Six Miles of Ocean and Bay Shoreline
Water, water everywhere describes Delaware Seashore State
Park. Bounded on the east by the mighty Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by
Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay, the 2825-acre park is a beach-goer's
delight.
Throughout history, the forces of wind and water have kept
this barrier island largely inaccessible, due to the frequent natural
changes of the inlet channel between the bays and the sea. Transportation
along this narrow stretch of land was difficult until the Federal government
completed construction of two large steel and stone jetties in 1939,
stabilizing the Indian River Inlet. The State Park Commission (now the
Division of Parks and Recreation) began operating Delaware Seashore State
Park in 1965. Today, the park is a major attraction for millions of visitors
who enjoy the large variety of water-related activities available along
Delaware's coast.
Swimming
and Sunbathing
The main attraction for many visitors is swimming and
sunbathing along the park's spectacular beaches. Two ocean swimming areas
feature modern bathhouses with showers and changing rooms. Lifeguards patrol
the beaches from 9 am to 5 pm daily between Memorial Day weekend and Labor
Day. Snack foods are available at the bathhouses, and umbrellas, chairs, and
rafts can be rented on the beach.
Fishing and Boating
Fishing and boating are very popular year-round pastimes at
Delaware Seashore. In addition to surf fishing on the ocean beaches,
anglers may try their luck along the banks of the Indian River Inlet. A
special access pier at the Inlet allows the elderly and people with
disabilities to get close to the fishing action. The Indian River Marina
offers many services for boaters.
More Than Just Sun and Sand
Thompson Island on Rehoboth Bay is a new addition to the
park. Located northwest of the Inlet, Thompson Island Preserve is a good
example of the productive salt marsh habitat once common around the
inland bays. Due to its importance to local wildlife, human activities
on the island are limited, and there is no motor vehicle access or
parking available at this time.
With so much to offer in seashore recreation, it is easy
to see why the Inlet and surrounding beaches remain the most popular
park in the First State. Throughout the year, visitors of all ages will
find fun in the sun at Delaware Seashore State Park.
Surfing and Sailboarding
Surfers enjoy riding the mighty ocean waves at Delaware
Seashore, too. The beach just north of the Inlet is one of the few
designated areas in the state for this exciting sport. Other beaches
throughout the park are set aside for surf fishing. Marked dune
crossings allow fishing access for four-wheel drive vehicles onto the
beach. Permits and related information are available at the park office.
The
shallow bays provide many additional opportunities to enjoy the water.
Windsurfing and sailing are growing in popularity, and the sports are
colorful to watch from the shore. A non-motorized boat launch provides
access for sail boards and boats in the New Road area. Clamming and
crabbing are permitted in some sections of the bays, please check with
the Park Office for open areas. A short nature trail on Burton's Island
affords scenic views of the salt marshes and bay islands, where gulls
and terns gather in their noisy summer nesting colonies.
For group activities with
families and friends, two picnic pavilions are available on a
first-come, first-served basis, one on the bay shore at Savages Ditch
Road and the other at the Inlet. Entertaining and informative programs,
such as bay seining and marsh hikes, are held throughout the summer. The
park also hosts a popular Sandcastle Contest each July, where amateur
participants create unique sculptures and castles to compete for prizes.
