
Driving south of Wilmington, Delaware, along State Route 1, most seasonal travellers head for the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware's great Atlantic beaches, making the short trip in under two hours. But few people realize there are closer free public beaches hidden along the Delaware Bay that offer unique opportunities for nature walks, fishing, and water activities. Along quiet beaches with gentle waves, local homeowners and visitors can enjoy collecting shells, sea glass, and beautifully pummeled rocks and minerals (more on the treasured "Delaware Diamonds" in an upcoming post).
Public Beach Access signs for pedestrians have already been installed for the new season by the Delaware Shoreline and Waterway Management Section of DNREC at the following sites: Pickering Beach, Kitts Hummock Beach, Bowers Beach, South Bowers Beach, Slaughter Beach, Broadkill Beach, and Lewes Beach. DELDOT has carefully marked the entrance roads to these beaches along Delaware Route 1 S, making them available for a short detour from journeys south or a leisurely drive to spend the afternoon exploring all that each unique beach has to offer.
I hope you enjoy these beaches as much as I do. The beaches are beautiful and the people you will meet are warm and welcoming. Watch for my reviews and pictures of each of these beaches in my upcoming posts. When you discover your favorite new beach, head over to the DNREC website seeking volunteers for the annual March Beach Grass Planting: www.dnrec.delaware.gov/swc/shoreline/pages/beachgrassplanting.aspx You can help make these beaches even more beautiful and lasting!