Aerial view of Bethany Beach and the Atlantic shoreline glowing at dusk

Delaware's quiet resort

Bethany Beach, Delaware

Escape to a beach town where the days unfold slowly and the memories last for generations.

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A classic beach town with easy-breezy vibes

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware’s tranquil inland bays, Bethany Beach is known for its timeless charm and easygoing coastal spirit. Its walkable downtown, lifeguarded shoreline, and welcoming atmosphere invite you to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of the coast.

Start with a morning by the sea, linger over lunch, browse the town's locally owned shops, then end the day with music at the bandstand or a sunset stroll along the boardwalk. Here, the beach, dining, shopping, and small-town charm are all just a few steps apart.

Before you go

Bethany Beach weather

A quick look at current conditions and the next several forecast periods in Bethany Beach.

Current
September 1 @ 4:53pm
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broken clouds
Hi: 92° | Lo: 89°
Wind: WSW @ 9mph
Tuesday
September 1 @ 5:00pm
Weather Image
broken clouds
Hi: 91° | Lo: 90°
Wind: WSW @ 9mph
Tuesday
September 1 @ 8:00pm
Weather Image
broken clouds
Hi: 89° | Lo: 86°
Wind: SSW @ 13mph
Tuesday
September 1 @ 11:00pm
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broken clouds
Hi: 82° | Lo: 78°
Wind: WSW @ 6mph
Wednesday
September 2 @ 2:00am
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light rain
Hi: 75° | Lo: 75°
Wind: ESE @ 8mph
Wednesday
September 2 @ 5:00am
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overcast clouds
Hi: 75° | Lo: 75°
Wind: NE @ 7mph
Families and neighbors gathered for an evening concert at the Bethany Beach bandstand

On the calendar

Upcoming Bethany Beach events

Free concerts, family nights, markets and community traditions bring the bandstand and downtown to life.

View the full calendar

Seaside Concert Series: The Jimmies

Saturday at 7:30pm

Free Seaside Concert Series performance at the Bethany Beach Bandstand. Bench seating is limited and first come, first served; bring your own chair.

Bethany Beach Farmers Market

Sunday at 8:00am

Seasonal farmers market featuring local growers and producers at Garfield Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival

Saturday at 10:00am

One-day downtown arts festival featuring jewelry, glass, pottery, paintings, photography, woodworking, and more. The rain date is September 13.

Stay awhile

Bethany Beach lodging

Discover boutique inns, beachfront hotels, and vacation rentals for every kind of coastal escape.

A sunlit oceanfront balcony overlooking the beach

Local favorite

Addy Sea Inn

Bethany Beach, DE

302-539-3707

View details

Find your way

Bethany Beach map

The beach and boardwalk sit at the east end of Garfield Parkway, with downtown dining and shopping clustered within a comfortable walk.

Local orientation

Arrive early on busy summer days, review seasonal parking signs and consider the town trolley when staying farther inland.

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The quiet resorts

A seaside town with a long memory

Bethany Beach has kept a small-town spirit while growing into one of Delaware’s most beloved family destinations.

Chief Little Owl standing among colorful flower beds on Garfield Parkway

Chief Little Owl is a familiar town landmark, framed here by Bethany's colorful summer landscaping.

Bethany Beach was founded in 1901 by members of the Christian Church, also known as the Disciples of Christ, who envisioned a permanent seaside assembly. That early search for a restful community still echoes in the area's “Quiet Resorts” identity.

Read more about Bethany Beach history

The town received its name through a nationwide contest. As the community developed through the twentieth century, the beach, boardwalk and downtown became the center of traditions shared by generations of residents and visitors.

Bethany celebrated its centennial in 2001. Today, its guarded beach, bandstand, shops and nearby inland bays offer a relaxed mix of swimming, surfing, fishing, crabbing and community events.