Great Places

Delaware Seashore State Park

38°38'42.19"N  75° 4'34.50"W

39415 Inlet Road
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Phone: (302) 227-2800
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Delaware Seashore State Park is a beach bum's dream come true. At more than 2,800 acres, this barrier island makes for a great getaway filled with fishing, swimming and more. You can even dock your boat at Indian River Marina, a state-certified "Clean Marina." Plus, it's the only state park in Delaware where you can rent your very own fully-equipped cottage by the sea. That or visitors can camp in a close-quarters atmosphere beside Indian River Inlet.

A popular activity at this park is embarking on a naturalist-led eco-cruise aboard the Sanddollar, a 45-foot pontoon boat that departs out of the marina on Thursdays during summer. Visitors can choose from the morning Estuarine Ecology Tour or the afternoon Rehoboth Bay Sightseeing Tour (prices vary), both of which are two hours in duration. Please call (302) 227-6991 to make your reservation in advance.

If you're looking to lose the crowds, consider a visit to Thompson Island or a hike on Burton Island, the latter of which has a 1.5-mile trail offering great scenery. Thompson Island has a little-known trail, too, but it is accessible only through the neighborhood of Spring Lake--if you can find it. Your best bet is to take part in a naturalist-led program if you wish to visit either island.

During your visit, you might also take a gander at the park's historic lifesaving station. Built in 1876, it's the oldest in the country left at its original location. That or take a stroll on Coin Beach, just north of Indian River Inlet. British pennies and half-pennies sometimes wash up here from an offshore shipwreck dating back to the 1700s.

Before leaving the park, please be kind enough to put your trash in one of the many barrels provided. Doing so prevents water pollution known as "marine debris."

Visit the Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation online at DSPF.net.

Photo by Shaun Bailey

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