Bethany Beach, DE

Travel Guide

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

Fenwick Island State Park featuring a beach

South Bethany

Discover "The Best Little Beach in Delaware" with its serene Atlantic Ocean access and picturesque canals leading to inland bays. Enjoy the quaint York Beach Mall in the town's only commercial area.

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 small town or village and a house

Downtown Bethany Beach

If you're spending some time in Downtown Bethany Beach, Bethany Beach Beaches and Chief Little Owl Totem Pole are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Bethany Beach
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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
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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
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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
Hotel Bethany Beach

Hotel Bethany Beach

2.5 out of 5
39642 Jefferson Bridge Rd., Bethany Beach, DE
The price is ¥14,716 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥14,716
¥19,111 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (1,284 reviews)
Great pool, great location
"Overall, this was a great hotel and I would definitely return. Updated, free breakfast, nice rooms, and awesome location. The staff was super friendly! The only drawback was the bathroom could have been cleaned better. More specifically, the shower and sink had some mildew, and there were a couple ..."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥51,821 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
¥51,821
¥57,651 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
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! (747 reviews)
"Great location for activities on the beach"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 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
The price is ¥132,813 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
¥132,813
¥198,297 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
includes taxes & fees
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! (41 reviews)
"Great location. Descriptions were dead on. House was perfect for our group of 15."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 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.
Steps to Shore: Spacious Bethany Beach Retreat

Steps to Shore: Spacious Bethany Beach Retreat

Bethany Beach
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Bethany Beach. Enjoy private pools, a beach locale, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bethany Beach Boardwalk ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Great location, beautiful views
"The house is located steps from the beach and the host provides the beach toys, towels, and most of what you need. Our family enjoyed our stay and it’s perfect for kids too.When we ran into some issues the host took care of it right away. We will be back."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Steps to Shore: Spacious Bethany Beach Retreat
Ocean Front Bethany Breakers with Ocean View

Ocean Front Bethany Breakers with Ocean View

Bethany Beach
Book a stay at this beach condo in Bethany Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bethany Beach Boardwalk and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (48 reviews)
A stay in Bethany Beach
"Convenient property located on Bethany Beach boardwalk. Be prepared to walk up a couple flights of stairs to get to your room.. The queen bed was a little uncomfortable and there was a lack of closet space. I think 4 adults staying would have been very tight but since it was only the 2 of us, the ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Ocean Front Bethany Breakers with Ocean View
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (130 reviews)
"Cute place. Perfect location! Beautiful beach!"

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

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