The Ultimate Family Guide to Lewes Beaches

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The best family beaches in Lewes are Lewes Beach on the bay, Cape Henlopen State Park, Roosevelt Inlet and Broadkill Beach, and with young kids the pick is Lewes Beach. It faces the Delaware Bay instead of the open Atlantic, the city guards two stretches of it in summer, and lunch is a short walk away in town. Cape Henlopen is the bigger day out, with a guarded swimming beach, a bathhouse with showers and a concession stand, for a daily park fee. Roosevelt Inlet and Broadkill are quieter, but neither has lifeguards.

Beach Name	Key Amenity	Booking Options
Cape Henlopen	Full Facilities	View Details →
Lewes Beach	Nearby Dining	View Details →
Roosevelt Inlet	Picnic Tables	View Details →
Broadkill Beach	Restrooms	View Details →

Cape Henlopen State Park Beach

Cape Henlopen has the most room of any beach here, so the kids can spread out.

• The Beach: Soft sand, and the park guards its swimming beach from Memorial Day Saturday to Labor Day Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Delaware State Parks).
• Key Amenities: You have access to lifeguards, clean restrooms, showers, and a convenient concession stand.
• Tip: Set up near the main bathhouse to be close to the snacks and showers.

Good to know: Parking is plentiful, but there is a daily entrance fee in summer.

Lewes Beach

Lewes Beach is the easy option, a bay beach close to town.

• The Beach: It faces the Delaware Bay rather than the open Atlantic, with lifeguards at Savannah and Johnnie Walker beaches from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day (City of Lewes).
• Key Amenities: You are just steps away from local dining options, which saves you from packing a massive lunch.
• Tip: Bring a sandcastle kit. The fine, packed sand here is good for building.

Good to know: Metered parking fills quickly. Arrive before 10 AM.

Roosevelt Inlet Beach

Roosevelt Inlet is the quiet spot locals use to get away from the summer crowds.

• The Beach: Quiet, with views across the inlet. There are no lifeguards.
• Key Amenities: Picnic tables and trash bins for an easy lunch.
• Tip: Bring a light cooler and eat at the picnic tables to keep sand out of the sandwiches.

Good to know: Parking is very limited and needs a town permit in peak season.

Broadkill Beach

Broadkill is a bit further north, for families who like a slower pace and a walk along the shore.

• The Beach: Quiet, with shells along the shore for kids to collect.
• Key Amenities: Includes basic restrooms, showers, and a designated parking lot.
• Tip: Turn shell hunting into a game and leave the toy bag in the car.

Good to know: Parking is free but limited, so come early.

FAQs About Family Beaches in Lewes

Which beach is best for toddlers?

Lewes Beach, because it faces the Delaware Bay rather than the open ocean and the city guards two stretches of it in summer (City of Lewes).

Do I need a permit for parking?

It depends on the beach. Cape Henlopen charges a daily state park fee, and Roosevelt Inlet needs a town permit in peak season.

Are lifeguards on duty at all Lewes beaches?

Not everywhere. The City of Lewes guards Savannah and Johnnie Walker beaches (City of Lewes) and Cape Henlopen guards its swimming beach (Delaware State Parks), both in summer. We found no lifeguards at Roosevelt Inlet or Broadkill Beach, so stay within reach of small children there.

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