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.

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort

3 out of 5
Oceanfront on 91st Street, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort
Fenwick Inn

Fenwick Inn

3 out of 5
13801 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD
The price is AU$250 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$250
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
Fenwick Inn
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! (3,153 reviews)
"Proximity to the beach and having an indoor and outdoor pool was incredible. The gym could use some dumbbells and the bathroom in the room didn’t have a working exhaust fan. The AC was also very loud anytime it kicked on. Overall, the pros outweighed the cons and we would stay again."

Reviewed on 27 Aug. 2025

Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront
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.
Majestic Hotel & Apartments

Majestic Hotel & Apartments

2.5 out of 5
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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 ...
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Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

3 out of 5
200 59th Street on the Bay, Ocean City, MD
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 ...
Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
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 ...
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.

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