12 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Delaware You Can Visit Today!

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 is 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 12 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Delaware

1. Beach Plum Island

🗺️ Address:	Lewes, DE 19958
Open Times:	All year
Cost:	Parking fees
Off-Leash:	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

🗺️ Address:	Delaware 19930
Open Times:	All year
Cost:	N/A
Off-Leash:	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

🗺️ Address:	Delaware 19968
Open Times:	All year
Cost:	N/A
Off-Leash:	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

🗺️ Address:	15009 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958
Open Times:	All year
Cost:	$10 entry fee
Off-Leash:	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

🗺️ Address:	25039 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Open Times:	All year
Cost:	N/A
Off-Leash:	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

🗺️ Address:	Dewey Beach, DE 19971
Open Times:	All year
Cost:	License fees vary
Off-Leash:	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

🗺️ Address:	Fenwick Island, DE 19944
Open Times:	All year
Cost:	$10 per car
Off-Leash:	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

🗺️ Address:	206 Bay Ave, Lewes, DE 19958
Open Times:	All year
Cost:	N/A
Off-Leash:	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

🗺️ Address:	Delaware 19963
Open Times:	All year
Cost:	N/A
Off-Leash:	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

🗺️ Address:	Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Open Times:	All year
Cost:	Parking fees
Off-Leash:	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

🗺️ Address:	Delaware 19930
Open Times:	All year
Cost:	Parking fees
Off-Leash:	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

🗺️ Address:	107 Woodland Ave, Smyrna, DE 19977
Open Times:	All year
Cost:	N/A
Off-Leash:	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 is 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. And keep in mind that some dog-friendly beaches may also have nice walking trails!

Featured Image Credit: Mishk Ah, Unsplash