Chapter 1: Best Beaches in Delaware for Surfing
The Delaware shore has more than 30 miles of coastline to explore, featuring beautiful sand, rolling water and picturesque skylines. The coast offers unique experiences, empowering surfers who want quiet journeys as well as those looking for vibrant, boisterous trips. The local hotspots and hidden gems make Delaware an exciting and fun location with new opportunities at every turn. Beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers venture to Delaware throughout the year, seeking the sights and the water.
Typically, the best time to visit Delaware beaches is during the winter when the waves are high and mighty. However, you can find pleasant surprises along the coast all year under the right weather conditions. Whether you're looking for a solo adventure or a crowded party, you have many options in Delaware. Browse our list of the best Delaware beaches to find out where you should visit next.
Indian River Inlet Surfing
The Indian River Inlet surf scene is exciting for more experienced surfers. You can see some really awesome waves in this area. The Indian River Inlet has a southeast swell, allowing for hollow waves and making it a perfect spot for capturing more challenging curls. Along with surfing, this beach may be the best location for tube riding with the whole family.
Although this beach can become crowded at times, you may enjoy more space here since beginners typically remain at other Delaware beaches. During the summer, you'll find more people waiting to catch the next wave, but things often slow down later in the year.
Bethany Beach Surfing
Bethany Beach waves are popular among locals and visitors. Bethany Beach is on the right swell, so you can see some powerful waves at the right time. This coastline has peaks and sandbars throughout its stretch, and winter is one of the best seasons to get time on the water. The waves are the largest during the winter, and you won't face as many surfing restrictions compared to the summer season.
Additionally, winter crowds will be much smaller than summer crowds, allowing you to enjoy more peace and quiet during your venture. Beginners and advanced surfers frequent these waves, but you may find it less crowded than Indian River Inlet.
Dewey Beach Surfing
Dewey is another classic hotspot for locals and travelers, but you can often find quiet spots along the coast compared to some of the other areas throughout the state. Many days will bring slow, rolling waves, but a southeast swell can provide surfing waves. During the winter, the waves can become more boisterous, empowering you to gain the experience you're looking for. This location is perfect for beginners, but surfers of all abilities can enjoy the beautiful atmosphere.
Fenwick Island Surfing
This beach rests on the border of Maryland and Delaware. The coast is a short stretch with welcoming waves riding across the water's surface. You won't find the same hollow tubes you can see at Indian River Inlet or Dewey Beach, but you'll find pleasant waves to surf the day away.
This beach can get very crowded during the summer, so visiting during the fall or winter will provide a quiet, lone journey if that's what you're looking for. As with other Delaware beaches, the best time to see noteworthy waves is during the winter, so be sure to pack your boots, gloves and suits before making your next trip.
Rehoboth Beach Surfing
Rehoboth Beach is home to many fun spots. This area offers seclusion, and you can meet tons of new people. May through August tends to be the busiest times of the year, and you'll find hundreds of people exploring the sand and boardwalk. This charming resort town is one of the most populated, and you can find tons of activities to do between your surf sessions.
If you want to experience Cape Henlopen surfing at Gordons Pond, you'll need to travel south through Rehoboth. However, prepare for a large crowd if you're visiting the spot during summer weekends, especially during holidays like Memorial Day. Gordons Pond is a jetty beach break, giving it the potential to become hollow. A southern hurricane swell can push through the water, creating beautiful summer waves.
Although there may be fewer crowds at this location, the takeoff can be challenging, so beginner surfers may want to avoid this spot until they feel confident in their abilities.
Stop by Surf Bagel on the Way to the Beach
Surf Bagel combines passion for good food with a love of surfing. Our extensive breakfast and lunch menus are the best way to celebrate the water. We serve freshly baked, New York-style bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and a delicious variety of other breakfast and lunch options every day. We carry a tradition of excellence in everything we do. Whether you want a delicious breakfast sandwich, a light salad, an afternoon cheesesteak or a refreshing smoothie, we've got you covered. We have everything you need to start or end your water adventure in the best way possible.
Surf Bagel has locations in Midway, Lewes, Milford and Long Neck, so you can always find good food no matter which beach you decide to visit. Open seven days a week, you can be sure to find a delicious bite on your way to the beach or after a calming session on the water.
On your way to the best places to surf in Delaware, stop by Surf Bagel for breakfast, lunch or a snack. Find a Surf Bagel location near you to create the perfect day on the water.