Fenwick Island State Park Beach
Fenwick Island, DE
Fenwick Island State Park fills the undeveloped gap between South Bethany and the town of Fenwick Island, an ocean side beach backed by a World War II observation tower and a bay side of marsh and open water on Little Assawoman Bay. It was originally the southern half of Delaware Seashore before splitting off as its own park in 1981.
Genuinely undeveloped compared to the beach towns on either side, and the kayak launch at the bayside lot is a real local perk, though the observation tower area does draw a steady stream of history minded visitors.
How we score beachesDogs are welcome here year round, unlike the town beaches on either side, but only on the designated surf fishing sections, not the main swimming beach. Check the posted signs before you set up.
The main day use lot is paved with a seasonal entrance fee. The bayside Assawoman Recreation Area lot a quarter mile south has its own smaller lot, the easiest kayak and paddleboard launch on this stretch, and it fills fast.
A paved path leads from the main lot to the dune crossing and the observation tower area. The bayside lot is unpaved with a short carry down to the water.
Leashed dogs are allowed year round on the park's designated surf fishing beaches, but not on the main lifeguarded swimming beach.
Water tracks the same low to mid 70s by August as the rest of southern Delaware, inside the June through November hurricane season. The park stays noticeably less crowded than the town beaches to the north and south even at the height of summer.
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