Dear all dog owners in Delaware, it’s time for your dogs to shine. 

Because today, we decided to look at the best dog-friendly beaches in Delaware for your furry buddy!

In summer, the beaches are packed with people, which can make beach walks difficult for your dogs. But now, as the fall kicks in, the beach is more of a fun place to visit (for your dogs) to run around in the sand. 

So, are you ready to run with your dog along the Delaware shores? Here’s our list of the five best dog-friendly beaches in Delaware that you and your dog will love!

1. Lewes Beach

Image Source: Sara Bozich

Taking a morning stroll or evening stroll at Lewes Beach while listening to the tranquil sounds of the ocean is like meditation. Some of the most unforgettable experiences on Lewes Beach may be had with your four-legged friend.

Lewes Beach is an ideal vacation destination for pet owners, with much to do and places to stay that welcome canine guests. The beach is dog-friendly just before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m., making those times perfect for starting and ending the day with your furry friend.

Fine, beige sand covers the area where Delaware Bay meets the shore. Get up before dawn to see your pet leave its imprint on the beach. Return to the beach during golden hour to learn about the town's maritime history and culture. Enjoy the remaining daylight by playing in the water or sitting back relaxing..

2. Woodland Beach

Image Source: Bring Fido

The contemporary atmosphere of Woodland Beach stands in stark contrast to that of the beach back in the 1800s. A storm in 1878 wiped down a prosperous waterfront district and bayside amusement park, returning the shoreline to its natural nature. Today, beachgoers bring their pets to enjoy the sand and surf.

Only a short drive from Smyrna, the magnificent natural setting of Woodland Beach is well worth the trip. The shifting tides in Delaware Bay are responsible for the sloping sand at this beach. Dogs have to be leashed at all times on the beach, but that won't stop them from taking you for a run as you follow in their wake to the water. 

Let the cool water wet their fur as they doggy paddle through the steady waves. Having a pet on a leash means you'll get wet as the animal shakes off sand and dirt, but that's just part of the beach experience.

3. Dewey Beach

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Dewey Beach is a thriving metropolis that welcomes pets as part of its further development. It’s conveniently located near several of Dewey's pet-friendly hotels, so ‘Fido and Fluffy’ won't have to go far to enjoy a day at the beach.

Have you heard that Dewey Beach has some of Delaware's finest water quality? The NRDC gave the waters off the shore of Dewey Beach a perfect score of 5 stars, so you may feel safe bringing your pet swimming there. Watch how their snouts bobble over the water's surface as they doggy paddle or stick close to the shoreline to quickly leap the waves as they come in from the ocean.

Dewey Beach is a year-round dog-friendly destination, thanks to its convenient location and the fact that it receives an average of 200 sunny days each year. Pets are only allowed on the beach before 9:30 AM and after 5:30 PM during summer.

What makes Dewey Beach unique is that you can go for a walk with your dog leash-free. The beach is a mile long, so you will have plenty of relaxation time with your furry friend before they get tired (and make you carry them back lol).

4. Fenwick Island Beach

Image Source: PlayasparraPerros.com

Fenwick Island is the southernmost beach in Delaware, located just north of the Maryland border. There is a pet-friendly beach where your dog may enjoy the ocean air.

Fenwick Island, one of the state's barrier islands, is easily accessible by car and has stunning natural scenery. During the summer months, this beach resort is swarming with vacationers. Pets are not permitted on the beach between May 1 and September 30, although they are welcome between October 1 and April 30. You may find deserted beaches if you come just before fall weather sets in or right after spring weather returns.

Fenwick Island's coastline spans (distance but in American) along the Atlantic. Let your dogs jump over the friendly waves and cool off, while you sit back and relax in the sand. Thanks to Fenwick's location, it's typically very peaceful and quieter than Delaware's other Beaches. 

Fenwick Island is a great place to bring your pet for a day trip or a more extended vacation because of the abundance of pet-friendly hotels and motels.

5. Bethany Beach

Image Source: Bring Fido

There are two things to remember if you want to take them to Bethany Beach. The best part is that your dog may run free on the beach without worrying about being caught in sand traps. The not-so-great part, they have to restrain digging holes in the sand. However, your dog has more important things to focus on, like the big ocean stretching before them. 

Bethany Beach is a popular destination for families with dogs. The beach is large enough that your dog may use it as if it were its own playground. Bethany Beach is a mile long and 150 feet wide, so your furry friend has plenty of room to dig its paws in and play.

Immerse your toes (and paws) in the refreshing seawater. Leave wet footprints on the wooden boardwalk while runners dodge you and other dog walkers, but don't worry—at 12 feet wide, the path is spacious enough for everyone.

Final Thoughts

That's our list of the best dog-friendly beaches here in Delaware! Of course, there are plenty of other beach locations here in our great State that could be fantastic for you and your pet. So, let us know what is your favorite pet-friendly beach in the comments below! 

And you know what? If you think calling Delaware home is right for you, Click here, and we’ll show you how to make that a reality.