Bethany Beach, Delaware
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Bethany Beach is well known as a “quiet resort.” It’s an understated place perfect for getting a little rest and relaxation while on vacation—which we all know isn’t always so easy to do. Busy beaches and crowded campsites can make it a chore to unwind. Fortunately for all of us, places like Bethany Beach exist.
That’s not to say it’s boring—not by a long shot. There’s a perfect blend of serenity and recreation in Bethany Beach great for a couple looking to get away or an entire family looking for a fun-filled summer. No matter how long you’re in town, you’re sure to enjoy yourself here.
It’s not terribly large, but the Joseph Olson Boardwalk provides a nice space to walk and enjoy the salty breeze. It’s surface level and runs right along the beach. There is, however, a large dune that separates the beach and the boardwalk now. It blocks most of the view of the water, but it’s still an enjoyable walk with stores and small restaurants on the land side.
The boardwalk has been a staple in Bethany Beach for more than 100 years and has gone through a number of renovations to make it more friendly and enjoyable for visitors and locals alike. The full loop is less than a mile, so it’s perfectly accessible to anyone who wants to visit it. You’ll find ice cream shops, other dessert places, and a few gift shops along the way as well.
Hidden in what seems like a traditional New England-style cottage is actually the Nature Center. Inside, you’ll find exhibits that detail the importance of the bay ecosystem and some of the things organizations are doing to preserve it for future generations. The house has its own history, built in the early 1900s by one of the original settlers of Bethany Beach.
Out behind the house, there’s a walking path that leads you to the area’s wetlands. From here, there are 26 acres of conservation area. The path alternates between dirt and boardwalk, so you can enjoy the wetlands without getting your feet or ankles soaked. You’ll find a number of birds and other wildlife around too.
Of course, you can’t visit a town called Bethany Beach without going to its namesake beach. The beach is renowned for its stretch of white sand—soft and slightly warm beneath your toes. It’s also one of the cleanest beaches you’ll find. The town of Bethany Beach takes great care to make sure it’s kept clear of trash and other debris, including natural detritus.
Another great perk of swimming and hanging out on the beach in town is that it’s lifeguarded. A team of 30 guards monitor both the beach and the ocean to ensure the safety of everyone visiting. You can also bring your dogs to the beach during the offseason, from September until May.
Quaint towns are often known for gift shops and, sometimes, lavish shopping experiences. Bethany Beach is laden with stores, from surf shops to enjoy the waves to fine jewelry, to little places to purchase knick-knacks for remembering your trip. Another great perk to shopping here is that Delaware is tax free.
The shopping district offers plenty of parking and is clearly marked by a large Native American sculpture. Enjoy some quirky shops, be tempted by some window shopping, and maybe even bring back a treat for Fido from one of the dog boutiques. It’s a perfect way to spend a day when you need a break from the beach.
Bethany Beach has a long history. Since its founding long ago and its prime location on the bay, it’s been through a lot of renovation. But, it’s also kept a close grip on its roots. You can visit many of these historical sites today and get a good idea of what it was like for early settlers in the area to live in such a beautiful place.
There are several old houses in the area that were built by one of the town’s founders, John Addy. These, as well as a few built by others, date back to the early 1900s. There’s also the Loop Canal, which was built to help ferry folks from Bethany Beach down to Rehoboth Beach by wood-burning steamboat.
Want to camp on the waterfront? Of course you do, you’re in Delaware. Massey’s Landing is the place to do it. You’ll find unparalleled views of the ocean and beach available to RV campers here. Your own private beach to enjoy, plus a pool if saltwater swimming isn’t your thing, are both there for the taking. RV sites employ full utility hookups, plus W-Fi. With water all around you, your family can enjoy any number of recreational opportunities, plus you can enjoy one of two restaurants on site as well.
If you want your camping experience a little more forested, there’s Holly Lake Campsites. Still only nine miles from the Atlantic, Holly Lake offers a load of recreational opportunities along with its full RV hookup options. You can fish, crab, and even swim by taking a short trip to the beach. On site, you’ll find laundry and shower facilities, miniature and frisbee golf, a game room, and a camp store to make sure you’re stocked up on everything you need for your adventure.
Nearby Rehoboth Beach gives you an opportunity to enjoy Sea Air Village. Along with full utility hookups, you’ll also enjoy amenities like basketball and sand volleyball courts, plus horseshoes. There’s a swimming pool, plus a game room and library for when the days are a little slower. Rehoboth Beach is also a well-known resort town, so you’ll find plenty to do if you decide to venture closer to the Atlantic, as well.
Considered a full-fledged home away from home for many travelers, Treasure Beach RV Park is also a perfect place to hole up for your vacation. You’ll enjoy full utility hookups plus cable TV. You can choose to camp waterfront on the canal, or lakefront. There’s also a massive pool, huge playground, and fishing and crabbing piers for the fisherman—and a fully stocked lake.
Do you want a little bit of both worlds? Delaware Seashore State Park offers you an opportunity to camp inside a nearby state park, while still getting all of the recreational opportunities of the towns nearby. Hiking Burton’s Island is perfect for birding, and the bay is ideal for going crabbing. (Bring some back and cook them up in your RV’s kitchen).You’ll get electric hookups at most sites, and sewer and water are available at some as well.
Bethany Beach has a wealth of dining, and the seafood is top notch. Crabs, clams, and oysters are all abundant during the season, and you can find any number of ways to have it prepared to your tastes. If that’s not your thing, no worries. There are family-friendly pizza joints and a lot of other delicious foods that will be sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
In most of the areas surrounding Bethany Beach, you won’t have any trouble finding delicious, affordable, fresh seafood. You can enjoy them at small shanties right near the shore where the food is guaranteed to be fresh, or you can take it upscale and enjoy a ritzy, five-star dinner at places like Rehoboth Beach. Of course, there are also lots of other restaurant options, like burgers, Mexican places, and a wide variety of culinary tastes sure to please everyone in your party.
The entire area by the bay is a hotspot for travelers, and especially at the height of tourist season you’ll find a large number of restaurants that are brimming with fresh seafood and other delicious treats. Don’t skip on the delicious ice cream available around—because it’s summer, and you’re on vacation, after all.