Bethany Beach Boardwalk
4.7(3.5K)google
4.3(19)yelp
CoastBeachFamilyPhoto SpotOutdoorSummer Retreat
Overview
Bethany Beach is an incorporated town in Sussex County, Delaware, United States. As of the 2020 census, Bethany Beach had a population of 954. However, during the summer months some 15,000 more populate the town as vacationers.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeThe peak summer season from May to September offers the liveliest atmosphere. It is highly recommended to visit in the early morning between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM to avoid the afternoon crowds and witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean, casting a golden glow perfect for photography.
Getting ThereBy car, drive via DE-1 S (Coastal Highway) directly into the Bethany Beach area, where multiple paid public parking lots are available nearby. For public transit, take the seasonal DART First State Route 208 bus and align at the Garfield Parkway & Atlantic Avenue stop, then walk about 2 minutes to the boardwalk entrance.
Travel Tips
- From May 15 to September 15, digital parking meters are strictly enforced daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on all streets adjacent to the boardwalk. Park in non-metered overflow zones further inland or arrive before 9:00 AM to secure spaces close to the boards and avoid heavy municipal fines.
- Pets are strictly banned from the boardwalk structure at all times, and bicycles, skateboards, and rollerblades are completely prohibited. Pet owners and cyclists must utilize the parallel Atlantic Avenue; park rangers and local police actively patrol and issue citations for non-compliance.
- The coastline is highly susceptible to sudden mid-summer Nor'easters that drop temperatures by over 10°C within minutes, bringing dangerous surf and wind. Check National Weather Service beach advisories for Sussex County before hitting the boards, and pack wind-resistant outerwear for post-sunset drop-offs.
Reviews
Positive
- Very family-friendly, extremely clean, well-maintained, and much quieter than Ocean City.
- The boardwalk is on the shorter side, but has a great selection of ice cream parlors, sandwich shops, and gift stores.
- No loud rides or arcade games here, which gives it a classic old-fashioned beach feel and nostalgic charm.
- Catching a free concert at the bandstand on Thursday nights in the summer makes for a wonderful evening atmosphere.
Heads up
- During peak summer season, the narrow boardwalk gets incredibly packed with tourists, making it hard to walk freely.
- There are very few public benches overlooking the ocean along the boardwalk, making it difficult to just sit and watch the waves.
- Street parking is $3 per hour which feels expensive, and finding an open spot during peak hours is a total nightmare.
- For anyone looking for thrills, carousels, or arcades for their kids, this boardwalk will feel quite boring.