The Bethany Beach town boardwalk measures 0.38 miles long and 12 feet wide. It creates a distinct focal point along the beach, where water activities, seasonal events, and excursions into local history come together.
Beach, Water, and Trails
For a practical point of reference when visiting the beach, head to Garfield Parkway: the beach restroom there is available to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Surfing is permitted at the beach during designated hours. Check the current beach rules before your visit so you can take the permitted time windows into account.
You can kayak or sail on the ocean or in the bay. Fishing and crabbing are possible from a quiet pier. If you prefer to explore on land, Bethany Beach is also a destination for cycling, with recommended well-marked routes along the coast and through the surrounding area. This gives you options for planning your day, with water activities and cycling routes side by side, without requiring any particular itinerary.
Seasonal Events at the Beach and Bandstand
From June through August, beach movie events are held on Mondays at dusk on the beach near Garfield Parkway. In summer, the bandstand hosts performances on Thursday evenings, and in September and October on Friday and Saturday evenings. Both programs are seasonal; check the dates for your travel period before planning your evenings around them.
Nature and Getting Around
The Baldwin Nature Trail passes through wetlands and a maritime forest. The Baldwin Trail provides a habitat for more than 100 species of wild birds. The Bethany Beach Nature Center building is temporarily closed for the foreseeable future. Check the official closure notice shortly before your trip.
The Bethany Beach Trolley runs on a single route throughout the city. The city’s official 2026 brochure lists free rides. Service is seasonal, and routes may change; checking the current schedule before your trip can help with planning your day.
Local History at Museums and the Loop Canal
The Dinker-Irvin Museum is a restored early 20th-century cottage and one of the few original cottages still standing in Bethany Beach. It offers a glimpse of life in the town’s early years. Admission is free; check the latest visitor information before your visit.
The museum in Town Hall also offers a glimpse into Bethany Beach’s history: its display cases feature artifacts preserved and collected over the course of the town’s history. Visitor information dated September 5, 2026, lists year-round opening hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check the latest information before your visit.
The Bethany Beach Heritage Trail includes local homes and landmarks. Another historic point of interest is the Loop Canal, completed in 1910. In the past, travelers could take a boat from the train station in Rehoboth to Bethany. Together, these places offer different perspectives: the cottage represents early living conditions, while the canal and Heritage Trail highlight other facets of local history.
Discover more destinations: Seaford, Rehoboth Beach, Long Neck, Dewey Beach, Greenwood, Fenwick Island, Dagsboro, Milford.
Back to the broader travel guide: Sussex County.
