Fenwick Island State Park Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Fenwick Island State Park showing general coastal views and a beach
Fenwick Island State Park which includes a house and a beach
Fenwick Island State Park
Fenwick Island State Park showing general coastal views and a beach
Fenwick Island State Park featuring a beach and general coastal views

Within a few feet, beachgoers have the option of entering the open ocean or being in calmer water on the inside shore.

Fenwick Island State Park is on a 3-mile (5-kilometer) barrier island that features the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a more serene arm of the ocean on the other. Choose a place amongst the sand dunes for sunbathing or relaxing without feeling crowded.

While there is no commercial boardwalk here, there are food and drink concessions. Rent beach chairs, umbrellas and rafts from one of the kiosks for a relaxing time on land and sea. Arrive early to secure a free beach wheelchair available from the state park office on a first-come, first-served basis unless you reserve 24 hours in advance.

For families in particular, swim where lifeguards are present along the length of the beach. Both sides of the island have an underwater sloping bottom, but the western side is flatter. Bring your surfboard as the park is one of the few beaches in Delaware with a designated surfing area. Rent a kayak to explore the island’s shoreline and venture into Little Assawoman Bay on the park’s western side.

Do some surf fishing for species such as sea bass and bluefish. Purchase a permit to drive your vehicle onto the beach in a designated surf fishing area. Permits are bought at the bathhouse gift shop or the nearby Delaware Seashore State Park office.

Beaches along the Delaware coast have their unique features. Birdwatch as there are a number of species that have nesting areas on the island, which are off limits to the public. Use the bathhouse that has more than just changing rooms and showers it also has a gift shop, snack food concessions and a rental office for beach paraphernalia. Dispose of your garbage appropriately when you leave Fenwick Island State Park as it is a protected area. Pets are allowed on a leash.

Include Fenwick Island State Park with other attractions in the area such as Lewes, Cape Henlopen State Park or Rehoboth Beach. Park your car in the spacious lot, but be aware that there can be line-ups at times. An entrance fee is collected in the summer during the open hours from 8 a.m. until sunset, and on weekends and holidays in the spring and fall. Lifeguards are on duty 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort

3 out of 5
Oceanfront on 91st Street, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,954 reviews)
"This was a very nice family oriented hotel. Only down side was the pool was a bit small and wish they had a hot tub. Arcade is small and pretty much for little kids."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort
Fenwick Inn

Fenwick Inn

3 out of 5
13801 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD
The price is ₹24,000 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
₹24,000
₹27,930 total
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,956 reviews)
"Was clean and quite loved it"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Fenwick Inn
Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront

Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront

3 out of 5
2100 N Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,013 reviews)
"Very clean. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Majestic Hotel & Apartments

Majestic Hotel & Apartments

3 out of 5
7th St & Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
6.4/10 (246 reviews)
Great Stay!!!
"Really enjoyed my time at Majestic hotel in Ocean City MD The staff was so nice and they were very helpful."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Majestic Hotel & Apartments
Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

3 out of 5
200 59th Street on the Bay, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,256 reviews)
"So nice and roomy! Loved this hotel!"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Ocean Terrace Family Apartments

Ocean Terrace Family Apartments

3 out of 5
1211 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Ocean City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Ocean City Boardwalk and Ocean City Beach ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (25 reviews)
Great value
"Check in was easy, parking was available and the staff were very helpful!"

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

Ocean Terrace Family Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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