Fenwick Island State Park Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Fenwick Island State Park showing a beach and general coastal views
Fenwick Island State Park featuring a house and a sandy beach
Fenwick Island State Park
Fenwick Island State Park showing a sandy beach and general coastal views
Fenwick Island State Park which includes a beach and general coastal views

Within a few feet, beachgoers have the option of entering the open ocean or being in calmer water on the inside shore.

Fenwick Island State Park is on a 3-mile (5-kilometre) barrier island that features the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a more serene arm of the ocean on the other. Choose a place amongst the sand dunes for sunbathing or relaxing without feeling crowded.

While there is no commercial boardwalk here, there are food and drink concessions. Rent beach chairs, umbrellas and rafts from one of the kiosks for a relaxing time on land and sea. Arrive early to secure a free beach wheelchair available from the state park office on a first-come, first-served basis unless you reserve 24 hours in advance.

For families in particular, swim where lifeguards are present along the length of the beach. Both sides of the island have an underwater sloping bottom, but the western side is flatter. Bring your surfboard as the park is one of the few beaches in Delaware with a designated surfing area. Rent a kayak to explore the island’s shoreline and venture into Little Assawoman Bay on the park’s western side.

Do some surf fishing for species such as sea bass and bluefish. Purchase a permit to drive your vehicle onto the beach in a designated surf fishing area. Permits are bought at the bathhouse gift shop or the nearby Delaware Seashore State Park office.

Beaches along the Delaware coast have their unique features. Birdwatch as there are a number of species that have nesting areas on the island, which are off limits to the public. Use the bathhouse that has more than just changing rooms and showers it also has a gift shop, snack food concessions and a rental office for beach paraphernalia. Dispose of your garbage appropriately when you leave Fenwick Island State Park as it is a protected area. Pets are allowed on a leash.

Include Fenwick Island State Park with other attractions in the area such as Lewes, Cape Henlopen State Park or Rehoboth Beach. Park your car in the spacious lot, but be aware that there can be line-ups at times. An entrance fee is collected in the summer during the open hours from 8 a.m. until sunset, and on weekends and holidays in the spring and fall. Lifeguards are on duty 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labour Day.

Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront

Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront

3 out of 5
2100 N Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,251 reviews)
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Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront
Hyatt Place Ocean City / Oceanfront

Hyatt Place Ocean City / Oceanfront

3 out of 5
1 16th Street, Ocean City, MD
The price is AU$143 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$143
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,563 reviews)
"Staff was great free breakfast was good. All clean. Hope to do it again next year"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Hyatt Place Ocean City / Oceanfront
Fenwick Inn

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3 out of 5
13801 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,990 reviews)
"Breakfast was limited for my husband who must be gluten free. boiled eggs or gluten free bread would have helped."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Fenwick Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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2.5 out of 5
7th St & Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Ocean City. Enjoy an outdoor pool, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
6/10 (334 reviews)
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Majestic Hotel & Apartments
Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3 out of 5
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Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,291 reviews)
"We had a really lovely time and the staff was incredibly helpful with all our needs to the music festival we were in town for."

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Ocean Terrace Family Apartments

Ocean Terrace Family Apartments

3 out of 5
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Stay at this 3-star apartment in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Ocean City Boardwalk and Ocean City Beach ...
8/10 Very Good! (30 reviews)
"Great location, close to the beach. The property is dated."

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Ocean Terrace Family Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Cities near Fenwick Island State Park

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