The Most Beautiful Islands in Delaware

Delaware is very much a coastal state, bordered along its eastern side by the Delaware River, Delaware Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. This unique topography gives Delaware a number of beautiful barrier and riverine islands. Some are nature reserves where you can hike, bird watch, and bike in tranquil, pristine, and diverse ecosystems. Some are seaside towns boasting pretty beaches and sundrenched boardwalks. Others are sites of historical significance. Whatever you are looking for — history, nature, activity — you are sure to find it on these beautiful Delaware islands.

Fenwick Island

Delaware’s best-known and most populated island, Fenwick, is a long, thin-barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean. Nearby will find Bethany Beach, known as one of the prettiest beaches in the state and hugely popular during the summer. And don’t forget to visit the historic Fenwick Island Lighthouse, first lit in 1859 and the oldest in the state. Head south if you are interested in fishing — the town of Ocean City is one of the best places to catch a white marlin and offers dozens of sport fishing charters for anglers of all abilities.

The deep, frothy waters of the Atlantic are a big part of Fenwick Island’s charms, but to appreciate the true beauty of the island, head to Fenwick Island State Park, which includes three miles of unspoiled Atlantic beaches and Assawoman Bay, one of the best places to catch the sunset as it dips into the ocean, giving the undeveloped shoreline a rosy glow.

Pea Patch Island

A small patch of land in the Delaware River, Pea Patch may not look like much on a map, but it was once a significant and strategic defense. The island is home to Fort Delaware State Park, a military base that can trace its history back to 1859. To explore the scenic fort, take the short ferry ride from Delaware City. Tours are available year-round, and visitors can also take part in living history demonstrations, learn how to do the fort’s laundry, hammer out metal for the cannons, and watch live firing of the guns.

Aside from the fort, Pea Patch Island also contains a small nature preserve. Hike the Prison Camp Trail to see the nesting sites of herons, ibises, and egrets, or walk to the Herony Overlook to catch a glimpse of the birds in their marshland habitat.

Beach Plum Island

Beach Plum is a two-mile barrier island in Lewes that’s part of the Cape Henlopen State Park. The island was dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in 1990 and is the only wilderness beach in the State Park network. The southern half of the preserve is closed to the public to protect sensitive habitats, but the north end is open from March to December for anyone wanting to enjoy the beach, bird watch, or fish from the shore.

The beach is a very popular destination for surf anglers during the season. The reserve was created to protect the unique barrier dune system, and visitors are asked to respect its importance. Access on the island is restricted to marked hiking trails and permitted fishing areas.

Thompson Island

Jutting out into Rehoboth Bay in Southern Delaware is Thompson Island, part of Delaware Seashore State Park and a nature preserve in its own right. The best way to see this beautiful natural oasis is via the Thompson Island Trail, which runs 0.7 miles through untouched forested parkland. It’s an easy walk on a very accessible stone path with gorgeous views of lush hardwood and conifer forests as well as tidal marshlands. The trail ends at a scenic overlook across the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal on the western shore. Visitors can only explore on foot as bicycles aren’t permitted on the trail or in the preserve.

Burton Island

Burton Island in Indian River Bay is heaven for birdwatchers. This unique habitat attracts a wide range of species, including ospreys, snowy egrets, terns, herons, and gulls. It’s also an important nesting ground for crabs, terrapins, and saltwater fish. Burton Island Nature Reserve contains several different ecosystems, from pretty sandy beaches and tranquil salt marshes to leafy upland maritime forests. Hiking the 1.5-mile Burton Island Trail, you can see the scenery changing before your eyes.

Another great way to explore is by kayak, paddling the sheltered waters of Indian Bay to the south and Rehoboth Bay to the north to see the shore from all angles. When kayaking, be mindful of weather and tidal conditions, and note that the area is an active waterfowl hunting ground from October through to February.

Cedar Island

More of the salt marsh islands in the Rehoboth Bay estuary, known collectively as Cedar Island, are actually two neighboring islands in Delaware Seashore State Park, Big Cedar and Little Cedar. Uninhabited and undeveloped, these are pristine examples of thriving tidal marshes and wetlands. You can see both islands from the 2.8-mile Cedar Island Water Trail, which is suitable for experienced kayakers and accessible from the launch behind the dry stack storage near Burton Island.

On your trip around the Cedars, you can expect to see laughing gulls wheeling overhead, horseshoe crabs in the shallow channels, and maybe even an adventurous turtle out for a swim. As with Burton Island, this is an active waterfowl hunting area from October through to February.

Explore the Delaware Islands

If you are planning a vacation in Delaware, make sure you don’t get landlocked. The First State has lots to see and do in its coastal waters, bays, and rivers. These beautiful islands have some of the best fishing, boating, kayaking, and hiking in the state. Just be sure to check regulations at each site, especially protected nature reserves and state parks, which are subject to restrictions around fishing, vehicle use, motorized boats, and other activities likely to disturb wildlife. Step back in time and see how Civil War soldiers lived on an island fortress, dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean, tour a lighthouse, or simply watch the world go by from the beach. Whatever you are up to, make unforgettable memories on Delaware's islands.