FENWICK ISLAND STATE PARK
Situated between the popular resort towns of Bethany Beach to the north and Fenwick Island and Ocean City to the south, Fenwick Island State Park is a relaxing escape from the summer crowds. This three-mile stretch of barrier island is a playground of sand, surf, and sun along Delaware's Atlantic coast.
Before the area became a park, the dynamic forces of nature constantly changed the narrow strip of barrier dues between the Atlantic Ocean and Little Assawoman Bay, keeping the area wild and undeveloped. The area that is Fenwick Island State Park remained largely undisturbed, even as the towns of Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island were established. In 1926, a statewide survey classified the park area as public lands, which were soon assigned to the state Highway Department. Later, during World War II, the park lands were used as part of Delaware's coastal defense system. A concrete observation tower from the war era still stands near the northern boundary of the park.
In 1966, the property was assigned to the State Park Commission as a southern section of Delaware Seashore State Park. The area was renamed Fenwick Island State Park in 1981, and is now managed in conjunction with Holts Landing State Park, on the nearby Indian River Bay.
This 344-acre park was established in the late 1960s. It is situated between Ocean City and Bethany Beach.
The land originally belonged to Assateague Indians before European settlers arrived during the early colonial period.
In World War II, it served as a strategic military outpost with concrete observation towers built along its coastlines.
Post-war years saw an increase in recreational use of these coastal areas leading to official state park designation.
It offers various activities such as swimming, sunbathing and surf fishing while also providing habitat for local wildlife species.
Today, Fenwick Island State Park invites visitors to enjoy 344 acres of peaceful ocean and bay shoreline. Naturally, swimming and sunbathing are popular activities on the ocean side of the park. The white sand beaches gradually slope into the Atlantic, creating a broad swimming area. Lifeguards patrol the swimming beach daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 9am to 5pm. One of the newest features at the park is the modern bathhouse, which offers convenient showers and changing rooms, a gift shop, and a snack food concession. During the summer months, umbrellas, chairs, and rafts may be rented on the beach.
Visitors can enjoy surf fishing along the ocean shoreline, casting for species like bluefish, striped bass, and flounder. Fishing from the bayside offers a chance to catch trout or croakers. A valid Delaware fishing license is required for anglers aged 16 and over.