Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Top 11 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Delaware in 2026: On & Off-Leash Locations

Share

Boykin spaniel at an empty beach

Whether you live in Delaware or are planning a summer visit, it’s paramount to find the best beaches where you can spend the day with your best friend!

Not all beaches allow dogs, though, so it’s important to do your homework before you bring your pup to any beach; hefty fines can occur if you break the rules. Plus, most beaches will prohibit canines during the peak summer season. That is why it is important to know about these places before you go!

So, here are 11 dog-friendly beaches where you can spend an enjoyable day with your pup in the small but beautiful state of Delaware!

divider dog faces oct 2024

The 11 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Delaware

1. Bethany Beach

️Address: Delaware 19930
Open Times: All year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Leashed dogs are only allowed on the beach from October 1 to May 14
  • The beach is 1 mile long and 150 feet wide
  • 12-foot-wide boardwalk
  • The beach is closed from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
  • Dogs are not permitted to dig holes

2. Broadkill Beach

️Address: Delaware 19968
Open Times: All year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, if well-trained in voice recall
  • Features beautiful sand dunes and soft sand
  • Dogs are only allowed on the beach from October 1 to May 14
  • The first horseshoe crab sanctuary in the state
  • Dogs are only allowed off-leash if they obey voice commands
  • No parking provided
  • Quiet beach

3. Johnnie Walker Beach

️Address: 15009 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958
Open Times: All year
Cost: $10 entry fee
Off-Leash: No
  • Part of Cape Henlopen State Park
  • Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach from May 1 to September 30
  • The leash must be no longer than 6 feet
  • Sand dunes and certain marked-off areas are protected by law
  • The beach is 6 miles long
  • Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk

4. Delaware Seashore State Park

️Address: 25039 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Open Times: All year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs are only allowed on beaches without lifeguards from May 1 to September 30
  • From October 1 to April 30, dogs are permitted on all beaches
  • There are 20 miles of bay shoreline and 6 miles of ocean
  • Salt marsh habitat and nesting grounds for terrapins and birds
  • 7 miles of trails for birders, hikers, and bikers

5. Dewey Beach

️Address: Dewey Beach, DE 19971
Open Times: All year
Cost: License fees vary
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Dogs are only allowed on the beach with a Dewey Beach dog license
  • From May 15 to September 15, dogs are only allowed on the beach before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m.
  • Dogs don’t have to be leashed year-round
  • The “Greyhounds Reach the Beach” event happens here
  • The beach is 1 mile long

6. Fenwick Island State Park Beach

️Address: DE-1, Fenwick Island, DE 19944
Open Times: All year
Cost: $10 per car
Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs are only allowed on the beach from October 1 to April 30
  • Dogs must always be on a leash of 6 feet or less
  • Dogs must be licensed, with proof of rabies vaccine
  • 3 miles of sandy beach
  • Sand dunes are protected by law

7. Savannah Beach

️Address: 206 Bay Ave, Lewes, DE 19958
Open Times: All year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs are allowed on the beach between May 1 and September 30, before 8 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m.
  • Part of Cape Henlopen State Park
  • Dogs are allowed on the beach and the boardwalk between October 1 and April 30
  • Savannah Beach is a dog-friendly community
  • Offers parking, paddling, bathrooms, and concessions
  • Long dock to enjoy the view and a quiet beach

8. Primehook Beach

️Address: Delaware 19963
Open Times: All year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • National wildlife refuge for migratory birds
  • Dogs are allowed while on a leash all year round
  • Considered a secret beach, so it’s quiet
  • No lifeguards are available
  • You might spot ospreys, herons, and foxes

9. Rehoboth Beach

️Address: Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Open Times: All year
Cost: Parking fees
Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs are only allowed on the beach and boardwalk from October 1 to April 30
  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times
  • Crowded beach during the summer
  • The 1-mile-long boardwalk is a huge attraction, with restaurants, eclectic shops, and amusements
  • The boardwalk is open all year long with events and festivals

10. South Bethany Beach

️Address: 902 S Ocean Dr, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
Open Times: All year
Cost: Parking fees
Off-Leash: No
  • 1-mile-long stretch of sandy beach
  • Leashed dogs are only allowed from October 16 to May 14
  • 5 miles of canals for canoeing, boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding
  • Quiet resort town and lifeguards during the summer months
  • You need a parking permit

11. Woodland Beach

️Address: 107 Woodland Ave, Smyrna, DE 19977
Open Times: All year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Sandy beach, but with a few muddy areas
  • No restrictions on when your dog can visit the beach, but they need to be leashed
  • It can get busy in the summer
  • Long fishing pier
  • You can also visit the Woodland Beach Wildlife Area

divider dog faces oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Before you bring your dog to any beaches, always check the guidelines. Most of the beaches in Delaware have rules about canines. There are usually only certain times of the day or specific months that dogs are allowed on many beaches, and it’s always a good idea to look up this information before you make the trip.

Remember, when you do have a day at the beach with your dog, always clean up after them. Ensure that you bring enough supplies too—water is crucial for both you and your pup.

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: Zadranka, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Ask Dr. Paola- Help! My Dog’s Sleeping Habits Have Changed! (May 18, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

The Crate Setup Most Dog Owners Get Wrong (And How To Fix It!)

Most people assume that if their dog hates the crate, the crate is the problem. So they try a bigger one, a different...

1,500 Beagles Rescued from Wisconsin Lab Farm – Here’s Where They’re Going

You may remember that a few weeks ago, we reported on a tense situation at Ridglan Farms, Wisconsin, a facility infamous for housing...

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Window Watchers (May 11, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

More related

Dog Nail Polish: Can You Paint Their Nails Safely? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Our pups should be able to enjoy pampering sessions themselves! After all, you likely make time for manicures and pedicures to keep yourself...

10 Smallest Dog Breeds: Vet-Verified Info, Pictures & History

Small dogs are becoming more popular than ever thanks to their compact size, longer average lifespan, and the fact that they need less...

Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (August 28, 2025)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

Introducing PangoVet: Talk with a Veterinarian Online

Dogster is excited to announce the launch of our new vet telehealth service, PangoVet! The service is designed to give owners accessible and...

Keep reading

How Much Food to Feed a Lab: Feeding Guide & Nutritional Tips

Wouldn’t you love to feed your Labrador dog the best, high-quality food in the exact quantities it needs to thrive? Every dog owner wants this more than anything, yet they can never figure it out. We don’t blame them! Thousands...

labrador retriever eating dog food

What Is Lamb Meal in Dog Food? Is It Good for Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts

Do you know what’s in your dog’s food? Like, what’s really in there? If you’ve never put much thought into what you feed your pup, the nutritional labels on dog food might seem like jargon-loaded headaches. Fortunately, if you’ve ever...

Lamb meal in a black container

Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows? Vet-Verified Risks & FAQ

We all love to indulge in a treat from time to time, and marshmallows are as indulgent as they come. Roasted over an open flame or mixed in with Rice Krispies, they are delicious and super-sugary snacks. But is it...

Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows

Cat Food vs Dog Food: The Main Differences

Many people have both dogs and cats in their homes. With the high cost of pet food, some owners are starting to wonder what the differences are between dog and cat food and if both animals can eat the same...

Cat Food VS Dog Food

How Much Should I Feed My Dog? Vet-Approved Feeding Chart & Guide

How much food to feed your dog is best determined by open and honest communication with your veterinarian. She will help calculate the appropriate number of daily calories for your dog based on criteria, such as breed, age, health, activity...
woman feeding a poodle at home

Can Dogs Eat Tripe? Vet-Reviewed Dietary Guidance

Tripe is the lining of a ruminant’s stomach, which includes cows and sheep. It is safe for human consumption, although it is considered an acquired taste with many people balking at the idea of eating it. Tripe, in the appropriate...

Can Dogs Eat_Tripe

Can Dogs Eat Pine Cones? Vet-Verified Facts, Risks & What to Do

Dogs are omnivorous animals, which gives us a bit of leeway in terms of extra treats we can feed them in addition to their regular dog formula. However, dogs sometimes take a fancy to weird things like non-edible bits and...

Can Dogs Eat Pine Cones

Can Dogs Eat Pringles? Vet-Approved Health Facts & FAQ

Having a dog in the house makes it hard to snack in peace. Whether you’re having a healthy bite or indulging in one of your favorite junk foods, like Pringles, it’s not uncommon to have big doggie eyes begging for...

Can Dogs Eat_pringles

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter