Lewes
If you are looking to spend the day at the beach in Lewes, there are two public beaches with limited metered parking as well as public restrooms. As always, arrive early for a spot. The Cape Henlopen State Park charges a daily fee and has ample parking as well as a bathhouse and concession stand. Parking in the historic downtown area is limited and metered.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach has the most parking of all of Delaware's resorts but it does fill up. Meters are found all along the downtown area while some street parking a few blocks from the beach is free after 5 p.m. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., a parking pass is required to park on most of the side streets. Parking passes can be obtained for a small charge from City Hall (229 Rehoboth Avenue), the Parking Meter Division (behind City Hall), on Rehoboth Avenue coming into town after crossing the draw bridge or at Bayard Avenue coming into town after crossing over Silver Lake.
Dewey Beach
Parking in Dewey Beach is slim and becomes a challenge at night due to the few metered locations on the side streets filling up quickly. Either arrive early before the night life begins or take the Jolly Trolly, a shuttle service that runs regular intervals from Rehoboth Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach to as far south as Ruddertowne in Dewey Beach. Click here to view a map of the shuttle route, its stops and passenger rates.
Bethany Beach
Bethany only offers metered parking throughout the downtown area so bring plenty of quarters. Any spots that aren't metered, such as parking along the side streets, require a seasonal pass. There are quite a few areas to park but the pickings can be slim during the busy parts of the season. Try and take advantage of the 25-cent trolley that runs all day and makes various stops throughout Bethany. Click here to view a schedule and a list of stops.
Fenwick Island
If you want a parking spot near the beach here you better arrive early. Public parking here is almost non-existant and what is available is usually snagged by the locals. Your best bet is to head to the Fenwick Island State Park and pay to stay for the day. Here, a public bathhouse offers showers, restrooms and a snack shack. However, a spot here isn't guaranteed either as lines to enter have been known to develop before noon during the busiest parts of the season.
Ocean City
Parking in Ocean City is quite abundant as there are plenty of streets along the northern parts of the town with beach access and free streetside parking. If you are looking to go downtown, expect to pay meters all along the streets or a fee if you choose to park at the inlet parking lot. A public bus system allows you to ride all day long for $2 and a shuttle service runs from the Park & Ride Lot (free parking) in West Ocean City to the downtown area for $1. Click here to view more information on these services.