The Bethany Beach Boardwalk

Stretching a half-mile long and 12 feet wide, located directly along the Delaware Coastline, you’ll find the Bethany Beach Boardwalk. It’s not crowded with amusement parks like its neighboring towns of Ocean City, Maryland, or Rehoboth Beach. As soon as you step on the boardwalk, you’ll quickly notice the boardwalk’s charm.

Whether you’re looking for a scenic place to jog or simply explore and take a leisurely walk, Bethany Beach boardwalk is a favorite place for regulars and visitors alike. There are gift shops and souvenir shops along the boardwalk, that will allow you to keep your summer vacation memories alive year-round. Other shops along the boardwalk include a bookstore, art gallery, and surf shop.

Immediately off the boardwalk are restaurants and classic beach eats, such as water taffy, pizza, fudge, fries, and ice cream. When you need a break from the surf and sand, Shore Break is a local favorite offering a casual, family-friendly vibe with classic American Fare. For a quicker option, Pomodoro Pizzeria has Bethany Beach’s favorite pizza. To top it off and satisfy your sweet tooth, visit Maureen’s Ice Cream or Kohr Brother’s Frozen Custard.

Throughout the summer, Bethany Beach Boardwalk hosts events and live entertainment. From Memorial Day until Labor Day, the entire family can bike the boardwalk in the morning. There are bandstand performances from June through Labor Day Weekend, and shows have something for every taste in music. From jazz to country and rock and pop, the Bethany Beach Bandstand summer concert series is a tradition at this seaside resort. In addition, the bandstand has regular activities for children, including talent shows and kids theater. Go with the flow and take part in a sunrise yoga class at the bandstand.

Every Memorial Day Weekend, Bethany Beach Boardwalk hosts a 4-day Poseidon Festival, designed to celebrate the sea. Throughout the weekend, attendees of the festival enjoy live music, including a Jimmy Buffet tribute band, Parrotbeach. There is a Hermit Crab Derby another day, which is run by the National Crab Racing Association. There is also a scavenger hunt for kids and a hands-on Marine Science Camp, teaching the younger generation about dolphins, sharks, and coral reefs. Attendees of the Poseidon Festival can watch a live sand sculpting by local artist, George Zaiser, who has been sculpting since 1989.

Every September since 1978, Bethany Beach Boardwalk has been home to the Boardwalk Arts Festival. Talk about the most beautiful backdrop to appreciate various mediums of art, including watercolor, photography, pottery, woodworking, and basketry. Now in its 41st year, the popular one-day show will once again be home to local artists showcasing and selling their art. Visit the Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival on Saturday, September 7.

Another annual event at Bethany Beach Boardwalk every September is the Jazz Funeral. The quirky tradition is family-friendly and was created to mourn the end of summer. Three bands provide the entertainment for this free event, and those who wish can dress in costume for the somber occasion. Bethany Beach has been bidding farewell to summer since 1985 and it’s been a popular event, drawing crowds that originally would have fled town much earlier.

If you are driving to Bethany Beach, plan to arrive before 10:30 am. While there are many pay-to-park spaces available within walking distance to the boardwalk, they get taken fast during the peak summer months.

Can’t make it to Bethany Beach this year? Check out the Bethany Beach Boardwalk webcam and you’ll feel as if you’re on the boards in the midst of the action: https://www.visitdebeaches.com/live-webcams/bethany-beach-boardwalk-webcam-north/ But if you are lucky enough to visit Bethany Beach this summer, know you’re summering in one of the five major beach towns of Southern Delaware.