The Bethany Beach Boardwalk Guide: Shops, Food, and Evening Strolls Near Hotel Bethany Beach
The Bethany Beach Boardwalk is where most days in town end up: a half-mile stretch of wooden boardwalk with the Atlantic on one side and bookshops, fudge counters, and fry stands on the other. Hotel Bethany Beach is two blocks from the ocean, and the boardwalk entrance is about half a mile away, around a 15-minute walk, so it’s easy to head over for an afternoon browse or a stroll after dinner.
This guide covers where to shop, where to grab fries or sit down for seafood, and how to plan an evening around the Bethany Beach Bandstand, with the hotel as your starting point.
Bethany Beach Boardwalk at a Glance
A few things to know before you head down:
- Length: About half a mile, running along the beach through downtown Bethany Beach.
- Access: The boardwalk is 12 feet wide and works well for strollers and wheelchairs.
- Main way in: Garfield Parkway, the town’s main street, leads straight to the boardwalk and the bandstand.
- Bikes: Allowed on the boardwalk each morning from 6 to 9 a.m.
- Dogs: Leashed dogs are welcome on the boardwalk from October 1 through May 14.
- Parking: Downtown spaces are metered, so walking from the hotel saves you hunting for a spot.
Walking to the Boardwalk From Hotel Bethany Beach
The beach is just two blocks from Hotel Bethany Beach, and the boardwalk entrance is about half a mile away, around a 15-minute walk. Leave the car at the hotel and head for Garfield Parkway, where shops and restaurants line the last stretch before the beach.
At the downtown entrance to Bethany Beach, look for Chief Little Owl, the town’s 24-foot carved totem pole. A totem has stood here since 1976, and the current carving was dedicated in 2002. It makes an easy meeting point if your group splits up to shop.
Shops on and Near the Bethany Beach Boardwalk
Most of the shopping sits where Garfield Parkway meets the boardwalk, so you can browse a few stores and be back by the ocean in minutes.
Bethany Beach Books
Bethany Beach Books is an independent bookstore at 99 Garfield Parkway, right off the boardwalk. Pick up beach reads, local-interest and seashore titles, children’s books, puzzles, or cards. A new paperback goes well with an afternoon at the hotel’s seasonal outdoor pool.
Candy Kitchen
Candy Kitchen has two shops on Garfield Parkway, at 100 and 123, known for saltwater taffy, fudge, and hand-dipped chocolates. A box of taffy is an easy souvenir to carry home.
Beach Shops and Souvenirs
Smaller family-owned shops along Garfield Parkway and the boardwalk carry beach towels, souvenirs, and casual clothing. If you forgot something for the beach, there’s a good chance you can pick it up on the walk down.
Where to Eat on and Near the Boardwalk
Fries and Quick Bites
Boardwalk fries are part of any Bethany Beach visit, and two spots sit right at the end of Garfield Parkway:
- DB Fries at 100 Garfield Parkway serves fresh fries, seafood, and sandwiches, set up for grab-and-go.
- Boardwalk Fries at 97 Garfield Parkway is open from Easter through Labor Day.
Take your basket to a bench facing the water and make it an easy lunch between beach sessions.
Sit-Down Dinner on the Boardwalk
Ocean 99 serves coastal cuisine right on the boardwalk, with local seafood and comfort food such as shrimp and grits, tuna ceviche, and smash burgers. Cocktails and local craft beers round out the menu. Hours can change, so check the website or call ahead before you go.
Dinner Next Door to the Hotel
If you’d rather stay close after a long beach day, Mickey’s Family Crab House is right next to Hotel Bethany Beach and serves fresh crab and seafood. Hotel guests receive 10% off dine-in checks or room service delivery, so you can eat at the restaurant or bring dinner back to your room.
Something Sweet
Candy Kitchen’s fudge travels well for later. Back at the hotel, the grab-and-go pantry stocks locally made Hopkins Farm Creamery ice cream for a scoop before bed.
Evening Strolls and Bandstand Concerts
The boardwalk slows down once the beach clears out for the day. Families head out for dessert, couples walk to the far end and back, and on concert nights you can hear the music well before you reach the bandstand.
The Bethany Beach Bandstand sits at the end of Garfield Parkway near the center of the boardwalk and hosts the town’s Seaside Concert Series:
- Summer: Thursday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., plus Kids Nights on Wednesdays in July.
- September and October: Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:30 p.m., with an earlier start as the evenings get shorter.
Bench seating is free but limited, so bring a beach chair. The Town of Bethany Beach posts each year’s lineup, and shows depend on the weather. After the music, walk the half mile to the end of the boardwalk and back before heading home to the hotel.
A Simple Boardwalk Day From Hotel Bethany Beach
Here’s one easy way to fit the boardwalk into a day:
- Morning: Start with complimentary breakfast at the hotel, then bring your bikes for a ride on the boardwalk before 9 a.m.
- Midday: Spend a few hours on the beach two blocks away, then browse Bethany Beach Books and pick up taffy at Candy Kitchen.
- Afternoon: Cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool, or use your two complimentary rounds at Nick’s Mini Golf, a seasonal perk for hotel guests.
- Evening: Grab fries for an early bite or book a table at Ocean 99, catch a show at the bandstand, and stroll back after sunset.
Looking for more to fill your stay? See our Bethany Beach area guide for nearby gardens, parks, and family activities.
Walking the Boardwalk With Your Dog
Leashed dogs can join you on the boardwalk from October 1 through May 14, which makes spring and fall a good time for a morning walk by the ocean. Hotel Bethany Beach has dog-friendly rooms, so your pup can come along for the whole trip. Read our pet policy and our guide to pet-friendly stays in Bethany Beach before you go.
Make Hotel Bethany Beach Your Boardwalk Base
Hotel Bethany Beach is two blocks from the ocean and around a 15-minute walk from the boardwalk and downtown. Start each morning with complimentary breakfast, cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool between beach sessions, and settle into rooms and suites with space to spread out, including a Family Suite that sleeps up to six.
For more ideas around town, read our guide to things to do in Bethany Beach, and check current hotel offers before you book.
Bethany Beach Boardwalk FAQs
Does Bethany Beach have a boardwalk?
Yes. Bethany Beach has a wooden boardwalk of about half a mile along the beach downtown, with Garfield Parkway leading straight to it and the bandstand.
How long is the Bethany Beach boardwalk?
The boardwalk is about half a mile long, so walking to the end and back is roughly a mile at an easy pace.
How far is Hotel Bethany Beach from the boardwalk?
The beach is two blocks from Hotel Bethany Beach, and the boardwalk entrance is about half a mile away, around a 15-minute walk. You can leave the car at the hotel and walk down Garfield Parkway.
Are dogs allowed on the Bethany Beach boardwalk?
Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk from October 1 through May 14, but not from May 15 through September 30. Check the town’s current rules before your trip.
Can you ride a bike on the Bethany Beach boardwalk?
Yes, bikes are allowed on the boardwalk from 6 to 9 a.m. each day. Skateboards and roller skates are not permitted at any time.
Where do you park for the Bethany Beach boardwalk?
Downtown parking is metered, and you can pay at the pay stations or through the ParkMobile app. Staying at Hotel Bethany Beach lets you skip the search and walk instead.
Are the Bethany Beach Bandstand concerts free?
Bench seating at the bandstand is free but limited, so bring your own beach chair. Check the town’s schedule for this season’s lineup.
