Fenwick Island, DE

Travel Guide

Delaware’s little seaside paradise is a hidden treasure for fishers, surfers, sailors and vacationers.

Measuring one-half mile (under 1 kilometer) at its widest point, Fenwick Island separates the protected coves of Little Assawoman Bay from the wild Atlantic Ocean. This buzzing little coastal town sits on a narrow peninsula of the same name on Delaware’s mostsoutheastern point. Fenwick Island prides itself on being a year-round destination that invites visitors to enjoy its extensive beachfront activities and ocean and inland views. 

Avoid the vacation crowds of Fenwick Island’s neighboring towns and hit the beach for fantastic fishing, crabbing, sailing, surfing and swimming. If the fish aren’t biting at Little Assawoman Bay, walk five blocks and try your luck in the surf on the Atlantic coast. Soak up the sun on the white sandy beaches and swim in the Atlantic surf. The Fenwick Island Beach Patrol keeps the beaches safe from May through September.

Fenwick Island offers plenty of adventures for solo explorers and families alike. Rent a kayak or windsurfer and discover the beaches along the Fenwick Island State Park coastline. Skipper a yacht and sail around the Seal Island Preserve bird sanctuary in Little Assawoman Bay to Lighthouse Cove to see the historic Fenwick Island Lighthouse. Sail to Cedar Island and try your luck finding treasure buried by pirates, according to local legend. Learn about Delaware’s marine history at the free DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum. On warm summer evenings, watch the sun set over the mainland and enjoy fresh local seafood from one of the many restaurants along the peninsula. In the winter, enjoy family activities inside a cozy beachfront cottage or bundle up and venture outside to watch the powerful Atlantic surf. 

Reach Fenwick Island by car along Route 1 or Route 113 in summer to avoid traffic. Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional Airport is approximately 35 miles (56 kilometers) away by car and has regular flights from Charlotte and Philadelphia. This coastal town is most active in the summertime, but Fenwick Island’s residential community also makes it a warm and hospitable destination in the colder months.

Fenwick Shores, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Fenwick Shores, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

3.5 out of 5
1501 Coastal Hwy, Fenwick Island, DE
The price is NT$2,514 per night from Nov 12 to Nov 13
NT$2,514
NT$2,803 total
Nov 12 - Nov 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Fenwick Island. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (676 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on 2025/11/8

Fenwick Shores, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Fenwick Islander Motel

Fenwick Islander Motel

2 out of 5
Rt 1 & South Carolina Ave., Fenwick Island, DE
Stay at this motel in Fenwick Island. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (495 reviews)
Very friendly staff. Great restaurant nearby. Good value. Walls are too thin.

Reviewed on 2025/10/6

Fenwick Islander Motel
Hyatt Place Ocean City / Oceanfront

Hyatt Place Ocean City / Oceanfront

3 out of 5
1 16th Street, Ocean City, MD
The price is NT$2,586 per night from Nov 19 to Nov 20
NT$2,586
NT$2,870 total
Nov 19 - Nov 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,579 reviews)
The beach was direct ofc the balcony. It was a perfect view. One thing...the breakfast was not worth $11. The coffee was bot very hot. There were not enough food choices. Check in was good and Matheisa was very pleasant. She answered all of our questions without annoyance. Overall stay was ...

Reviewed on 2025/11/4

Hyatt Place Ocean City / Oceanfront
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.
Coconut Malorie Resort Ocean City, Ascend Collection Hotel

Coconut Malorie Resort Ocean City, Ascend Collection Hotel

3 out of 5
200 59th Street on the Bay, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,294 reviews)
Everything was great :) Great location...great staff!

Reviewed on 2025/11/2

Coconut Malorie Resort Ocean City, Ascend Collection Hotel
Majestic Hotel & Apartments

Majestic Hotel & Apartments

2.5 out of 5
7th St & Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Ocean City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
6/10 (347 reviews)
Clean and very friendly staff

Reviewed on 2025/11/8

Majestic Hotel & Apartments
Saint Tropez

Saint Tropez

3 out of 5
81st Street, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Ocean City Boardwalk and Ocean City ...
9/10 Wonderful! (129 reviews)
We had a wonderful 16 days at St. Tropez. This was my first visit and my wife’s second. Everything was as she told me, beautiful, clean, and a view that can’t be beat! The employees are helpful, kind and knowledgeable. Being dog friendly is huge, and appreciated too. We will be back.

Reviewed on 2025/11/5

Saint Tropez
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

Reviews of Fenwick Island

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
14
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

More friendly than Bethany

3/5 - Okay

Andi

Fenwick Island the town was very nice, but this Motel was trash

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We loved that the beach was quiet and clean. Too bad that there wasn’t umbrella rentals but that’s minor.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

First time there. Pleasantly surprised.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It is very quiet compared to Ocean City. A lot of establishments and food services close early (before 11 or 10) so just beware unless you don't mind driving over to Ocean City, MD.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beach was across the way which was a nice small walk from the property we were staying at. Did a lot of exploring however felt like everything we were looking for was a good bit of distance.

Cities near Fenwick Island