensive networks of walking trails. Children will delight in the Bethany Beach Nature Center, which hosts educational programs 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 kilometers) northwest.

Where to stay in Bethany Beach

Default Image

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
Default Image

Tower Shores

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

Tower Shores
Default Image

South Bethany Harbor

Though South Bethany Harbor might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Fenwick Island Beach and Bethany Beach Beaches.

South Bethany Harbor
Default Image

Bayberry Dunes

While Bayberry Dunes might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like The Salt Pond Golf Club and Bethany Beach Nature Center.

Bayberry Dunes
Default Image

Sandpiper Village

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sandpiper Village and surrounding area, you can visit Fenwick Island Beach and Bethany Beach Beaches.

Sandpiper Village
Default Image

Sandpiper Pines

While there might not be top attractions in Sandpiper Pines, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bethany Beach Beaches and Fenwick Island Beach.

Sandpiper Pines
Hotel Bethany Beach
Hotel Bethany Beach
2.5 out of 5
39642 Jefferson Bridge Rd., Bethany Beach, DE
The price is ¥15,471 per night from Apr 25 to Apr 26
¥15,471
per night
Apr 25 - Apr 26
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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"ocean front and clean to perfection"

Reviewed on Nov 29, 2023

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥24,971 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥24,971
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
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 and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (603 reviews)
"The room was beautiful. The free breakfast was awesome. We were right on the beach. It was a fantastic stay"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott
Wonderful 5 BR, 3 BA Home in Lake Bethany, Sun & Surf at 939 Pine Tree Lane
Wonderful 5 BR, 3 BA Home in Lake Bethany, Sun & Surf at 939 Pine Tree Lane
Bethany Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Bethany Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Bethany Beach Nature Center and The Salt ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Great House but bad customer service
"Overall, the house was great and we had a wonderful 2 weeks. The neighborhood is in a great location w/ access to restaurants & a short drive to the beach. The house was clean & spacious and there were great open areas to gather to eat, play games, sit outside on the screened in porch. Our biggest ..."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2023

Wonderful 5 BR, 3 BA Home in Lake Bethany, Sun & Surf at 939 Pine Tree Lane
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.
Incredible 8BR/3BA-Walk to beach/town/restaurants/park. Pet friendly. Sleeps 16.
Incredible 8BR/3BA-Walk to beach/town/restaurants/park. Pet friendly. Sleeps 16.
Bethany Beach
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Bethany Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Bethany Beach Nature Center ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
Great winter stay in beautiful Bethany Beach
"Close to the beach and many restaurants and grocery stores ,but still good access to walking tree lined and ponds areas. Beautiful nature trails. To top it off , great hosts and very helpful Caroline and Jeff"

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2024

Incredible 8BR/3BA-Walk to beach/town/restaurants/park. Pet friendly. Sleeps 16.
Dog-Friendly Turtle Walk Home w/Sizable Backyard, Outdoor Shower, AC, W/D, Grill
Dog-Friendly Turtle Walk Home w/Sizable Backyard, Outdoor Shower, AC, W/D, Grill
Bethany Beach
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Bethany Beach. Enjoy a water park, WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Bethany Beach Nature Center and ...
8/10 Very Good! (7 reviews)
Beach
"Very nice and comfortable. Thank you ."

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2023

Dog-Friendly Turtle Walk Home w/Sizable Backyard, Outdoor Shower, AC, W/D, Grill
Sea Colony Ocean 11th floor condo w/ free WiFi, tennis court, & basketball court
Sea Colony Ocean 11th floor condo w/ free WiFi, tennis court, & basketball court
Bethany Beach
Stay at this beach condo in Bethany Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Bethany Beach Beaches and Town Museum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (17 reviews)
Great place!
"Condo was clean, nicely decorated and had a beautiful view of the water. Check in was easy, unit had upgraded appliances with keyless entry. Beds we’re comfortable, would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2023

Sea Colony Ocean 11th floor condo w/ free WiFi, tennis court, & basketball court
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Bethany Beach

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
46
" "5 - Excellent 71.875%
4 - Good
15
" "4 - Good 23.4375%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 4.6875%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Nov 17, 2019

It was Too Cold to check Out the beach ????

4/5 - Good

Sue
Oct 21, 2019

We stayed in the area to look at new home developments. We did not go to the beach area on this visit!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 20, 2019

WE go to Bethany Beach all the time and love it This was one of our annual shopping trips to the outlets Hoping to include Meris Gardens in our next shopping trip Thank you

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 8, 2019

After Labor’s Day, it’s perfect to go when it’s not overcrowded.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 30, 2019

I love that it's laid back, relaxed, friendly... Great place for visiting with children.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 23, 2019

It was clean, and not crowded. There was a lot of paid parking required a block or 2

Cities near Bethany Beach