Holiday homes & rentals in Bethany Beach

A far cry from the heavily commercialized Atlantic Ocean resort towns, Bethany Beach is one of the nicest family hideaways in the mid-Atlantic states. The town witnesses a surge in visitors during summer as families with kids arrive to soak in the sun, crystal clear waters, and ambient beach cafés.

The town is home to numerous highlights on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the Wilgus Site, the Indian River Life Saving Service Station, and Poplar Thicket. There are plenty of reasons to visit, so book your Bethany Beach holiday letting today!

Flying in

The nearest major airport to Bethany Beach is Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport, located around 40 miles from downtown Bethany Beach. 85 miles away is Atlantic City International Airport, which has frequent international connections. A taxi will whisk you to your Bethany Beach holiday letting in no time.

Cuisine and more

Bethany Beach delights guests with gelato and pizza by the boardwalk as well as other fine dining options. Mickey's Family Crab House is a good choice for crab cakes, coconut shrimp, oysters, and baked salmon. Right on the boardwalk is the Turtle Beach Café, which sells fresh organic coffee, fruit smoothies, iced mochas, paninis, and more.

The Historic Lewes Farmers' Market, held each Saturday, is recommended for its fresh produce, ice creams, and butter cookies – pick up some treats to snack on at your Bethany Beach holiday letting . The Fractured Prune in Lewes serves donuts with an interesting range of toppings. During your stay in Bethany Beach, try one of Delaware's top exports: Dogfish Head beer. The Delaware Beer, Wine, & Spirits Trail is a good option too.

A good time to visit

The town's peak season is summer, so if you plan to visit during this time then you'll need to book your Bethany Beach holiday home well in advance. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are quieter and should fetch attractive discounts on Bethany Beach holiday lettings.

Things to do and see

Generation after generation, Bethany Beach continues to charm regulars by refusing to let go of its unhurried pace. There's much to do and see here, from tax-free shopping around town to the miniature Captain Jack's Pirate Golf course via a visit to the historic Fenwick Island Lighthouse.

Don't miss the Chief Little Owl totem pole, which depicts a Nanticoke Indian chief with a north-facing eagle on his head — it is considered Delaware's signature sculpture. Just three miles from the city centre is the impeccable Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club, lined with wetland grasses and stunning sand dunes.

For an educational family experience, visit the Bethany Beach Nature Centre. This spot houses interactive exhibits, aquariums, taxidermied animals, and live turtles, as well as freshwater and tidal wetlands. Following all this excitement, relax back at your sea-facing Bethany Beach holiday letting and recap the day's events.

Art and culture

Discover Delaware's history at the Zwaanendael Museum, at which exhibits span everything from the legacies of whaling to the War of 1812. The museum's building has been modeled on the ancient city hall in Hoorn in the Netherlands. For a dose of live music or cinema screenings in a romantic beach setting, Bethany Beach Bandstand does the trick! Book lovers should take note of the South Coastal Library, home to a fine collection of books for children and adults and a perfect rainy day option.

Excursion destinations

While in Bethany Beach, plan an excursion to the Delaware Seashore State Park. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Rehoboth Bay, and Indian River Bay, millions of visitors flock to this park annually for the sheer scale and variety of waterside attractions that line Delaware's coast. Located further up Delaware Bay is the gentle surf of Lewes Town Beach. Rehoboth Beach attracts singles and youngsters for some hip and exciting nightlife.

The five-mile-long Junction and Breakwater trail is flat, shaded, and offers superb views of the salt marshes, making it an ideal trail for families. Alternatively, Bethany Beach invites visitors to indulge in extended sessions of kayaking, wind surfing, boating, stand-up paddling, and diving.

This family town pleases everyone from toddlers to grandparents, which perhaps explains the profusion of family reunions one finds here. A perfect blend of fun-loving diversions and serenity, even some celebrities have begun to take notice. Book your Bethany Beach holiday letting and come on over to see what the fuss is all about!

Bethany Beach: Family fun in Delaware

Captain Jack's Pirate Golf

From miniature golf to special themed events and crafts workshops, there's plenty here to keep the family entertained.

Bethany Beach Nature Centre

This nature centre reveals the miracles of the natural world to curious visitors. Hands-on fun includes encountering monarch butterflies, horseshoe crabs, terrapins, bats and stingrays.

Indian River Inlet Bridge

This impressive four-lane cable bridge spans the Indian River Inlet between Indian River Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and is an attractive regional landmark.

Bethany Beach Boardwalk

For as long as people have been holidaying in sunny Bethany Beach, its boardwalk has been a vibrant focal point. You'll be greeted by charming cafés, souvenir shops and performances.

Bethany Beach

The heart of Bethany Beach is of course its beach. The family-friendly atmosphere and peacefulness of the beach make it a perennial favourite with visitors looking for traditional seaside fun.

Frequently Asked Questions