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

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!

The 11 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Delaware

1. Bethany Beach

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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:

• Top Dog-Friendly Beaches in Monterey, CA

• Top Dog-Friendly Beaches in Melbourne, FL

Featured Image Credit: Zadranka, Shutterstock