Summer is here - officially, unofficially, however you look at it. You’re probably dreaming about soaking in some rays, catching some crabs, or simply enjoying a waterfront view. Sometimes finding the perfect beach or pier can be tricky, because here on Delmarva, you’ve got all kinds of jurisdiction levels managing those places - state, county, federal, municipal, nonprofit - where do you even start to search for a new outdoor spot to enjoy?
Here. Right here. Search every public beach and pier right here on our locator map or our searchable database. Search by location, how crowded it might be, and whether or not there’s an entry or parking fee. But if searching isn’t your thing, we’ve rounded up twelve of our favorite spots all across the peninsula to help inspire your summer day trips!
Delaware
Little Creek Fishing Access
This little spot in Little Creek, located on the Little River, might feel little, but it has some big amenities! A large, paved parking area, ADA-accessible fishing pier, a boat ramp, and port-o-jons make the Little Creek Fishing Access a great spot to spend an afternoon fishing or crabbing with the family.
Bowers Beach
If you’re headed downstate to enjoy a day at the Delaware beaches, you might get caught up in some heavy beach traffic. Bowers Beach is a great alternative to the crowded resort towns, and if you’re headed there from the north, you’ll likely reach this beach before you hit heavy southbound traffic. The large parking area is mostly intended for the boat ramp, but you can still park there and take the small walking path out to the beach.
Prime Hook
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge has several small piers, as well as a few walking trails, but our favorite spot is a quiet one - the pier on Fleetwood Pond. This pier is relatively new, but it seems to be one of the lesser-known amenities within the refuge.
Tower Road
If you don’t mind some crowds, the beaches at Delaware Seashore State Park never disappoint. Located between Dewey and Bethany Beaches, there are several ocean access points along Route 1, but don’t forget the calmer bayside beaches. Tower Road is a great spot to enjoy a beach without the big waves. It’s also a nice spot to launch kayaks.
Maryland
Betterton Beach
A huge, wide beach, lifeguards in-season, flushing toilets, and a boat ramp - Betterton Beach has it all! And when you’ve had enough sun, walk up the hill to the shaded pavilion. It has stunning, elevated views.
Rock Hall Ferry Beach
For a beach with sweeping views of the Chesapeake Bay, you’ll definitely want to check out Ferry Park in Rock Hall. Protected by some small breakwaters, this calm little beach is perfect for bringing the whole family.
Romancoke
The pier at the southern tip of Kent Island is worth the drive. Romancoke Pier is not only a great spot for some fishing and crabbing, but it also has beautiful vistas of Eastern Bay. Just be sure to read the signage regarding operating hours - the gate closes at night!
Isle of Wight
Visiting OCMD but want a little nature? Head on over to the Isle of Wight Nature Park, accessible from the Route 90 bridge. This park has a long crabbing pier, picnic area, and a tiny beach to launch kayaks.
Tyaskin
If you’re looking for a place off the beaten path that has a beach AND a pier, you’ll find it in the village of Tyaskin along the Nanticoke River. Tyaskin Park used to be a thriving wharf in the early 1920s, with a steamboat coming from Baltimore twice weekly. Now it’s a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of Salisbury.
Public Landing
Another spot off the beaten path that used to be a thriving town is the village of Public Landing. Before the hurricane of 1933, this town was a resort town, complete with a boardwalk and giant water slide. Today it has one of the best crabbing piers in the region, a beach and boat ramp (you’ll need to drive a little north from the pier to get to the beach), and even a tiny water slide into the bay as a nod to its prior heyday.
Virginia
Burtons Shore
If you want to get even further off the beaten path - we’re talking no cell phone signal - head to Burtons Shore on the eastern shore of Virginia. This quiet little beach doesn’t offer any amenities, except bayviews and sand.
Kiptopeke
If you’re exploring Virginia’s eastern shore and want some amenities, Kiptopeke State Park is the place to be. The park has stunning beaches and a huge fishing pier. The pier itself used to be the ferry terminal for those looking to cross the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay before the famous bridge tunnel was opened in 1952.
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