Delaware Seashore State Park guide: 5 things to do, admission, eats and more

Krys'tal Griffin, Delaware News Journal
Updated ·6 min read
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Taking a weekend trip to a nearby city can be fun, but a hidden gem right here in the First State might have you thinking twice about leaving the next time you’re searching for a good time.

Delaware Seashore State Park in Rehoboth Beach, known as Indian River State Park until 1967, is located within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean and features 6 miles of ocean and 20 miles of bay shoreline.

The Indian River Inlet connects the Indian River and Rehoboth Bay with the Atlantic Ocean and boasts sprawling beaches on either side.

When is Delaware Seashore State Park open?

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Local sunset times can be found on the state parks website.

Swimming beaches are guarded and open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The park office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 1 through March 31. From April 1 to Oct. 31, the office is open seven days a week, same hours.

Delaware Seashore State Park pricing

Shells and other debris along the wrack line at Delaware Seashore State Park March 10.
Shells and other debris along the wrack line at Delaware Seashore State Park March 10.

The park is one of Delaware’s five ocean parks, which have different prices for visitors than the inland parks.

A day at Delaware Seashore State Park costs $5 per day for Delaware-registered vehicles and $10 per day for out-of-state vehicles.

Vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers will be charged the bus fee.

Delaware firefighters and EMTs can enter free of charge. Contact the president of your fire company or the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association for more information and an application form.

If you’re on an extended stay near any state park locations, daily pass booklets also are available for purchase at any park office and grant passengers one day’s admission.

Booklets contain six inland park passes for $20 or six ocean park passes for $25 for Delaware-registered vehicles. Out-of-state vehicles can buy a booklet with three inland park passes for $20 or three ocean park passes for $25.

Various discounts and annual pass variations are available for Delaware Seashore State Park, along with Delaware’s other state parks, on the state website. destateparks.com/Know/PassesTagsFees#on

Delaware State Parks guide: Delaware State Park parking fees arrive ahead of spring

What can you do at Delaware Seashore State Park?

Delaware Seashore State Park’s annual Paddlefest took place on a summer weekend in 2019. A new family course and an after-party with food trucks and beer. were part of the festivities.
Delaware Seashore State Park’s annual Paddlefest took place on a summer weekend in 2019. A new family course and an after-party with food trucks and beer. were part of the festivities.

If you’re wondering what fun can be had at the location, it would be easier to list what isn’t offered, due to the wide range of activities found at the state park.

Have a classic beach day

The obvious answer is to soak up the sun on your favorite beach towel or catch some waves with your trusty surfboard.

Start the morning off in the water before making your way back to your group’s spot in the sand to have a midday picnic. The beaches are wheelchair- and power chair-accessible, with Mobi-Mat equipment.

If you visit in July, don’t miss out on the park’s annual Sandcastle Contest! Prizes are awarded to winners.

Hiking

Delaware Seashore State Park features beautiful views.
Delaware Seashore State Park features beautiful views.

The park boasts several trails where you can walk through nature to your heart’s desire or scan the provided QR codes posted at trailheads and embark on a self-guided digital expedition.

Educational pin-drops along the way share information about local nature and culture.

For those wanting a quicker mode of transportation, the family-friendly trails can be used for bikers and horseback riders, too.  Trails include:

  • Thompson Island Nature Preserve

  • Burton Island Nature Preserve

  • Prickly Pear Trail at Fresh Pond

  • Holts Landing State Park

Hike around Delaware: Take a hike: Start 2023 off on the right foot at these Delaware parks

Fishing, clamming and crabbing

Surf fishing has long been popular recreation in Delaware, as seen in this photo taken at the beach in Lewes sometime around 1990.
Surf fishing has long been popular recreation in Delaware, as seen in this photo taken at the beach in Lewes sometime around 1990.

The Indian Inlet features a special access pier that allows the elderly and people with disabilities to get close to all the fishing action going down.

Clamming and crabbing are allowed in some sections of the bays, so be sure to check with the Park Office for open areas.

Surf-fishing access for four-wheel drive vehicles on the beach is allowed at marked dune crossings. Permits are required.

Kayaking and windsurfing

A beachgoer looks at a leatherback sea turtle that washed up along the Delaware Seashore State Park Beach, Tower Road south of Dewey Beach in recent years.
A beachgoer looks at a leatherback sea turtle that washed up along the Delaware Seashore State Park Beach, Tower Road south of Dewey Beach in recent years.

Savages Ditch is a great place for kayakers to explore the salt marsh islands of Rehoboth Bay and see wildlife like diamondback terrapins, horseshoe crabs and an array of nesting birds.

If windsurfing and sailing are more your speed, the shallow bays are a perfect place to indulge. A non-motorized boat launch provides easy access for vessels in the New Road area.

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Camping at Delaware Seashore State Park

The park has two campgrounds, one on each side of the Indian River Inlet, that are connected by a bridge with separate walking and biking paths.

Three-point hookups, including electricity, water and sewer service; tent sites, and areas accommodating large tents or recreational vehicles all are available. One vehicle is allowed per campsite but overflow parking is provided.

Laundry facilities and bathhouses are located in both campgrounds, a camp store on the south side sells souvenirs and convenience items, and nearby attractions include restaurants, trails, the Indian River Life Saving Station and a gift shop.

A full-service marina with a bait and tackle shop, fish and seafood sales and head boat service is also in the area.

Select sites are open year-round and a two-night minimum stay is required on weekends, with some holiday weekends requiring a minimum stay of three nights.

Reservations can be made up to one year in advance and can be for as long as 14 nights.

Many reviewers have described the campground as being pet-friendly and a great place to fish. If you’re looking to see all the site has to offer, sign up for a guided tour!

Ultimate regional camping guide: Looking for a low-mileage vacation? Check out these 13 campgrounds in or near Delaware

Delaware Seashore State Park extras

Aside from those options, the park features the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum, which features maritime exhibits and historic reenactors.

Educational activities outside the norm include a variety of events visitors can register for in advance of visiting the park. Some upcoming unique offerings include a DIY sea salt scrub session, a lantern tour, squid dissection, a sea glass workshop and introduction to surf fishing.

Visit the state park website for more information on events and how to register.

Want a bite to eat? Delaware Seashore State Park feature two on-site eateries. Big Chill Beach Club and the former location of Hammerheads Dockside, which is now managed by Big Fish Restaurant Group and opening soon, feature plenty of tasty food, colorful drinks, oceanside food and lots of fun to get into.

39415 Inlet Road, near Rehoboth Beach, (302) 227-2800; www.destateparks.com/Beaches/DelawareSeashore   

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.    

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware state parks: What to do, see around Rehoboth Beach