Find the horizon
Lighthouses and coastal landmarks
Look for working lights, historic towers and structures that have helped define the coast for generations.
Landmarks · history · coastal views
Sightseeing along the Delaware and Maryland coast
Follow lighthouses, maritime stories, historic streets and classic boardwalk views from Lewes to Ocean City.
Photo: Timothy Johnson / Unsplash
Choose your view
Find the stories behind the shoreline
Pick one landmark for a beach-day detour or connect several stops into a slower drive through coastal history.
Maritime history
Stories of the sea
Trace the work of surfmen, lighthouse keepers and sailors through stations, museums and Delaware’s tall ship.
- Indian River Life-Saving StationDelaware Seashore State ParkStep into the maritime story of the surfmen who watched over this stretch of coast.
- Ocean City Life-Saving Station MuseumOcean City, MarylandExplore maritime heritage at the southern end of the Ocean City Boardwalk.
- Kalmar NyckelDelaware maritime historyMeet Delaware’s tall ship through its maritime center and changing public sailing schedule.
Take it slowly
Historic streets and walking tours
Leave the car behind for a while and discover the buildings, streets and small details that hold local history.
Ocean City icons
The classic boardwalk
Walk beside the Atlantic and make the Boardwalk your path between downtown history, shops and ocean views.
Build an easy route
Three ways to plan a sightseeing day
Keep stops close together, leave room for an unplanned view and check each attraction’s official information before making a special trip.
A history day in Lewes
Begin among the historic buildings in town, then continue toward Cape Henlopen for maritime stories and the observation towers.
Explore LewesLandmarks along Coastal Highway
Connect the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, Delaware Seashore landmarks and the Indian River Life-Saving Station in one coastal drive.
Plan coastal accessDowntown Ocean City on foot
Combine the downtown walking route with the Boardwalk and Life-Saving Station Museum at the inlet.
Explore Ocean CityKeep exploring
Keep planning along the coast
Museums and maritime stories
Go deeper into the people, rescues and traditions that shaped the shoreline.
ExploreState parks
Add dunes, trails, wildlife and protected coastal landscapes to the day.
ExploreMore things to do
Browse beaches, fishing, golf, shopping, watersports and family activities.
Explore