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
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
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
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

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
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
Hotel Bethany Beach

Hotel Bethany Beach

2.5 out of 5
39642 Jefferson Bridge Rd., Bethany Beach, DE
The price is ¥14,066 per night from Sep 22 to Sep 23
¥14,066
¥18,268 total
Sep 22 - Sep 23
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! (1,315 reviews)
"Nice hotel with breakfast and (pay) parking. Staff friendly. Hotel had many guests but never felt crowded - except breakfast! But who doesn’t appreciate breakfast included these days. The carpeting in rooms gives a dated appearance - and is not the most hygienic especially for a hotel that allows ..."

Reviewed on Aug 23, 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 ¥33,092 per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
¥33,092
¥36,815 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
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 Aug 16, 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 Aug 12, 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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (91 reviews)
"My family enjoyed our stay this summer. My only issue was the condo was not clean. Everything was dirty, fingerprints all over appliances, sliding glass door and all top surfaces were very dusty. I contacted the owner and she immediately sent the cleaners back. When you work hard all year and spend ..."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (133 reviews)
"Terrific location and fantastic outdoor showers. Apt was clean, comfortable, well-equipped, and as presented in the pictures online. Owners were very prompt & helpful in their instructions and in answering questions. Only downside was that the wicker dressers in the bedrooms and the wicker cabinets ..."

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

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 Aug 12, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Bethany Beach