With sandy swaths on the Atlantic coast and a full slate of resort-town amenities, Bethany Beach in southern Delaware is a sea lover's dream, known for its quiet atmosphere and nearby state parks. A boardwalk along the beach runs parallel to oceanfront streets that are packed with local stores and tasty restaurants, but the main attraction is the long stretch of sand that continues north and south beyond the town. Many Bethany Beach vacation rentals are situated along the coast, with fantastic views looking east and an impressive range of facilities, from pools and hot tubs to outdoor grills that are perfect for summer barbecues.
Though you may be tempted to spend your entire vacation lounging in the sun with a cold drink in hand, carve out some time for the fun attractions this area has to offer, with everything from golf links and putt-putt courses to water parks and go-cart tracks. The Bethany Beach Nature Center is a great family-friendly spot to visit, with special exhibits about the area's natural features, boardwalks that run through saltwater marshes and programs designed to appeal to kids. Among the small waterfront communities near Bethany Beach, you'll also find museums that delve into the local maritime heritage.
With so many miles of sandy shores to enjoy, spending some time relaxing on the beach is a must during a stay here, enjoying the sun beating down and jumping into the waves during the heat of day. Further south, along the Fenwick Island coast, a number of rental providers can outfit you with wave runners and banana boats to get out on the water. Whether you prefer quiet kayak trips and paddleboard rides along the coastal areas in search of wildlife, or high-flying adventures on parasails with incredible views of the ocean beyond, you'll find a water activity waiting here.
Nothing beats a hot summer day in Bethany Beach. Why not stroll along the seaside boardwalk with a chocolate ice cream in hand, before tip-toeing out onto the warm sands for a swim in the refreshing Atlantic waves? The peak of summer averages in the 80s here, with the shoulder months of May and September often warm enough for ocean swimming, too. If you plan to visit during the summer, why not look for one of the many Bethany Beach vacation rentals that come with a pool to splash around in when the weather gets steamy?
Since the Atlantic Ocean spans the eastern border of Bethany Beach, there's always a gorgeous vista to soak up here, and with state parks stretching for miles north and south of town, the opportunities to enjoy nature never seem to expire. Delaware Seashore and Fenwick Island State Parks act as an extension of Bethany Beach on each end, offering plentiful opportunities for swimming, fishing and boating in the waters and picnicking shoreside on the sand. Holts Landing State Park on the Indian River Bay is an excellent spot for hiking close to your Bethany Beach vacation rental, with chances to spot wildlife and large birds like heron and osprey.
Bethany Beach has beautiful beach spaces to enjoy a day of fun in the sun. Vacation rentals can be found near places like Bethany Beach, a relaxed beach with a wooden boardwalk and seaside amenities, and Holts Landing State Park, a bayside destination with sandy beaches and dense forests with hiking trails. You could also try beachcombing at Coin Beach, a sandy beach known for its hidden treasures.
The nearest airport is in Salisbury, MD (SBY-Salisbury - Ocean City Wicomico Regional), located 28.4 mi (45.8 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into Ocean City, MD (OCE-Ocean City Municipal), which is 16.2 mi (26.1 km) away.
Kids will love the array of attractions in Bethany Beach. Vacation rentals are available near kid-friendly places like Assawoman Wildlife Area, a sanctuary space for rare plants and animals, and James Farm Ecological Preserve, a nature preserve with a sandy beach and hiking trails. Kids will also like Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf, a pirate-themed miniature golf center with exciting features.
Whether you're searching for an intimate retreat for you and your honey or someplace spacious to fit family and friends, you'll find some top vacation rentals in and around Bethany Beach. Here are a couple to get your inspiration flowing:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Bethany Beach vacation rental for you.
There's nothing like a few days away to lift your spirits. If you're ready for some downtime, these popular weekend getaways in and near Bethany Beach make the perfect base for a mini break:
Studio apartments are hard to beat when it comes to convenience, character and location. Browse these studio apartments for rent in or near Bethany Beach and experience a slice of the local culture:
There are lots of sights around Bethany Beach to put on your to-do list. Nourish the culture vulture in you by visiting 2nd Time Designs and Biggs Museum of American Art.
Short-term rentals are plentiful in and around Bethany Beach. Chill out for a night or two in a luxury bed & breakfast, a studio apartment or a spacious home. Whatever type of vacation rental you're searching for, you'll find the right place with Vrbo. These are some of our faves:
Forget chocolates and flowers. Sometimes all you need is to get away for the weekend, just you and your beloved. At Vrbo, we've got romantic getaways in and around Bethany Beach that would make even old Cupid swoon. Here are a few that'll sweep you off your feet:
Share your vacation and have twice as much fun. Whether you're organizing an epic escape with friends or a family reunion, you'll have your pick of large group vacation rentals in and near Bethany Beach:
Of all the amenities a vacation rental can offer, a pool is easily the most fun. Browse these houses for rent with a pool in or near Bethany Beach and spend your days splashing around. Just remember to take your unicorn floatie:
Bethany Beach has a humid subtropical climate, with average summertime temperatures ranging from 70 ºF to 80 ºF. But there's no need to wait until summer to visit. Check out the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the perfect Bethany Beach vacation rental and plan your escape for any time of year.
Every catch-up with the family should be a memorable one. Whether you're planning some time off with the kids or a celebration with relatives, our large family vacation rentals in or near Bethany Beach offer a home away from home with enough space for everyone:
If you'd love to sightsee, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions nearby to add to your itinerary. Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Funland and Delaware State Fairgrounds are good places to start.
Take a break with the kiddos in a family cabin rental in or near Bethany Beach and make some fantastic memories together. Here's just a taste of what we've got:
For more options, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the Bethany Beach vacation rental that's perfect for your needs.
Nothing says fancy-schmancy like having a pool right inside your house. Pack your swimsuit and take a dip in the privacy of one of these large vacation homes in or near Bethany Beach:
Use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find more tempting Bethany Beach vacation rental options for your next big getaway.