Author: 
Bethany Beach is the Santa Monica Pier of Delaware. Renowned for never-ending sand-covered beaches, edged by boardwalks, and loaded with some of the best grub in the state. Vacationers choose Bethany Beach for many reasons, including its proximity to New York.
Whether here for a summer-long stay, or looking to explore for a single weekend, there’s plenty to do and see. Bethany Beach things to do include:
Bethany Surf Shop
There’s nothing quite like Bethany Beach, and to explore it and all its beauty you’ve gotta get out on the water. While searching for Bethany Beach things to do, pop into the Bethany Surf Shop. Not only does the shop have everything you need to get out of your short-term rental and into the water, but the shop also offers tours.
Rent a paddleboard, get a lesson, and take a tour along the Assawoman wildlife region, Assawoman waterway, and the Bethany Beach Salt Pond. Bethany Surf Shop staff will teach you how to explore the waters safely whether you do it by surfboard, skimboard, or paddleboard.
Bethany Beach Nature Center
If you’re heading down Garfield Parkway, why not stop at the Bethany Beach Nature Center? Take a walk along the trails toward the salt marshes, and duck inside to see the collection of turtles, bees, and insects in the nature center. The center is surrounded by 26-acres of conservation property including 9 acres of freshwater wetlands and 14 acres of tidal wetlands.
If you’re one for nature and looking for something to do while getting a little fresh air, this is a great stop. Bird watching and meditation are both great activities to participate in while exploring the trails.
Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf
Sticking on the nautical theme of the location, Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf is one of the most fun Bethany Beach things to do with the family. Whether you’ve got kids with you, or you’re a group of adults, why not spend an afternoon putting around?
This pirate-themed mini-golf course includes a 50-foot pirate ship, a talking pirate, water hazards, and a final tee-off of 10:45 pm. Spend the afternoon or the evening going head to head with your travel companions before heading back to your short-term rental for some much-deserved rest.
Shore Fun Family Fun Center
The name says it all, and if you’re looking for Bethany Beach things to do, you can’t go wrong with Shore Fun Family Fun Center. Visiting in winter, check out the fire and ice festival, including hand-carved ice sculptures, fireworks, and more. In the summer months enjoy the arcade, toy shop, and local events.
Shore Fun Family Fun Center hosts a variety of special occasions throughout the year, such as tree lightings, bonfires, and BBQs. Be sure to see what they’ve got going on during your visit, and bring the whole family over for some fun.
Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral
If you’ll be in Bethany Beach over the Labor Day weekend, be sure to check out the annual Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral.
Based on New Orleans funeral traditions, the jazz funeral in Delaware bids farewell to another summer, and ushers in the fall. This is a fun time for visitors of all ages and offers a chance at some celebrating up and down the streets, fireworks, food stalls, and games.
Kids of all ages will find something to do over the weekend as special events vary each year. If you do bring the kids, be sure to warn them about the coffin. Every year a mannequin is placed in a coffin and carried down the street by the funeral procession.
Bethany Beach Boardwalk
Also known as “the boards”, the Bethany Beach Boardwalk is the top attraction for visitors to Bethany Beach. Spanning a half-mile, and stretching 12 feet across, the boardwalk is a fun outing because it connects you to all that Bethany Beach has to offer. From seaside bike rentals to local restaurants, you can find something to do every few feet on this stretch of boardwalk.
If you’re stepping on and off the boardwalk and enjoying the sandy beach, there are also foot-washing stations on every street. This lets you rinse off before you head out on the town. Walk your dog, take a stroll, or go for a bike ride (Biking is only between 6 am to 9 am every morning. Bikes are prohibited after 9 am when pedestrian traffic intensifies).
Indian River Inlet Bridge
You wouldn’t think there’d be much to explore at a bridge, but the Indian River Inlet Bridge is a fun excursion when looking for Bethany Beach things to do. The breathtaking bridge crosses the channelized inlet, and the area on either side has been turned into a state park. Visit the area for local attractions, access to a beach area, and even a recreation park.
At night, the bridge gets lit up, glowing a striking blue against the Bethany Beach backdrop. Take a walk, or rent a bike and roll across the bridge for a breath of fresh air. If you drive across the bridge, you save an hour of driving time.
Bear Trap Dunes
For a real game of golf, Bear Trap Dunes outshines Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf. The resort offers instruction clinics, golf camps, and daily tee times. While playing at the club, be sure to stop in and check out The Den Bar & Grill for a bite to eat. The coastal restaurant is famous for its blackened fish tacos and mussels served in white wine and butter sauce. Bear Trap Dunes also offers a golf shop for those in the market for a new putter.
Bethany Beach Goods and Bike Rentals
Finally, you can’t make a trip to Bethany Beach without a visit to Bethany Beach Goods and Bike Rentals.
This little shop will get you up on two wheels in no time. Whether you’re taking a morning spin on the boardwalk, or riding out to cross the Indian River Inlet Bridge, grab a bike and hit the open road. Bethany Beach Goods and Bike Rentals includes a helmet and bike lock with every bike rental.
The shop also has beach gear, including pool noodles and other floaty devices for the kids. Stop by as you plan your Bethany Beach vacation to grab all the gear to make your visit memorable.
Book a Visit with Rent By Owner
Excited by this list of Bethany Beach things to do? There are plenty of beautiful places to stay in the thick of Bethany Beach action. Whether you want to be close to the water, or further in town, we’ve got somewhere to suit your preferences and pocketbook. Book a stay and visit today!
Featured Image Credit: Blake Patterson via Flickr CC2.0
