Fenwick Island State Park, DE

Travel Guide

Fenwick Island State Park which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views
Fenwick Island State Park showing a house and a beach
Fenwick Island showing a beach
Fenwick Island State Park showing general coastal views and a beach
Fenwick Island State Park which includes general coastal views and a beach
Within a few feet, beachgoers have the option of entering the open ocean or being in calmer water on the inside shore.

Fenwick Island State Park is on a 3-mile (5-kilometer) barrier island that features the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a more serene arm of the ocean on the other. Choose a place amongst the sand dunes for sunbathing or relaxing without feeling crowded. 

While there is no commercial boardwalk here, there are food and drink concessions. Rent beach chairs, umbrellas and rafts from one of the kiosks for a relaxing time on land and sea. Arrive early to secure a free beach wheelchair available from the state park office on a first-come, first-served basis unless you reserve 24 hours in advance.

For families in particular, swim where lifeguards are present along the length of the beach. Both sides of the island have an underwater sloping bottom, but the western side is flatter. Bring your surfboard as the park is one of the few beaches in Delaware with a designated surfing area. Rent a kayak to explore the island’s shoreline and venture into Little Assawoman Bay on the park’s western side.  

Do some surf fishing for species such as sea bass and bluefish. Purchase a permit to drive your vehicle onto the beach in a designated surf fishing area. Permits are bought at the bathhouse gift shop or the nearby Delaware Seashore State Park office.

Beaches along the Delaware coast have their unique features. Birdwatch as there are a number of species that have nesting areas on the island, which are off limits to the public. Use the bathhouse that has more than just changing rooms and showers it also has a gift shop, snack food concessions and a rental office for beach paraphernalia. Dispose of your garbage appropriately when you leave Fenwick Island State Park as it is a protected area. Pets are allowed on a leash.

Include Fenwick Island State Park with other attractions in the area such as Lewes, Cape Henlopen State Park or Rehoboth Beach. Park your car in the spacious lot, but be aware that there can be line-ups at times. An entrance fee is collected in the summer during the open hours from 8 a.m. until sunset, and on weekends and holidays in the spring and fall. Lifeguards are on duty 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort
Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort
3 out of 5
Oceanfront on 91st Street, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,928 reviews)
"First time staying here and it was perfect for our family. Clean and friendly staff. Our kids loved the pool & small arcade. Will definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/7

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort
Fenwick Inn
Fenwick Inn
3 out of 5
13801 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD
The price is NT$8,685 per night from Jul 11 to Jul 12
NT$8,685
NT$10,074 total
Jul 11 - Jul 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,960 reviews)
"Always a great stay at the Fenwick. Vista is a great dining experience. The complimentary beach chairs are a great choice. Staff is so family-friendly, very homey."

Reviewed on 2025/7/7

Fenwick Inn
Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront
Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront
3 out of 5
2100 N Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,955 reviews)
"The room was very clean, and it was a nice place to stay. I felt comfortable and enjoyed my visit. Would definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/5

Grand Hotel 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.
Majestic Hotel & Apartments
Majestic Hotel & Apartments
3 out of 5
7th St & Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.4/10 (230 reviews)
""I can't wait to come back next year.""

Reviewed on 2025/7/6

Majestic Hotel & Apartments
Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,249 reviews)
"Nice place, everyone was nice, service was quick. You did have to pay $15 a day for parking which I think is very unnecessary. But the hotel was located in a nice place. Room was clean. Nice view. Over priced for the stay but it was also 4th July week & busy."

Reviewed on 2025/7/6

Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Ocean Terrace Family Apartments
Ocean Terrace Family Apartments
3 out of 5
1211 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Ocean City Boardwalk and Ocean City Beach ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (24 reviews)
Great value
"Check in was easy, parking was available and the staff were very helpful!"

Reviewed on 2025/5/19

Ocean Terrace Family Apartments
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.

Cities near Fenwick Island State Park