In this article, we’re going to introduce you to some of the best dog beaches in Delaware.
With an area totaling just under 2,000 square miles, Delaware may be the 2nd-smallest state in the US, but it still boasts over 380 miles of gorgeous coastline.
And there are plenty of dog friendly beaches in Delaware for you and your furball to enjoy!
From Bethany Beach to Fenwick Island, and Lewes Beach to Dewey Beach, The Diamond State has plenty of fabulous beaches for dogs and their owners to explore and enjoy.
So come with us on an exciting journey to discover the best dog friendly Delaware beaches!
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
Table of contents
- #1 Bethany Beach
- #2 South Bethany Beach
- #3 Dewey Beach
- #4 Rehoboth Beach
- #5 Lewes Beach
- #6 Broadkill Beach
- #7 Prime Hook Beach
- #8 Fenwick Island State Park
- Conclusion About The Best Dog Beaches in Delaware
- Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Dog Beaches in Delaware
- Related Articles – Best Dog Beaches in the US
#1 Bethany Beach
The small town of Bethany Beach has a population of less than 1,200 inhabitants and is in the south of Delaware. It’s very close to the state border with Maryland.
The town is famous for its wide, boardwalk-backed beach.
The Bethany Beach Boardwalk is 12 feet wide and half a mile long. The boardwalk offers the usual mix of beach shops and local eateries.
Leashed dogs are permitted on Bethany Beach and Bethany Beach Boardwalk in the off season.
Bethany Beach dog rules state that dogs are not allowed on either the beach or the boardwalk in the busy summer months, from May 15 through September 30.
The beach here is very family friendly and much less crowded than Ocean City, MD.
Bethany Beach zip code: Central Boulevard, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
Bethany Beach website: Information on Bethany Beach in Delaware
Bethany Beach dog rules: Information on taking dogs on to Bethany Beach
#2 South Bethany Beach
You’ll find South Bethany Beach just 2 miles south of Bethany Beach, and approximately 1 mile south of Bethany Sea Colony.
South Bethany is almost exclusively residential and calls itself “The Best Little Beach in Delaware”.
This gorgeous one-mile long stretch of beach allows leashed dogs from October 16 through May 14.
Like a lot of beaches in the surrounding area, pets are not permitted on the beach in the busy summer months.
South Bethany Beach has a quaint small town vibe and is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your pup in the quieter months of the year.
South Bethany Beach zip code: North Ocean Drive, South Bethany, DE 19930
South Bethany Beach website: Information on South Bethany Beach in Delaware
South Bethany Beach dog rules: Information on taking dogs on to South Bethany Beach
#3 Dewey Beach
The vibrant town of Dewey Beach is just a short 15-minute drive north from Bethany Beach.
This small Delaware town is famous for its buzzing nightlife, but it’s a great spot during the day as well.
Dewey Beach has a beautiful location, sitting between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay.
The Dewey Beach Boardwalk is part of the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, which is frequently rated one of the top coastal boardwalks in the US.
Definitely A Dog Friendly Delaware Beach
Dewey Beach is definitely a dog friendly Delaware beach – it even says so on its website!
From September 16 to May 14, dogs are allowed on the beach at any time.
Even better, in the summer months (May 15 through September 15), you and your pooch can enjoy fun and frolics on Dewey Beach in the evenings and early mornings as well! Fantastic!
That’s after 5:30pm in the evenings and before 9:30am in the mornings.
Dewey Beach Is An Off-Leash Dog Beach!
And the best thing about all of the above is that your dog doesn’t have to be on a leash – Dewey Beach is an off-leash dog beach!
However, please note that all dogs in Dewey Beach MUST have a town license.
A 3-Day Temporary License costs just $5, whilst an 8-Day Temporary License will set you back $10.
You can also purchase a Lifetime License for $37, plus a $2 Shipping & Handling Fee.
How To Purchase A Dewey Beach Dog License
Dewey Beach dog licenses can be purchased online or in person at the Town Hall.
You can also get them from the automated kiosk outside of the Town Hall building.
We’re sure that you and your furry friend won’t be disappointed with Dewey Beach. It’s definitely one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Delaware!
Dewey Beach zip code: Bellevue Street, Dewey Beach, DE 19971
Dewey Beach website: Information on Dewey Beach in Delaware
Dewey Beach dog rules: Information on taking dogs on to Dewey Beach
#4 Rehoboth Beach
Located in the mid-Atlantic region, Rehoboth Beach is the largest beach resort in the state of Delaware.
Rehoboth Beach is just 2 miles north of Dewey Beach on the iconic Rehoboth Boardwalk.
A gentle stroll from Dewey to Rehoboth takes less than an hour and is well worth it.
The boardwalk itself is lined with some great restaurants and funky shops. Hotels and amusements are also there in abundance.
Rehoboth Beach Rules For Dogs
Rehoboth Beach rules for dogs state that leashed dogs are permitted on both the beach and the boardwalk from October 1 through April 30.
In the busy summer months, from May 1 through September 30, dogs and other pets are not allowed on the city’s beach or boardwalk at any time.
It’s a popular spot.
So in the off-season, you’ll usually find lots of dogs on Rehoboth Beach, splashing in the waves and having lots of fun!
Rehoboth Is A Fantastic Dog Friendly Delaware Beach!
The atmosphere of Rehoboth, combined with the beauty of the place, make this one of the great pet friendly beaches in Delaware.
There’s plenty of parking in Rehoboth Beach.
Metered parking is available throughout the city and as of September 2022, meter rates are $3 per hour.
Rehoboth Beach Parking Meters
Most Rehoboth Beach parking meters allow a maximum stay of 12 hours.
Exceptions to this are Grove Park and 30-minute spaces.
Children’s Fishing Pier Parking is a free parking lot in the city. It’s located on 2nd Street, very close to the corner of North 1st Street.
From the free parking lot, it’s just a short 5-minute walk to the beach and boardwalk.
Rehoboth Beach zip code: Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Rehoboth Beach website: Information on Rehoboth Beach in Delaware
Rehoboth Beach dog rules: Information on taking dogs on to Rehoboth Beach
#5 Lewes Beach
Lewes Beach in Delaware enjoys a simply stunning location, nestled alongside Cape Henlopen State Park.
The town of Lewes is situated where the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay meet at Cape Henlopen.
Lewes Delaware to Rehoboth Beach is less than 9 miles. And Lewes DE to Ocean City MD is about an hour’s drive down Delaware Route 1.
Leashed dogs are permitted on Lewes Beach at all times throughout the off-season, from October 1 through April 30.
In the busy summer season, you can still take your furry friend on to Lewes Beach in the early morning (before 8am) and in the evenings, after 6:30pm.
You must keep your dog on a leash at all times, year-round.
Lewes Beach Has Very Calm Waters – Perfect For Dogs!
Lewes Beach is an amazing bay beach, with very good facilities.
It’s clean and safe, with very calm waters. Perfect for dogs!
Lewes Beach parking can be difficult at times, so best to get there early.
In conclusion, Lewes Beach is beautiful and dog friendly.
In fact, with its gorgeous location and stunning views, many people consider Lewes Beach to be one of the best dog beaches in Delaware!
Lewes Beach zip code: 206 Bay Avenue, Lewes, DE 19958
Lewes Beach website: Information on Lewes Beach in Delaware
Lewes Beach dog rules: Information on taking dogs on to Lewes Beach
#6 Broadkill Beach
Broadkill Beach in Delaware is a long strip of land that borders the mouth of the Delaware Bay and the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
There is only one road into and out of Broadkill Beach. Consequently, it is a very peaceful and quiet beach, worlds away from both Ocean City MD and Rehoboth DE.
Broadkill Beach is just 30 minutes north of Rehoboth Beach.
More Like A Lake Than An Ocean
If you want a restful and relaxing place to spend some quality time with your dog, then Broadkill Beach is the place for you.
The water here is very calm. In fact, you feel more like you’re beside a lake than beside the ocean!
Leashed dogs are permitted on Broadkill Beach from October 1 through April 30.
Please note that dogs are not allowed on the beach at any time during the summer months, from May 1 through September 30.
Broadkill Beach parking is limited, so get there early to secure a parking spot. Once parked, you’re less than 100 meters from the beach.
Have Some Quiet Time With Your Dog On This Pet Friendly Delaware Beach
Please note that the beach has no amenities.
On the flip side, you’re surrounded by nature at Broadkill, and it’s beautiful!
So for a lovely quiet time with your dog, head to Broadkill Beach, as it’s one of the many pet friendly beaches in Delaware.
Broadkill Beach zip code: Broadkill Beach, DE 19968
Broadkill Beach website: Information on Broadkill Beach in Delaware
Broadkill Beach dog rules: Information on taking dogs on to Broadkill Beach
#7 Prime Hook Beach
Prime Hook Beach is a hidden Delaware gem!
The beach is part of the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. It’s around 2.5 miles north of Broadkill Beach, if you go on foot along the beachfront.
To drive there from Broadkill, it’s just under 12 miles and the journey takes about 20 minutes.
Prime Hook Beach is also around a 20-minute drive from both Milford DE and Lewes DE.
The small town of Milton DE is less than 15 minutes away by car.
Prime Hook Beach Allows Dogs All Year Round
Prime Hook Beach is one of the only beaches in Delaware that allow dogs all year round!
Though please do make sure that you keep your dog on a leash at all times.
As a responsible dog owner, you should of course always obey and respect local laws and regulations regarding leashes.
But it is especially important at Prime Hook, because you don’t want your pup to disturb the local wildlife in the refuge.
One Of The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches In Delaware
The refuge is open every day, from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
If you want to get away from the traffic and the crowds at Rehoboth and the Atlantic Ocean beaches, then take your furry friend to experience the peace and tranquility of Prime Hook Beach.
We can assure you that you won’t be disappointed!
This gorgeous little hidden gem is easily one of the best dog friendly beaches in Delaware.
Do yourself a favor and go and visit it!
Prime Hook Beach zip code: Prime Hook Road, Milford, DE 19963
Prime Hook Beach website: Information on Prime Hook Beach in Delaware
Prime Hook Beach dog rules: Information on taking dogs on to Prime Hook Beach
#8 Fenwick Island State Park
Fenwick Island is a barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean, straddling the US states of Delaware and Maryland.
Somewhat confusingly, Fenwick Island is also a laid-back beach town in Delaware. On the barrier island of Fenwick Island, of course!
Fenwick Island State Park is one of five Delaware State Parks in Sussex County, in the south of the state.
The state park is situated between the popular beachside towns of South Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island and Ocean City, MD.
Delaware’s Southernmost Beach
Fenwick Island State Park is Delaware’s southernmost beach. Contained within the state park are 3 miles of gorgeous ocean beaches.
There’s no specific Fenwick Island dog beach as such, but leashed dogs are permitted on the beaches in Fenwick Island State Park in the off-season, from October 1 through April 30.
Please note that Delaware State Law prohibits dogs from all swimming and sunbathing beaches in the state during the high season, from May 1 through September 30.
It’s easy to get to Fenwick Island from other popular Delaware beaches.
Bethany Beach To Fenwick Island
Bethany Beach to Fenwick Island town is just 6 miles and takes less than 15 minutes down Delaware Route 1.
Rehoboth Beach to Fenwick Island town is 19 miles and just a 30-minute drive.
Facilities in the state park are excellent. You’ll find drinking fountains, picnic tables, restrooms and showers, as well as specially designated pet areas.
As with other Delaware State Parks, there’s a small entrance fee. If you’re a Delaware resident, the daily fee is $5. If you’re a visitor from out-of-state, then the daily fee is $10.
Fenwick Island Beach Parking
Fenwick Island beach parking is included in the daily entrance fee.
Annual passes to the state park are also available.
The state park is open daily from 8am to sunset, all year round.
Fenwick Island State Park is one of the top dog friendly Delaware beaches.
Fenwick Island zip code: Delaware Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE 19944
Fenwick Island Beach website: Information on Fenwick Island Beach in Delaware
Fenwick Island Beach dog rules: Information on taking dogs on to Fenwick Island Beach
Conclusion About The Best Dog Beaches in Delaware
There are plenty of dog friendly beaches in Delaware. It may be a small state, but with its 381 miles of shoreline, there are lots of beaches for you and your pup to enjoy.
From busy Rehoboth Beach and Lewes Beach, to calm and peaceful Broadkill Beach and Prime Hook Beach, Delaware really has got it all.
Just remember to always be a responsible dog owner, but have fun out there as well!
We hope this article has given you a good introduction to some of the best dog beaches in Delaware.
If your favorite Delaware dog beach is not included here, please drop us a line and we’ll do our best to include it when we next update this article.
And please do let us know which of the above dog friendly Delaware beaches is your favorite.
We’d love to hear from you! 🙂
If you’ve enjoyed finding out all about the awesome dog friendly beaches in Delaware, then take a look at our comprehensive round-up of some of the best dog beaches in the US
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Dog Beaches in Delaware
Yes, Bethany Beach in Delaware is dog friendly. Leashed dogs are permitted on Bethany Beach and Bethany Beach Boardwalk in the off season, from October 1 through May 14.
Bethany Beach dog rules state that dogs are not allowed on either the beach or the boardwalk in the busy summer months, from May 15 through September 30.
Yes, dogs are allowed on Fenwick Island Beach. Leashed dogs are permitted on the beaches in Fenwick Island State Park in the off-season, from October 1 through April 30.
Dogs are not permitted on the state park beaches in high season, from May 1 through September 30.
Yes, dogs are allowed on Dewey Beach. From September 16 to May 14, dogs are allowed on Dewey Beach at any time.
And from May 15 through September 15, you can take your dog on to Dewey Beach after 5:30pm in the evening and before 9:30am in the morning.
And best of all, Dewey Beach is an off-leash dog beach!
Yes, dogs are allowed on Lewes Beach. Leashed dogs are permitted on Lewes Beach at all times throughout the off-season, from October 1 through April 30.
In the high season, you can still take your dog on to Lewes Beach after 6:30pm in the evening and before 8am in the morning.
