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Delaware might not immediately come to mind when you think about beaches, but it should. Bethany Beach is an excellent place to stay in the great state of Delaware, and you can find plenty of short-term and long-term vacation rentals that will put your right in the heart of the action or on the beach itself.
About Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is a small town with plenty of great things going on. If you’re looking for an excellent spot to unplug and get away from it all with your family, head to Bethany Beach. As it’s in the northern part of the country, it tends to be much less busy than beaches in the southern United States. As a result, you might find fewer crowds and shorter lines for different attractions, especially if you go at the very beginning of summer.
If there’s one thing that Bethany Beach is famous for, it’s fantastic nature. It’s very close to Delaware Seashore State Park, a natural paradise full of hiking trails, beaches, and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. Fenwick Island State Park is another must-see if you visit Bethany Beach. Fenwick State Park has excellent surfing waves, plus wide beaches that let you get your full fix of Vitamin Sea.
Holts Landing State Park is relatively close too. Visit this park to see tons of birds, like osprey and local herons. Although there is no shortage of nature, Bethany Beach is a modern town. There’s plenty of shopping and dining right downtown, plus an impressive boardwalk where you can soak in the sunset or enjoy a cup of coffee.
North Bethany
North Bethany is an excellent place to stay if you’re looking for some peace. You won’t find too many large parties or a lot of activity here; just tranquil stretches of beautiful beach and access to the city center of Bethany Beach. One of the key reasons people love North Bethany is that it has tons of oceanfront properties and beach houses, plus views of the bay and nearby marsh.
Although North Bethany is a hotspot for tourists who want to stake claim to their own private piece of paradise, you can still find plenty of affordable options there. North Bethany has both gated and non-gated communities and is full of biking, running, and hiking trails, plus access to Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Bethany Beach itself.
Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is the central place to stay, and if you opt to rent long or short-term accommodation in this part of town, you’ll be close to everything you need. In addition, Bethany Beach is an excellent place to choose if you prefer to walk or bike rather than take your car. It’s right in the middle of town, and there are plenty of different restaurants, cafes, and boutiques right at your fingertips.
In addition to the beach, there are usually outdoor activities and events during the summer, plus a Farmers Market, Nature Center, and a trolley to take you around town.
Bethany Beach is a good pick if you want to vacation on a budget. You are more likely to find different rental properties for every budget, even during the peak of summer. Since Bethany Beach is one of the more popular places to stay, it’s a good idea to make your reservation well ahead of time, especially if you’re looking for something in particular.
South Bethany
South Bethany is a small town near Bethany Beach and is an excellent place to stay if you’re looking for a quiet getaway that’s still close to the main beach itself. In addition, it’s close to Delaware Seashore State Park and is exceptional for those who want to explore nature.
South Bethany is primarily residential, so you won’t have all of the cafes, restaurants, and boutiques that you’d find in Bethany Beach proper. Instead, you’ll have quieter beaches, friendly neighbors, and small-town hospitality.
So if you’re the kind of person who enjoys packing their vacation with as much entertainment as possible, South Bethany might not be for you. But, on the other hand, if you enjoy relaxing on tranquil beaches, cooking at home, and spending quiet nights with your family, South Bethany is a great spot.
Fenwick Island
Although Fenwick Island is further away from Bethany Beach than either North Bethany or South Bethany, you can still get there pretty quickly by car. Additionally, plenty of bike trails and safe walking trails connect the two. Fenwick Island is a good home base for those who want to see Bethany Beach but don’t want to be right in the action.
It’s a town on its own, with a tiny population, some excellent dining options, and great beaches. It’s also reasonably close to plenty of natural parks and outdoor activities. Since it’s slightly less well-known than Bethany Beach, there’s a good chance that you might be able to find an excellent long or short-term vacation rental that fits your budget and style perfectly.
Best Things To Do At Bethany Beach
Once you’ve found your ideal long or short-term rental, make sure that you check out these great things to do at Bethany Beach.
Visit Thunder Lagoon Water Park
Thunder Lagoon Water Park is right near Fenwick Island and is a fabulous place to take a break from the beach and have some fun with the whole family. It boasts plenty of great activities, including a lazy river ride, water slides, and a special area just for the kids.
Try Out Some Watersports and Spot Wildlife
Bethany Beach’s tranquil ocean waters make it an excellent spot for any and all watersports. Tons of dolphins call Bethany Beach their home, and if you’re an early riser, you might be able to spot them. There are also designated tours to see the dolphins when they’re most active. You can also look to the skies. Bethany Beach is famous for its pelicans and other local avian life.
Try sea kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming if you want to hit the water. Since Bethany Beach’s water tends to be very calm, it’s perfect for kids and beginner swimmers.
Bethany Beach Boardwalk
You should definitely make a point to visit Bethany Beach Boardwalk at least once. You’ll find family-friendly activities, like miniature golf, tons of dining options, boutiques, and even some live music. You can also soak in the sunset while enjoying a delicious iced coffee.
Bethany Beach Boardwalk has plenty of restrooms and feet washing stations, so don’t worry about hopping in and out of the sand.
Spend the Day Fenwick Island State Park
Bethany Beach is surrounded by state parks, and Fenwick Island State Park is one of the best. It’s a massive park with plenty of opportunities to go kayaking, surfing, swimming, fishing, and hiking. If you book ahead, you might even have a chance to go horseback riding.
Fenwick Island State Park has plenty of wildlife too. If you love nature and want to see some of Delaware’s native creatures in their natural habitats, sign up for an eco-tour.
Go Golfing
Bethany Beach is a great place to give your clubs a good workout. There are plenty of golf courses around and just outside of town for every taste and skill level.
Final Thoughts
Bethany Beach is a beautiful place to take your family for a vacation that they will never forget. With plenty of pet-friendly vacation homes and long or short-term rentals, you won’t have to leave your furry friends behind either. In addition, plenty of Bethany Beach’s attractions are well within walking distance of each other, and the beach itself is just a short walk away.
If you haven’t been to Bethany Beach yet, what are you waiting for? Book your vacation rental today.
Featured Image Credit: David Kay
