Things to Do in Bethany Beach: A Guide to Beaches, Boardwalks, Events & Local Favorites
Bethany Beach is the kind of coastal town where days can be as relaxed or as full as you like. Spend the morning by the ocean, browse the shops around Garfield Parkway, catch live music at the bandstand, or head out to explore nearby parks and gardens.
Located just two blocks from the beach, Hotel Bethany Beach is a convenient base for exploring local attractions, events, and coastal favorites.
Bethany Beach, Delaware Attractions
Many of the best Bethany Beach attractions are close to the sand, boardwalk and center of town. Others are just a short drive away, making it easy to mix beach time with nature, sightseeing and family-friendly fun.
Bethany Beach
No trip to Bethany Beach feels complete without time by the ocean. Settle in for a day on the sand, cool off in the Atlantic, or start the morning with a quiet walk beside the water.
The beach sits just two blocks from Hotel Bethany Beach, so it is easy to come and go throughout the day. Hotel guests can also enjoy complimentary seasonal beach service with two chairs and one umbrella, taking a little more planning out of the day.
Bethany Beach Boardwalk
The Bethany Beach Boardwalk offers a laid-back version of the classic Delaware beach experience. Walk beside the dunes, stop for ice cream, browse beach shops, or find a bench overlooking the ocean. At around half a mile long, the boardwalk is easy to explore without taking over your whole day.
Bethany Beach Bandstand
Set near the beach at the end of Garfield Parkway, the Bethany Beach Bandstand is a favorite gathering place throughout the warmer months.
Seasonal concerts and community events bring live entertainment to the center of town. Pick up dinner or something sweet nearby, then settle in for an easy evening close to the ocean.
Delaware Botanic Gardens
Take a break from the shoreline with a visit to Delaware Botanic Gardens. The 37-acre property features native gardens, colorful meadows and woodland paths designed for slow, peaceful walks.
Fenwick Island State Park
A short drive south of Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island State Park stretches between the Atlantic Ocean and Little Assawoman Bay.
Visitors can enjoy more time on the sand, explore the quieter shoreline or try seasonal activities on the bay. It is a good choice when you want a change of scenery without traveling far from Bethany Beach.
Bethany Beach Events
Bethany Beach events bring music, food, art and family entertainment to the town throughout the year. Summer offers the fullest calendar, but seasonal celebrations also make spring and fall rewarding times to visit.
Summer Concerts
Free concerts at the Bethany Beach Bandstand are a favorite part of summer evenings by the shore. The schedule includes a changing mix of musicians and performers, with the beach and boardwalk just steps away.
Movies at the Bandstand
Bring a blanket and settle in beneath the stars for a family-friendly seasonal screening at the iconic Bethany Beach Bandstand.
Fourth of July in Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach celebrates the Fourth of July with a lively day of community events, entertainment, and classic summer traditions. It is one of the busiest times to visit, so plan your stay and dinner reservations early.
Seaside Craft Show
The annual Seaside Craft Show brings artists and makers to the heart of Bethany Beach. Browse handmade jewelry, artwork, coastal décor and one-of-a-kind gifts while enjoying a day around town.
Bethany Beach Farmers’ Market
The seasonal farmers’ market is a relaxed place to shop for local produce, baked goods and regional favorites. Event schedules can change from year to year, so check the latest Bethany Beach calendar before your visit.
Bethany Beach Shopping
Bethany Beach shopping is easy to work into a day by the ocean. Many shops are gathered around Garfield Parkway and the boardwalk, where you can browse without moving far from the beach.
Garfield Parkway and Downtown Bethany
Walk along Garfield Parkway to find clothing, gifts, home décor and beach essentials from a mix of independent businesses. The compact downtown area makes it easy to stop for coffee, lunch or ice cream as you shop.
Boardwalk Shops
The shops near the boardwalk carry everything from T-shirts and beachwear to souvenirs and sweet treats. They are especially convenient when you need something for the beach or want to bring home a reminder of your trip.
Bethany Beach Books
Pick up a new beach read at Bethany Beach Books, an independent shop near the center of town. You will find fiction, children’s books, local titles and gifts for readers of all ages.
Tanger Outlets
For a larger shopping day, head north toward the Tanger Outlets near Rehoboth Beach. With a wide selection of outlet stores, it is also a useful option when the weather changes your beach plans.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach makes family vacations feel simple. The beach, boardwalk, miniature golf, shops and casual restaurants are close together, so you can enjoy more and spend less of the day traveling between stops.
Family favorites include:
- Building sandcastles and swimming at the beach
- Playing miniature golf
- Visiting the Bethany Beach Nature Center
- Browsing the boardwalk shops
- Watching a movie on the beach
- Enjoying a summer concert at the bandstand
- Ending the evening with ice cream
Hotel Bethany Beach guests can also enjoy two complimentary seasonal rounds at neighboring Nick’s Mini Golf.
Local Restaurants and Coastal Favorites
Bethany Beach has plenty of casual places to refuel between the beach and local attractions. Around downtown, you will find seafood, pizza, sandwiches, coffee shops, and classic beach town treats.
Mickey’s Family Crab House is located next to Hotel Bethany Beach and is a convenient choice for local seafood. For oceanside dining on the boardwalk, Ocean 99 at Bethany Beach Ocean Suites serves fresh seafood, comfort food, and creative cocktails in a relaxed coastal setting.
Guests can also pick up Hopkins Farm Creamery ice cream from the hotel pantry when they want an easy treat without heading back into town.
Book Your Stay at Hotel Bethany Beach
Just two blocks from the ocean, Hotel Bethany Beach places you within easy reach of the beach, boardwalk, restaurants, shops, and local attractions.
Start each morning with complimentary breakfast, head out to explore, and return for a swim in the seasonal outdoor pool. Comfortable rooms and suites, complimentary parking, and thoughtful guest perks make it easy to settle in and enjoy the shore at your own pace.
Book your stay at Hotel Bethany Beach and start planning your next Delaware beach getaway.
