Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach is a public beach in Sussex County along the Atlantic Ocean, featuring sandy shores and shallow waters. Access points dot the wooden boardwalk, and the beach offers swimming, surfing, and water activities for visitors of all interests.

The beach began as a church assembly ground in the late 1800s and gradually transformed into a family vacation destination. This shift from religious gathering place to seaside resort shaped its role in the region.

The beachfront bandstand hosts regular summer concerts and art shows that draw crowds throughout the season. These gatherings shape how visitors and locals experience the waterfront as a shared cultural space.

Lifeguard supervision runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, covering the peak summer season. Plan visits around this period for the safest water conditions and widest range of services.

A Nature Center offers educational programs about local wildlife and ecosystem health. Visitors can learn about horseshoe crabs that return to nest on the shoreline each year.

Location: Sussex County

Operator: Bethany Beach

GPS coordinates: 38.54167,-75.05389

Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:08