Your Guide to Outdoor Activities in Delaware
As the second smallest state in the United States, Delaware clocks in at just under 2,000 square miles in area. Fortunately, there’s still much to see and do, as Delaware dips down to touch the Atlantic Ocean for many miles. In fact, Delaware was ranked number 1 in water quality (out of the 30 states with coastline) in both 2011 and 2014! Fishing, golf courses, and boardwalk areas make Delaware a popular outdoor enthusiast location, and the beaches themselves are popular year-round tourist destinations for residents from the nearby areas of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, South Jersey, and Norfolk, Virginia.
Fishing
Delaware hosts a variety of state parks as well as coastline perfect for any angler. Keep in mind that to fish in Delaware waters (including tidal waters), you must have a fishing license. Opt for fishing from one of several ocean piers, or simply fish at a pond or in the surf. There are a variety of state parks where fishing is encourages. Here are a few to check out:
Pond Fishing
Killens Pond State Park: This pond is home to largemouth bass, catfish, carp, perch, crappie, bluegills, and pickerel.
Lums Pond State Park: Anglers can chase largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, or pickerel - and the occasional striped bass!
Trap Pond State Park: Anglers on the water or shore may land largemouth bass, pickerel, crappie, and bluegills.
Freshwater Fishing
Brandywine Creek State Park: Great for smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegill fishing.
White Clay Creek State Park: Small ponds within this park are great outlets for catching largemouth bass and bluegills.
Surf Fishing
Cape Henlopen State Park: With a quarter mile-long pier, Cape Henlopen State Park provides excellent fishing access into the Delaware Bay.
Fenwick Island State Park: Three dune crossings provide surf fishing access for vehicles with the proper permit to drive onto the beach.
Delaware Seashore State Park: Fish the open beaches or opt for fishing the banks of the Indian River Inlet.
Golf
With 53 golf courses to choose from, Delaware is a great state for getting out on the green. Cities like Wilmington, Newark, and Rehoboth Beach are all host to at least one golf course. Click on the links below for these top three cities to find out which golf courses are closest as well as their ratings, reviews, and tournament schedules.
Beaches
With a majority of the eastern border of the state being Atlantic coastline, Delaware’s beaches are one of the top tourist attractions. Because of the numerous beaches in the state, you can find just about any type of beach activity here! From a relaxing, quiet, casual morning walking the silent shoreline to a lively, fun-filled evening at a boardwalk nightclub, there are activities for everyone at the beaches of Delaware. When it comes to outdoor activities, the beaches of Delaware are the places to be! Here are a few to consider:
Paddle Boarding or Windsurfing: Located at Fenwick Island, DelMarVa’s Board Sport Adventures is your starting point for paddleboarding and windsurfing excursions.
Kayaking and Parasailing: Coastal Kayak in Fenwick Island or Dewey Beach Parasail at Rehoboth Beach are both great places to rent your equipment for a day of parasailing or kayaking on the beach.
Crabbing Expedition: Crab Claw Adventures in Rehoboth Beach is your perfect place to start a crabbing expedition. Cruise the scenic bay waters and take in all of the wildlife while catching crabs.
