Route 1 Northbound closed at the Indian River Bridge through the park. Check DelDOT traffic & travel advisories for updates.
Walk to the top of the Indian River Inlet bridge for an unforgettable view of where Delaware Seashore all comes together – the Atlantic ocean, Delaware’s inland bays, and miles of undeveloped coastline.
Take a step back in time to tour the Indian River Life-Saving Station and catch a glimpse into the daily lives of the surfmen that patrolled out coasts and performed high seas rescues over 100 years ago.
Paddle a kayak from Savages Ditch to explore the vast salt marsh islands of Rehoboth Bay and see diamondback terrapins, horseshoe crabs, and a wide variety of nesting birds such as laughing gulls, osprey, snowy egrets, tricolored herons, and glossy ibis.
Partake in a pastime that has become part of Delaware Seashore’s legacy – fishing! Cast your line from one of the marina’s charter boats, from the rock jetties of the inlet, or from the beach itself.
Hike through Burton Island Nature Preserve, and experience the changing scenery as you meander from salt marsh to maritime forest habitats.
Delaware Seashore State Park is a great place for surfing! Grab your board and catch a wave after sunrise at the North Inlet Day Area beach.
Delaware Seashore State Park, boasting six miles of ocean and 20 miles of bay shoreline, serves as an important part of the southern Delaware coastline. The dynamic Indian River Inlet connects the Indian River and Rehoboth Bays with the Atlantic Ocean and is the epicenter of the park’s many activities. A beach lies on either side of the inlet, welcoming anglers and beachgoers who stay for the day or overnight at the park’s waterfront campground and cottages. The Indian River Life-Saving Station, built in 1876 for use by the United States Lifesaving Service to respond to shipwrecks, now pays homage to its maritime heritage while doubling as a coastal event space and educational center. The barrier beach and inland bays provide the perfect salt marsh habitat and nesting grounds for birds and terrapins. More than seven miles of trails welcome hikers, bikers and birders.
Transportation along this barrier island, bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay, was difficult until the Federal government completed construction of two large steel and stone jetties in 1939, stabilizing the Indian River Inlet. The State Park Commission (now the Division of Parks and Recreation) began managing the land as Indian River State Park in 1965, but it didn't become Delaware Seashore State Park until 1967.
Two ocean swimming areas, patrolled by lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the summer season, feature modern bathhouses with showers, changing rooms and concession stands. The beach just north of the Inlet is one of the few surfing areas within the park. Mobi-Mat equipment, consisting of three 30-foot mats allowing those in wheelchairs and power chairs to access the beach from the boardwalk, is also available at the Towers Ocean and South Inlet locations.
Two campgrounds, one on each side of the Indian River Inlet, accommodate a variety of camping units, from tents to large recreational vehicles. North Inlet campsites feature three-point hookups (electricity, water, and sewer service), with three-point hookups (electric, water and sewer) and Standard (no hookups) sites, and tent sites available at the South Inlet campground. Get info about camping at Delaware Seashore.
Anglers may try their luck along the banks of the Indian River Inlet or on the ocean beaches, and head boats and charter boats launch out of the full-service Indian River Marina, offering wet slips, fuel docks, boat storage, supplies and more. Visit our Indian River Marina page for hours and information.
Built in 1876 for use by the United States Lifesaving Service, the full-restored station today features maritime exhibits and historic reenactors who periodically demonstrate turn-of-the-century techniques to rescue sailing ships in distress. Includes a gift shop offering unique coastal and maritime merchandise. Visit our Indian River Life-Saving Station page for hours and information.
A special access pier at the Indian Inlet allows the elderly and people with disabilities to get close to the fishing action. Clamming and crabbing are permitted in some sections of the bays; please check with the Park Office for open areas. Marked dune crossings allow surf-fishing access for four-wheel drive vehicles on the beach (permits required). Permits are also required for fishing, clamming and crabbing. Click for information about surf fishing permits and fishing licenses. WARNING: The State online automated fishing license system is NOT compatible with mobile devices or iPads and may encounter printing issues with touch screen computers and apple products.
Located at the South Inlet Day Use Area, Big Chill Beach Club is an oceanfront restaurant and event tent featuring an umbrella deck with breath-taking 360° views of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian River Inlet, and Indian River Bay. The Big Chill Beach Club features casual beach fare from breakfast to dinner, full-service cocktails, wine and beer, an oyster bar and Umbrella Bar, fire pit and hang-out game area, beach amenities for the beach-goers, and catered events for up to 200 people. Open daily April to October, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. A park entry fee is charged March through November.
Dockside Marina Bar + Grill is conveniently located on the bay at the North Side of the Indian River Inlet in the marina and only minutes away from Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach. Enjoy beautiful sunset views at Dockside Marina Bar + Grill as you dine on fresh seafood, shucked oysters, sushi, smash burgers & much more. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with breakfast 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. See signs for designated parking areas and fees.
The shallow bays are perfect for windsurfing and sailing. A non- motorized boat launch provides access for sail boards, kayaks, and boats in the New Road area.
Six different family-friendly trails showcase a variety of habitats for hikers, bikers, or horseback riders, and entertaining and informative programs, such as bay seining and marsh hikes, are held throughout the summer. The park hosts a popular Sandcastle Contest each July, where amateur participants create unique sculptures and castles to compete for prizes.
Explore Fire Control Tower #3, located at Tower Road in the park. This 6-story tower is part of a larger coastal defense and surveillance system built between 1939 – 1942 to protect the Delaware Bay and Ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia from enemy warships or submarines. Scale the 100+ steps of the tower for sweeping views of Delaware Seashore’s unique environment and learn more about the history of fire control towers throughout Delaware. Can’t make the trip? Check out our virtual, interactive tour of Tower 3 instead!
Our guided hikes have gone digital! Hike the following trails at your leisure. At each of the trailheads, scan the posted QR code with your smart phone, and use your phone’s GPS to track your location along the trail. Educational “pin-drops” will help you discover the area’s natural and cultural resources. Digital trail guides can be found at:
Enjoy a self-guided, cell phone audio tour of the historic Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum located at our visitor’s center. Our tour gives detailed stories and history into the daily lives of our surfmen; it’s like having your own tour guide! Learn the history of the U. S. Life-Saving Service, the precursor to the current day U.S. Coast Guard, by visiting this original 1876 shipwreck victims along the coasts of the United States.
Self-guided tours of the station are $4/adult, $3/senior citizens (62 or older), and $2/child ages six to 12 years old. Children 5 and under are admitted free.
Looking to find out more about park programs for private groups? We provide a variety of programs for ALL ages. We can cater to your staff, scout troop, class, or community group. Call the Indian River-Life Saving Station at (302)-227-6991 and ask for our Programs Coordinator. Private program bookings can be scheduled on the following days:
Thursday, April 25, 2024
9:00 AM
Learn park rules, licensing requirements, and tips from park staff to maximize your safety while driving on the beach. Then, follow park staff out to the beach to practice driving on the sand. Participants must have a valid surf tag and the required equipment to do so. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person
Friday, April 26, 2024
10:00 AM
The marsh at Holts Landing is full of amazing sights and sounds, but have you ever wondered what it FEELS like? Join a park interpreter for this hands-on program that will let you touch everything from animal pelts to plant specimens to that sticky marsh mud. Meet at Holts Landing State Park. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. Ages 6 and up. $6 per person.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
9:00 AM
Have you always wanted to try surf fishing but weren’t sure how to get started? If so, this program is for you! Everything from fish identification to proper casting techniques will be covered in this three-hour program. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Ages 12 and up. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $25 per person
Thursday, May 2, 2024
10:00 AM
Have you ever been curious about the concrete towers along Delaware's coast? Join a park interpreter to discover how they worked, how they were built, and how they helped defend the First State. Ages 7 and up. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $6 per person.
Friday, May 3, 2024
1:00 PM
Make a simple sea glass pendant using a few basic wire-wrap techniques. Bring your own piece of sea glass or choose from our collection. Ages 12 and up. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person
Saturday, May 4, 2024
9:00 AM
Learn park rules, licensing requirements, and tips from park staff to maximize your safety while driving on the beach. Then, follow park staff out to the beach to practice driving on the sand. Participants must have a valid surf tag and the required equipment to do so. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person
Thursday, May 9, 2024
9:00 AM
Have you always wanted to try surf fishing but weren’t sure how to get started? If so, this program is for you! Everything from fish identification to proper casting techniques will be covered in this three-hour program. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Ages 12 and up. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $25 per person
Friday, May 10, 2024
9:00 AM
Learn park rules, licensing requirements, and tips from park staff to maximize your safety while driving on the beach. Then, follow park staff out to the beach to practice driving on the sand. Participants must have a valid surf tag and the required equipment to do so. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. $20 per person
Saturday, May 11, 2024
10:30 AM
Join a park interpreter and learn to identify the osprey and other large coastal birds. Discover what they like to eat, how they catch their food, where they like to nest, and why we don't see any osprey in coastal Delaware during the winter. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. Meet at the Savages Ditch picnic pavilion. Free with park entry!
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
8:00 PM
Learn what the surfmen went through to save shipwreck victims off the Delaware coast over 100 years ago. Venture out to the beach with a lantern and hear tales of tragedy and mystery from the station's logs. Pre-registration required. Ages 8 and up. Call 302-227-6991 to register. $10 per person. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve, at 302-227-6991.
Friday, May 24, 2024
7:30 PM
Enjoy a guided hike over the Indian River Inlet bridge. Learn about the dynamic forces that have shaped the inlet over the last 200 years. Find out about the bridges that have spanned the inlet and how the current bridge design came to be. Online program registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call the park to reserve at 302-227-6991. $6 per person
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
10:00 AM
When driving through the park, you may have noticed 'turtle crossing' signs. These are referring to the Diamondback terrapin. Learn what is being done to protect this brackish water turtle in the park and what you can do to help ensure its survival. Meet at the Savages Ditch picnic pavilion. Free with park entry!
Thursday, May 30, 2024
1:00 PM
Explore the variety of objects that have washed up at Delaware Seashore State Park, from whelk to warheads! A park interpreter will share some common and not-so-common beach finds and how you should handle them. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to program. After that, please call 302-227-6991. Ages 7 and up. $6 per person.
Friday, May 31, 2024
10:00 AM
The marsh at Holts Landing is full of amazing sights and sounds, but have you ever wondered what it FEELS like? Join a park interpreter for this hands-on program that will let you touch everything from animal pelts to plant specimens to that sticky marsh mud. Ages 6 and up. Meet at Holts Landing State Park. This is a free program, but registration is required. Please call 302-227-6991 to register.