Our description of Bethany Beach Delaware things to do focuses on a popular seaside resort.
But, before describing the many fun things to do in Bethany Beach, learn a little more about this wonderful beach resort.
Bethany Beach Delaware Facts
When the Chesapeake Bay Bridge opened in 1952, Bethany Beach developed into a beach resort.
Located in Sussex County, Delaware, Bethany Beach is an unincorporated town.
A short drive north of Ocean City, Maryland before the popular Rehoboth Beach sits Bethany Beach known as a “small, charming, family-friendly resort town”. Source
Popularly known as one of the three “Quiet Resorts” including Fenwick Island and South Bethany. Thus, Bethany Beach maintains a reputation as a “Quiet” beach resort.
No huge area of hotels filled with college kids and tourists. Primarily a home-rental town for visitors.
The total area of this town covers 1.2 square miles.
In spite of its small size, Bethany Beach offers many attractions for the entire family during the summer season.
Residential areas run along its west side into the town itself. That’s because it does not sit on a barrier island.
The town of Bethany Beach borders Salt Pond to its east, the Delaware Seashore State Park to the north, Ocean View to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and South Bethany to the south.
Known for its hot, humid summers and mild winters.
The 2010 U.S. Census revealed 1,060 residents. By 2018, estimates placed it with 1,221 residents.
Bethany Beach Delaware Things to Do
Now, let’s explore the many fun things to do in Bethany Beach.
Free Public Beaches border the town to the east. Professional lifeguards, known as the Bethany Beach Patrol, seasonally guard these beaches. Swimmers feel secure from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day annually as these lifeguards patrol the beaches every day.
Rent a Beach House in Bethany Beach for a week or more so your entire family enjoys the beautiful sandy beaches and swimming in the ocean. Plenty of beach houses to rent so your family experiences the best in seaside living!
Trip Advisor reviews rate Bethany Beach 4.5 Stars (out of 5 Stars) with the following comments:
“Great Family Beach”
“Nice Town”;
“Best Beach Around”;
“Bethany Beach is a Gem”; and
“Family Beach Fun”.
In a Nutshell, Trip Advisor reviewers rated Bethany Beach 4.5 Stars because it’s smaller than Ocean City, MD yet has great eateries, shops, boardwalk, and a cleaner beach. They feel safer with so many lifeguards. Plus, the opportunity to rent chairs and umbrellas at every entrance makes beach life so convenient.
Bethany Beach Boardwalk described by the Visit Beaches website as:
A 1/2 mile long boardwalk for jogging or casual walking;
Foot washing stations at every street throughout the summer; and
Bikes allowed only from 6 am to 9 am daily.
Bethany Boathouse Events offering live entertainment and many events. It’s a family restaurant with good food, a full bar, in a casual atmosphere. Includes a pirate ship play area for kids. View their website calendar of daily events. Here
Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival takes place on the first Saturday after Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. Enjoy jewelry, pottery, glass, woodworking, watercolor and oil painting, basketry, photography, and more. Over 100 artists locally and nationwide display their artworks along the boardwalk and bandstand areas. Also, a street festival in downtown Bethany Beach.
Bethany Beach Trolley a great way to get around the town. Avoids summer traffic delays stopping at all the major attractions. Trolley season starts on Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Only 25 cents per trip! View where this cute trolley stops. Here
Captain Jacks Pirate Golf located one block west of the boardwalk and two blocks from Garfield Parkway. Situated on the corner of Pennsylvania and Central. Open every day from 9 am to 11:30 pm. The miniature golf course includes a fifty-foot pirate ship, challenging holes, and several water hazards.
Movies on the Beach located on the Bethany Beach Garfield Parkway. Bring the whole family, blankets, and snacks on the beach to enjoy free family movies every Monday night starting at 8:30 pm. Every movie a new 2019 cinema release. Check out their movie schedule. Here
Bethany Beach Farmers Market located at Pennsylvania Avenue and the Garfield Parkway. Every Sunday from mid-June to September from 10 am to Noon. Situated across the street from the PNC Bank. Enjoy local fresh fruits and produce.
New Park in Bethany Beach, reported by WBOC on July 26, 2019, for its groundbreaking ceremony. The first park for Bethany Beach costing $1.1 million. Open year-round, offering a “serene place” for walking in the heart of Bethany. Called “Central Park” because of its location on Central Avenue. Providing walking paths and picnic pavilions with free parking. Full completion expected around Christmas, 2019.
Bethany Beach Delaware Restaurants
(Bluecoast Grill at sunset)
Travel + Leisure recommends these Bethany Beach Eateries:
Crabs – Crack fresh crabs at Mickey’s with festive patrons. Or, Steamers a few minutes inland on Route 26. Servers are happy to suggest easy crab picking tips.
Breakfast – Order delicious pastries at the Beach Break Bakrie & Cafe. And visit the nearby Ocean View Family Restaurant for a true local scene that serves delicious scrapple.
Lunch – Go to Grotto for hand-tossed thin-crust pizzas with a unique blend of cheeses. Or, head to Surfs Up for their famous cheesesteak and other subs and fresh pizzas.
Fresh Fruits – Pick your own fruits about six miles inland at the Bennett Orchards. Or, go to the Sunday Farmers Market for fresh fruits like peaches.
Dinner – Try Sedona an upscale restaurant offering American foods. Patsy’s provides Key West style cuisine in a charming casual atmosphere specializing in soft shell crabs and whole snapper. A half-mile outside town sits the Blue Coast on the Coastal Highway across from Route 1 offering a wide variety of seafood with great bay views and beautiful sunsets and includes a market to buy fresh.
Dessert – Lots of good places to choose from. Try Artful Bean for good coffee and pastries. Candy Kitchen for fudge, saltwater taffy, and other sweets. Dickey’s Frozen Custard for their decadent, creamy ice-cold custard, similar to soft ice cream with better flavor.
Conclusion
As you read, Bethany Beach Delaware things to do includes:
Quiet beach resort to relax;
Beach activities with plenty of lifeguards;
Rental homes for an entire family;
Active boardwalk;
Great seafood restaurants along with desserts;
Fresh fruits at the local Farmers Market and a nearby orchard;
Many outdoor events during the summer; and
A new park coming soon.
Contact Us to learn more about the Bethany Beach community and available homes to purchase.
Steven Rich, MBA – Guest Blogger