Sussex County Beach Living · The Outdoor Issue
Discover beaches, marshlands, wooded trails, wildlife refuges, peaceful waterways, farms, vineyards and outdoor adventures throughout Sussex County.
A slower, more beautiful way to explore
Sussex County is filled with natural beauty, from sandy beaches and quiet marshlands to wooded trails, wildlife refuges, farms, vineyards and peaceful waterways. Whether you enjoy biking, kayaking, birdwatching, hiking, boating, fishing, visiting local farms or spending the day at a state park, the Delaware Beaches offer outdoor adventures for every age and interest.
The Essential Guide
Ocean beaches, historic landmarks, inland bays and cypress wetlands create five distinctive outdoor experiences across southern Delaware.
Cover Story · Lewes
Located where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Henlopen offers beaches, biking trails, walking paths, fishing, birdwatching, camping and memorable coastal views. Explore historic Fort Miles, climb an observation tower, visit the nature center or bike scenic trails connecting Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.
Ocean & Inland Bays
Stretching along the Atlantic and inland bays, this park is ideal for swimming, surf fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, crabbing and exploring the Indian River Inlet.
Quiet Coast
A relaxed beach destination between the Atlantic Ocean and Little Assawoman Bay, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, surf fishing and kayaking.
Indian River Bay
A peaceful setting for fishing, crabbing, birdwatching, kayaking, picnicking and walking through forest, marsh and meadow landscapes.
A Different Side of Delaware · Laurel
Known for its beautiful bald cypress trees and peaceful freshwater wetlands, Trap Pond invites visitors to kayak or canoe through the swamp, take a pontoon boat tour, fish, hike, bike, camp or picnic beside the water.
Bay, Ocean & Marsh
With the Delaware Bay, Atlantic Ocean, inland bays, Broadkill River and quiet marsh waterways, Sussex County was made to be explored from the water.
Featured Experience · Lewes
Experience Lewes and the Delaware Bay on sunset cruises, dolphin-watching trips, lighthouse tours, eco and birding tours, full-moon cruises, live-music cruises, private charters and water-taxi service.
Popular outings: sunset cruises, dolphin watching, lighthouse tours, eco tours, live music cruises and private charters.
Dewey Beach
Pontoon boat rentals, jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks and parasailing make this a lively choice for families and visitors spending a summer day on the bay.
Fenwick Island Area
Kayak and paddleboard rentals, lessons and guided eco-tours through inland bays and marshlands, with an emphasis on wildlife and coastal ecosystems.
Active Adventure
Paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing and other water-sport experiences for visitors ready for an active coastal outing.
Inland Bays
Relaxing scenic cruises and eco-tours through calm waterways, coastal marshes and wildlife-rich landscapes.
Laurel
Rent kayaks, canoes and pedal boats or take a guided pontoon tour through Delaware’s memorable bald-cypress wetland.
Find your own pace along the coast. Walk it · Bike it · Paddle it · Watch the sunset
Move Through the Landscape
Boardwalks over marshes, shaded rail trails and wildlife-refuge paths reveal a quieter view of coastal Delaware.
Scenic Trail · Lewes to Rehoboth
One of coastal Delaware’s most scenic trails, Gordon’s Pond passes salt marshes, dunes, woods and elevated boardwalks. The route offers beautiful views, excellent birdwatching and a memorable connection between Cape Henlopen State Park and Rehoboth Beach.
A popular biking and walking route connecting Lewes and Rehoboth Beach through woods, open fields and peaceful natural landscapes.
A growing multi-use trail offering a safe and scenic route for biking, walking and running away from busy beach traffic.
Quiet paths through marshes, forests and wetlands, especially rewarding for birdwatching, wildlife photography and peaceful nature walks.
Walk through forest, meadow, marsh and sandy shoreline along Indian River Bay—a beautiful outing for families, photographers and nature lovers.
Coastal Countryside
Trade the shoreline for country roads, local produce, vineyard views, seasonal fruit and relaxed outdoor gatherings.
Featured Gathering Place · Frankford
Enjoy wine tastings, live music, food trucks and seasonal events surrounded by open vineyard views. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a favorite place to gather with friends after a day at the beach.
Lewes
Delaware’s first winery offers tastings, vineyard scenery and a peaceful countryside stop close to the beaches.
Dagsboro
A family-friendly farm market with fresh local produce, flowers, seasonal offerings, baked goods and farm experiences.
Frankford
Known for locally grown peaches and seasonal produce, Bennett Orchards celebrates the agricultural side of Sussex County.
Delaware Day Trip
Located north of Sussex County, Fifer is a popular destination for seasonal fruit, farm markets, festivals and family activities.
Birds, Marshes & Native Beauty
These protected landscapes preserve the marshes, forests, waterways and habitats that make coastal Delaware so special.
Natural Treasure · Milton
Near Broadkill Beach and the Delaware Bay, Prime Hook includes freshwater wetlands, salt marshes, forests, fields and shoreline habitat. Watch for bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, snow geese, shorebirds, turtles, foxes and deer.
A protected coastal-marsh ecosystem near Lewes that provides important habitat and serene views of Delaware’s coastal landscape.
Near Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island, this wildlife area offers birdwatching, kayaking, fishing, hiking and photography.
A scenic wetland within Cape Henlopen State Park, especially popular for views of marshes, dunes, ponds and migratory birds.
Native plants, meadow landscapes, walking paths and Pepper Creek views create a peaceful home for flowers, butterflies and pollinators.
Make It Memorable
Hands-on encounters, nature-center programs and easy wildlife outings help children experience the coast beyond the beach.
Unique Family Experience · Frankford
This interactive zoological park offers up-close animal encounters, guided experiences, educational programs and special events. Families may meet sloths, otters, kangaroos, wallabies, capybaras, camels and other animal ambassadors.
Harbeson
Goat yoga, goat socials and cheerful family-friendly animal encounters offer a lighthearted farm experience.
Dagsboro
Along with fresh produce and market items, families can enjoy seasonal farm experiences and animal attractions.
Lewes
Educational exhibits, touch tanks and nature activities introduce children to local marine life, wildlife and coastal habitats.
Milton
Look for birds, turtles, deer, foxes and seasonal migrations—especially at sunrise and sunset when the marsh comes alive.
Choose Your Coastal Adventure
