Fenwick Island State Park is a 3-mile stretch of barrier island that lies between Bethany Beach to the north and Fenwick Island to the south.

Before becoming a park in 1966, the site, constantly changing under the forces of nature, was wild and undeveloped. During World War II, the area was part of Delaware's coastal defense system. A concrete observation tower from the war still stands near the park's northern boundary.

The park offers 344 acres of ocean and bay shoreline on either side of Route 1 with swimming, surfing, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, clamming, crabbing, birdwatching and a host of other activities.

Facilities, Features of Fenwick Island State Park

• Swimming -- Lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting.
  
• Bathhouse with showers, changing rooms, gift shop, snack food concession, umbrella, chair and raft rentals.
  
• Ocean Side -- Surf Fishing, Surfing
  
• Bay Side -- Sailing, Windsurfing, Jet Skis, Crabbing, Clamming.
  
• Birds -- Piping Plover (federally protected), Sea Gulls, Terns, Osprey, Herons, Loons, Duck, Geese, occasional Bald Eagle.
  

Reminders From the Fenwick Island State Park Office

• Fees are collected daily in summer; weekends and holidays in spring and fall. Annual permits are available at park office.
• Swimming in unguarded areas unsafe. Proper swimming attire required. Sun protection recommended.
• People, pets and vehicles must stay off dunes. Cross only at designated pedestrian or vehicular crossings. Report incidents of dune damage to park office.
• Pets are permitted in some areas but must be kept on a leash and be attended at all times. Pets are not permitted on swimming beaches from May 1 to Sept. 30.
• Surf fishing vehicle permit required to drive onto beach. See park office for permit requirements and surf fishing area maps.
• Fires are prohibited on the beach.
• People, pets and vehicles may not enter designated bird nesting areas. Respect all signs and fences indicating closed areas.
• Plants and animals are protected by law and may not be removed.
• Keep the park grounds and restrooms clean and remember to recycle when possible.

More Info on Fenwick Island State Park

• Official Delaware State Parks Website