Whether you live in Delaware or are planning a summer visit, it’s paramount to find the best beaches where you can spend the day with your best friend! Not all beaches allow dogs, though, so it’s important to do your homework before you bring your dog to any beach — hefty fines can occur if you break the rules. So, here are 12 dog-friendly beaches where you can spend an enjoyable day with your dog in the small but beautiful state of Delaware!
The Top 12 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Delaware
- Beach Plum Island
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A post shared by Sonya Chisenhall (@designerex81)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Lewes, DE 19958
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: Parking fees
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: From Oct 15 to May 15
Beautiful sandy beach that’s miles long
Dogs are welcome along the northern tip of the nature reserve
Cars are allowed to pull up along the waterfront
Accessible all year round, with plenty of wildlife and beachcombing
Off-leash is allowed between October 15 and May 15
- Bethany Beach
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A post shared by AUGGIE | Golden Retriever (@auggie.thegolden)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Delaware 19930
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
Leashed dogs are only allowed on the beach from October 1 to May 14
Beach is 1 mile long and 150 feet wide
12-foot-wide boardwalk
The beach is closed from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Dogs are not permitted to dig holes
- Broadkill Beach
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A post shared by Luna Bell (@lunabell_thedoodle215)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Delaware 19968
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: Yes
Features beautiful sand dunes and soft sand
The first horseshoe crab sanctuary in the state
Dogs are only allowed off-leash if they obey voice commands
No parking provided
Quiet beach
- Cape Henlopen State Park
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A post shared by Caroline (@cee._mac)
🗺️ Address: 📍15009 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: $10 entry fee
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach from May 1 to September 30
The leash must be no longer than 6 feet
Sand dunes are protected by law
The beach is 6 miles long
Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk
- Delaware Seashore State Park
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A post shared by Teddy & Josie (@teddy.and.josie.doodles)
🗺️ Address: 📍25039 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
Dogs are only allowed on beaches without lifeguards from May 1 to September 30
From October 1 to April 30, dogs are permitted on all beaches
There are 20 miles of bay shoreline and 6 miles of ocean
Salt marsh habitat and nesting grounds for terrapins and birds
7 miles of trails for birders, hikers, and bikers
- Dewey Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Waylon (@waylonthechessie)
🗺️ Address: 📍Dewey Beach, DE 19971
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: License fees vary
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: Yes
Dogs are only allowed on the beach with a Dewey Beach dog license
From May 15 to September 15, dogs are only allowed on the beach before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m.
Dogs don’t have to be leashed year round
The Greyhounds Reach the Beach event happens here
The beach is 1 mile long
- Fenwick Island State Park Beach
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A post shared by Luna (@luna_lovies)
🗺️ Address: 📍Fenwick Island, DE 19944
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: $10 per car
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
Dogs are only allowed on the beach from October 1 to April 30
Dogs must always be on a leash of 6 feet or less
Dogs must be licensed, with proof of rabies vaccine
3 miles of sandy beach
Sand dunes are protected by law
- Lewes Beach
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A post shared by @yogi0450
🗺️ Address: 📍206 Bay Ave, Lewes, DE 19958
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
Dogs are allowed on the beach between May 1 and September 30, before 8 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m.
Dogs are allowed on the beach and the boardwalk between October 1 and April 30
Lewes Beach is a dog-friendly community
Offers parking, paddling, bathrooms, and concessions
Long dock to enjoy the view and a quiet beach
- Primehook Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bert Michon (@bertsbigadventure)
🗺️ Address: 📍Delaware 19963
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
National wildlife refuge for migratory birds
Dogs are allowed while on a leash all year round
Considered a secret beach, so it’s quiet
No lifeguards are available
You might spot ospreys, herons, and foxes
- Rehoboth Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sydney (@sydneythechiweeniefrommd)
🗺️ Address: 📍Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: Parking fees
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
Dogs are only allowed on the beach and boardwalk from October 1 to April 30
Dogs must be on a leash at all times
Crowded beach during the summer
1-mile-long boardwalk is a huge attraction, with restaurants, eclectic shops, and amusements
The boardwalk is open all year long with events and festivals
- South Bethany Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 👑Wallace (@sirwallacetheking)
🗺️ Address: 📍Delaware 19930
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: Parking fees
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
1-mile-long stretch of sandy beach
Leashed dogs are only allowed from October 16 to May 14
5 miles of canals for canoeing, boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding
Quiet resort town and lifeguards during the summer months
You need a parking permit
- Woodland Beach
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A post shared by Bean Godlewski (@weimabean)
🗺️ Address: 📍107 Woodland Ave, Smyrna, DE 19977
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
Sandy beach but with a few muddy areas
No restrictions on when your dog can visit the beach, but they need to be leashed
It can get busy in the summer
Long fishing pier
You can also visit the Woodland Beach Wildlife Area
Conclusion Before you bring your dog to any beaches, always check the guidelines. Most of the beaches in Delaware have rules about dogs. There are usually only certain times of the day or specific months that dogs are allowed on many beaches, and it’s always a good idea to look up this information before you make the drive. Remember, when you do have a day at the beach with your dog, always clean up after them. Ensure that you bring enough supplies — water is crucial for both you and your dog.
Featured Image Credit: Anette, Pixabay
Whether you live in Delaware or are planning a summer visit, it’s paramount to find the best beaches where you can spend the day with your best friend!
Not all beaches allow dogs, though, so it’s important to do your homework before you bring your dog to any beach — hefty fines can occur if you break the rules.
So, here are 12 dog-friendly beaches where you can spend an enjoyable day with your dog in the small but beautiful state of Delaware!
The Top 12 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Delaware
1. Beach Plum Island
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sonya Chisenhall (@designerex81)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Lewes, DE 19958
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: Parking fees
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: From Oct 15 to May 15
Beautiful sandy beach that’s miles long
Dogs are welcome along the northern tip of the nature reserve
Cars are allowed to pull up along the waterfront
Accessible all year round, with plenty of wildlife and beachcombing
Off-leash is allowed between October 15 and May 15
2. Bethany Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by AUGGIE | Golden Retriever (@auggie.thegolden)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Delaware 19930
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
Leashed dogs are only allowed on the beach from October 1 to May 14
Beach is 1 mile long and 150 feet wide
12-foot-wide boardwalk
The beach is closed from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Dogs are not permitted to dig holes
3. Broadkill Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Luna Bell (@lunabell_thedoodle215)
🗺️ Address: 📍 Delaware 19968
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: Yes
Features beautiful sand dunes and soft sand
The first horseshoe crab sanctuary in the state
Dogs are only allowed off-leash if they obey voice commands
No parking provided
Quiet beach
4. Cape Henlopen State Park
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Caroline (@cee._mac)
🗺️ Address: 📍15009 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: $10 entry fee
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach from May 1 to September 30
The leash must be no longer than 6 feet
Sand dunes are protected by law
The beach is 6 miles long
Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk
5. Delaware Seashore State Park
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Teddy & Josie (@teddy.and.josie.doodles)
🗺️ Address: 📍25039 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
Dogs are only allowed on beaches without lifeguards from May 1 to September 30
From October 1 to April 30, dogs are permitted on all beaches
There are 20 miles of bay shoreline and 6 miles of ocean
Salt marsh habitat and nesting grounds for terrapins and birds
7 miles of trails for birders, hikers, and bikers
6. Dewey Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Waylon (@waylonthechessie)
🗺️ Address: 📍Dewey Beach, DE 19971
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: License fees vary
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: Yes
Dogs are only allowed on the beach with a Dewey Beach dog license
From May 15 to September 15, dogs are only allowed on the beach before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m.
Dogs don’t have to be leashed year round
The Greyhounds Reach the Beach event happens here
The beach is 1 mile long
7. Fenwick Island State Park Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Luna (@luna_lovies)
🗺️ Address: 📍Fenwick Island, DE 19944
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: $10 per car
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
Dogs are only allowed on the beach from October 1 to April 30
Dogs must always be on a leash of 6 feet or less
Dogs must be licensed, with proof of rabies vaccine
3 miles of sandy beach
Sand dunes are protected by law
8. Lewes Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @yogi0450
🗺️ Address: 📍206 Bay Ave, Lewes, DE 19958
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
Dogs are allowed on the beach between May 1 and September 30, before 8 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m.
Dogs are allowed on the beach and the boardwalk between October 1 and April 30
Lewes Beach is a dog-friendly community
Offers parking, paddling, bathrooms, and concessions
Long dock to enjoy the view and a quiet beach
9. Primehook Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bert Michon (@bertsbigadventure)
🗺️ Address: 📍Delaware 19963
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
National wildlife refuge for migratory birds
Dogs are allowed while on a leash all year round
Considered a secret beach, so it’s quiet
No lifeguards are available
You might spot ospreys, herons, and foxes
10. Rehoboth Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sydney (@sydneythechiweeniefrommd)
🗺️ Address: 📍Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: Parking fees
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
Dogs are only allowed on the beach and boardwalk from October 1 to April 30
Dogs must be on a leash at all times
Crowded beach during the summer
1-mile-long boardwalk is a huge attraction, with restaurants, eclectic shops, and amusements
The boardwalk is open all year long with events and festivals
11. South Bethany Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 👑Wallace (@sirwallacetheking)
🗺️ Address: 📍Delaware 19930
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: Parking fees
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
1-mile-long stretch of sandy beach
Leashed dogs are only allowed from October 16 to May 14
5 miles of canals for canoeing, boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding
Quiet resort town and lifeguards during the summer months
You need a parking permit
12. Woodland Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bean Godlewski (@weimabean)
🗺️ Address: 📍107 Woodland Ave, Smyrna, DE 19977
🕐 Open Times: All year
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash allowed?: No
Sandy beach but with a few muddy areas
No restrictions on when your dog can visit the beach, but they need to be leashed
It can get busy in the summer
Long fishing pier
You can also visit the Woodland Beach Wildlife Area
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sonya Chisenhall (@designerex81)
A post shared by Sonya Chisenhall (@designerex81)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
- Beautiful sandy beach that’s miles long
- Dogs are welcome along the northern tip of the nature reserve
- Cars are allowed to pull up along the waterfront
- Accessible all year round, with plenty of wildlife and beachcombing
- Off-leash is allowed between October 15 and May 15
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by AUGGIE | Golden Retriever (@auggie.thegolden)
A post shared by AUGGIE | Golden Retriever (@auggie.thegolden)
- Leashed dogs are only allowed on the beach from October 1 to May 14
- Beach is 1 mile long and 150 feet wide
- 12-foot-wide boardwalk
- The beach is closed from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Dogs are not permitted to dig holes
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Luna Bell (@lunabell_thedoodle215)
A post shared by Luna Bell (@lunabell_thedoodle215)
- Features beautiful sand dunes and soft sand
- The first horseshoe crab sanctuary in the state
- Dogs are only allowed off-leash if they obey voice commands
- No parking provided
- Quiet beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Caroline (@cee._mac)
A post shared by Caroline (@cee._mac)
- Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach from May 1 to September 30
- The leash must be no longer than 6 feet
- Sand dunes are protected by law
- The beach is 6 miles long
- Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Teddy & Josie (@teddy.and.josie.doodles)
A post shared by Teddy & Josie (@teddy.and.josie.doodles)
- Dogs are only allowed on beaches without lifeguards from May 1 to September 30
- From October 1 to April 30, dogs are permitted on all beaches
- There are 20 miles of bay shoreline and 6 miles of ocean
- Salt marsh habitat and nesting grounds for terrapins and birds
- 7 miles of trails for birders, hikers, and bikers
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Waylon (@waylonthechessie)
A post shared by Waylon (@waylonthechessie)
- Dogs are only allowed on the beach with a Dewey Beach dog license
- From May 15 to September 15, dogs are only allowed on the beach before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m.
- Dogs don’t have to be leashed year round
- The Greyhounds Reach the Beach event happens here
- The beach is 1 mile long
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Luna (@luna_lovies)
A post shared by Luna (@luna_lovies)
- Dogs are only allowed on the beach from October 1 to April 30
- Dogs must always be on a leash of 6 feet or less
- Dogs must be licensed, with proof of rabies vaccine
- 3 miles of sandy beach
- Sand dunes are protected by law
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by @yogi0450
A post shared by @yogi0450
- Dogs are allowed on the beach between May 1 and September 30, before 8 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m.
- Dogs are allowed on the beach and the boardwalk between October 1 and April 30
- Lewes Beach is a dog-friendly community
- Offers parking, paddling, bathrooms, and concessions
- Long dock to enjoy the view and a quiet beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bert Michon (@bertsbigadventure)
A post shared by Bert Michon (@bertsbigadventure)
- National wildlife refuge for migratory birds
- Dogs are allowed while on a leash all year round
- Considered a secret beach, so it’s quiet
- No lifeguards are available
- You might spot ospreys, herons, and foxes
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sydney (@sydneythechiweeniefrommd)
A post shared by Sydney (@sydneythechiweeniefrommd)
- Dogs are only allowed on the beach and boardwalk from October 1 to April 30
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times
- Crowded beach during the summer
- 1-mile-long boardwalk is a huge attraction, with restaurants, eclectic shops, and amusements
- The boardwalk is open all year long with events and festivals
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 👑Wallace (@sirwallacetheking)
A post shared by 👑Wallace (@sirwallacetheking)
- 1-mile-long stretch of sandy beach
- Leashed dogs are only allowed from October 16 to May 14
- 5 miles of canals for canoeing, boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding
- Quiet resort town and lifeguards during the summer months
- You need a parking permit
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bean Godlewski (@weimabean)
A post shared by Bean Godlewski (@weimabean)
- Sandy beach but with a few muddy areas
- No restrictions on when your dog can visit the beach, but they need to be leashed
- It can get busy in the summer
- Long fishing pier
- You can also visit the Woodland Beach Wildlife Area
Conclusion
Before you bring your dog to any beaches, always check the guidelines. Most of the beaches in Delaware have rules about dogs.
There are usually only certain times of the day or specific months that dogs are allowed on many beaches, and it’s always a good idea to look up this information before you make the drive.
Remember, when you do have a day at the beach with your dog, always clean up after them. Ensure that you bring enough supplies — water is crucial for both you and your dog.
Featured Image Credit: Anette, Pixabay
