The Delaware Bayshore: Trails, Beaches, and Boardwalks

If you’re planning an epic road trip, Delaware probably doesn’t even come to mind, considering it’s the second smallest state in the country. For anyone traveling up and down the eastern seaboard, Delaware is just a blip on the GPS. But tucked away to the east of I-95 and US-13, is an entire day’s - or several days - worth of adventuring, packed with scenic boardwalk trails and secluded beaches. This is the Delaware Bayshore. 

Come along for a virtual tour down the coastline with us, and start planning your Bayshore road trip this season.

Augustine Wildlife Area, Port Penn, and Augustine Beach

Just south of the C&D Canal along Route 9 are two short boardwalk trails, part of the Augustine Wildlife Area, that lead to two wildlife observation decks. Both decks overlook expansive wetlands, with one of them facing the canal, and the other one with glimpses of the Delaware Bay in the distance. 

For a short walk through the wetlands, be sure to stop at the Port Penn Wetlands Trail. And if you can squeeze in a visit to the Port Penn Interpretive Center, you’ll enjoy learning about the folklife of the many historic communities of the Delaware Bayshore. They even offer occasional guided walks of the trail. 

Just down the road from Port Penn and Augustine Wildlife Area is Augustine Beach. This sandy shoreline overlooks the bay (and the power plant across the way in New Jersey) and has port-o-jons and ample parking. 

Aquatic Resources Education Center & Woodland Beach

Once you’ve had your fill of the Augustine Beach area, head on down to the Aquatic Resources Education Center. This area is managed by the State Division of Fish & Wildlife and has a great boardwalk trail and a small few fishing piers. 

Just a stone’s throw from the boardwalk trail is Woodland Beach. This little bayfront village was once a bustling tourist destination until 1914 when a coastal storm devastated the town. Today it’s a rather quiet community with a small public beach and a large fishing pier, providing great access to the bay.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

If seeing all of Bombay Hook is on your agenda, make sure your Delaware Bayshore road trip is scheduled to be longer than a day, because you could easily spend all day exploring this wildlife refuge. The refuge has several trails, including the Bear Swamp trail, the Boardwalk trail, and the Forest Discovery trail, as well as a brand new visitor center. 

Little Creek Wildlife Area

One of the best views in all of Delaware can be found at the Little Creek Wildlife Area. The two-level observation deck feels like a treehouse amongst the woods, overlooking a giant expanse of wetlands. It is a great place for birding and just taking in a view you can’t get anywhere else in the state. 

Kitts Hummock & Ted Harvey Wildlife Area

Hidden just down the road behind the Dover Air Force Base is the tiny waterfront community of Kitts Hummock. This beach village does have public access to the beach, but be aware that there are only two parking spots and no other facilities. But if you’re lucky enough to get a parking space on a beautiful day, be sure to soak up the views and enjoy a secluded stroll along the beach.

To visit an even more secluded beach, head to the Ted Harvey Wildlife Area. Follow the signs to the north boat ramp, park near the ramp, and walk along the raised dike out to the beach. You might be able to see some of Kitts Hummock to the north, but otherwise, you’ll feel like the only human for miles.

St. Jones Reserve

Adjacent to Ted Harvey Wildlife Area is St. Jones Reserve. This property is managed by Delaware’s Coastal Programs and is a National Estuarine Research Reserve. The center is the site of ongoing coastal research and field studies. In addition, there is a 1-mile walking trail that has a lengthy boardwalk across the wetlands, as well as a tree-lined section between wetlands and agricultural fields. The variety of habitats here offers great wildlife viewing opportunities. 

Bowers Beach

There are two sides to Bowers Beach - north and south. And to get from one side to the other, it’s about a 20-25 min drive since the mouth of the Murderkill River divides the town in two. North Bowers Beach offers a large parking area, boat ramp, and public beach access. There’s also the Bowers Beach Maritime Museum and a waterfront restaurant. 

South Bowers Beach is a bit quieter and includes beach access, providing a quieter opportunity for a walk along the tide line.

Bennett’s Pier & Big Stone Beach

It may not even be worth mentioning Bennett’s Pier because, well, there’s no pier in sight. And the tiny stretch of beach that’s not private property is all of 20 yards long. But this tiny spot is surrounded by nothing but marsh and bay, and the road leading out to Bennett’s Pier just extends across the marsh and ends in the sand. It’s an intriguing landscape for sure!

Just down the shoreline from Bennett’s Pier is Big Stone Beach. There’s nothing “big” about it though, as this collection of bayfront homes is even smaller than Kitt’s Hummock. There’s room for about 2 or 3 cars to park at the beach access and no other facilities; just a long stretch of secluded beach to explore. One thing that stands out here is the old WWII fire control tower next to the parking lot. It’s not one of those cylindrical concrete structures like on Delaware’s Atlantic coast though. It’s more of a rusty, old metal thing with remnants of an osprey nest on it. 

Slaughter Beach

The Bayshore town of Slaughter Beach is probably the most sizable community along Delaware’s coast north of Lewes. Slaughter Beach welcomes visitors and outdoor enthusiasts with the DuPont Nature Center, Marvel Saltmarsh boardwalk, and public beach access - complete with restrooms in peak season!

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge & Fowler Beach

If Bombay Hook wasn’t enough for you, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge will give you even more trails to explore, as well as another brand new visitor center. Fowler Beach is also a great undeveloped beach to explore nearby, but please note that it is closed for shorebird nesting season from March - September. 

Broadkill Beach & Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve

Broadkill Beach is yet another quaint and quiet Bayshore community that provides a small public beach access with just a few parking spaces and a port-o-jon. If this area is full, you can head down Bay Shore Drive until the town ends and Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve begins. This nature preserve is managed by the state park system so you’ll either need to pay the daily entry fee or have an annual park pass to park here. This beach also allows drive-on access for 4WD vehicles with a valid surf fishing permit. 

As you get your toes in the sand at Beach Plum, you might be able to spot both the Breakwater and Harbor of Refuge Lighthouses to the south in Lewes. On a very clear day, you can also see Cape May, NJ! 

Although Lewes is technically on Delaware’s Bayshore, it is often grouped in the Delaware beach resort towns. Get great advice on exploring Lewes and Cape Henlopen here.