One mile east of Lewes, more than 4000 acres of dune bluffs, pine forests and wetlands are preserved at this lovely state park that's popular with bird-watchers, beachgoers and campers. There's also a 3.5-mile paved loop cycling trail. You can see clear to Cape May from the observation tower. North Shores beach draws many gay and lesbian couples. Campsites ($35 to $44) and cabins ($120) are also available. The admission fee is cash only.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Delaware Coast
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
27.16 MILES
Six miles east of Laurel, Trap Pond State Park is the home of the northernmost bald cypress habitat – a flooded forest that looks like it lurched out of…
12.96 MILES
The 190-acre Cape May Point State Park, just off Lighthouse Ave, has 2 miles of trails, plus the famous 1859 Cape May Lighthouse. You can climb the 199…
12.91 MILES
In the lush wetlands of Cape May Point State Park, this 1859 lighthouse gives a fine view. The 157ft structure underwent a $2-million restoration in the…
29.09 MILES
A restored 18th-century home of the founding father of the same name, also known as the Penman of the Revolution for his eloquent written arguments for…
13.28 MILES
Cape May is one of the country's top birding spots, with more than 400 species during the spring and fall migration seasons, when neotropical birds are…
7.1 MILES
A windswept slice of preserved dunes and salty breezes possessed of a wild, lonely beauty. The 3-mile round-trip Burton Island Trail begins at the…
20.6 MILES
The Doo Wop Preservation League runs this small museum that tells the story of Wildwood's 1950s heyday. Its 'neon-sign garden' shows off relics from no…
21.68 MILES
This barrier island park tucked between Bethany Beach to the north and Ocean City, MD to the south offers peaceful groves and 3 miles of quiet beach and…
Nearby Delaware Coast attractions
2.21 MILES
According to a staffer, you won't find any exhibits about the town's first settlers – 32 Dutchmen – because they were all massacred by a local tribe in…
2. Delaware Seashore State Park
7.1 MILES
A windswept slice of preserved dunes and salty breezes possessed of a wild, lonely beauty. The 3-mile round-trip Burton Island Trail begins at the…
12.91 MILES
In the lush wetlands of Cape May Point State Park, this 1859 lighthouse gives a fine view. The 157ft structure underwent a $2-million restoration in the…
12.96 MILES
The 190-acre Cape May Point State Park, just off Lighthouse Ave, has 2 miles of trails, plus the famous 1859 Cape May Lighthouse. You can climb the 199…
13.28 MILES
Cape May is one of the country's top birding spots, with more than 400 species during the spring and fall migration seasons, when neotropical birds are…
6. Bethany Beach Nature Center
16.57 MILES
Kids and the science-inclined will enjoy the exhibits and short nature trail here. It's also open 10am to noon on the first two Saturdays of the month.
17.17 MILES
Three miles northwest of Georgetown is the largest state forest (9500 acres) in Delaware. You can access some 44 miles of trails in the forest, but for…
20.6 MILES
The Doo Wop Preservation League runs this small museum that tells the story of Wildwood's 1950s heyday. Its 'neon-sign garden' shows off relics from no…