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.
Delaware's quiet resort
Bethany Beach, Delaware
Escape to a beach town where the days unfold slowly and the memories last for generations.
Start planning
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.
Imagine living here
Make Bethany Beach more than a getaway
A boardwalk close to home, a greener setting west of the highway, or beach-and-tennis days at Sea Colony: start with the Bethany routine you would love.
Take a closer look at a local community
Sea Colony
Bethany Beach area, just south of the town center, Delaware · Beach and racquet sports
Before you go
Bethany Beach weather
A quick look at current conditions and the next several forecast periods in Bethany Beach.
Current
September 8 @ 11:23pm
scattered clouds
Hi: 71° | Lo: 68°
Wind: SW @ 11mph
Wednesday
September 9 @ 2:00am
scattered clouds
Hi: 69° | Lo: 66°
Wind: SW @ 11mph
Wednesday
September 9 @ 5:00am
broken clouds
Hi: 66° | Lo: 64°
Wind: SW @ 10mph
Wednesday
September 9 @ 8:00am
broken clouds
Hi: 68° | Lo: 68°
Wind: WSW @ 10mph
Wednesday
September 9 @ 11:00am
overcast clouds
Hi: 81° | Lo: 81°
Wind: SSW @ 12mph
Wednesday
September 9 @ 2:00pm
broken clouds
Hi: 85° | Lo: 85°
Wind: SSW @ 19mph
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 calendarSeaside Concert Series: Broadway at the Beach
Friday at 6:30pm
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 125th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday at 12:00pm
Special anniversary celebration for Bethany Beach at the Dinker-Irvin Museum Cottage and Lawn.
Seaside Concert Series: The Nowhere Men
Saturday at 6:30pm
Free Seaside Concert Series performance at the Bethany Beach Bandstand. Bench seating is limited and first come, first served; bring your own chair.
Seaside Concert Series: 70s Flashback
Friday at 6:30pm
Free Seaside Concert Series performance at the Bethany Beach Bandstand. Bench seating is limited and first come, first served; bring your own chair.
Taste the town
Bethany Beach restaurants
From morning coffee to sunset dinners, discover places worth lingering over.
Local favorite
DiFebo's Bethany Beach
Southern Italian cooking inspired by generations of family recipes.
Visit websiteLocal favorite
14 Global
Globally inspired small plates, bold flavors and craft cocktails.
Visit websiteLocal favorite
Bethany Blues
Beach-town barbecue, bourbon and relaxed family dining.
Visit websiteLocal favorite
Pomodoro Pizzeria
Family-owned Bethany favorite for fresh, authentic Italian pizza.
Visit websiteBrowse locally
Shopping in Bethany Beach
Cute storefronts, independent shops and familiar beach-day stops make flower-filled downtown easy to explore on foot.
Local favorite
Bethany Beach Books
An independent bookstore just steps from the ocean.
Visit websiteLocal favorite
Bethany Surf Shop
Boards, beach gear and local surf culture in the heart of town.
Visit websiteLocal favorite
Water Lili
A vibrant boardwalk boutique with clothing, accessories and gifts.
Visit websiteLocal favorite
Tidepool Toys & Games
A cheerful neighborhood toy shop for beach-day discoveries.
Visit websiteStay awhile
Bethany Beach lodging
Discover boutique inns, beachfront hotels, and vacation rentals for every kind of coastal escape.
Local favorite
Addy Sea Inn
Bethany Beach, DE
302-539-3707
Local favorite
Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn
Bethany Beach, DE
302-539-3200
Local favorite
Cedar Breeze Bed & Breakfast
Bethany Beach, DE
302-537-7015
Local favorite
Hotel Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach, DE
877-841-6471
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 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.
Useful links
Plan with official local resources
Check current town guidance before your visit, especially for seasonal parking, trolley service and beach rules.
Beach & boardwalk rules
Know the current rules before setting up on the sand.
2026 visitor parking guide
Review seasonal parking rules, payment options and maps.
Bethany Beach Trolley
See the town route, stops and current operating details.
Daily beach conditions
Check conditions across Bethany and the Delmarva coast.
Town of Bethany Beach
Find official notices, services and visitor information.
Quiet Resorts visitor guide
Explore the Bethany-Fenwick area through the local chamber.
Photo credits: family shoreline by Mehmet Altıntaş (Pexels); Water Lili Boutique via Visit Delaware; bandstand concert by SCPO Stephen Hassay, U.S. Navy Band (public domain); Chief Little Owl by Carol M. Highsmith (Library of Congress).