Fenwick Island dunes and a wide Atlantic beach glowing at sunrise

Between the ocean and the bay

Fenwick Island, Delaware

A laid-back beach town where wide Atlantic sands, calm bay waters, family adventures and local favorites come together.

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Ocean energy. Bay serenity.

Fenwick Island pairs a broad Atlantic shoreline with calm Little Assawoman Bay, making it easy to move from beach mornings to paddling, biking, local shops and relaxed dinners. Start on the sand, explore the state park or bay by kayak, then follow Coastal Highway for family attractions, locally owned shops and a sunset seafood dinner.

Before you go

Fenwick Island weather

A quick look at current conditions and the next several forecast periods in Fenwick Island.

Current
August 10 @ 5:17pm
Weather Image
few clouds
Hi: 89° | Lo: 87°
Wind: SW @ 4mph
Monday
August 10 @ 8:00pm
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scattered clouds
Hi: 85° | Lo: 79°
Wind: S @ 9mph
Monday
August 10 @ 11:00pm
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light rain
Hi: 77° | Lo: 72°
Wind: WSW @ 4mph
Tuesday
August 11 @ 2:00am
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broken clouds
Hi: 72° | Lo: 72°
Wind: W @ 7mph
Tuesday
August 11 @ 5:00am
Weather Image
broken clouds
Hi: 71° | Lo: 71°
Wind: WNW @ 9mph
Tuesday
August 11 @ 8:00am
Weather Image
broken clouds
Hi: 75° | Lo: 75°
Wind: WNW @ 8mph
Families browsing a flower-filled Fenwick Island farmers market near the coast

On the calendar

Upcoming Fenwick Island events

Farmers markets, family programs, beach movies and town traditions bring neighbors and visitors together throughout the season.

View the full calendar

Marine Science Camp: August 10-14

Monday at 9:00am

Weeklong Marine Science Camp at Fenwick Island Town Park, running 9 AM-2 PM daily. Registration details are available from the organizer.

Fenwick Flicks: Minions

Friday at 8:00pm

Free Fenwick Flicks beach movie night with games and activities before a dusk screening. Bring a blanket or chair.

Stay awhile

Fenwick Island lodging

Stay close to the beach, bay and everything that makes Fenwick easy to enjoy.

A shingle-style Fenwick Island waterfront stay overlooking the bay at golden hour
Browse Fenwick Island hotels

Find your way

Fenwick Island map

Fenwick Island sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Little Assawoman Bay, just north of the Maryland line, with Coastal Highway connecting the beach, shops and dining.

Local orientation

Street parking permits are required seasonally from May 15 through September 15. Fenwick Island State Park offers another beach access option just north of town.

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A landmark at the state line

A small town with a guiding light

Fenwick Island’s story stretches from early boundary surveys and fishing settlements to the lighthouse that has watched over the coast since 1859.

The historic Fenwick Island Lighthouse beside the Delaware–Maryland boundary

Fenwick Island Lighthouse, photographed by Dougtone.

The island took its name from Thomas Fenwick, whose family held land in the area in the late seventeenth century. The Trans-Peninsular Line was surveyed in 1750–1751, and its boundary marker still stands beside the lighthouse.

Read more about Fenwick Island history

Bridges built in 1880, 1892 and 1934 gradually made the island easier to reach; the present bridge opened in 1958. Early beach cottages were simple places shaped by fishing, sea breezes and summer routines.

Fenwick Island incorporated in 1953 to help preserve its residential character. Today, its guarded beach, bay access and locally owned businesses retain the easygoing spirit of a small coastal town.